What do you love most about your job?
I love working and collaborating with people and being a principal allows me to work closely with students, staff, parents and the wider community. My job allows me to have a positive impact on students and influence the culture of the school. In this role, each day brings new challenges and is never the same.
What classes did you teach before becoming principal?
Before becoming a principal, I was a secondary maths and science teacher. I began my teaching career at Narre Warren South P-12 College, moved to Berwick College before moving to Timbarra P-9 College in 2022.
Looking back at when you first entered your current role, what advice would you have given yourself?
You are not alone in this role – there are plenty of supports and resources available that will enable you to do the best job that you can! Also, the challenges that you face as a
principal are not unique to you – reach out to others and build a network. Draw upon the knowledge and expertise of your staff. Lastly, make sure that you take care of yourself and, as much as possible, keep a balance between work and home.
What has been your most memorable moment?
As an educator, my most memorable moments have been past students reaching out to me as adults to let me know that they are travelling well! Personally, I have a number of memorable moments with my children, many of them while travelling. One example is cycling around the Lincoln Memorial with my eldest son.
What event, past or present or future would you like to witness?
Although I watched it on television, it would have been amazing to witness Cathy Freeman win the gold medal for the 400m at the Sydney Olympic Games live. The atmosphere would have been electric and it was such a momentous occasion.
What subject did you enjoy at school?
There were two subjects that I really enjoyed studying at school – biology and Italian. I had very passionate teachers for both subjects.
Which five dinner guests, dead or alive would you invite to dinner?
Barack Obama, Dylan Alcott, Maya Angelou, Mahatma Gandhi and Jacinda Ardern.
If you had to compete on Masterchef, what dish would you cook?
I would cook my youngest son’s favourite dish – paella.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
I have a few – New York City, the Greek islands, Edinburgh, Barcelona.
What has been your biggest achievement?
Completing my Master of Clinical Teaching at the University of Melbourne while working full-time and taking care of two young children. It was a very busy time but worth it!
What encouraged you to become a teacher?
I come from a family with a number of teachers, so I was inspired to enter the profession. I genuinely enjoy working with young people and am passionate about education. I also had the privilege of being taught by some amazing teachers and understood the positive impact that they had on me and how they shaped me as a learner. I wanted to have the same impact on my students.
What were you like as a kid?
My parents would tell you that I was cheeky, inquisitive and bossy.
Did you always want to become a teacher or was there another career you considered?
Since I was 15 years old, I wanted to be either a teacher or a scientist. I completed a BA/BSc at Monash University with a plan of becoming a developmental physiologist. However, I decided that teaching was my preferred career pathway so, I went back to university and completed a teaching qualification. I have never regretted this decision!
