Who are we?
Shalyse
Hi, I’m Shalyse Murphy, founder of K.I.C.K and passionate about empowering kids to use technology.
My journey into teaching coding began over eight years ago when my daughter developed an interest in learning to code.
At the time, there were no local options available in the Kapiti Coast, so I started lunchtime coding classes at her primary school.
Students were engaged, excited, and learning fast. I loved seeing their confidence grow as they explored the world of coding, and soon, demand extended beyond school hours.
That’s when K.I.C.K was born.
Early in my career as a technology specialist technology was not viewed as a space for women. Which led me to be often directed toward customer service roles.
Though not formally trained in programming, learning to code enabled me to solve problems more efficiently and improve workflows.
I love living on the beautiful Kapiti Coast, and have been living here with my husband and our two children for 13 years.
My son Flynn (12) is a creative force behind many of our projects and has a great instinct for what appeals to kids even when I’m skeptical!
Hayley, who you’ll hear more about below, is not only the inspiration behind K.I.C.K but also helps, as a wonderful teaching assistant.
Outside of coding, I enjoy the active lifestyle the Kapiti Coast offers. I’m a keen triathlete,
having started with the Kapiti Women’s Triathlon and gone on to complete multiple half Ironman events,
a full Ironman and the Kapiti Island to Mainland swim in 2024, which is a personal highlight.
Hayley
Hi, I’m Hayley, I’m 14 years old, and a year 11 at Paraparaumu College.
I’ve been coding for over nine years and have helped teach K.I.C.K classes for some of that time.
I’m the original inspiration behind K.I.C.K, and am now a part of the team, not just as a student,
but also as a mentor and role model to others.
I’m a motivated, self-driven learner, and particularly enjoy digital technology, mathematics, and science.
I love learning and try to bring a calm, focused approach when supporting younger students in our classes.
I’m also very creative, and I enjoy bringing art into my coding. From designing characters to creating imaginative storylines,
I love finding ways to make projects engaging and fun.
Outside of coding, I’m a huge cat lover. My two cats, Nando and Luna,
often inspire my projects and they’ve definitely made a few appearances in games and animations!