This year we have had a number of new staff join our College. These are the most recent staff members to have joined and we warmly welcome them to our College community.

James Brown

ICT and Digital Technologies Trainee
James is originally from Gympie in QLD. He and his partner recently relocated to Melbourne. Along with the change in locations, he has also made a change in career, having previously worked in a variety of settings and positions, working as a Tiler, Landscaper and Demolition worker, as well as warehouse and logistics work. James has previously completed a Certificate I within Information Technology and Certificate III in Transport and Logistics Administration. James has always enjoyed experimenting with OBS editing software in his free time and has a keen interest in all things IT related. James will be undertaking a Traineeship with the College in conjunction with AFL SportsReady. He describes himself as hard-working, friendly and reliable.

Jodie Chapman

Learning Diversity Assistant
Jodie has completed a Certificate of Education Support and worked within this area for the past four years. Most recently, she worked as an Education Support at Katandra Berendale Specialist School, where she assisted the classroom teacher in supporting students from Years 7 to12. Prior to that, Jodie has more than 20 years’ experience in customer service and administration roles, including many years spent in hospital and Allied Health clinical services. She describes herself as dedicated to always providing excellent education and emotional support to students.

Lauren Hickey

Learning Diversity Assistant
Lauren is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary), majoring in English and minoring in Modern History. Lauren has worked previously as a Nanny, as well as a Tutor where she worked with students from Grade 2 to Year 12 in the subject areas of English, Religious Education and Modern History. Lauren attended a Brigidine College herself, St Ives in NSW, as well undertaking placement for her studies at Brigidine College in Randwick. The vision of Kildare Ministries and the Catholic values of our Brigidine community inspire her approach to working alongside students with strength and gentleness.

Irena Mitula

Mathematics Teacher (Term 2)
Irena is an experienced teacher with over 20+ years’ experience. Having worked, most recently at John Paul College, Frankston for a number of years as a CRT and contract positions. Irena may look familiar to some as she has previously worked at the College for a term in 2015. She is also a past parent, with her children attending the College. Irena has a Master of Education, specialising in teaching Mathematics. She describes herself as enthusiastic and passionate about her teaching and the learning of students.

Grace Van Rossen

Learning Diversity Assistant
Grace has been undertaking her Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) for the past three years. For the last 18 months, she has been working as a Tutor with VCE Students in Year 7 and 8, predominately within the subject area of English. As part of her studies she has undertaken placement in aged care facilities through the City of Greater Dandenong where she undertook assessments, intake and social support. Grace has also balanced this with her leadership position for the past five years working within a retail setting. She describes herself as having strong values when it comes to the building of autonomy in people and students.

Freya Whillas

Learning Diversity Assistant
Freya joins us from her most recent role working as a Disability Support Worker at Interact Australia. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Psychological Sciences) and a Certificate IV in Mental Health. She has developed skills in problem solving, critical analysis and teamwork through group presentations and projects. Freya has recently completed the Camino de Santiago, a 774km pilgrimage across Spain and describes the experience as special and one that has reconnected her to her core values of human dignity, love and peace.

Leo Zheng

Finance Manager
Leo has more than 16 years’ working experience in Accounting and Finance. He has recently relocated with his family from sunny Brisbane in QLD, where he has worked for the past 18 months at Prince of Peace Lutheran College as the Account/Deputy Business Manager. Prior to that he worked for four years as the College Accountant at The Lakes College. Leo has completed a Master of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Commercial Law. He describes himself as confident, ambitious and highly motivated.

Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal