Speaker Profiles
We are delighted to share information about the speakers for ReimaginED25 in Fremantle.
Speakers
Dr Peter Senge
Co-founder, Center for Systems Awareness and MIT Systems Awareness Lab
Peter Senge has been at the forefront of organizational learning since publishing his classic text The Fifth Discipline in 1990, which provided theories and methods to foster aspiration, develop reflective conversation, and understand complexity in service of shaping learning-oriented organization cultures. In 1997, Harvard Business Review named the learning organization as one of “the seminal business ideas of the prior 75 years.”
Throughout his career, Peter has been asking, “how do we create the conditions for people to work together at their best, cultivating the innate systems intelligence that is our birthright but is all but lost in modern culture?” As an engineer by training, his work has always emphasized tools and methods, not for their own sake but as vehicles for building individual and collective capacities.
Starting with the creation of the Society of Organizational Learning (SoL) in 1997, he has focused on developing learning communities within and especially among organizations, as a way to bring about deep change that individual organizations are unable to achieve working alone. This resulted in the SoL Sustainability Consortium in 1998, pioneer businesses who saw social and ecological imbalances shaping the future, the Sustainable Food Lab in 2002, many of the world’s largest food companies and NGOs working together to make sustainable agriculture the mainstream system, and numerous learning communities in primary and secondary education, leading up to the present global Compassionate Systems community.
For this work Peter was named by the Journal of Business Strategy as one of the 24 people who had the greatest influence on business strategy in the 20th century. In addition to being the founding chairperson of SoL, he is co-founder of The Academy for Systems Change and a senior lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Sloan School of Management. He is the co-director of the MIT Systems Awareness Lab based in the Department of Comparative Media Studies / Writing.
Peter graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. in engineering. He holds an M.S. in social systems modeling and a Ph.D. in management from the MIT Sloan School of Management. His publications include The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization (1990), The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook (1994), The Dance of Change (1999), Schools that Learn: A Fifth Discipline Fieldbook for Educators, Parents, and Everyone Who Cares about Education (2000, 2010), Presence: Human Purpose and the Field of the Future (2004, 2008), and The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World (2008).
Jan Owen AM HON DLITT
Co-Chair and Convenor, Learning Creates Australia; Chair, Cool Australia; Founder and Principal, Adaptability Q; Co-convenor, FoyerInvest Consortium
Jan has spent her career working at the intersection of individual, organisational and societal change as an entrepreneur, innovator and social sector leader. Her work includes: building and leading alliances; campaigns and advocacy on the rights of children and young people around the globe; strategy, innovation and leadership on the future of education, work and entrepreneurship; facilitating and building powerful strategic community, business, government and philanthropic investment and partnerships committed to our collective future as an inclusive, imaginative and courageous world.
Jan has been the recipient of many Awards acknowledging her commitment to unleashing the unlimited potential of children and young people and services to the Australian community.
Jan is Founder and Principal, AdaptabilityQ: working with innovative leaders and organisations on strategy, innovation & systems change; Co-Chair/Convenor, Learning Creates Australia; Co-Convenor, FoyerInvest Consortium; Chair, Cool Australia and Co-Founder, Be Well.
She is the co-author of Every Childhood Lasts a Lifetime (1996) and The Future Chasers (2014); and Host of the New Work Bites Podcast.
Professor Josh Byrne
Dean, Sustainable Futures, Curtin University
Josh Byrne is an environmental scientist and urban design professional with a national profile as a consultant, researcher and communicator in urban sustainability. His approach is leadership through demonstration by engaging in projects that provide opportunities to test innovation, build capacity and share learnings with stakeholders and the wider community.
Josh has a long association with applied research, complimenting his extensive industry experience in the urban design and development sector. Following the completion of his PhD, Josh was responsible for running nationwide, demand-led research projects with Curtin University and the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living. His research expertise spans water sensitive design, energy efficient housing and sustainable urban development, and he has authored a number of academic publications, industry guides and factual video series in these fields.
Josh is well known as the WA presenter on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia program where over the past 20 years he has demonstrated how gardening can improve urban livability to a national audience. He is a regular contributor to print and radio media, and author of three popular books on sustainable gardening and low carbon living.
Josh’s unique skill set and interdisciplinary approach to practice, research, policy and communication has been recognised through numerous awards including the Australian Water Association WA Water Professional of the Year, the Planning Institute of Australia WA Planning Champion, and Murdoch University’s Distinguished Alumni for Science and Engineering. He is a member of the Waste Authority of Western Australia, the WA Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, and the WA State Government Design Review Panel.
Professor Sandra Milligan
Executive Director, Melbourne Metrics, University of Melbourne
Enterprise Professor Sandra Milligan is Executive Director of Melbourne Metrics at the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne. Sandra has an unusually wide engagement with the education industry and in educational research.
Originally a teacher of science and mathematics, she is also a former Director of Curriculum in an Australian state education department and has held senior research, management and governance positions in a range of educational organisations, including government agencies, not-for-profits, small start-up businesses and large, listed, international corporations. Sandra’s current research interests focus on assessment, recognition and warranting of hard-to-assess learning. She directs several research partnerships with school networks and organisations working to develop Learner Profiles for their students. She is lead author of Future Proofing Australian Students with New Credentials report, outlining methods to reliably assess and recognise the level of attainment of general capabilities, and of Report 1: Recognition of learning success for all
She was co-founder of The Good Universities Guide series, and has a background in technology commercialisation in education. She is the Convenor of a Melbourne University MOOC targeting professional learning for teachers in the area of assessment and teaching of 21C skills, which has to date has enrolled over 30,000 teachers worldwide.
Hannah Fitzhardinge
Mayor, City of Fremantle
Hannah Fitzhardinge was elected Mayor of Fremantle in October 2021, following five years serving as a Councillor for Beaconsfield Ward. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Hannah has served on the Rottnest Island Board and the boards of the Beehive Montessori School and ARTRAGE. She is a Director and occasional Coach/Facilitator at Integral, a Perth-based leadership development company.
Hannah has spent 15 years in corporate public affairs, government approvals and strategic communication, and in the resources sector. She is only the second female mayor in Freo’s history and said being approachable, positive, and advocating strongly for the community would underpin her approach to the City’s most prominent job. Hannah aims to work positively and constructively with her colleagues, City staff and the people of Freo. She believes in being a coffee shop mayor; someone you can see around town and share ideas with. Hannah believes Freo is a place of inclusion, optimism and creativity that has a fantastic future ahead. The future of Fremantle Port, activation of Walyalup Koort, reviewing the City’s Strategic Community plan and further advocacy for funding for projects like the Fremantle Oval redevelopment are among the immediate priorities.
