Our Leadership Council

For the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working as the Wellbeing Director at Doveton College (ELC – Year 9), leading the design and delivery of a whole-school wellbeing program in one of Melbourne’s most diverse and dynamic communities. It’s a role that’s kept me on my toes—balancing big-picture strategy with the day-to-day realities of making sure programs are meaningful, practical, and responsive to the needs of students and families. Alongside this, I’ve worked across the Department of Education and the health sector, which has deepened my understanding of how to create strong, collaborative systems of support around young people. With two decades of experience in education and hands on experience in program development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership, I feel well-aligned with the values and mission of the EEA Leadership Council. I’m especially passionate about scaling programs that genuinely improve lives and thrive in roles where I can help bridge the gap between vision and practice. I’d be excited to contribute to the EEA Leadership Council’s work in advancing equity and improving educational outcomes. Fun fact – When I am not at work, I am either cooking, taking photographs or being an Uber to my children. 

I’m a first year uni student, studying a Bachelor of Arts with the aim of eventually going into law. Before that, I came from a high school in a low socioeconomic area where, more often than not, I’d see my friends and other students with so much potential not receive the support or encouragement they needed to flourish. I also have two younger siblings who have just started at my old high school. All this factors have inspired me to want to make a change in the education system. This prompted my work at Learning Creates Australia, an organisation which aims to change and remove systemic barriers to education. For them I did and recently concluded research with VTAC on students knowledge of Equity Schemes. Here is a fun fact, I really love to play Dnd and criticise period films for not being historically accurate.

I’ve spent more than 20 years in the Australian non-profit sector, driven by a deep commitment to equity, collaboration, and systems change. As CEO of Learning Creates Australia, an independent national non-profit driving transformational change in education and learning, we focus on dismantling barriers and building learning systems where every young person’s voice, leadership, and potential are recognised and valued. Before joining Learning Creates at its inception, I served as Deputy CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians, Chair of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, and as a Non-Executive Director of the International Women’s Development Agency. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development, which together shape my practical and people-centred approach to leadership. Fun fact(s): I live in the Upper Yarra Valley with my partner, two children, three dogs, four goats, about twenty chooks, and one opinionated guinea fowl.

I grew up in Shanghai, China and attended a couple international schools completing my primary education there. When we moved back  to Australia I attended a private mainstream school and when my mental health deteriorated, I quickly learnt that it wasn’t the right fit for me anymore. After some research I started at a flexible learning centre beginning VCE VM and I’m set to graduate at the end of the year. It isn’t the perfect fit but it has allowed me to complete secondary schooling and move to further education. I’m starting my nursing course next year with the end goal to be a paediatric nurse practitioner. A fun fact about me is that I can speak fluent mandarin which isn’t as surprising after people know I grew up there.

Jacqueline is an education policy researcher, consultant and secondary school teacher with expertise in the role of curriculum in teaching and learning. Jacqueline is currently a PhD candidate at La Trobe University where she is investigating teachers’ curriculum making, including the role of specific curriculum resources and interactions with education policy. Previously, Jacqueline has worked in a range of senior education policy roles, including most recently as Director of Education NT Strategic Policy in the Northern Territory Department of Education. She currently teaches Humanities two days per week at Elevation Secondary College in Craigieburn, where she has also served on the school council for the last three years. 

Growing up, I faced significant challenges in school, including bullying and racism, and often felt unsupported in the education system. It reached a point where I believed my only option was to leave school and do nothing. Everything changed when I began work experience with Beyond the Bell. For the first time, I felt heard, valued, and motivated to keep going. That opportunity led me to full-time work, where I now support young people by helping run our First Nations leadership days and the workshops we deliver across the community.  My lived experience is the biggest driver behind why I want to create change. I know what it feels like to be silenced, and I believe that young people deserve to feel safe, respected, and understood at school. Being part of the Leadership Council has given me the confidence to speak about issues my school once discouraged me from raising. It has shown me that my story matters and that sharing it can help shape a better, more inclusive education system for others.

