Our Team

Steven de Bruin

Founder and Lead Designer

Steven’s Vision

To transform the way our children play at home. Play is such an important part of how children learn and grow and integrating a learning through play approach at home, is the first step towards a well balanced playroom.

During parental leave, Steven discovered the learning through play approach used in his classroom spaces translated well when setting up his daughter, Arlie's, playroom. Steven wanted to make sure that Arlie’s playroom was not only fun, but engaging, promoted learning and had balanced play opportunities. This experience inspired Steven to found Ako Playrooms, with the goal of helping other families make the same difference in their own playrooms.

A bit about Steven’s background

Steven’s career in education started over 12 years ago. Beginning as a passionate teacher in a junior classroom (years 0-3) incorporating learning through play pedagogy. He quickly took on leadership roles throughout the school and school cluster, including leading a team of teachers in the junior school. Steven helped to lead and extend, learning through play and innovative learning pedagogy across the classrooms in his team and then throughout the rest of the school. Literacy has always been a passion of his and he has a qualification as an early literacy specialist teacher. Steven also has a degree in Human Development as well as a post graduate degree in Primary Education.

Beyond Ako Playrooms

In his free time, Steven spends time with his beautiful family, his husband Nick and daughter Arlie. They love the outdoors, often looking for new spots to explore and go camping or on the Haruaki Gulf, fishing and island hopping. Steven and his family also spend loads of time with extended family all over the North Island. They live in the beautiful suburb of Devonport where they make the most of the beaches and wonderful community.

Kimberley Dobbie

Design Consultant / Speech Language Pathologist

A bit about Kimberley’s background

Kimberley is a Speech Language Pathologist with almost 10 years experience working in both New Zealand and Canada. 

Prior to having her first child, Kimberley and her husband owned and operated a multidisciplinary therapy centre for neurodiverse children, with over 20 staff including other Speech Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists and Dietitians. 

Kimberley is passionate about learning through play, and believes every toy, object, and experience can be a learning opportunity for your child.

Beyond Ako Playrooms

When not working as a Speech Language Pathologist or designing playrooms, Kimberley spends time with her family; husband Nick, daughter Isla, and golden retriever Ginny. They love getting outside together, seeing their family in Auckland and Rotorua, and having dance parties in their living room.