Hannah is passionate about having an impact, creating connection and being of service. She believes people are capable of amazing things and by collaborating, leading effectively, and engaging positively with others we can change the world.
Kankawa Nagarra
Gooniyandi, Walmatjarri and Bunuba Elder from the Wangkatjunka Community, Musician and Whole Systems Awareness practitioner
Kankawa was given the name: Olive Bent by the Mission when she was 8 yrs but prefers her birth name be used.
She is a translator of her traditional languages, an award-winning musician, poet, artist, and storyteller. Her deep cultural knowledge, passed down through generations, informs her awareness of systemic breakdowns and the need for transformation. Kankawa emphasizes that the first step is through a new way of listening and sensing—not with only with our ears but with a spiritual connection to the earth and all living beings. She reminds us that her people are inherently spiritual, and this perspective holds the key to understanding what it means to be human and to listen from the place where we can collaborate meaningfully. Many of us, she observes, have lost this connection. We have all been traumatised on some level and due to our disconnection from 'country' we need to heal.
For Kankawa, true healing begins with reconnecting to this inner place so we can develop the capacity to heal ourselves, the earth and all living beings. She believes that efforts like Reconciliation, Closing the Gap, and the Referendum have failed because people only listen with their “Ears on their Heads.” She critiques that this kind of listening leads to superficial approaches of organizations that focus on “spot fires” rather than addressing the root causes of systemic issues.
Kankawa calls for a new approach, one that reconnects us to our true selves as human beings on this Earth. She advocates for meeting each other “human to human,” not through thinking but through deep listening, which she calls Birlirr in Walmatjarri and we describe as “Ears of the Heart,” involves listening from this place of inner knowing, beyond the superficial. Kankawa also believes that music, poetry, and storytelling can ignite imagination and inspire collective change.
Tara Merks
Director, Serve Learn
Tara brings passion and over 25 years educational leadership experience to her role as Director of Serve Learn Educational Consultants. Tara has a Masters in Ed Leadership (LeHigh, USA) and PTC Principals Training Certificate (USA), she is an Instructional Coach (Madison Wisconsin, USA) and has led schools around the world in developing sustainable service learning and global citizenship programs. She has presented at international conferences for teachers, leaders and students, ran PD workshops and webinars and supports teaching and learning with in-school consulting. The Serve Learn Conceptual Curriculum Framework is available online with academy courses for students, teachers and leaders.
Tara is a collaborative author of Enacting Equitable Global Citizenship Education in School by Routledge. She repatriated to Melbourne Australia with her two boys Eddie aged 14 and Tom aged 11 after 18 years leading international education in the Middle East (ASK), Asia (ISM) and Africa (AISJ).
Hamish Curry
General Manager, Cool Australia
Hamish has a 25-year background in leading education across schools, libraries, and education companies using design thinking and intercultural learning. He brings tenacity and creativity to his work, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in making education better. Through Cool Australia, he leads the development of new initiatives and refining existing processes to ensure education gets the resources they need to help people and the planet. Hamish would rather do all this while snowboarding.
Hamish has been a school teacher with stints in London, UK and Toyama, Japan. He also led the development of the Eltham College City Campus (Year 9 program). He grew significant school and public programs while Education Manager at the State Library of Victoria. As a Senior Consultant with NoTosh he travelled the world for 4 years helping schools and major companies design better learning. Hamish’s last role was as Executive Director of Asia Education Foundation with University of Melbourne, where he shaped intercultural learning across Australia and 23 other nations in school partnerships and programs. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.
Dr Richard Owens FRSA
Director, Woodleigh Institute, and Co-Founder and Convenor, ReimaginED
Dr. Richard Owens is the Director of the Woodleigh Institute, a global innovation lab dedicated to understanding and enhancing transformative approaches to learning and leadership. The institute has a special interest in regenerative learning and the role it can play in building the capacity of young people to contribute to the thriving of people, places, and our planet.
Richard has over 30 years of experience in teaching, senior leadership, and innovation roles. He has previously served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, university lecturer, Deputy Head, and Head of School, and was the founding director of an international centre for leadership and learning in Singapore. He has worked with teachers, school administrators, academics, system leaders, regional executives, and academics from Australia, Asia, North and South America, and Europe.
Richard currently serves several networks focused on systems change in education. He is the Convenor of ReimaginED, a unique, participatory conference series that aims to develop our collective capacity to address complex challenges in education. He is the Convenor of the Compassionate Systems Collective, the Australian hub of a global ecosystem of educators advancing deep change in education through a focus on systems awareness. Richard is also a member of the Capabilities for Life faculty group at the RSA, with a mission to transform the way capabilities, skills, behaviours, mindsets, and values are nurtured through a focus on connecting people's needs with those of the planet.
Cameron Thorn
Director, Djoowak: The Beyond Boundaries Institute and Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Western Australia.
Cameron is the Director of Djoowak: The Beyond Boundaries Institute and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Western Australia (YEAWA). He was Head of Service Learning, Camps and Tours, Head of Year and Rowing Coach at Perth College, following roles as Project Manager at UWA and Manager of Curtin Leadership Centre at Curtin University.
While a Team Leader, managing the Curtin AHEAD Academic Mentor Program, Cameron received a VC Professional Staff Excellence Award in the team category of Engagement. While in this role, Cameron established Row AHEAD with Clontarf Aboriginal College, an aspiration-raising program to increase Aboriginal participation in higher education.
In addition to a B Ed (English, Design), Cameron is soon to graduate from a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies at UWA, a degree that incorporates key aspects of public policy, social impact and community development. Cameron’s areas of focus in this is the interface between organisations and the communities they serve or are based, and how to maximise the potential benefits of collaborations and structured partnerships. In support of these studies, Cameron was the recipient a Westpac Future Leaders’ Scholarship.
Heather Lawrence
Co-designer, Ears of the Heart Project
Heather has been passionate about the unrealised potential of educational settings for over 40 years. Her background in early years education led her to work in diverse settings Nationally and Internationally, over 30 years in Tertiary settings, Adult Education in Community and Education Sectors. Heather taught and researched at University of Melbourne until 2012, and has continued to work with, teach and mentor Educators through Conferences, Seminars, in small groups. Importantly her wish is collaboration with others, to create life serving learning opportunities in trans-contextual ways, based on compassion, care and love.
