Port Staff

Barry Finch OAM

Principal
barry@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Barry Finch and I have been working in the education sector for the past 30 years. My teaching career started in the Kimberley, in a remote Indigenous junior high school. From that experience, and a few short stints in the mainstream education sector, I realised that working in a small school was where I belonged and that is where I have since stayed.
I have been at Port School since 2001, the first 10 years as workshop teacher, and I have been Principal since 2010.  My journey at Port has been quite amazing. I have worked with some incredibly resilient young people as well as a group of dedicated and extremely talented staff. All in all Port is an awesome community that I still look forward to coming to every day.

Mike Gilbert

Deputy Principal
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
mike@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Mike Gilbert and I started at Port in 2010 and have been a Teacher, Special Projects Coordinator and now Deputy Principal. I have been in education, training, social inclusion and crime reduction roles for over 25 years, with periods in the consulting and corporates worlds. I am family orientated with a wife and 2 children, am active in my community with organisations such as Rotary and Apex and have been involved in many fundraising campaigns and projects over the last 30 years. I am a board member of Mindarie Senior College, Honorary Life Member of Klang Apex Club and currently a judge for the Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services Awards. I like to bring my connections, stakeholder relationships and life experiences to Port and turn them into beneficial programs, new business development ideas, activities and experiences that students can take away with them. This includes our annual Malaysia excursion, our international aid project. I am very proud to be part of an incredibly diverse team that offers our students every opportunity to have educational and life success.

Joy Cromwell

Joint Head of Senior School, English Teacher
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
joy@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Joy Cromwell and I have lived and worked for many years in the Fremantle area. When my daughter began her school career I decided to return to school also and study education and literature. I received my degrees in English and Secondary Education at Murdoch University and my first teaching job was at South Fremantle Senior High School, where I was offered a full-time position and remained there until 2013. During my time there I was fortunate enough to be afforded the experience of combining my passions: teaching literature, working with ”at risk youth” and running the Indigenous Tutoring Assistant Scheme and Follow the Dream programs. Although I loved my time at South I was very excited when the English teaching role opened up here at Port and was very happy when Barry offered me the position! I work with amazing people and what we offer our students goes far beyond the realm of standard academic and non-academic education. Port has grown in many amazing ways since my first days here and the changes and growth ensures our students have access to a dynamic and all encompassing educational experience.

Molly Donaldson

Head of Student Support Services & Counsellor
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
molly@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Molly Donaldson and I have been a counsellor at Port School since 2017. I am originally from the US and in 2015 graduated with a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology, with a Concentration in Somatic Psychology. I have been working with adolescents for six years and look forward to continuing my commitment to helping teens during a challenging period in their life. I am endlessly impressed with the professionalism and empathetic engagement of my colleagues at Port School and feel lucky to be a member of such an accomplished staff.

Raf Fecondi

Joint Head of Senior School, Health & Wellbeing Teacher
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
raf@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Raf Fecondi and my roles at Port include co-managing the Senior School, and running Health and Wellbeing classes. I first became a teacher when I lived in England, where I worked as a Head of Department and Head of Faculty, as well as a Pastoral Care Leader. When I moved to Australia I worked as the Head of the Philosophy and Ethics Department at Hale School, where I was also a Head of House. I later moved to Wesley College, where I took on the roles of Head of Department, Director of Pastoral Care and Student Services and Acting Head of Senior School. I moved to Port School because I wanted to return to my core passion of working with engaging students outside of the mainstream education sector. I am very glad I made this move, as I love my job and no two days are ever the same!

Michelle Forsyth

Young Parent Centre Manager
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
youngparentcentre@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Michelle Forsyth and I am the Manager of the Young Parent Centre (YPC). I have been at Port School since 2016, having previously coordinated teen parenting programs at both Uniting Care West and Gilmore College. I began my career in banking and finance and then became an Education Assistant before joining Port School where I work with the young mums. My main role is to support and enhance the young mums parenting skills and to assist them to achieve educational outcomes. I enjoy my role immensely and love working with the wonderful staff, mums and bubs in the YPC and the Early Learning Centre.