Julia Baron is a senior executive with extensive experience in policy, advocacy, youth work, and government relations. Currently CEO of the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC), she leads strategic and operational initiatives to empower student voice across Victoria. With a background in public policy and international studies, Julia has held key roles at the Youth Affairs Council Victoria and Brotherhood of St. Laurence. She is known for her inclusive leadership, successful change management, and driving impact through co-design and sector collaboration. Julia is passionate about creating positive, lasting change and fostering equitable opportunities for young people and communities. 

I am an experienced educational leader and passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and transformative learning. As Principal of Phoenix P–12 Community College, I proudly serve the students and families of Delacombe, Redan, and Sebastopol, leading innovative programs that empower young people through authentic, future-focused learning pathways. I am deeply committed to creating equity for Australian children and to the goals of the Mparntwe Declaration — ensuring every young person is supported to realise their full potential. My work focuses on removing barriers to educational access and building systems that nurture each learner’s growth, wellbeing and agency. Through the Education Equity Alliance, my hope is to champion collaboration, community partnerships, and the belief that equitable education is the foundation of a fair and thriving Australia. Fun fact: ’m a mad Richmond Supporter.

Hello, I am Kristy and a fun fact about me is that my taste in music will take you on an emotional journey, from rap to metal and all in between. I currently serve as Community Engagement Leader at Wyndham Central College.  I’m passionate about bringing families, schools, and communities together to create real, lasting change. With experience in community development, education, and family engagement, I focus on building strong partnerships and programs that make a difference. I’ve worked closely with schools and local organisations to support vulnerable families and strengthen connections, and I enjoy creating practical, inclusive programs that lead to positive outcomes for students and their families. I’m results-driven but people-focused, always aiming to turn ideas into meaningful action. 

Bio coming soon :) 

I was lucky enough to have access to an education that I found relatively easy to engage with, for the most part (I’m looking at you, Maths!). But I was always conscious that this was not the same for everyone and I developed a strong sense of equity and fairness. I knew I wanted to follow this value into a career but I did not know where to begin, so I landed on an Arts Degree – and then eventually thought that I may as well teach the subjects I enjoyed and tacked a (now defunct) Diploma of Education to the end of my degree. It was during this time that I visited a flexible learning setting as part of my studies and this is where I saw with my own eyes a different way of doing things, and I was HOOKED! Since then, I have worked steadily in alternate education settings and have a particular interest in learning and sharing more about how we can help young people re-engage with their education. I am currently privileged enough to be the Head of Campus at a Berry Street School, which I absolutely love.  Fun fact about me – I have four teenage daughters aarrgghh! 

Michelle started her education journey in Mooroopna (Vic), where she worked for 3 years as a teacher and leader in the English and Student Voice spaces. She then taught for 5 years at Templestowe College, a progressive state school in Northeast Melbourne that challenges the status quo. In this role she was Learning Specialist - Director of English, Humanities and Literacy, in which she manages learning areas whilst also leading the implementation of Project Based Learning across the school.  This year, Michelle joined the team at Parkville College, which is based within the youth justice precinct.  Michelle has the joy of being an inaugural Board Member of Education Equity Alliance.  Fun fact:  Michelle and her adorable 1 year old, Remy, are both mad Sydney Swans supporters.  She also went to school in Singapore and Texas!   

I’m currently an Assistant Principal at Cranbourne West Secondary College. My teaching journey began at a small rural school in Casterton, where I engaged students through hands-on science programs like wine making and trout farming. Since then, I’ve held leadership roles at Wheelers Hill, Monterey and Cranbourne West Secondary Colleges, focusing on learning enhancement, inclusion, student engagement and instructional coaching. I’m completing my Master of Education at the University of Melbourne, where I’ve broadened my perspective through two European study tours. Outside of work, my wife and I take our kelpie, Nala, on long walks across Melbourne and provide respite foster care to three of the most fun (and chaotic) boys we’ve ever met. Fun fact: I was born in Brazil and completed my schooling across seven different schools in Brazil, Canada and Australia. 

I started my own schooling in the UK, before then spending most of it in Geelong. I have worked at Teach For Australia for 11 years, after teaching at Stawell Secondary College for four years.  I am currently TFA's Victorian State Manager.  Fun fact: I ran a very slow Great Ocean Road marathon a few years ago, battling wind & rain. 