Heather’s intention was always to bring an 'Awareness' of the complex issues that drive the behaviours of children, youth and young adults and the influences of systems of Education, Health, Economy, Politics on their social experiences in families and Communities. This was highlighted when she began to collaborate with Kankawa Nagarra, where she faced the hard truths of the effects, of multiple and often opposing theories over time, along with ever changing drivers of Political and Economic Policies, on the lives of children, youth, young adults and their families in the Kimberley. More hard truths were faced with the awareness that these circumstances are not unique in Indigenous Communities. This led to deeper Research in Strategic Foresight, Systems Change and Learning Journeys of her own Inner dimensions.
Heather has learned that 'Awareness' on its own was not enough for Teachers, Students and families to participate in ecosystems in Schools they would love to be a part of. She began to hold the question, “How can conditions be created and nurtured for educators and parents and students and the wider Organisations, Governments and others help each other to flourish, together". This question continues for Heather, Kankawa and Ears of the Heart journeymen as they continue learning journey of Indigenous Wisdoms with diverse Spiritual Perspectives with Awareness Based and Compassionate Systems Change methods that deliberately pay attention to the "wildfires" that continue to burn and affect the lives of so many in these times.
Jessamy Gee
Founder and Director, Think in Color
As one of Australia’s leading Graphic Recorders, Melbourne-based Jessamy Gee has developed a unique skill set in listening, synthesising, capturing and communicating information visually. She is the Founder and Director of Think in Colour, Founder and President of Graphic Recorders Australia, author of GR's Best Mate and co-author of The World of Visual Practice. In 2018, Jessamy was the keynote speaker at the inaugural VizConf in Melbourne. In 2020, she became the first Australian Director to serve on the Board of the International Forum of Visual Practitioners (IFVP). In 2021, Jessamy took over the role of Chapter Host for Creative Mornings Melbourne.
Since launching Think in Colour in 2011, Jessamy has become internationally renowned for her work, and has serviced a diverse range of clients all around Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe across the corporate, community, education and government sectors.
Jessamy has captured talks by some of Australia’s leading minds including former President of the Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs, former Greens leader Bob Brown, advertising personality Todd Sampson, actor Madga Szubanski, academic and presenter Waleed Aly, Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel and former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon, as well as revered international thinkers such as futurist and inventor Ray Kurzweil, and originator of lateral thinking, Edward de Bono.
In 2019, Jessamy was invited to Strasbourg by the Council of Europe to graphically record their annual Octopus Conference on Cybercrime - an international event hosting close to 500 delegates from around the world, translated in three languages - showcasing Graphic Recording on the world stage.
Erica McWilliam
Academic in Residence, Brisbane Grammar School; Adjunct Professor of Education, Queensland University of Technology
Erica is an internationally recognised scholar in the field of pedagogy with a particular focus on preparing young people for ‘over the horizon’ futures. She directed the Creative Workforce 2.0 Research Program in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation, and has also performed professorial duties as an educational researcher at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. She is an Adjunct Professor of Education at the Queensland University of Technology, a Fellow of the Australian Council of Education, an Honorary Fellow of the Australia Council of Educational Leadership, an Associate Fellow of the Learning and Teaching Council of Australia. In 2021, she was awarded a member of the order of Australia (AM) for her services to education. She is currently the Academic in Residence at the Brisbane Grammar School.
Jayne Johnston
Enterprise Fellow, Melbourne Metrics, University of Melbourne
Jayne is Enterprise Fellow in Melbourne Metrics at The University of Melbourne. Melbourne Metrics works with partners to develop robust, reliable, research-based systems to assess and recognise complex competencies (general capabilities) which are increasingly required for learners to thrive in education, employment and life. Jayne leads teams of researchers, psychometricians and subject experts to develop competency-based assessment instruments and credentials for children, young people and adults in education and professional settings. Originally a teacher of mathematics, Jayne held senior roles in WA, ACT and SA school systems, completing that phase of her career as Deputy Director General in the SA Education.
Dave Runge
Co-Founder and Director, Future Schools
With a passion for reimagining education, Dave works with educational organisations across Australia and internationally to build new systems and create innovative responses. As a Co-Founder and Director of Future Schools, Dave collaborates closely with executive leadership teams, boards, associations, and educational organisations, providing invaluable guidance supporting educators to discover, design and implement innovative solutions. Recognising the importance of systemic change, Dave focuses his efforts on change leadership. His expertise in change leadership, culture, and innovation has been instrumental in implementing successful change initiatives in diverse educational settings throughout Australia. With a deep understanding of the education landscape and by fostering collaboration and facilitating the exchange of ideas, Dave empowers schools and educational leaders to evolve their practices, transform their learning environments, and create meaningful change within their settings.
David de Carvalho
Executive Dean, Faculty of Education, Philosophy, and Theology, University of Notre Dame Australia
David de Carvalho is the Executive Dean, Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Theology at The University of Notre Dame Australia. Prior to this role, David was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). He has extensive experience in leading major reforms at both national and state level and a deep personal passion for, and understanding of, education.
Immediately prior to ACARA, he was CEO of the NSW Education Standards Authority. He has held senior roles in the NSW Department of Family and Community Services and the Commonwealth departments the Treasury, Health and Ageing, Finance and Deregulation, Education, and Prime Minister and Cabinet. From 1998-2003 he was CEO of the National Catholic Education Commission. He started his career as a secondary school teacher, and has served on the boards of the Australian Council of Educational Research and the Curriculum Corporation (now Education Services Australia).
Keren Caple
Chief Executive, Innovation Unit (Australia New Zealand)
Keren leads Innovation Unit Australia New Zealand. Keren focuses on our strategy and impact in the Asia Pacific region and our education work globally. She currently works domestically with the Department of Education in Western Australia redesigning learning and schooling, Parkerville Children and Youth Care redesigning models of out of home care and the Department of Communities as part of their ambitious agenda to change outcomes for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence. Keren also leads our work with the Bermudian Government, developing new models of learning and schooling and leading the transformation of the system across Bermuda.
Keren is deeply committed to supporting people and communities to really thrive, beginning with their early education and care and continuing with their learning and wellbeing throughout their lives. To achieve this Keren works with communities, organisations, foundations and whole systems and sectors to create fundamental change in ‘the way things are done’. By maintaining a focus on both the lives of the people involved and the learning experience of leaders and indeed all professionals who work to make a difference, Keren’s work creates the conditions in which real change can happen at scale.
Prior to joining Innovation Unit, Keren spent five years working on improving and innovating teaching and leadership throughout Australia as General Manager of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership.