Denise Hardie

Training & Development Manager
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
denise@portschool.wa.edu.au

My connection to Port started in 2017 when I first visited the school as part of my research into CARE schools. I was so impressed with what I saw that it started a long relationship with Barry and the team.
As a qualified youth worker, trainer and assessor and believe it or not Clinical Hypnotherapist (no turning people into chickens here!) and also soon to be qualified Counsellor, I have over 20 years’ experience working with at-risk young people from all walks of life.
I have a strong Social Justice and Community Services background and have worked in Youth Justice, Aboriginal training, as a TAFE lecturer, Drug and Alcohol services, correctional facilities and Domestic Violence programs.
I finally joined Port in 2021. I feel very privileged to be working amongst such dedicated and talented colleagues, who are committed to realising the potential in every young person. I look forward to contributing my skills and knowledge to further opportunities for our students.

Jane Hawdon

Head of Outreach Program, Teacher
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
jane@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Jane Hawdon I have been teaching for over 30 years, I have always enjoyed working with marginalised youth. I initially came to Port as Principal in 2000, and went on to lecture at ECU in behavioural management. After returning from ten years teaching undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles, I was excited to return to Port as Outreach Coordinator.  I am always looking for innovative ways to engage our most marginalised youth and help them to reach their life goals.

Matt Hopkins

Head of Middle School, Teacher
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
matt@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Matt Hopkins and I am a passionate and dedicated teacher, and have worked in primary and secondary schools in WA and NSW for over 15 years. In that time I have taught in a range of schools from top achieving NAPLAN schools through to those with struggling students as well as ESL backgrounds. I am particularly passionate about literacy and numeracy and have a strong belief that all kids deserve the same educational chances, despite the disadvantage they may face. I love my role at Port Middle School where I get to work with dynamic, enthusiastic and engaging staff and students and help them achieve their best.

Emily Longman

Early Learning Centre Manager
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
earlylearningcentre@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Emily Longman and I have been working in the Childcare Industry for almost 20 years. In 2001 I moved to Perth to study my Diploma in Children’s Services. I have only worked in a handful of centres over the years and have found them all to be very rewarding. I am passionate about my role as Coordinator at Port Early Learning Centre and love that we are supporting young mums to complete their schooling so they can give their own children the best start to life.

Nolene Martin

Business Manager
Member of the Port School Leadership Team
nolene@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Nolene Martin and my Port School journey began in 2015, when I joined Barry and his team as Business Manager. Born and raised in the Fremantle area, I completed my studies in Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of WA, and originally planned to follow a career in medical research. However, an overwhelming urge to travel and to experience other countries and cultures lead me, post-study, on a 30-year overseas adventure. During that time I lived and worked in a number of countries, and was most fortunate to be able to turn my passion into my career, working for over 25 years in the Global Travel Industry. My roles mainly encompassed marketing and product development as well as business, product and relationship management.  Living abroad in different countries and communities made me acutely aware of differing needs of individuals.
No two days are ever the same here at Port and it is my aim is to ensure a seamless behind-the-scenes operation for staff, students and the greater school community.

Louise Adger

Middle School, Teacher
louisea@portschool.wa.edu.au

Josh Brun

Mobile Classroom Program, Teacher
joshua@portschool.wa.edu.au

Belinda Carcione

Outreach Program,  Student Support
belinda@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Belinda Carcione and I found my passion of working with Youth at Risk while working with the Department of Communities. As a Youth and Family Support Worker I worked with families in times of need.  In this role I have supported young people to navigate the juvenile justice system and linked them with other agencies and services; always working closely with schools to re-engage young people in education.
I am a member of the Port Outreach Team, helping disengaged students to re-engage in education, making sure they are safe, healthy and that their needs are being met. I am tenacious and never give up on my students. My objective is always to support them to engage in school.

Vickie Cawthray

Finance Officer
vickie@portschool.wa.edu.au

My is Vickie Cawthray and I joined Port School in May 2021.  I am originally from NSW and after backpacking in my 20’s I ended up settling in Perth. I have been working as a Bookkeeper for over 20 years, mainly in the pearl, hospitality, medical and the construction industries.
I am very grateful to be part of such a great team and hope to help make the back office run smoothly, so they can focus all their energy into the engagement and education of our students.