Bio coming soon :)

Ren (she/they) is 20 years old and graduated from high school in 2023. Throughout her schooling experience, she has faced many challenges, most of which stemmed from being undiagnosed as autistic until the age of 16. School can’t, unfair treatment, unjust suspensions based upon disability and mental health as well as having needs being ignored due to academic success, are a few experiences that Ren has encountered over her school years.  These experiences, as well as living in a low-socioeconomic area with friends who have gone through other struggles, have made Ren very passionate about education equality and making changes to help other students like themselves. She currently works as a mental health and disability advocate in a few not-for-profit organisations as well as student social work.  Outside of this, Ren is a big nerd when it comes to her favourite artists, tv shows and video games.

I started my education journey at a small rural public primary school on Tasmania’s North West Coast. After finishing Year 12, I had no idea what I wanted to do — like many of us — so I headed to the ‘mainland’ for the first time to go to Melbourne Uni. I found the University system very challenging to navigate — I’m a “learn by doing” kind of person so I ended up study and working in social work in tandem so I could go quickly from knowing to doing. I’ve worked in child protection system reform in Australia and Internationally ever since, with my current role being Head of Programs at the Alannah & Madeline Foundation! Fun fact: I’ve been an extra in not one, but two Bollywood films — despite my terrible dancing skills! 

Sue Cridge is the National Manager and Lead of The Connection at The Smith Family, where she drives collaborative leadership to advance education equity across Australia. With over four decades experience in education, Sue’s career spans teaching, school leadership, and national system reform roles, including leadership at Social Ventures Australia and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. She has designed and led innovative initiatives in Australia and the U.S., including with Citizen Schools, as Executive Director, and the Center for Relational Learning, while living in the US. A Sir Winston Churchill Fellow, Sue holds a Bachelor of Education and has postgraduate research credentials at Monash University and has completed tailored course work at both Stanford University and Harvard Graduate School of Education. Sue also taught English in a UN refugee camp in Singapore early in her career. Fun fact(s): Sue is the eldest of nine children and has 21 nieces and nephews, four children and three wonderful grandchildren. Sue also adores ice cream. 

I went to school in South-West Victoria in the middle of nowhere. I moved from mainstream school to trade school as my school wasn’t fitting my needs. After feeling like I had the skills to go back to mainstream school in year 12 I quickly realised school in general wasn’t fit for me with my teachers encouraging me to leave the school and find another pathway. I moved to Melbourne, gave a cert IV in Cyber Security a try, but am now studying a Diploma of Business set to finish in December. I am also a part of Create Foundation’s Youth Advisory Group. Fun fact is I have over 10,000 hours on The Sims. 

I have always loved school — even though I moved often and attended eight different schools from Prep to Year 12! From the moment I met my Year 4 teacher, Mr Dalton, I knew I wanted to become a teacher as soon as I possibly could. I began my teaching career in Term 4, 1998 — technically before graduating from university! Over the next 21 years, I taught across all year levels, beginning and ending my classroom journey in Foundation. From graduate to experienced teacher, my focus was always putting the child first. For the past five years, I’ve been the teaching principal of rural primary schools. It’s truly the best of both worlds — I still get to step into the classroom (whether timetabled or when needed), while leading schools that give students access to the best staff and educational opportunities possible. Fun fact: Outside of school, I love to sing my heart out with our local theatre company — it’s my creative outlet and a joyful way to stay connected with my community.

My education journey began in the classroom as a secondary teacher, where two curious students inspired me to take action on climate change, sparking a lifelong passion for sustainability and education. That experience led me from teaching to CEO of Cool.org, an online education charity, and founding CoolPlus a social enterprise set for international expansion. Over the past 16 years, Iʼve worked with teachers, philanthropists, and changemakers to create thousands of curriculum-aligned resources that connect learning with real-world purpose. My career has been driven by a belief that education is the most powerful lever for change, when teachers are trusted, supported and empowered to lead it. 

Bio to come :)