Linda Savage
Chair, For Tomorrow WA
Linda has a BA (Hons) in Politics (UWA) and a law degree from Cambridge.
Throughout her working life she has focused on law reform and the rights of women and children.
She is a former Director of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal, Legal Member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Member of the West Australian parliament and was the Inaugural Convener of the Valuing Children Initiative.
She has co-authored two books, written numerous opinion pieces and academic articles and served on a wide range of advisory committees and boards including the Chief Justice’s Gender Bias Taskforce, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, The Black Swan State Theatre, the Reproductive Technology Council of WA and the executive of Women Lawyers (WA).
Linda is Chair of For Tomorrow WA and on the board of the University of Western Australia International Public Policy Advisory Board, the Voluntary Assisted Dying Board (WA) and Upswell Publishing.
In 1997 she was awarded the Law Society of Western Australia’s annual award for Outstanding Service to the Community. In 2010 she was named Woman Lawyer of the Year (WA). In October 2018 she was appointed as an Ambassador for Children and Young People. In 2020 she was appointed as an inaugural Ambassador for the Women’s Legal Service (WA).
Ellen Moffatt
Deputy Principal, Westbourne Grammar School
Ellen Moffatt is an established author of foreign language learning titles. Passionate about impactful pedagogy and leadership, Ellen seeks to empower all learners to harness their strengths for the common good.
Ellen has completed a Master of Education and a Master of Business Administration. She was named on The Educator’s 2023 ‘Rising Stars’ list, an Excellence Awardee in the 2021 Australian Education Awards’ ‘Secondary Teacher of the Year (Non-Government)’ category, and has presented at various conferences, including the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools Global Forum on Girls’ Education II (Washington, D.C. 2018) and the ACEL National Conference (Brisbane, 2023).
Stephen Campbell
Director of Strategic Projects, Pymble Ladies College
Stephen became a teacher as soon as he left university: it is, for me, a vocation, as I want to use my talents and skills to make the world a better place. What better way to do this than by supporting the development of others? I started my career in the state sector in the UK but have worked internationally, in independent education and now work in NSW. As well as teaching young people, Stephen also derives great joy from teacher education.
Dr Amie Fabry
Director of Early Childhood, The Learning Future
Dr Amie Fabry is a passionate early childhood educator, researcher and facilitator who is committed to empowering early childhood leaders to transform pedagogical practice. A rising star in the education sector, Amie uses a strengths-based approach to build the confidence, knowledge and skills of early childhood educators, teachers and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures in which educators and children can thrive.
At The Learning Future, Amie draws on her multi-faceted experience in research, practice and policy, to design and facilitate professional learning programs and projects that inspire and ignite transformation in the education of our youngest citizens.
Amie’s PhD research revealed the critical role early childhood leaders play in school settings generating cultures of collaboration and connection that enhance children’s transition into and through the early years of school. She is the author of Lead with Intention, the first framework for leading the early years of school.
Matthew Esterman
Founder / Direction, The Next Word
Matt Esterman has over 15 years working in schools and beyond as a leading voice in the thoughtful adoption of technology. He is a trained History teacher, with two masters degrees and who has made a significant contribution to professional learning in Australia and overseas. He has worked across different educational settings and has been recognised with several awards, most recently as a Commonwealth Bank Teaching Fellow, provided by Australian Schools Plus.
Matt has founded The Next Word, a consultancy that seeks to leverage AI and other technologies to help shape a better future, especially for our young people. He now works with schools, universities and other organisations to increase awareness and capability in using AI to enhance educational outcomes. He has co-authored a book titled “The Next Word: AI & Teachers” with Dr Nick Jackson, which launched in 2024. USchool is an initiative he is co-leading with other Australian and global educators, to reshape education by establishing a thriving network of learning hubs across the world which focus on student growth, wellbeing and achievement well beyond the narrow aims of curricula.
Kelly Ilich
Sessional academic, PhD Candidate, Curtin University
Kelly is an experienced educator, having begun teaching secondary school Humanities and Social Sciences in 2006. She has taught across the public, independent and Catholic sectors in Western Australia, and has worked for the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority, as well as overseas. She also has experience in providing online professional development, mentoring and coaching to teachers across Australia. She has been a sessional academic for the School of Education at Curtin University since 2022.
Kelly is currently completing a PhD at Curtin University on the topic of teaching algorithmic literacy.
Louka Parry
Founder and CEO, The Learning Future, and Founding Executive, Karanga
As one of Australia's top innovators, Louka Parry speaks on futures, leadership, education, and transformation; having worked with thousands of leaders and educators from diverse contexts across the world, including in high-level policy fora such as the OECD, UNESCO, the European Commission, and with all Australian States and Territories. An award-winning educator, speaker, facilitator, and adventurer, Louka’s powerful ability to communicate ideas with clarity allows him to guide thinking about learning, leadership, and life to new places, earning him a place in 2022 as a Top 100 Innovator for Australia. As CEO + Founder of The Learning Future, Louka is committed to transforming learning structures, systems and societies that further empower individuals to develop the key human capabilities that matter most now and into the future.
Dr Kirsten Hudson
Academic Lead for Changemakers, Curtin University
Dr Kirsten Hudson is a transdisciplinary artist scholar living on Whadjuk Noongar boodjar, Western Australia. For over 25 years, her practice has explored the complex interconnections between life, loss, transformation, and human/non-human kinship, spanning film, photography, performance, sculpture, and bio-art. Her research and publications span topics such as maternal loss, collaborative transdisciplinary pedagogy, bio-art, and speculative fiction. Holding a PhD in Art and Cultural Studies, and with over two decades of tertiary lecturing experience across Screen Arts, Fine Arts, Cultural Studies, Fashion, and Photography, Kirsten is the current academic lead of Curtin University’s Regional Changemakers program. Her teaching integrates creative experimentation, material thinking, and feminist inquiry, with Indigenous Knowledge Systems, shaping an innovative community-engaged curriculum framework that cultivates critical reflection, practical skills and regenerative practices of co-creation - always grounded in reciprocity, respect for Country, and care for localised systems of place. Kirsten’s work has been recognised nationally and internationally, with awards including the 2024 Silver Prize for Best Experimental Film at the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology, the 2023 Abstract Award at the Experimental Film Odyssey, as well as the Overall 2022 Animation Award at the Nature Without Borders International Film Festival. Her most recent commission, ODE (An Acknowledgement of Sea Country), presented at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery in collaboration with CSIRO and the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (The Ocean Project 2024), demonstrates her commitment to harnessing creative methodologies to address urgent ecological, social, and ethical challenges.
