Our Educators
Our TEam
Acorn College is co-educational, P-12 school that is proud of our reputation as a leader in innovative and inclusive education models.
Acorn College is managed by a Board of experienced and highly respected educational professionals and much valued parents of our students. Together with world-class teaching and coaching, wellbeing and support staff who are genuine and compassionate, we form a community that embraces every individual.
All staff are selectively chosen to ensure the goals and objectives of Acorn are able to be achieved through the provision of skilled and passionate individuals who have a strong commitment to professional development not only for growth as individual educators but also as a means to ensure and united and focussed team.
Our teams desire is to nurture and inspire confident, optimistic and compassionate young people who can navigate the world beyond the school gate.
Meet Us
Stephanie Cheung
Wellbeing Support Coordinator
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“Helping each child progress in all areas of their development is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of teachers, staff and learners that together nurture this growth in a positive, safe and fun environment”
Bachelor of Elementary Studies, Certificate IV in Education Support, Diploma of Community Services – Mental Health
Julie-Anne Hendricks
Education Support Worker
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“If I can make a difference to even just one child’s life, support just one parent who needs someone to listen, or help just one teacher include a child with additional needs in their classroom, then I have achieved my career goal”
Bachelor of Elementary Studies, Certificate IV in Education Support, Diploma of Community Services – Mental Health
Juan Garcia
Education Support Worker
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“When I first sang on stage at age 9 with my church, I sang in both English and then in Spanish. I felt so empowered that I was able to do both and that people in the audience were smiling and singing along – all of us knowing the words to a familiar song. At that moment, we were one people and one voice. I love nothing more than helping the kids at Acorn find their own voice. Whether it’s helping them with English or building their confidence to be that 9 year old on a stage – I’m all in.”
Certificate III in Education Support, Diploma of Theatre Arts
Lilly Mascott
Education Support Worker
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“I always knew my career path was going to involve working with children. I loved my job in pediatrics, though it was difficult at times seeing parents feeling so helpless and scared with their child so sick, but there were also many moments of elation and loads of happy memories. I feel so grateful I had that opportunity but equally thankful I was given a new path of working with the kids here at Acorn. I always wanted a big family myself, but never thought that family would come on the same day! Now I have my three boys at home and my Acorn kids by day – truly blessed”
Certificate IV in Education Support, Certificate III in Health Services Assistant
Yankuba Gbeho
Education Support Worker
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“Why do I have a special place in my heart for working with senior students? My parents migrated to Australia when my brother and I were young boys. School is only free and compulsory in Zambia from age 7 – 14 unless you pay a lot of money to attend a private school in Lusaka. In Australia we were given a wonderful education with endless opportunities and our parents worked hard to ensure we could participate in any experience we were given. I particularly enjoyed and valued my senior years knowing this was a privilege many others back home in Zambia would never be given. I hope my work with the Years 11 and 12 here at Acorn gives them the same sense of excitement as to what these final few years of schooling can bring to their lives and that education is a valuable privilege.”
Certificate IV in Community Services (Youth Work), Currently enrolled in Certificate III School Based Education Support
Tamika Pendergast
Education Support Worker
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“Teaching has always been my dream and starting my career as an Education Support Worker has been the best foundation I could have laid for myself. It has taught me so much about what goes on in a busy classroom and how it takes a village to raise a child. We are all here for the children and I love being able to support the Year 9 and 10 teachers in whatever is needed to help the children in their class achieve their goals. I get to cook, to study and to work with wonderful teachers and children. Life is great.”
Certificate III in Education Support, Currently enrolled in Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education)
Matty Carmichael
Education Support Worker
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“I have always related to this quote I once heard ‘Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful’. I have lived by that since I had my accident at 19. At first it was devasting and I thought my life was over, but I soon realised my life was still mine and it was only ever going to be what I allowed it to be. I had help and people who believed in me, and that gave me the strength to take back my life. I will always believe in the children here at Acorn and I stay strong, both physically and mentally, to give them strength”
Certificate IV in Education Support, Certificate III in Sport and Recreation