A little bit about me

 

I am born and bred in Queensland, Australia and attended school in Flagstone Creek and Toowoomba.

After completing high school, I studied teaching at the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (which is now the University of Southern Queensland). I graduated with a Diploma of Teaching (with distinction) and later went on to study for my Bachelor of Education (Inservice) and my Master of Education Studies (Educational Computing) through the University of South Australia.

I started teaching in south-western Queensland and later became a Principal, before becoming an Education Adviser supporting teachers in using ICT and Learning Technology in the teaching and learning process.

In 2007, I took up the opportunity to move to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to support the implementation of a new student centred, outcomes based K-12 ICT Curriculum. This began more than a decade of life in the Middle East, focusing on STEM, educational robotics, eLearning, and innovation. During this period, I recognised the importance of engaging students, particularly those in primary school, in highly motivational STEM activities. Individuals form their opinions towards STEM and other areas when they are young. If children are given opportunities to do things they would not be able to do normally at school, it can and does make a difference to the choices they make in later life.

Now, back in Australia, I am continuing my efforts to bring new opportunities to Australian individuals.

 

Interests & Hobbies

I have many and varied interests and hobbies. These include:

  • Renovating - Something that is very hands-on, painting, tiling, construction, etc.

  • Gardening - Such a relaxing activity, creating beautiful outdoor spaces

  • Arts & Crafts - Painting, drawing, leather craft, etc.

  • Travel - I love seeing the world, as you can see through my Instagram account

  • Photography - Nothing like collecting memories

Community Work

Giving back to the community is important. I have been involved in community organisations most of my life. This includes: Rotaract during high school; Queensland Rural Youth; APEX; and Lions.

In the early 2000s I become a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) in Queensland in order to be able to provide various services to the public.

I am now focusing on giving kids and young adults opportunities to meaningfully engage in STEM orientated activities, such as through my work in the Advisory Council of the World Robot Olympiad association. Accordingly, I have founded a new not-for-profit in Australia, Enhance Education Australia Ltd.

Enhance Education Australia has just received charitable status in Australia. The organisation is focused on supporting and developing the human-capital pipeline for STEM-based industries and organisations in Australia and the Pacific Region and in doing so give individuals in Australia great STEM experiences and opportunities.