Maria Cecchi

Reception & Administration Officer
maria@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Maria Cecchi and in February 2019 I joined Port as Receptionist and Administration Officer. I have a background in photography and enjoy capturing ‘life in pictures’ as everyone has a special story to tell. My husband and I also run a small business and we are in partnership with a close friend. We create an all-natural electrolyte replacement drink to aid in addressing the issues of dehydration. I have spent the majority of my working career in administration roles and look forward to making a positive contribution to the school community.

Stephanie Clift

Student Support
stephc@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Stephanie Clift and my journey to Port began when I was studying my Certificate IV in Youth Work. Port gave me the opportunity to complete the required work experience for the course and after completion, I was offered a position. I have been a member of the Port School team since 2019, and my role is to support students in the classroom and to encourage successful engagement and learning.

Dennis Colbung

Mobile Classroom Program, Student Support
dennis@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Dennis Colbung. I am very pleased to be working at Port School. I am a young Noongar man from the Great Southern region who grew up on the streets of Tambellup.
I have a large family. I graduated from High School in 2005. My passion is working with youth. I have the heart and desire to give everything I have to achieve persistent and positive results.
I have worked in various roles since leaving High School ranging from working in Art Galleries, Legal, Youth and Mining roles. I have very good connection with the community,  stretching from the South West of Western Australia through to the Perth Metropolitan area. I am able to relate to the youth of Port due to my life and job experiences.
Since being at Port I have gained a very close connection to most of the student.  I will endeavour to continue to be a positive role model, one whom students of Port can lean on. I would like to thank Port School for allowing me to be a part of the amazing team.

Temeley Crawford

Student Support
temeley@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Temeley Crawford, and I joined Port School in Term 3 of 2022, working as student support. I attended TAFE, completing my Community Services Certificates II and III. I then proceeded to gain my Youth Work Certificate IV and completed my work experience at Port. The school offered me the opportunity to work offering student support in the Middle School. I feel privileged to be able to support the students on their journey to the Senior School by encouraging the Port School Values of Diversity, Growth, Empowerment and Community whilst helping them see and reach their potential.

Steph Daniell

Student Support
steph@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Stephanie Daniell. I have been working at Port School since 2015. I spent the majority of my teaching career at inner city secondary schools in the UK. After emigrating in 2004, I settled in Perth.
My career in Australia has been spent in the vocational sector, mostly training and mentoring in the Apprenticeship / Traineeship field. I was fortunate to have specialist roles liaising with WA Schools and Corrective Services, which enabled me to travel across the state.
Secondary school teaching has always been my passion though, so when I came to Port it felt like ‘home’. I knew there was opportunity to expand possibilities for our students. We could encourage their aspiration and achievement in pathways beyond the classroom.
Port has most recently introduced the delivery of a synthetic phonics program for selected students. The aim of this Corrective Reading program is to progress their reading skills towards proficiency. This has significant positive impact on literacy skills more broadly. I have moved out of my Vocational Teacher role after over 5 years and I’m excited to now be taking up the opportunity to deliver the this new program.

Dan Duggan

Student Support
dan@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Dan Duggan. I am a professional artist and have worked for over 20-years as a practitioner and youth mentor for private, commercial and community clients on a range of diverse projects from digital design to large-scale public art installations.
I completed a Diploma of Graphic Design in 1994, and went on to launch my own creative arts business, with a focus on community mural projects as a way of sharing his passion and enthusiasm for street art with a wider audience. Working mainly with aerosols, I started to see that this was a great way to engage young people with their community and to get them excited about making art and seeing it as another language with which to express themselves positively.
My work over the past 20-years has mainly been in connection with young people, as a mentor, teacher and role model in both metropolitan and regional areas, which is the path that has lead me to work at Port School.
I am passionate about education, about a fair go for all and about supporting young people to explore their own interests to reach their full potential. I call upon my skills and many years of experience as an artist, musician and positive role model to show that life can lead us along many roads to get us where we want to be.

