Meet our Staff

The staff at Kindlehill comprise a variety of teaching, support and administration roles. Throughout the School, our staff possess a wealth of qualifications, skills and experience.

Early Childhood and the Kindy Garden

Kirsty Edwards

Kindy Teacher

Kirsty has completed Studies of Anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner Education (Early Childhood) at the Sydney Rudolf Steiner College, and a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) from James Cook University. She joined Kindlehill in 2008 as a Kindergarten assistant and has been Kindergarten Teacher since 2013.

“As the Kindergarten teacher, I nurture the young child as they begin their journey at Kindlehill. I enjoy creating an environment that is rich in imagination, beauty and wonder, supporting and guiding the development of the whole child”.

Kiara Ferguson

Playgroup Leader

Kiara has worked in the Steiner early childhood sector for 15 years in Sydney, as an assistant, a teacher and playgroup facilitator. Holds a Bachelor of education (primary) Notre Dame, a diploma in early childhood, and is currently studying art therapy. Kiara joined Kindlehill at the beginning of 2021 as playgroup facilitator.

"To meet young families, nurture friendships and build a learning, singing, playing community which extends from the home realm is such an honour"

Nienke Brand

After School Care Coordinator

Nienke holds a Masters of Primary Teaching (UWS) and a Diploma of Early Childhood from Southern Cross University. She recently completed the foundation course for Steiner Early Childhood Education from Sydney Rudolf Steiner College. She has worked with children in primary, early learning and education support settings since 2013.

‘At After School Care, children have the space and time to relax, play, create, and make friends in a supportive environment’.

Primary School

S’haila Bernard

Class 1-2 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”.

Lesley Foxwell

Teacher Class 3-4

Lesley has been teaching in Primary and Early Childhood settings for over 13 years, and has taught in schools in
both Australia and the UK. Lesley has a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and Master of Teaching
(Early Childhood), Foundations Course in
Rudolf Steiner Education (ECF), Introduction to Forest Schooling (Australia) and has
experience holding space for Bush Kindy groups in the Blue Mountains.

“Steiner education allows me to connect my two passions; art and teaching. I enjoy supporting children to find
meaning, identity and purpose through their connection to community, spirit and the natural world.”

John Daniel

Class 5-6 Teacher

After 20 years working as a civil engineer, manager and general manager, John joined the School in 2001 and has taken several cycles of primary school students from 1st to 7th class. A founding Director, he has also been the School’s Business Manager and Company Secretary, and currently chairs the Finance Committee.

“Through an education immersed in beauty, imagination and creativity, the growing child can step into the world with independence, confidence and deep social engagement: liberty, fraternity, equality.”

John Higgins

Primary School 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.”

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

Sayoko Yanai

Japanese Language Teacher

Sayoko completed a Bachelor of Education at Tokyo Gakugei University and is a qualified language teacher with over 30 years of teaching Japanese from 3-year-olds to adults. She also completed a one-year course on Steiner education and Anthroposophy prior to teaching at Glenaeon Steiner School in North Sydney. Sayoko joined Kindlehill in 2013 as a Japanese teacher.

“Learning another language opens up our windows to understand and accept cultural, religious, historical and personal uniqueness, which is urgently needed for the healing of Earth and humanity”.

Sue Totterdell

Student Support, Ukulele and Singing Tutor

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”.

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.

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.”

High School

Lynn Daniel

High School Co-ordinator

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 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.”

Curt Stocksiek

Science Teacher

Curt has extensive experience and qualifications in both management and in teaching. His teaching qualifications include a Dip. T., Bach. Ed. and Grad. Dip. Env. Stud. Since beginning as a Science Teacher at Salisbury High School (SA) in 1984, Curt has taught at the University of Western Sydney and various schools in western Sydney before joining Kindlehill in 2019.

“After over 30 years of teaching at Secondary and Tertiary levels it is a joy to be in a learning environment where a teacher can connect with students. I became a teacher to make a difference to lives and here, given the values and environment engendered at Kindlehill, I can.”

Stephanie Dawes

English Teacher

Stephanie has completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (COFA, UNSW), a Bachelor of Communications (UTS) and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education (Monash). She has a pre-teaching background in the arts, public affairs and publishing, and taught in London and Sydney before joining Kindlehill in 2017.

“I love the creativity and freedom that Kindlehill affords both teachers and students, and how this allows us to engage in meaningful and relevant learning experiences in an exciting, engaging and empathic way”.

Libby Gahl

High School Learning Support

After graduating from NIDA, Libby worked as a Production/Stage Manager/SD designer in theatres around Sydney and Melbourne. Following that, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Communications (UTS) and a Grad. Dip. Ed in Literacy/Numeracy Education (UTS). Since 2007, she has worked as an English Language Literacy Teacher at Ultimo TAFE in Sydney and has been the Literacy Support Teacher at Kindlehill since 2013.

“A ridiculously beautiful school, in the most sparkly place on earth; I’m grateful to teach and learn from equally sparkly children”.

Sayoko Yanai

Japanese Language Teacher

“Learning another language opens up our windows to understand and accept cultural, religious, historical and personal uniqueness, which is urgently needed for the healing of Earth and humanity”.

Sarah Daniel

Geography and History Teacher

Sarah has a B. Arts (UN) and a Master of Teaching (UNE). She works both as a teacher and as student support throughout the school.
“One of the most exciting things when working to support students, is when they find something that they are passionate about, that they really connect to. Finding ways to support their engagement and the depth of their learning is incredibly rewarding. As a teacher, it is a pleasure to be working in an environment where creativity, critical thinking and a real sense of love for the world is valued and imbues all you do”.

