I was drawn to this newly created role which combined two previous roles, Head of Sport and Head of Co-Curricular, with responsibility for developing a strategic plan to expand programs and staffing. My planning was also linked to the establishment of a Primary School P-6 from 2027. I managed all staff working in Sport, Extra-Curricular and Performing Arts Programs, developing and mentoring all the Heads of Programs so they could mentor their staff and develop best practice programs for the students. This improved risk management, participation and performance in a very short period of time.
My focus was on adding value to students’ lives beyond just school sports participation and establishing the foundations of life long activity, social connection and engagement. It was the exciting vision of the then Head, a former police officer, and one that I supported wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, a change in leadership through illness, has brought a change in vision and direction at the school, and as a result I was unable to continue, returning to Sydney after only six months.
Director of Sport
All Souls St Gabriels
Charters Towers, Qld
01.2024 - 12.2024
In my role as Director of Sport and Manager of High Performance, I had three lasting developments created at ASSG, a brand new, dynamic aquatics program for ASSG’s new 8 Lane, 25m heated pool, including all the risk management plans and compliance requirements for the diverse programs from Learn to Swim, K-10 HPE swimming through to Elite Swimming and a brand-new Water polo program for Charters Towers.
In addition to this I implemented a High Performance Program (HPP) with a High Performance Coach (JCU) an Exercise Physiologist Student at NQU and a relationship developed between JCU and Nth Queensland Cowboys.
The school won the “Big 3” for the first time in many decades due to the changes implemented in structure of coaching, manager, captains and Administration. winning Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics all in the one year.
Managing Director
Gilt Edged Sports Consultancy (GESC)
10.2019 - 12.2023
Having achieved so much as a Director of Sport and Co-Curricular and wanting a change of direction and work focus, in 2019 I started my Sports Management Consultancy which offered wrap around services in sports. We supported schools and sporting groups with strategic planning, budgeting, achieving operational efficiencies, identifying and managing risk, and staff development.
This unfortunately coincided with the COVID outbreak; so whilst my business was grounded I worked with several schools through their programs for online learning and student return to school. At one school, I developed programs catering especially for the needs and interests of international students and at another the Principal had me working with violent and behaviorally disordered students, using sport and lunchtime activities to engage them and improve their patterns of social interaction. With the covid epidemic, this was a challenging time in business, and personal life.
Director of Sport and BTC (Beyond the Curriculum)
St Catherine’s School, Waverley
Waverley
04.2016 - 12.2019
In recognition of my leadership ability and achievements, the roles of Director of Sport and Director of Beyond the Curriculum were merged and I became responsible for all competitive and non-competitive Sport K-12, as well as all co-curricular activities, such as Debating, Chess, Gymnastics, Dance and Drama, plus Snow Sports Holiday Camps, Before and After School Care and Vacation Care (OOSH). Wrote Concussion and LGTBIQ Policies for Executive.
In total I was responsible for over 100 staff. My direct reports included the Head of Junior School Sport and PE; the Head of Senior School Sport who managed the Heads of all the individual sports; the Head of the Beyond the Curriculum program; the Head of PE K-10; the Heads of each of the Inter-School Carnival sports, such as Swimming, Athletics, Tennis, Gymnastics and Cross Country, and the Sports Administrator. The effective pastoral care of all students within the various programs was a key focus and a multi-layered program of care was developed K-12. My stakeholder management extended well beyond the school to sports organisations and governing bodies at all levels. Sections of the BTC program were open to external students so my parent contacts also extended beyond the school community. I identified, monitored, and mitigated the extensive risks of sport, had oversight of Work, Health and Safety in sport, and managed a budget of over $1.5million each year.
Achievements: In 2018 I was publicly recognised by IGSSA as one of their most experienced and knowledgeable Directors of Sport.
Director of Sport K-12
St Catherine’s School, Waverley
Waverley
02.2010 - 03.2015
Responsible for the management of all competitive and non-competitive Sport K-12, and charged with inspiring students, improving participation rates, lifting the school’s performance in sport and establishing a successful rowing program.
Achievements: Developed a strategic plan for Sport to address participation and results.
Head of Sport K-12
St Catherine’s School, Waverley
Waverley
07.2008 - 02.2010
Following the separation of the roles of Head of PDHPE and Head of Sport, I assumed the role of Head of Sport K-12.
Achievements: Built a very extensive coaching network using local elite sports people.
K-12 PDHPE teacher and 2IC PDHPE/Sport Department
St Catherine’s School, Waverley
Waverley
01.2001 - 07.2008
Taught PDHPE to all years, including HSC (results way above state average). Extensive involvement with a growing number of K-12 students with disabilities, identifying their strengths and then developing highly individualised development programs for each student.
Achievements: Encouraged the participation of students with disabilities.
K-12 Physical Education Teacher and Rugby Co-ordinator
George Watson’s School
Edinburgh
08.2001 - 03.2002
Rugby Union Development Officer
01.1994 - 10.2000
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Movement Studies
University of Technology
Sydney
Associate Diploma - Social Science
Loftus TAFE
Diploma - Health Counselling
University of Sydney
Optimising Physical Performance
Sport Knowledge Australia
Level 2 Coach - Water Polo and Rugby Union
Skills
A deep understanding of school sport and sports management, based on current research and diverse experience across many sports, with a strong focus on identifying, improving and managing participation, excellence and safety
Stakeholder engagement
Budget management
Team leadership
Compliance monitoring
A demonstrated ability to create a visionary, transformational strategic plan, achieve stakeholder buy-in, and lead diverse, challenging change processes to a successful conclusion
Create sports programs from Scratch St Catherine’s Rowing Program 2015
An excellent understanding of the complexity of schools’ sports programs, with an eye to continual improvement
Expertise in developing and delivering high level performance, as well as fostering inclusion, promoting participation and encouraging enjoyment of physical activity
Experienced in fostering collaborative working teams and warm relationships with stakeholders, with a proven ability to lead, mentor, manage and empower full-time, part-time and casual staff
Well able to manage competing priorities, with a calm approach under pressure and a great sense of humor
Strategic planning
Risk management
Program development
Certification
Light Rigid Driver’s License (extensive experience driving a school bus)
References
Referees Upon Request
Affiliations
Keen golfer, surfer and fisherman
Timeline
Head of Co-Curricular and Sports Director
Faith Lutheran College
01.2025 - 06.2025
Director of Sport
All Souls St Gabriels
01.2024 - 12.2024
Managing Director
Gilt Edged Sports Consultancy (GESC)
10.2019 - 12.2023
Director of Sport and BTC (Beyond the Curriculum)
St Catherine’s School, Waverley
04.2016 - 12.2019
Director of Sport K-12
St Catherine’s School, Waverley
02.2010 - 03.2015
Head of Sport K-12
St Catherine’s School, Waverley
07.2008 - 02.2010
K-12 Physical Education Teacher and Rugby Co-ordinator
Group Manager Sales & Operations Australia & New Zealand at PVH Group - Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Van Heusen (All Categories)Group Manager Sales & Operations Australia & New Zealand at PVH Group - Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Van Heusen (All Categories)