Founder · Legacy, Love & Learning
Kia ora, kia orana. I'm Mariana.
I'm a writer, a lifelong learner, a mum of two and someone who has spent years working in education. I love learning for myself, but there's something even more special about watching a child discover what they're capable of. Legacy, Love & Learning brings together that passion, my experience in education and the everyday discoveries I now see as a mother.
My story
Where my love of learning met motherhood
I've always been a bit of a nerd, and I say that proudly. I genuinely loved essays, writing, researching and finding answers to questions nobody had asked me to investigate. That curiosity has been part of me for as long as I can remember.
Working in education gave that love of learning a whole new purpose. I loved watching a child go from being unsure to realising, I can do this. The excitement when something finally clicked, the confidence that followed, and the eagerness to try again were the moments I looked forward to most. They shaped my work in education and resource development, and the kind of difference I wanted to make.
The word legacy has a personal meaning for me, too. My mum was born in Gisborne, and my Cook Islander dad grew up in Taranaki. My Māori and Cook Islands roots are part of what I hope to pass on to my children. I want them to grow up knowing where they belong, feeling loved for who they are and confident in who they can become.
Then I became a mum, and I started recognising that same spark at home: the questions over breakfast, the little hands helping in the kitchen, the delight of working something out for the first time. Everything I'd loved seeing through my work in education was happening in the middle of our ordinary days.
Even with that experience, I knew I didn't want family life to feel like a lesson plan. Parents have enough on their plates. We don't need another expectation to meet; we need ideas that are thoughtful, practical and possible on a busy Tuesday.
That's why I created Legacy, Love & Learning. It brings together my background in education, my love of writing and creating resources, and what I've learned as a mother. I want families to feel supported in nurturing children's curiosity and confidence through the moments they're already sharing. You bring the love. We'll bring the plan.
Children never have to earn their right to be loved, valued or accepted. Belonging comes before achievement.
The road here
A different chapter
Before Legacy, a different part of my life was more public.
At fifteen I became very unwell, and it took time, and more than one misdiagnosis, before doctors found the cause: anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the brain. With the right diagnosis came the right treatment, and slowly I found my way back. I returned to school and finished Year 12 as dux of my college. ABC News shared my story in 2018.
It will always be part of my story. Legacy is the part I'm writing now.
Personal photo, supplied by Mariana
Personal photo, supplied by Mariana
The heart behind Legacy
Meet Renae
Legacy wouldn't exist without Renae. She welcomed me into her family when I needed it most, and she has inspired every achievement I have ever made.
I didn't learn that empowered parents raise empowered children from a textbook. Renae showed me at her kitchen table, long before Legacy had a name.
Today Renae is a deputy principal with 36 years in primary education, and she co-created every Legacy program with me.
What we've built
A weekly family learning program that grows with your child
From 18 months through to their first years of school, delivered each week to your Legacy portal. We're open to families in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with the United Kingdom to follow.
Renae and I create the programs together. I bring my background in education, writing and resource development, alongside my everyday perspective as a mum. Renae brings 36 years in primary education and her experience as a deputy principal. Together, we make learning activities purposeful, approachable and realistic for families.
What I believe
What children carry with them matters
Of course I care about what children learn. But I care just as much about how they feel while they're learning: safe enough to try, confident enough to ask questions and loved for who they are, not for what they achieve. That's what the name Legacy means to me.
I believe parents and carers are a child's first and lifelong educators. You don't need a background in education or a perfectly organised day to make a difference. Every child deserves encouragement, opportunity and a sense of belonging, whatever their family's circumstances.
We are helping to create a world that is worthy of its children.
Looking ahead
Growing alongside our families
I want Legacy to grow alongside the families who use it, listening to what works in their homes and adapting as their children grow. My hope is to support families across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and, in time, the United Kingdom.
And I'll never stop being curious. I want to keep learning, developing thoughtful resources and building the research behind our work, while contributing to conversations about children's learning and family life.
The Legacy Collection
Things I've been writing
Writing has always been one of my favourite ways to think things through. These are my reflections on parenthood, belonging and the everyday moments that help children grow.
In the media
I'd love to hear from you
Whether you have a question about the programs or just want to say hello, please reach out.