Kate Dunn

RTO Officer, Teacher & Trainer
kate@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Kate Dunn and I have worked in education for 18 years. During that time I have had the opportunity to work across all levels, primary, secondary and tertiary. I started as a Media, English and LOTE teacher and then gained my TESOL qualification so I could work with international and refugee students in RTO’s and non-for-profit organisations. I did a stint overseas in the Middle East and then returned to Perth to complete two masters degrees, one in Education Policy and the other in Alternative Education Leadership and Management. Most recently I come to Port from the Department of Justice, where I was the Education Manager in a correctional environment. I am looking forward to putting my extensive and varied experience into my work at Port School.

Chelsea Eastwood

Young Parent Centre, Student Support
chelsea@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Chelsea Eastwood and I am the Education Assistant in the Young Parent Centre. My career started at 19, working as an Education Assistant at Hamilton Senior High School, and I joined the Port School team in 2017. My main role is to engage the young mums in their education and to provide support with their parenting in a supportive and holistic environment. I enjoy my job, as I get to watch the young mums grow in their confidence, and their babies reach their developmental milestones.

Tristan Eastwood

Student Support
tristan@portschool.wa.edu.au

G’day, My name is Tristan Eastwood. I have been a Youth Worker at Port School since 2016. My journey in supporting young people began soon after leaving high school. Firstly as a volunteer in a church youth group, followed by coordinating a primary school mentoring program in seven schools within the Fremantle/Cockburn area, High School Chaplain, Youth Diversion Officer with the City of Cockburn and now Port School.
My work at Port includes working on the Outreach and Outdoor Ed programs, Fitness Centre Trainer, “Keys4Life” facilitator and general student support and advocacy. Through all this I strive to inspire the students to have hope and determination to live out their potential.

Ellena Frisina

RTO Administrator & Compliance Officer
ellena@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Ellena Frisina and I am the Port RTO Compliance Officer and trainer. I have been working in the vocational education sector for the past 13 years as a trainer, assessor and instructional designer.  Port School has given me the opportunity to combine my interest and experience in VET compliance, with the opportunity to assist students to work towards their academic goals.  I look forward to working with the amazing staff and students each day.

Dionne Garvey

Visual Arts, Teacher
dionne@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Dionne Garvey and I have a Bachelor of Education in Art from Curtin University specialising in Printmaking and Ceramics. Visual Arts education has always been a passion of mine, having worked in a variety of public and independent schools over the past 20 years. I feel very privileged to be a part of the Port School community. Coordinating and running Port’s very successful Visual Arts program is an extremely fulfilling role. In addition to teaching, I have worked in a variety of voluntary organisations such as the Art Education Association of Western Australia. My roles over an extended period included: Vice President, Treasurer, Journal Convenor, Publications and Executive Committee member. I have been a member of the Angelico Exhibition Committee representing Catholic Arts for a period of 19 years, and the judging of last year’s exhibition was a highlight of my time spent in this organisation. I have worked as a consultant for SCASA, assisting with the development of Judging Standards for the most recent curriculum changes in the Arts. I am passionate about continued professional development in my field and working closely with my arts colleagues from all over WA. Educating and inspiring young people to love art and to embrace creativity is my ultimate teaching goal.

Chelsea Hainsworth

Administration Officer
chelseah@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Chelsea Hainsworth and I joined the Port School community in August 2020.  I’m a local Perth girl, and attended Bateman Primary School and Rossmoyne Senior High School.  In 1995, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Aboriginal and Islander Studies, followed by a Post-Graduate in Human Services and Disability.  After graduation, I moved to London for a couple of years of travel adventures and secured my first Human Services job as a Social Worker for Hackney Social Services, working with clients who were housebound due to a physical disability or substance misuse. On my return to Perth, I worked in employment as a Disability Employment Case Manager, securing employment and offering ongoing training and support for people facing barriers to paid work.  In 2006, I took several years off to stay at home with my two daughters.  In 2012, I attended Murdoch TAFE and re-trained as a dog groomer.  I ran my own business ‘Shaggy 2 Chic Dog Grooming’ for 7 years until I got the calling to return to my original roots of Human Services.  I feel very fortunate to be a part of such an amazing team at Port School.

