Executive Staff and Administration
Principal
I have been a teacher since the late 1980s. I have worked in both primary and secondary mainstream schools as well as other Education Support Centres and Schools. It was always my intention to be an education support teacher. Back when I first graduated from Teacher’s College you had to work a year in mainstream before you could enrol in a second teaching degree and specialise in education support. I enrolled on the day that I had completed my first 12 months of teaching. We were living in Narrogin at the time and the study helped pass time during the cold winter.
My first Acting Principal position was at Kenwick School. I really enjoyed the challenge and decided to apply for a job in Northam as the Principal of Avonvale ESC. Whilst at Avonvale I was responsible for establishing the K-12 ESC there. Prior to that it was only a primary ESC. I was there for three years before the job at Geographe ESC was advertised. We had spent time in Busselton the summer before and my husband kept saying if a job comes up down here you should apply – so I did. The end result was a promotion and a very quick pack up and move to Busselton.
I am married and have four adult kids. Living in a household with three family members who all have a disability means that I live and breathe disability every moment of the day. It is remarkable that the industry that I was so passionate about joining when I first graduated is now such an all-encompassing part of my life. I truly believe that we need to do everything possible to ensure that people with disabilities have a happy and fulfilling life and that is what drives me every day.
Deputy Principal
I graduated from ECU in 2002 with a Bachelor of Education – Special Education, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but I found my love for Education Support while doing my practicum placements in Education Support settings. After graduating, I was posted to Geraldton, where I worked at Holland Street school for 14 years teaching kindy to year 12. In my last 3 years I was given the opportunity to be the behaviour co-ordinator for the school, which I loved.
After having my children, the need to be closer to family grew so we decided on a sea change and moved to Busselton. I worked as a teacher and Behaviour Coordinator at South Bunbury ESC for 18 months and in 2016 I was fortunate enough to win the Deputy Principal position at Geographe ESC.
I am a proud mum of 3 children and love living in this beautiful part of Australia. When we are not busy with sport and other extra-curricular activities, we love going camping and exploring what this part of the world has to offer.
My passion is being able to work with students, teachers, and parents of children with disabilities. To be challenged every day to think outside the box and collaboratively problem solve any difficulties that may arise. I love being part of each family’s journey and celebrating every child’s achievement.
Manager Corporate Services
I have been fortunate enough to spend the greater part of my adult life living all over the world, returning to my home state of WA seven years ago. I am happily married and am a very proud Mum to four amazing children. I love living in Busselton and feel very lucky that I now get to call this place my home.
I joined Geographe Education Support Centre in 2021 from Busselton Senior High School, so my knowledge of this amazing school was not unknown. I have a business, marketing and public relations background and am currently studying my masters in business leadership. It is my privilege to work at this school and look forward to seeing what we can achieve as a team, connecting with our community and drawing on the knowledge of those around us to drive positive change in an ever changing educational setting.
School Officer
Teaching Staff
Primary
Teacher
I have lived in Busselton for 20 years. I moved from Kalgoorlie and began working at Dunsborough Primary School before Geographe Education Support Centre was built. I started as a foundation staff member and have taught across both our Primary and Secondary Campus’. I am the proud mum of two daughters who are both striving to be the best they can be in their chosen occupations and am blessed with a supportive and caring husband.
I have been privileged to be part of the growth of Geographe Education Support Centre extending the opportunities for our students into our local community. Working in an Education Support Centre has always been like coming home for me – it is the place where I feel most connected with my community and the people around me, the place where I am constantly reminded of the joys of life, the resiliency of people and how lucky I am to work in a school dedicated to positive change.
Teacher
I immigrated from Canada to Australia with my parents in 1995 and I have lived in WA ever since. My background in teaching began in The Health and Physical Education field where I was a swimming teacher and instructor through the Royal Lifesaving Society. In 2002 I took the opportunity to work with children with special needs at Castlereagh Education Support School in Willetton. I taught swimming lessons and worked with physiotherapists, speech and occupational therapists to provide enriching programs for my students. When I started my family, I decided to study for my bachelor in education – special needs at Murdoch University. I continued working at Castelreagh School as I completed my degree part time. I then worked at Warnbro Education Support Centre, followed by Peel Language Development School in Rockingham. Then I was awarded a position at Geographe Education Support Centre in Busselton in 2016. In my role at Geographe Education Support Centre I provide a student centered approach to learning. Each student accesses the curriculum differently and has complex communication needs. I enjoy engaging with the community to enable our students to access facilities, activities and opportunities. I appreciate ensuring that students and staff are ready to learn and have access to all they need to be well adjusted for learning and teaching. I enjoy working with families and creating connected communities in my personal and professional life. I know that Geographe Education Support Centre provides those opportunities and I am pleased to be working with such a great team.
Teacher
I have lived in Busselton now for 3 years, after moving from Bunbury in 2019. I have worked in the education sector in an education support setting for nine years. Firstly, for six years as an education assistant before returning to university to complete a teaching degree. During this time, I have been fortunate to work with a vast array of students with different needs and unique abilities. I am committed to fostering a positive learning atmosphere and I love to see the young people in my classroom achieve their goals.
I love the Busselton lifestyle and enjoying all our community has to offer, especially the beach and our amazing natural environment. My weekends are often spent hiking or mountain biking with my husband and three children or at the beach with our dog, Gus.
Teacher
I have lived in Busselton with my family for 20 years. Most of the years living on our farm. My children have grown up and have now moved on so recently we moved into Busselton.
Living in this part of the world is very special to me. I enjoy our beautiful beaches and the chance to spend time on the water while boating.
I have worked on a part time basis at GESC since the centre opened. For the majority of this time I have worked at the Primary campus. I enjoy being part of a team working to provide programs that allow our students to learn and achieve to their true potential.
Term 2 2021, I moved to the high school campus to work with the Year 11 and 12 students. I look forward to the challenges this position brings and the chance to reconnect with students I taught several years ago.
Secondary
Teacher
Originally a primary school teacher, I completed my degree in Special Education on moving to WA. I then moved into the high school setting teaching all year levels. In 2010 we decided on a sea change to the Southwest and I became a member of the Geographe Education Support Centre staff, teaching at the high school site.
I feel very privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the world and enjoy sharing it with our many visitors.
Teacher
Hello my name is Molly Jones and this is my 5th year teaching. I graduated ECU in 2017, and I moved to London in 2018 where I taught for 2 years at Kenyngton Manor Primary School. It was in 2020 that I began my Education Support journey at Newton Moore Education Support Centre in Bunbury and realised that Education Support was my passion. I have been privileged enough to be offered a position at GESC where I am excited to see myself grow as a teacher and watch all the students thrive.
Education Assistants
Rachel white
Suzie Brovadan
Lauren Box
Lisa Lyons
Mel Thompson
Karyn snitch
sandra partridge
Ashlyn Hutchins
Deb Butterworth
Sabina Andersen
angela butler
Makayla Jones
Christine McGrath
Jamie Stott
Shantal Barr
Linda Wright
Kiara puff
Kayla Harris