Laura Motherway
Strategic Creative Learning Manager, FORM Building a State of Creativity
Laura is an author and arts professional with over 20 years’ experience managing and delivering programs in paediatric hospitals and the arts sector. She brings a wealth of expertise in program management, leadership and children’s health and wellbeing, and is passionate about the role creativity plays in living a happy flourishing life. As a WA Academy of Performing Arts graduate, Laura has worked professionally as a singer, actor, director and improviser. She is trained in Infant Mental Health, Early Childhood Self-Regulation, Innovation Methodologies and Corporate Leadership. An author of several picture books, Laura is passionate about children having access to quality literature and the benefits of storytelling in all its forms. Laura is currently the Strategic Creative Learning Manager at FORM Building a State of Creativity where she oversees FORM's Creative Learning flagship program Creative Schools and the Scribblers Literature Festival. FORM’s Creative Learning programs empower young people to develop their creativity, sense of agency and wellbeing through fostering curiosity, a lifelong love of learning and the ability to make sense of the world around and within themselves.
James Pengelley
Secondary School Teacher, All Saints' College, Adjunct Lecturer, Murdoch University
James has worked as a teacher and teacher trainer with students of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds across six countries for 17 years. His expertise includes quantitative research, applications of sociolinguistics and cognitive science to learning environments, and the impact that learning technologies have on teacher and student interactions. His research has been published internationally, and featured on Radio National and The Conversation.
Xiaofang (Sarah) Wang
Associate Lecturer in Teaching and Research, IB Mentorship Coordinator, Murdoch University
Sarah conducts comparative research on academic performance and segregation across schools, regions, sectors, and cultures. Her work aims to provide insights that can help improve the equity, effectiveness, and efficiency of education systems.
In addition to her comparative research, Sarah works on projects related to critical thinking, well-being, and the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and research. She is skilled in various research methods and techniques, including quantitative methods, R, QCA, NCA, and AI fundamentals, and she strives to stay updated with the latest advancements in her field.
Before joining Murdoch University as the IB Mentorship Coordinator, Sarah worked in International Baccalaureate (IB) K-12 schools in Australia and Canada. She now teaches post-graduate courses on research foundations and international education.
Sally Nelson
Head of Integrated and Immersive Learning, Carey Baptist Grammar School
Sally has had over 20 years experience in teaching and leading across a range of educational settings, has completed a Master of Education and is an established author for Jacaranda Wiley Publications. She is currently Head of Integrated and Immersive Learning at Carey Baptist Grammar School where she leads development of innovative learning and wellbeing programs that foster curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Sally has been a representative on VCAA and ACHPER discussion panels, a member of the Learning Creates Australia Social Lab team focussed on enabling community environment to engage with new forms of recognition, presented at various conferences, including Adolescent Success (Singapore and Gold Coast), ACHPER and previous ReimaginEd conferences. She is also member of Carey’s Research and Innovation Team, contributing to the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics initiative to develop new ways for assessing student, school and system success.
Throughout her career, Sally has a demonstrated her ability to innovate and lead contemporary curriculum and has been recognised as an Excellence Awardee for innovation in curriculum design for the Carey C Change Program at the Australian Education Awards. She is passionate about creating secure, nurturing and stimulating environments for students to grow emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.
Steven Scotti
Director of Design Hub, All Saints’ College
Steven Scotti is an experienced educator and leader in design, innovation, and entrepreneurship, bringing expertise from both Australia and the UK. As Director of the Design Hub at All Saints' College, he drives student-led innovation through the InnovatED program, inspiring creativity, enterprise, and real-world problem-solving.
Specialising in digital design and advanced prototyping technologies, including 3D printing, laser-cutting, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Steven collaborates with industry partners to bridge the gap between education and emerging technologies. His work focuses on developing students' capabilities, empowering them with the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in the ever-evolving fields of innovation and design.
Paul Browning
Managing Director, ViVEDUS
Dr Paul Browning was a school principal for over 25 years. His passions are leadership, organisational culture and creativity. He believes that trust is the fundamental resource for successful leadership and a healthy organisational culture and creativity is the future of education.
Paul has spoken at numerous conferences, both nationally and internationally, and lead workshops on leadership, teacher improvement, school culture and improvement to well in excess of 4000 school leaders and CEOs across several continents. He is the author of Compelling Leadership: The importance of trust and how to get it and Principled: 10 leadership practices for building trust.
Paul has been listed amongst the top 50 most influential people in education in Australia, awarded Australia’s best non-government school principal, and awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to education.
Paul is currently the Managing Director of Vivedus, a Learning Activation Model revolutionizing education by unlocking students' creative intelligence. In collaboration with the University of Melbourne, Vivedus provides schools with an AI-powered, SaaS-based framework integrating pedagogy, assessment tools, and teaching strategies. As the only Learning Activation Model with a digital AI-enabled platform, it empowers educators to teach and assess creative intelligence while giving school leaders real-time insights into teaching quality. Additionally, it streamlines workflows, significantly reducing teacher workload.
Dr Sarah Wells
Consultant, School Improvement, Association of Independent Schools of WA
Sarah is a Teaching and Learning Consultant at AISWA. She has contributed toward the design and delivery of professional learning for the independent school sector of Western Australia and currently coordinates the research partnership between AISWA and the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO). Sarah has a PhD in Education from the University of Sydney and serves as a sessional academic for the School of Education at Curtin University. She is dedicated to evidence-informed practices that foster complex competencies and empower teachers and school leaders.
Karen LeRaye
Consultant, Leadership and Teaching Excellence, Association of Independent Schools of WA
Karen LeRaye has worked as an Educational Consultant at AISWA since 2016. Her background is in Arts education where she taught Drama and Dance in both primary and secondary contexts, and she has worked to support educators in independent schools with planning and delivering high-quality Arts programs. Beyond her Arts focus, Karen collaborates with educators across all learning areas to enhance their teaching practice and pedagogical approach. Her work centres on building teacher capacity to enhance student outcomes. As a dedicated education professional, Karen remains committed to fostering teaching excellence and supporting educators in their professional growth journey.
Jacob Martin
Deputy Head of College, Compassionate Systems Lead, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Dulwich College
Jacob Martin is the Deputy Head of College and the Designated Safeguarding Lead at Dulwich College (Singapore) leading the compassionate systems framework within the College and driving the development of Global Citizenship and Sustainability. He is also developing networks of schools in the South East Asian region seeking to develop a Compassionate Systems Hub. Jacob is part of the founding cohort of the MIT-led global project with the framework and a certified Master Practitioner in the field.