Rachael Hall

Administration Officer
rachael@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Rachael Hall and I have been working at Port School since 2017. My role varies from general administration to accounts payable and assisting with the smooth running of back office. I enjoy helping students and staff on an as-needed basis.

Maree Harrison

Canteen Coordinator
maree@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Maree Harrison and I am a passionate self-taught cook. I have a background in Laboratory Technology, love the outdoors, camping and spending time with my Family of 5. I started my Port School journey in the Port Early Learning Centre, as Food Coordinator as well as in the Port Young Parents Centre, giving cooking classes. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both centres, working with the dedicate,  caring staff and interacting with the young Mums and their children.

Once the Port School state-of-the-art café style canteen was completed in 2021, an exciting opportunity arose, and I applied for and was appointed as the Port School Canteen Coordinator. I pride myself on providing nutritious, healthy and delicious food from different cultures, as well as home-style flavours and different food experiences. Options are important to me, ensuring that we cater for individual dietary needs within the School. It is truly amazing seeing the students thrive in the kitchen environment, building confidence, trying new foods and learning important life-long skills.

John Hill

Middle School, Teacher
john@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is John Hill and I joined Port School in 2019. I graduated from university in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Philosophy and History. Following this, I worked in various jobs until I discovered a passion for building and restoring stonework. I subsequently juggled my own business working as a stonemason, with being a stay-at -home Dad to two amazing girls. Seeing the role education and fantastic teaching played in their development led me back to university, where I completed a Graduate Diploma of Education. My journey in teaching is only just beginning, but I feel very lucky to be able to learn from both the staff and students at Port School.

Andre Horsley

Maintenance Officer & Groundsperson
andre@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Andre Horsley and my work at Port School includes garden, building and yard care. I started working full-time at Port only in 2018, although the school has however employed my wife and I as cleaning contractors for approximately 17 years. I am a mechanic by trade but have worked in maintenance for the past 8 years and am pleased to be part of the Port School family.

Youngmi Ju

Early Learning Centre, Educator Assistant
youngmi@portschool.wa.edu.au

Hi, my name is Youngmi and I am an Educator Assistant at the Port Early Learning Centre. I started my career in early childhood learning in 2016, and I have been with Port Early Learning Centre since 2020. I have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Learning and a Certificate IV in Community Service. I feel privileged to be part of the children’s learning journey and it gives me much joy and many rewarding moments. The Port Early Learning Centre has a great philosophy and work environment and I am proud to be part of a team offering such great service to families.

Brett Kelly

Young Parent Centre, Teacher
brett@portschool.wa.edu.au

I am a specialist teacher and trainer with over a decade experience in both mainstream and alternative education settings. I am a teacher in the Young Parent Centre as Port School, as well as an extracurricular Music Teacher, balancing my time between the YPC and the music studio. I have experience in delivering foundational subjects as well as championing the creative arts: music, art, animation, media and theatre. I have also developed music, film, and art projects for the Starlight Children’s Foundation as a Livewire Facilitator. As a hobbyist music producer, I’ve been fortunate enough to release music through various international record labels and I currently volunteer at RTRfm 92.1 as a radio presenter/DJ.

Sam Kerridge

Outreach Program, Teacher
sam@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Sam Kerridge and I have worked in a variety of educational centres for disengaged youth, from Banksia Hill Detention Centre to SMYL College, to Student Services at Fremantle College as well as relief teaching.

My background in Psychology was developed as a supported housing worker in London, England, where I qualified as a counsellor. I then travelled the world for several years as a SCUBA Diving Instructor until I landed on Australian shores and shark attack-affected business. So, I became a First Aid trainer for Red Cross and set up my own training business, while also teaching English as a foreign language at Curtin University. After qualifying as a Teacher, due to my psychology background I naturally migrated to more at-risk students. I joined the Port School Outreach team in early 2022, where I have the opportunity to use all my skills, experiences and qualifications to re-engage students in both education and wellbeing.

