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"

Zoe Goldsmith

After School Care Coordinator

Zoe has worked in early childhood centres for 20 years, before beginning her foundation studies in Steiner Early Childhood Teaching at Sydney Rudolf Steiner Parsifal College and beginning here at Kindlehill in 2022. She has a Bachelor in Early Childhood Teaching from Charles Sturt University. Zoe has three children, one at Kindlehill play group, one in Class 5 at the school, and one who is a Year 10 graduate of Kindlehill.

“I love to create a space where children can thrive and blossom in their own individuality and be connected to the school community

“I am passionate about seeing each child thrive, blossom and develop in their own unique way. I love working in a space where children belong, connect and learn together. I have three children, one at Kindlehill play group, one in Class 5 at the school, and one who is a Year 10 graduate of Kindlehill.”

Primary School

John Daniel

Class 3-4 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.”

Erica Chaperlin

Class 5-6 Teacher

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.”.

S’haila Bernard

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”.

Pippita Bennett

Teacher Class 1-2

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”.

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

Class Assistant, 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”.

Collette Patton

Learning Support, Library Co-ordinator

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”.

Lindsey Pacchini

PDHPE Teacher

Since completing a Bachelor of Education in Human Movement and Health Education (USYD) in 2003, Lindsey has had extensive experience as a PDHPE teacher in public and independent schools in Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Lindsey joined Kindlehill in 2019 and has recently been appointed as the School’s Award Leader for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

“From the moment I arrived at Kindlehill, I knew I was home. Each day I am here, I am inspired by all that surrounds me”.

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, Class 8 Guardian

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.

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. As well as tutoring guitar, Steve is responsible for the School’s maintenance and is a Director of the school.

“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

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 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”.

Derek Johnston

IT Support, Maintenance & Workshop Coordinator

Derek is a Mechanical Engineer previously working in the Rail industry in design, manufacturing, maintenance and management, as well as having general design and product development experience. 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