Chris Harkess has a wide background and training in teaching, coaching and facilitation. From her beginnings as an early childhood and primary teacher she has been teaching undergraduate degree and post graduate diploma programmes within The School of Primary Teacher Education, Christchurch College of Education since 1999. Chris facilitates Professional Inquiry, Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills and teaches by distance, online and face to face.

Alongside her teaching, Chris has a Diploma in Facilitation, is a certified Conflict Partnership Life Skills Facilitator and has trained and worked in the field of Appreciative Inquiry. Her research on Appreciative Inquiry in 2004 explored the use of Appreciative Inquiry as a reflective tool for student teachers. Chris has facilitated and coached a variety of educational and community organisations through staff and team development, conflict resolution, strategic development and change management processes. She also coaches individuals to achieve success in their life and work goals. Chris is currently completing her Masters of Education (Adult learning).

Chris lived in Singapore for 13 years with her family and was part of an international community. She has a particular interest in and passion for promoting effective cross cultural communication. As a New Zealand educator currently working face to face in Rotorua, Chris facilitates partnership through integrating Treaty of Waitangi principles in her learning programmes and including both the Maori perspective and voice.