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In 1987, as a young and enthusiastic first-year university student, I stumbled across a second-hand copy of Freedom to Learn by Carl Rogers. Scribbled in and a little battered, it shared stories of teachers and lecturers who were daring to do things differently. I was hooked.

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Since then, schools have been at the heart of my work. My love of history led me to begin as a humanities teacher in both country and city schools, before heading to Japan to teach English to children and adults. Back in Australia, I explored roles across education support, academic extension, and primary schools.

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I have always been drawn to the students who didn’t quite fit the system. Over time, I realised my calling was not only to support those students, but also to help reshape the system itself. Roles such as Curriculum Consultant and Learning Difficulties Consultant gave me the chance to support teachers and influence change across the education landscape.

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Along the way, I also worked as a self-employed writer, creating resources for organisations like Greening Australia, NaturePlay WA, and Natural Resource Management groups. My focus was always the same: healthier school systems, more time in nature for children, and better support for the adults who work in schools.

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Coaching graduate teachers through the Leadership Institute became another unexpected joy, where my varied experience allowed me to guide new teachers across primary, secondary, and support education. Leadership roles as deputy and principal followed naturally, with my biggest priority being the creation of caring, inclusive schools and student services teams.

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Eventually, I came full circle and returned to the classroom. Today, I continue to live by the philosophy that first inspired me: creating environments where students have the freedom to learn.

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When I am not working in schools, you’ll usually find me in my beautiful Lotus Belle tent in the backyard, out bushwalking, or pouring beeswax candles. I am also a book lover who cannot resist adding to my ever-growing collection, because for me, buying books is almost as enjoyable as reading them.