Polly Clayton
Director of Global Citizenship, Teacher of Mathematics at Dulwich College (Singapore)
Polly is an educational leader and advocate for global citizenship, sustainability, and transformative learning. As Director of Global Citizenship at Dulwich College (Singapore), she drives the integration of sustainability and social responsibility into the school’s curriculum, culture, and operations, to hold the whole College community accountable to the College’s Guiding Statements. A dedicated DEI advocate and UN SDSN Global Schools Advocate, Polly collaborates with global partners to reimagine education for a just, sustainable future. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom, championing student-led initiatives, service-learning, interdisciplinary learning, and whole-school approaches that empower young people to engage meaningfully with the world.
Nicola Wilson
Leader, Compassionate Systems Framework, Junior School, Dulwich College (Singapore)
Nicola Wilson has a background in teaching and leadership in inner-city state schools in London and international schools in China, she is deeply committed to student wellbeing and equipping children with the skills to become responsible, thoughtful global citizens. In 2024, Nicola completed the MIT Master Practitioner programme, further strengthening her expertise in systems thinking and compassionate education. She actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with like-minded professionals to exchange ideas and drive meaningful change in education.
Tiffani Seaton
Head of Product and First Nations Engagement, Young Change Agents
Tiffani Seaton is a proud Kamilaroi woman with a deep passion for empowering young people. Tiffani leads the development of innovative education programs that equip First Nations youth with the entrepreneurial skills to create real-world impact. Tiffani’s work is grounded in lived experience and a lifelong commitment to First Nations communities. She has worked across every state and territory in Australia, collaborating with First Nations students, educators, and community leaders to create culturally responsive and accessible education programs. Whether working with young people in urban, regional, or remote communities, she has seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities they face and is dedicated to ensuring they have the support, resources, and skills to thrive. At Young Change Agents, Tiffani champions the co-design of programs with First Nations communities, for First Nations communities, ensuring education is meaningful, inclusive, and impactful. She plays a key role in delivering initiatives like Academy for Enterprising Girls, Digital Boss, and Lighting the Spark, which foster innovation, problem-solving, and enterprise skills. She is committed to breaking down barriers between school and the real world, empowering the next generation of First Nations leaders to create lasting impact.
Dr Kirsty McGeoch
Practice Leader, 4C Transformative Learning
Dr Kirsty McGeoch has been an educator for over 25 years, and is particularly energised by ways of teaching and learning that engage creativity alongside the expression of voice and identity. As a Practice Leader at 4C Transformative Learning, she facilitates explicit learning in the 4Cs (Creativity, Collaboration, Communication and Critical Reflection) and how these capabilities can shape pedagogy, educational innovation and leadership development in early learning, primary and secondary school settings. As part of her role, she offers individual and group reflective professional supervision to school leaders and academics, and is accredited with the Australasian Association of Supervision. Kirsty leads Courage to Teach ® and Courage to Lead ® reflective practice workshops based on the work of educator, writer and activist, Parker J. Palmer. She is also a sessional academic with the School of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney, and has lectured and tutored in pedagogy, Educational Leadership, Digital Storytelling, Media Arts, TESOL and reflective practice. A dedicated life-long learner interested in ecological approaches, she is currently studying how concepts from Bowen Family Systems Theory can be applied in the school and organisational leadership space.
Lisa Longman
Director, Bloom: Centre of Innovation
Lisa Longman is the Director at Bloom: Centre of Innovation, where she focuses on developing the next generation of Innovators. With experience in both social and commercial sectors, she blends values-driven work with sustainability and measurable outcomes. Lisa is passionate about equipping young Western Australians with the skills to become the next generation of ideators. Her dynamic approach and infectious enthusiasm encourages seeing problems as opportunities.
Amy White
Head of Learning in Regenerative Futures, Woodleigh School
Amy White is a strong advocate for education that fosters student agency and offers holistic opportunities. The Regenerative Futures Program (RFP) represents her effort to integrate key themes of regenerative practices with academic skill-building, strategically designed for Year 10 students.
Amy is an expert in Project-Based Learning (PBL). As the leader of the Regenerative Futures Program, she embraces PBL as a crucial tool in developing student initiative and engagement. Her approach is rooted in passion and curiosity, which drive students to explore and learn deeply. Notably, Amy was the lead developer of the curriculum for the Extended Investigation VCE subject for VCAA, a testament to her innovative thinking and dedication to curriculum design.
Amy continually pushes the boundaries of traditional teaching methods. Her passion lies in creating a learning environment that promotes connectedness and achievement. She firmly believes that students should not only excel academically but also develop the confidence needed to face future challenges with resilience and ingenuity. Amy’s ultimate goal is to help build an education system that cultivates individuals who will make a positive difference in the world.
Jethro Sercombe
Director of Innovation Practice, Third Story
Jethro Sercombe is a not for profit leader and a leading practitioner of social impact service and strategic design in Australia. Jethro is the Director of Innovation Practice at Third Story (formerly Innovation Unit), and drives the organisation’s capability in robust design method, and the facilitation of inclusive and engaging participatory processes in complex spaces. He leads the Social Design Academy, Third Story's eight month, project-based program for system leaders looking to develop new capability in making change.
Before embracing the innovation potential of human centred design practices, Jethro dedicated 15 years of work with young people, as a key proponent of person centred youth supports. Jethro led flagship projects in the Western Australian youth sector, in particular the design and development of Foyer Oxford for youth homelessness. Since then, he has utilised the power of service design across areas such as Education, Mental Health, Homelessness, Financial Resilience, Family Violence and the State Care System. In 2013, Jethro was named one of Business News’ 40 under 40, and in 2019 was awarded a Westpac Social Change Fellowship for his work in social innovation.
Skye Hegarty
Director, HotHouse
Skye started teaching in a ballet studio at the age of 14, laying the foundation for 30 years spent working in the arts and education. She has taught students ranging from pre-kindergarten to adults in primary, secondary, and tertiary contexts. A lover of all the arts, her creative background is diverse.
A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in Design for Performance, Skye specialises in costume design. She is an Associate of the Australian Institute of Classical Dance and a qualified Dance and Visual Arts teacher. Skye spent the majority of her career at Presbyterian Ladies' College, where she held multiple roles, including Head of House, Dance, Wellbeing, and Service-Learning Coordinator.