Jon Kroeck

Outreach Program, Teacher
jon@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Jon Kroeck and I joined the Outreach Team at Port School in early 2022. I have been working as a Youth Worker in Perth for the past three years and as a youth camp leader doing trips around Australia for five years prior to that. I finished a degree in teaching from Humboldt State in California and furthered my studies by completing a Masters in Melbourne in sustainable tourism with a focus on experiential education. I love being able to bring my own experiences to teach youth different ways of learning and to show that not all of us learn in the same ways. We each have our own speeds and walk our individual paths. I look forward to being a part of Port School and excited to learn from such a diverse group of educators, as well as students.

Felicity Moore

Student Support
felicity@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Felicity Moore. I was born in Sydney. My family moved back to WA and the Fremantle area where I lived, attended school and worked. In my early 20’s, I packed my bags for a solo journey and travelled the globe for several years meeting many amazing people, including my future husband. I returned to Perth a little unsettled with my future prospects. After living the high life working in fashion marketing and roaming the globe on private yachts for 5 years, I felt I needed something more fulfilling in my life.
During this time I settled down into married life with the man I had met overseas and had two beautiful boys. I continued to enjoy teaching and studied in Education Support. This gave me an opportunity to work both in Primary and Senior Schools and also teaching LOTE for some time.
I was introduced to the students and team at Port and immediately felt I had finally found home in my working life.  I enjoy and love the fact I’m still learning everyday and most importantly, seeing the students enjoy the classes, learn skills and grow in confidence.  I’m passionate about supporting our students, and completed my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in 2021. I enjoy passing on many of my life experiences and I’m looking forward to many of our students creating their own wonderful experiences.

Trysh Mourish

Student Support
patrysha@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Trysh Mourish and I am a proud Nyoongar Yorga with strong connections to Yued, Ballardong and Kenang countries. I’ve worked in community services for over 10 years and am passionate about improving  career opportunities and outcomes for young people. I completed a double Diploma in Career Development along with a  Diploma in Employment Services. My aim is to teach the students the importance of education, self-awareness and perseverance. I believe there are six major values of life; education, adaptability, determination, resilience, respect and honesty.

Tim Murphy

Maintenance Officer
tim@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Tim Murphy and I joined Port School in 2001, when the school building was pretty much an empty shell. Each room had been converted from the original squash courts, and it was my job to make the place look like a school. And it has been growing ever since. Over the years my role has changed and taken shape as mentor, maintenance, building and working in the workshop. What has kept me here for over 20 years is the challenge of making a real difference to our young peoples’ lives, and seeing them take pride in their work and who they are, as well as working alongside a great team of people. Mine is the type of job where no two days are the same and this is also something I really enjoy and value.

Kathleen Murray

Early Learning Centre, 2IC & Educator
kathleen@portschool.wa.edu.au

Kia Ora, Hi! My name is Kathleen Murray and I have had the pleasure of working in the early childhood sector for many years. I completed all my training in New Zealand where I gained a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. My main role at the Port Early Learning Centre is Assistant Contact Coordinator and Educational Leader.  I have a passion for education, development and support of young children and I believe that their long-term learning is directly affected by their early childhood education experiences.

Nickie Ralph

Hospitality Trainer
nickie@portschool.wa.edu.au

I am Nickie Ralph and I joined Port School in 2022. Originally from UK, I moved to Australia in 2008. I spent from my late teens travelling Europe, including 5 years in France, working in all areas of Hospitality. A am a qualified Chef, and have also worked front of house as Events & Functions Manager. We have just moved back to the metropolitan area in January, having spent the last 6 years teaching Certificate II in Hospitality in Karratha. I enjoy sharing my passion of cooking and love demonstrating that food can be simple, inexpensive and tasty. It is a great way to switch off the mind and be creative. I am a volunteer ambulance officer, teach group fitness at gyms and am involved with the local Surf Club. All this plus my 3 boys and their sports keeps me very busy indeed!

Kororia (Klaudz) Ririnui

Early Learning Centre, Educator
klaudz@portschool.wa.edu.au

Kia Ora, Hi! Hello, my name is Kororia Ririnui (aka Klaudz) and I am a Qualified Educator at the Port Early Learning Centre.  I started my career in a bilingual Early Learning Centre in New Zealand, teaching 0-5 year old children for over 20 years.  I have a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education and joined the Port Early Learning Team in 2016.  I am passionate about giving children a voice to know who they are, so they are able to stand strong and confident in the world in which we live.  “Breeding Leaders” in their early years.

