Working at the School for Student Leadership (SSL) has been a highlight of my professional and personal life. I started driving up and down the hill to work at the Alpine School Campus in 2012, as a Casual Relief Teacher and a fill-in Overnight Supervisor, then I began teaching here full-time the following year. I have enjoyed many years since, as an Expo Team Teacher, Learning Specialist and the Curriculum Coordinator.

My connection to the school actually began in 2004, though, when my partner at the time started working here. I was teaching at Myrtleford Secondary then, but as the years went on, we got married at Dinner Plain and had two beautiful children. Given this connection, I’ve been lucky to build close relationships with many of the SSL staff over the years, whilst witnessing the growth of our school from one to four campuses. I even had the opportunity to participate in our international program in China when we led it a few years ago.

Prior to teaching, my husband and I met when we worked for a number of years at a long-term residential program for youth-at-risk in Canberra, during which time I also studied Psychology and worked as a Summer Camp Counsellor in Arkansas, USA. I then completed a Graduate Diploma in Education, as I continued to work with adolescents at a boarding house and a local youth centre.

Along with now being a parent of teenagers, it’s fair to say I have a lot of experience working with and supporting young people, and believe it or not, I still love it! I also feel privileged to work with an inspirational staff team, and I’m grateful I get to teach a unique experiential education program in an awesome remote setting in high country Victoria.

When I’m not working, I’m usually hanging out with family and friends at home in Bright or walking or riding with my pets. Like many of our staff I also enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, mountain biking and skiing, but these days my usual hobbies tend to be less physical, like watching films, practicing mindfulness, and doing puzzles. I’m also the Secretary/Treasurer for my local CFA Group and I love a hit of tennis in my local community’s competitions.