Skye holds a Master of Educational Leadership (UWA), for which she won an Australian Council of Educational Leaders award for Excellence in Tertiary Studies. Her research into diversity and gender in educational contexts led to her receiving a grant to undertake further studies at Harvey Milk Senior High School in New York. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Positive Education (MELB).
Now the Director of Arts and HotHouse Company at All Saints’ College, Skye oversees and curates a vibrant and unique arts program that connects students to artists, artists to opportunities, and audiences to experiences.
Madeline Lynam
Deputy Head of Secondary (Middle School), Providence Christian College
Madeline Lynam is the Deputy Head of Secondary (Middle School) at Providence Christian College in Southern River, Western Australia. She began her teaching career in the Catholic education system before working in Bangkok, Thailand, at a school with 3,500 boys. She has since held leadership and teaching roles in Anglican Commission Schools and two girls' schools.
In 2023, Madeline completed her Masters in Educational Leadership at Edith Cowan University and has found the experience rewarding and helpful. Throughout 2023 she was also involved with the Purposeful Pedagogies Programme for the second time and took a group of extension students through the experience exploring ‘Migrant Stories’.
With extensive experience in both Primary and Middle School education, Madeline is a passionate, hands-on educator and leader. Her current role allows her to foster cross-curricular collaboration, working with Heads of Learning Areas and subject teachers to design engaging, skills-based learning experiences. She is particularly dedicated to amplifying student voice through real-world problem-solving, design thinking models, and authentic learning opportunities. Madeline thrives on inspiring creativity and critical thinking, ensuring students develop the skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.
Carinne Collen
Senior Teacher, Year 6 Leader, Kingsway Christian College, Master's Candidate in Education (Innovation) at Curtin University
Carinne is a passionate educator born in South Africa, with a strong background in design and extensive experience working in both co-educational and girls' independent schools in Sydney, NSW, and Perth, WA. Currently, Carinne leads a dynamic Year 6 team in the northern suburbs of Perth, where she champions purposeful, student-centred teaching practices.
A firm believer in fostering creativity through curiosity and wonder, Carinne encourages students to explore and ask questions that spark their imagination, enabling them to engage deeply with their learning. In 2023, Carinne and her teaching team completed the Purposeful Pedagogies course through AISWA, enhancing her approach to pedagogy by incorporating innovative and reflective practices into her classroom. In 2024, Carinne took her professional learning further by commencing a master’s degree in education (Innovation) at Curtin University, focusing on advancing educational leadership and fostering creative teaching methodologies.
In addition to her classroom role, Carinne is dedicated to mentoring graduate and pre-service teachers, helping them develop their teaching practices and guiding them through the challenges of early career development. With a keen interest in using current research and technological advances to create engaging and inclusive learning environments, Carinne works to ensure that all students feel supported and empowered in their learning journey. Through her leadership, Carinne continually fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and innovation within the school community.
Maree Whiteley
Founder and Lead Consultant, The Purposeful Learning Community (PLC)
Maree is a global thinker and change-maker, who brings wisdom and lived experience into every conversation and learning exchange, especially when supporting leaders and educators to co-design socially purposeful Curriculum and Pedagogy, as demonstrated during her successful 14-year tenure as an Education Consultant with the Association of Independent Schools WA (AISWA).
With a human-centred approach to leadership, learning and growth, Maree has a joyful approach when sharing her teaching experience, knowledge and expertise with others in workshops, publications and in online forums.
Over many years, Maree has worked with teachers, school leaders, and pre-service teachers to bring innovative and practical pedagogies into the classroom, through special projects, curriculum mapping, and whole-school planning.
As an experienced teacher, university lecturer, and education consultant with specific expertise within the Humanities and Social Sciences Learning Area, this gives Maree the perfect platform to go beyond the curriculum, exploring areas of global imperatives for our young people, such as ethical and humanitarian issues, critical thinking and cultural competence.
Michael Bunce
Educator, Interdisciplinary Sound Artist, Educational researcher specialising in post-disciplinary learning design and innovation, Flinders University
Michael Bunce is an educator, researcher, interdisciplinary sound artist, and musician, based at Flinders University in Adelaide. As an educational researcher he specialises in post-disciplinary learning design and innovation and develops complementary technology-based tools. As a sound and music specialist he leads Music at Flinders University.
Previously, at the University of East London, he was course leader of the Masters in Global Learning Futures and the Masters in Sound and Music, and Academic Lead for Curriculum Development and Enhancement for the School of Arts and Creative Industries.
Michael led the MetaPraxis Project with AISSA in Adelaide between 2019 and 2022 and is currently leading the Learning Impact Project with Charles Leadbeater and Valerie Hannon, culminating in a public Symposium at Flinders University in May 2025 – more details to follow.
Nicole Dyson
Founder, CEO, Future Anything
An experienced former school leader within the public education system in Australia, Nicole is a multi-award-winning educator and entrepreneur, and a global authority on whole-school curriculum innovation, capability development, and youth entrepreneurship.
Nic is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Future Anything, an educator-founded and led provider that unleashes passion, potential, and agency within classrooms, schools, and systems across Australia, and New Zealand.
She is also the Founder of YouthX, Australia’s only startup accelerator program for school-aged entrepreneurs, and Catapult Cards, a design thinking toolkit for classrooms and corporates that donates 50% of its profits back to providing micro-grants for youth-led startups.
Nic passionately believes that youth-led ideas have the potential to bend the future. And that education can be the catalyst for the change we want to see in our world.
Gaile Racey
Head of Year 7 Student Engagement, Hale School
Gaile Racey has devoted over 30 years to the field of education, both within Australia and internationally. Currently, she holds the position of Head of Year 7 Student Engagement at Hale School. Gaile is deeply committed to Boys' Education and the integration of Entrepreneurial Education with Service Learning. Her innovative approach not only imparts essential real-world skills to students but also nurtures compassion and social consciousness. Gaile is dedicated to bringing real-world experiences into the classroom and fostering strong connections with the community, ensuring that all students are prepared for their futures.
Lara Mackintosh
Deputy Head of School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Notre Dame
Lara’s passion for understanding how we live within, and value built, social and natural environments informs her approach to learning, curriculum development, and teaching practices. Over 18 years in academia, Lara has supported innovative teaching practices and sustained engaging and challenging learning experiences. As Deputy Head of School, she supports staff to reach out to other disciplines and provide learning experiences that prepare students for entry into professional environments. As Program Coordinator of Architecture, her distinct pedagogical approach is strengthened by research on transformative learning experiences within environmental, and more specifically, architectural education. As a researcher, Lara has examined architectural education programs from primary to professional levels; explores learning environments and the relationship between pedagogy and space; strengthening the role of architecture and learning in supporting sustainable behaviour.
