Primary School
John Higgins
Class 1-2 Teacher
John comes from a multifaceted background including education and hospitality management. He has worked for an independent English language teaching school in the Sydney CBD for 12 years.
He has travelled extensively, living and working in many countries enabling him to gain a deeper insight into the cultures he has visited. John has worked at Kindlehill as a learning support and After School Care educator.
“Throughout my life I have been very fortunate to have shown courage and follow my intuition. Courage is a trait I foster in my students.”
S’haila Bernard
Class 3-4 Teacher
With a B. Arts (Social Ecology) and a Master of Teaching (UWS), S’haila has been at Kindlehill since 2001 when she came to a Spring Open Day with her children - and stayed! Since then, she has variously been Playgroup leader, Kindy assistant, member of the Village people, Craft coordinator, Gymnastic and sport coach, Music program coordinator, SEA delegate, Gardener and Gardening coordinator, Class Teacher and College member.
“I do what I love, I love what I do”.
Lynn Daniel
Class 5-6 Teacher
Originally a High School teacher in the public system, Lynn has also taught at TAFE and in community settings. In the Steiner context, she has previously been a Kindergarten and Primary School teacher. In addition to her roles as Chair and Assistant Principal, Lynn is High School Co-Ordinator, teaches Geography and History, and co-ordinates the Outdoor Education Programme. Lynn has a B. Arts (UWA) and a Dip. Ed. (WA Secondary Teachers College).
“In every lesson I seek to engage the students with inner world/outer world explorations. Every new topic is a lens for making sense of our lives whether through examining the past or by looking out into the richness and complexity of the world.”
Bec Tyson
Primary School Teacher
Bec holds a Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University and a Master of Teaching (Primary) from UNE. Since 2020, Bec has taught in both the public and Steiner education systems, bringing a neuro-affirming approach informed by lived experience. With 12 years of homeschooling experience, a strong background in child protection, and years spent coordinating volunteers at the Blue Mountains Food Co-op, Bec brings a deep commitment to community, inclusivity, and holistic education.
"I am passionate about weaving cross-curricular learning with real-world connections, fostering curiosity and a sense of purpose in my students."
Stephanie Chatman
Primary School Teacher
Recently immigrating from Vancouver, Canada, Stephanie is thrilled to have found a home teaching at Kindlehill School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Vancouver Island University. As an accomplished violinist and performer, Stephanie inspires students to share her love for music and to value its role in supporting a thriving, connected community.
“At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou
Sue Totterdell
Student Support
Sue has had a varied career in administration, teaching, music and acting. She worked for several Steiner Schools in NSW before joining Kindlehill in 2011 where she has been Administration and Class Assistant, Music Tutor (ukulele and voice) and High School Choir leader. Sue is currently studying a Bachelor of Music at Western Sydney University.
“Sometimes I think you believe in me more than I do,” said the boy. “You’ll catch up,” said the horse”.
Susanne Evans
Student Support
Susanne “Skye” Evans has been involved in Steiner Early Childhood classrooms at Blue Mountains Steiner School since 2004, first as a mother of 5, then playgroup leader, preschool teacher at Wattle Glow Preschool, and kindergarten assistant. She has taught drama, music and literacy in the US, UK and Australia, specialising in connecting with neurodivergent students. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, she holds a BA in communications and theatre arts from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and has completed professional development in Steiner Early Childhood from Sydney Rudolph Steiner College. Susanne is a professional performing artist and musician and also runs Nourishing Mountains, a local organic produce delivery service.
Eliza Logan
Student Support
Eliza holds a BA (Performance) from Theatre Nepean, UWS and is a professional actor in theatre, film, television, and voiceover, and has worked in those fields both in Australia and internationally. Alongside her acting career, Eliza has enjoyed teaching and directing for numerous acting institutions, universities, and schools across the nation. For nine years Eliza was Head of Co-Curricular Drama at St Catherine’s School, Waverley (both junior and high school) and is now one of the three Principal Tutors with Blue Mountains Drama. Eliza has written work for Milk Crate Theatre, the National Maritime Museum, and Bananas in Pajamas for the ABC and is delighted to bring her passion for language to the Literacy Program!
"I love helping people realise and exercise their potential!"
Collette Patton
Student Support
Collette holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary), with a specialisation in English. She worked at Kindlehill from 2013 - 2016 as a class assistant, before spending several years in Canberra where she gained experience in a Reggio Emilia school, as well as teaching in the public school system. Collette returns to Kindlehill in 2022, providing learning support to students in the primary school.
“Kindlehill is a special place - a small school with an enormous, colourful, joyously warm heart.”
Victoria Sand Petersen
Student Support
Victoria is a Danish citizen and immigrated in 2021 to Australia with her family. She has been working with children since 2008 and in 2016 she completed a Bachelor Degree in Social Education in her native Copenhagen, Denmark. She has extensive experience in working with children that have been diagnosed, developed behaviour issues and other challenges.
Victoria uses her passions and experiences in her teaching methods to help foster a warm and inviting environment. Victoria’s formulative years was within the Royal Danish Ballet School, which helped her to integrate movement into her learning environments.
