Meet our Staff

After extensive experience with Barnardos Australia, Erica joined the teaching profession in 2004, focusing for many years on high school teaching for young people with behavioural issues not able to be in mainstream classes. Erica joined Kindlehill School in 2009. She has a B. Arts ( Hons) (USYD) and a Master of Teaching (UWS).

“Through a profoundly nurturing and rich education of the whole child we help to heal the world and move towards greater kindness and respect – that’s why I am here.”.

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”.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Architecture (USYD) and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (CSU) Pippita joined Kindlehill in 2005 where she has taught Primary School for 15 years and run Playgroup for 4 years. A practising artist Pippita loves “The place where Art meets Mathematics!”.

“In teaching at Kindlehill I can give students the education I wished I had as a child”.

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.”

Eliza graduated with a BA (Performance) from Theatre Nepean (UWS) in 1994. Since then she has worked as a professional actor (in film, tv, theatre, voice over, animation) and as a teacher of drama/acting for all ages both privately and in schools, universities and the corporate arena. Eliza is currently one of the three principals of Blue Mountains Drama.

"I really loved co-directing the Kindlehill production of BESTEST WORLD in 2019 and am delighted to be back teaching drama with senior students for T3 2020 where we’ll investigate communication, storytelling and empathy through drama and devising a performance".

Sharon grew up in London and has degrees from Newcastle Upon Tyne University and North London University. She taught at schools in London, Brisbane and Sydney before joining Kindlehill when the High School was formed. Sharon’s aim is for the students to gain an appreciation of mathematics, skills and problem-solving techniques and learn more about ourselves.

“My final aim is that each student leaves a lesson, a little more curious, a little lighter and happier than when they started the lesson”.

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. As well as tutoring guitar, Steve is responsible for the School’s maintenance and is a member of the Finance Committee.

“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”.

A conductor, composer and performer (flute), Jade has received numerous awards, scholarships and degrees, including a Master of Music (conducting) from the Sydney Conservatorium, University of Sydney. She has been musical director and conductor of many orchestras, choirs and ensembles in Tasmania, Sydney and the Blue Mountains where she now resides.

"As a musician, working at Kindlehill is incredibly rewarding because the students have an adventurous spirit that is refreshing, and the school is imbued with a culture that values music."

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 studied music and arts management at university and worked in arts administration in Sydney before moving to the Mountains and joining Kindlehill in 2018. In the role of Compliance Officer, Lisa is responsible for monitoring the School’s policies and procedures, government reporting and payment systems, and preparing the Annual Report, Kindlings and other materials.

“I am incredibly fortunate to work with such a close community of teachers, staff, children and their families in the beautiful environment of the school and its surroundings”.

Julian is the founder of EcoSTEPS, a sustainability strategy consultancy and a principal with the CFO Centre. He is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (FCA-CAANZ) and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD). As a director of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, Julian is a leading advisor in the areas of finance and sustainability strategy and reporting.