Georgia Adamson

Drama Teacher

Georgia is a professional actor who has worked extensively across theatre, film and tv. Most recently, she played Sal Thornhill in Sydney Theatre Company’s production of The Secret River at the 2019 Edinburgh International Festival and the National Theatre in London. Georgia is a passionate teacher and has taught for Sydney Theatre Company and Bell Shakespeare Company, in juvenile justice centres and through her own business, Blue Mountains Drama.

Leanne Clark

Maths Teacher

Leanne completed her undergraduate, Bachelor of Science, focusing on pure and applied mathematics. Following this with a Graduate Diploma in Education, then commenced teaching, working in state and Catholic schools for some years, eventually completing her Masters of Education.
Leanne then completed the 3 year teacher certificate through Steiner House in Sydney, at the same time commencing teaching at a Steiner School, and has been a Steiner teacher for over 20 years, predominantly in high school mathematics. Leanne has been a Class Guardian multiple times, and on occasions over those years has been a member of the Board, as well as a member of the College of Teachers. Leanne commenced at Kindlehill in 2022.

"I have continued to enjoy teaching mathematics and to develop ideas through concrete examples, through colour and imagery. I enjoy delving into the worlds of geometry and algebra in particular and sharing this with students."

Music Tutors

Bronwyn Kirkpatrick

Clarinet and Shakuhachi Tutor

After receiving her Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance from the Canberra School of Music with distinction, Bronwyn pursued her interest in the shakuhachi flute and was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study in Japan with Japanese masters. She has taught clarinet in the Blue Mountains for over twenty years both privately and in schools.

“I love teaching at Kindlehill. The energy is positive and dynamic, and the students are engaged and enthusiastic. I always walk in and out with a spring in my step.”

Steve Grieve

Guitar Tutor

As well as being an active professional musician Steve holds a BA in Anthropology and Political Science (ANU), a Master of Research (WSU) and is a PhD candidate at Western Sydney University. He has recently completed two new albums of original music.

“The lively enthusiasm and commitment of the students at Kindlehill make ensemble and instrumental tuition consistently enjoyable and rewarding, both for myself and the young musicians”.

Elizabeth Cooney

Violin Tutor

Elizabeth began violin studies at the age of four and completed a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts at UNSW graduating in 2010. Elizabeth enjoys contributing musically to the Blue Mountains community through collaboration with local musicians, choirs, BMMS and leading local string orchestra Orpheus Strings. Elizabeth is a member of the Kanimbla Quartet who perform regularly in the Blue Mountains and greater Sydney area. Elizabeth has been teaching the violin for fifteen years and is passionate about providing individualised lessons for each student. She strives to encourage and motivate her students to achieve and instill in them a life-long love of music.

Administration

Erica Chaperlin

Principal

“The privilege of my role as Assistant Principal has been to work more closely with all the students and staff across all classes. It is a complete joy to support the broad vision for the school through both strengthening the areas we already do well and to explore and collaborate with the school community to bring new ideas to make learning better easier and more connected at Kindlehill. I feel myself the luckiest teacher in the world.”

Lynn Daniel

Assistant Principal

Lynn, as a founding teacher, has accompanied Kindlehill School through its growth and transformations.

“I see the Principal role as a custodianship, both privilege and responsibility to the evolving being of Kindlehill.”

In her Principal role, Lynn strives to work collaboratively, aways guiding toward shared understandings of the deeper purposes of our work in this place and time.

Andrew Robertson

Business Manager

Andrew holds an Advanced Diploma in Accounting, a Bachelor of Business (UTS) and has completed the CPA program. He has financial experience working in a diverse array of industries including IT, women’s cosmetics, shipping and table-top gaming. Prior to Kindlehill, Andrew was working in the Early Child Care sector with a focus on governance, management, compliance, business support and workplace relations.

“Kindlehill provides me with the opportunity not only working on the financial/ business side of its organisation, but also to develop on a personal level, as the school, the children and all the staff develop and be a part of the wonderful Kindlehill community”.

Rebecca Cornish

Administration Assistant

A mother of four children, all currently at Kindlehill, Rebecca joined the School in 2018. Rebecca manages all enquiries, including enrolments, and is responsible for supporting the teaching and administration staff, including booking camps, organising school events, Sporting Schools grants, purchasing, performance space bookings, onsite IT assistance and marketing.

‘I love supporting the staff, students and families of Kindlehill. It is wonderful to work with people passionate about teaching the next generations to shape the world”.

Lisa Parragi

Compliance Officer

Lisa studied music in Sydney and worked in the arts before finding her way to the Blue Mountains and Kindlehill. She has two children, the older of whom has now started at Kindlehill. As Compliance Officer Lisa manages many of the school’s government reporting, policy review and other regulatory requirements.

“At Kindlehill I am fortunate to feel that my own work, in whatever small way, contributes towards the wonderful work of the school.”

Derek Johnston

IT Support, Maintenance & Workshop Coordinator

Derek is a Mechanical Engineer previously working in the Rail industry in design, manufacturing, maintenance and management. Derek has one child at Kindlehill, has been an active supporter of school activities, and now tutors woodworking and is responsible for maintenance and IT at the school.

"I’m finding many fun and exciting opportunities with Kindlehill, working with the kids is a joy, the staff are warm and friendly and the environment is an inspiration."

The Board