Jessica Taylor
Founder - Chief Wellbeing Farmer, The Wellbeing Farmer & ThriveWellCo
Jessica is a regenerative leader, wellbeing strategist, and passionate advocate for thriving communities. As Founder of ThriveWellCo and The Wellbeing Farmer, she works in partnership with schools, organizations, and communities to create compassionate, regenerative systems of wellbeing.
With a career as dynamic as her vision, Jessica has collaborated with esteemed institutions such as the UAE Prime Minister’s Office and the Singapore Ministry of Education. She also worked with the Geelong Cats AFL, developing wellbeing initiatives for players, staff, and the wider community.
A true systems thinker, Jessica’s superpower lies in transforming complex challenges into thriving ecosystems. As Senior Executive Director of Wellbeing, she led a comprehensive wellbeing strategy for over 2,000 people, demonstrating that wellbeing is not just an individual responsibility—it’s a collective one.
Jessica is currently a sessional Lecturer and Doctorate candidate at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Wellbeing Science & Faculty of Education. Her research focuses on reframing responsibility for wellbeing and exploring the interdependent nature of wellbeing to cultivate conditions for all to flourish.
In addition to her academic work, Jessica is a regenerative farmer in Australia, raising orphan lambs, like Sir Winston, and drawing valuable lessons from nature. These experiences deepen her understanding of wellbeing and elevate her work. Her thought leadership includes publications such as Cultivating a System of Wellbeing and Systems-Informed Positive Psychology.
Professor Michael Anderson
Professor of Creativity and Arts Education, Sydney School of Education
Michael Anderson is a Professor of Creativity and Arts Education in the Sydney School of Education and Social Work at The University of Sydney, and an internationally recognised educational leader. He has taught, researched and published in education and transformation for over 20 years, including 13 books and 55 book chapters and journal articles. His international research and practice focus on how the 4Cs can be integrated using coherent frameworks to make learning meet the needs of 21st Century learners. He is the Academic Leader and co-founder of 4C Transformative Learning.
Laura Strentz
Educator in Residence, Young Entrepreneurs Academy
Laura has dedicated her career to transforming how we engage, nurture, and empower students and educators to create positive community change. Beginning her teaching career in Chicago and Seattle, she recognized that authentic education needed to extend beyond classroom walls.
In Perth, Laura was on the team that designed and led Perth Modern School's pioneering Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Creativity Program, which developed students' design thinking skills through individual and group projects. At All Saints' College, she founded Propeller Industries, an innovation and entrepreneurship hub that connected students with international, national, and local communities to address real-world problems and inspire positive impact.
As a foundation facilitator from 2022-2024, at The Studio School, Laura designed projects and partnerships that empowered students as active citizens and changemakers. Currently, as Educator in Residence at Young Entrepreneurs Academy WA (YEA WA), she advocates for and supports teachers who are developing entrepreneurial skillsets and mindsets in their students, continuing her mission to reimagine education for real-world impact.
Tristan Bettridge
Founder and Leader, Cultures of Excellence
Tristan has a unique skill set with experience in both the business sector and the education system. An accountant by qualification, Tristan specialised in the performance improvement and business growth for privately held businesses before transitioning to the education system. Once in the education sector, he found his passion was in the upper primary school teaching, specifically leading the ICT space. His experience in the processes and systems of both businesses and schools’ places him perfectly to support the growth and successioning of your school.
Tristan is motivated by the recognition of the unprovided need in our education system. The impact that is possible for every child in every classroom Australia wide with greater school stewardship, resulting in excellence school culture is immeasurable. His personal values of Family, Trust, Humour and Accountability underpin every relationship he enters, with a desire to get the best result attainable while having as much fun as possible in the process.
Scott Harris
Seed Founder, Cultures of Excellence
Scott has an extensive range of experience in the education and business sectors. He has been a Director of Schools across a vast region in Western Australia and also a Director of Leadership nationally where he supported the growth and development of leadership, strategy, organisational culture, coaching and professional learning for schools and teams.
As a recognised and successful Principal, Deputy Principal, Curriculum Writer and Teacher, Scott’s experience in educational settings is vast and sought after when supporting deep and long-term successful change in schools and teams.
Add to this over 15 years of coaching in the education and business sector with executives and employees in a range of positions and teams, it is no wonder the coaching aspect of our work and platform is also sought after. Family, friends and personal wellbeing are a key part of and focus of Scott’s life and this will always be part of his conversation and any work he does with and for you.
Ros Marsland
Chair, Learning Environments Australasia Executive; Manager, Strategic Projects; Infrastructure Delivery and Maintenance, Department of Education, WA
Ros is a dedicated professional, serving as the Manager of the Strategic Projects Department of Education in Western Australia. Her unwavering passion for enhancing school design was ignited during her pivotal role in coordinating the redevelopment of a prominent high school in Perth. Ros's 16-year membership with Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) has been an invaluable source of support and reward. Her steadfast involvement with Learning Environments Australasia since 2006 underscores her unwavering dedication to improving educational spaces and advancing the field of school design.
Chloe Summers
Chapter Chair, Learning Environments WA; Director, EIW Architects
Chloe focuses on architecture that positively impacts communities, driven by the belief that well-designed spaces can empower future leaders. Her innovative, human-centric designs have strengthened client relationships, particularly in creating dynamic learning environments. With significant achievements in educational architecture both in Australia and internationally, Chloe, a Design Architect excels in master planning and workshop coordination, emphasising spaces that are both functional and transformative, reflecting a deep commitment to enhancing educational settings.
Marc French
Founder & Head of Operations, AirborneIT
Marc French is the founder of AirborneIT, a Western Australian company breaking new ground in delivering Virtual Reality (VR) to some of the country’s most remote and underserved communities. With a unique combination of IT expertise and aviation capability, Marc has been instrumental in integrating immersive VR experiences into education, language preservation, and skills development across regional Australia.
Marc’s VR programs are designed not just for engagement but for impact—bringing students and community members into virtual worlds that reflect their culture, language, and environment. A standout project with Marble Bar Primary School saw students create a Virtual Reality Art Gallery to showcase local stories and preserve the Nyamal language, offering a powerful new model for digital storytelling in remote education.
Through custom-built VR content and fly-in delivery to outback schools and community hubs, Marc is making high-quality, culturally relevant immersive experiences accessible where they’re needed most. His work is proving how VR can go beyond novelty to become a transformative tool for connection, creativity, and empowerment in regional Australia.