Aidan Rowden

Senior School, Teacher
aidan@portschool.wa.edu.au

Brad Rowden

Sports Chaplain & Fitness Trainer
brad@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Brad Rowden and I have been involved in Sports Chaplaincy for over 20 years, working in both secondary and primary schools in Western Australia. I have been employed at Port School since 2008 working with students with their physical, social, emotional and spiritual development.

Grant Snowdon

Student Support
grant@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Grant Snowdon and I joined Port School at the start of 2021 as a prac student undertaking work experience for my Certificate IV in Youth Work. On completion of my course I was lucky enough to be offered to stay on as a qualified youth worker, which I accepted with pleasure. I felt Port was the perfect place to use my lived experience and passion for helping youth better their lives. Before starting at Port, I worked as a fitness instructor for five years which I loved and I am very happy that I am able to incorporate this into my work. I look forward to supporting and guiding students at Port for years to come. 

Andrea Stacey

Student Support Services Coordinator
andreas@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Andrea Stacey and I have been working in education for the past twenty years. I grew up in Northam, relocated to Perth to study nursing and then returned to regional WA and worked in a variety of country towns after graduation. I began working for the Department of Education in Student Support in the late 1990’s, and the highlight of this role was working at PMH in the hospital school. I graduated from Murdoch University with a BA in 2018, my focus was Youth Work, Drug and Alcohol Addictions, Social Work and Counselling/Pastoral Care. I work as the Student Support Services Coordinator and I am passionate about supporting young people to reach their potential. Working at Port School is akin to belonging to a big, caring and dedicated family, the staff go above and beyond to work holistically with the students, and the teamwork ethic is strong.

Dave Stubbs

Psychologist & Counsellor
dave@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Dave Stubbs and I commenced working at Port School in 2017. I have been a registered psychologist since 2010, having previously worked across the disability, child protection and adolescent mental health sectors. I have recently joined the Port team full-time, following completion of post-graduate masters study (Counselling Psychology). I continue to remain extremely passionate and committed to the profession of psychology, adolescent mental health and supporting young people within an at-risk education setting.

Suzanna Sullivan-Jessop

Student Support
suzanna@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Suzanna Sullivan-Jessop and my journey at Port School began in 2018 in Student Support. Prior to this I worked at South Fremantle High School in the Autism Extension Program and I have a Diploma in Beauty Therapy. At Port School I get to combine both my passions – working with students in an incredible, supportive environment as well as sharing my knowledge and skills in Beauty Therapy which may inspire their future goals and pathways.

Eileen Vlahovich

Senior School, Mathematics Teacher
eileen@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Eileen Vlahovich and I have been working at Port School since 2017.
I grew up in Western Sydney and studied a Master of Teaching (Primary) at the University of Western Sydney. I began teaching primary school in Western Sydney, before heading overseas and spending 2 years teaching in London and travelling Europe. I then spent the next few years relief teaching and travelling as much as possible, including a 6 month around the world trip in 2014. I moved to Perth in June 2015 and was relief teaching and working in hospitality until I was given a position at Port. My role at Port School is teaching maths, as well as Team Sport and running Girl’s Fitness classes in the gym. My aim is to create a safe place where students are able to grow academically, as well as in confidence and interpersonal skills, so that they may experience success in their lives after Port.

Michelle Zietsman

Counsellor
michellez@portschool.wa.edu.au

My name is Michelle Zietsman and I have been working at Port School since 2017. I grew up in South Africa and initially studied a Bachelor in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing at Tshwane University in Pretoria, South Africa. My family immigrated to Australia in the beginning of 2011. A decision to re-skill myself resulted in initially enrolling at TAFE to study a Double Diploma in Community Services and Counselling. Upon completion, I enrolled in a Bachelors degree in Counselling at Edith Cowan University. At the moment, I am still studying and skilling myself as a Psychotherapist by undertaking a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am passionate about counselling, as it has proven to help most emotional, relational and psychological difficulties that individuals experience in life, such as anxiety, depression and panic feelings. I feel honoured and privileged to be part of the Mental Health and Support Team based at Port School.