I have worked as an Educator for over 40 years as a Special Education Teacher, Behaviour Support Teacher, Guidance Officer and was Principal of Tennyson Special School a facility for students with Behaviour and Adjustment difficulties for 16 years. I am also a trained family therapist and counsellor. I have been involved with the Glasser Australia for over 17 years. I was introduced to Choice Theory when I completed my first basic week in 1999. It made a profound impact on my personal and professional life. It gave me the tools to take more personal responsibility for my life and allow others the opportunity to do the same. My learnings about Lead Management helped me be a better and more effective leader. I am a Basic Week Instructor, Advanced Practicum Supervisor, a Faculty Program Consultant and Take Charge of Your Life Facilitator. In 2011 I completed the William Glasser Institute’s Advanced Certification developed by Joan Hoogstad. It is one of my passions to work with a group of us to gain accreditation for this course again. I have worked as Regional Coordinator for Glassers Australia SE Qld and have been a member of the board since 2006. I am the current Immediate Past President and have carried out the roles of President, Fifth Director and previously two terms as Training Officer. I am passionate about providing quality training and exploring with others innovative ways to promote CT/RT/LM to the wider community and in courses that meet industry standards. I love connecting with our members as I am always inspired hearing about people’s personal journeys and the work that is being done to promote CT/RT/LM, the commitment to Glasser’s ideas and creative ways they are applied. I have a strong commitment to promoting RT/CT/LM not only in the educational and Mental Health settings but also as a way to improve people’s quality of life and happiness.

In 2021 I attended the BASIC INTENSIVE TRAINING (BIT) Understanding Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management. Since this training I have read William Glasser M.D. ‘Choice Theory’ and use this psychology in my personal and professional life. In 2022 I attended ‘The Art of Leadership’ facilitated by Judy Hatswell and Rob Stones and found this training exceptional and leaving me to strive for more and where to next. I ask myself “What am I doing to get closer to what I want?”. I want to continue to grow my professional knowledge, understand and obtain further skills to empower myself and others. The opportunity to be a valued Board Member, specifically in the treasury role will be an opening to further support my future involvement and ambitions with Glasser Australia. As the Treasurer of Glasser Australia I will bring 30 years of administrative, financial, and volunteering experience. In my current role as a School Administrative Manager, I am responsible for he efficient management of school financial and administrative systems and manage the provision of support for school activities and routines, including student welfare and wellbeing, and work with the school principal, the school executive and teaching staff as required. I lead the school’s staff and executive to ensure the efficient management of school financial and administrative systems as per departmental policy and procedures. In addition to my current employment, I have had extensive experience as a volunteer / board member, committee member on many community-based organisations over the past 34 years. I believe in giving back to the community in which I live and work. By volunteering on committees and boards it has provided me with an incredible opportunity to meet influential, intelligent and well-connected people. It has strengthened my self-development, professional skills and led to my current employment. The Treasurer is an integral part of the Board, and I will complement the other board members by working collaboratively, communicate effectively, connect, and embrace new respectful relationships

Cath is a retired high school principal who has a wide and extensive experience across a range of schools and educational roles. Like all successful and effective educational leaders, she strives to make a difference and actively promote the values of public education. Cath is recognised as an enthusiastic, committed, and passionate leader, presenter and coach, who understands the central importance of relationships in effective teaching, learning, leading and life. Cath enjoys sharing her passion for Glasser’s work through teaching Basic Intensive Training, Practicums and Take Charge of your Life courses. Cath also provides coaching to support clients with personal growth and wellbeing. Beginning her life-changing Glasser journey over 20 years ago, Cath continues to embrace internal psychology in her personal and professional life.

I am mum of seven children in a blended family. I am a teacher who has had the privilege of teaching and encouraging others of all ages for the last 30 years. Regardless of whether I am teaching primary students, high school students, university students, or adults who wish to better themselves I am grateful for the trust and respect each relationship brings. My experiences are many, from working in schools throughout Australia, Tanzania, and Britain, to currently teaching at the University of Wollongong. My fondest memories include supporting people through some of their most challenging moments in life and being blessed by sharing their learning and growing. I am certified in Choice Theory, Lead Management and Reality Therapy as well as a facilitator of the Take Charge of Your Life program. I have developed an on-line platform which widens my ability to reach and work with others. I am looking forward to embracing many more opportunities to build positive relationships with others.

After graduating from Mt Gravatt College in 1981 with primary education specialised in early childhood, she commenced her career at Currumbin Valley State School to teach in the Early Education Class. Her long career with Department of Education has covered three main facets whilst transferring from one end of the state of Queensland to the other. A third of her Forty-Three Years as an Early Childhood Educator valuing the difference early intervention can make to a young person’s learning outcomes and career prospects on the Gold Coast and Thursday Island. Whilst working at Musgrave Hill State School Early Education Centre she was introduced to Bette Blance and was introduced to Choice Theory through the department’s Excellence in Teaching Program which inspired her appetite to complete the Basic Intensive Course.   The second chapter as teacher, Deputy Principal and Principal of Thursday Island State School honing her knowledge and pedagogy working with First Nations students supporting English Second Language practices, cultural teachings and trajectory of opportunity post school. Leading the school offered an opportunity to bring Choice Theory to the island. Judy Hatswell generously made the trip from Sydney to Thursday Island in north Queensland, and we introduced Basic Intensive Course to staff and community.   The final chapter as Principal of Mudgeeraba Special School delivering quality learning outcomes for students from Prep to Year 12 with severe intellectual impairment and multiple impairments where she retired in 2024. She was integral in establishing one of four Special School Trade Training Centres in the state. She led the successful delivery of four Certificate Courses in line with the Registered Training Organisation to improve the recreational and employment options for all young people graduating from Mudgeeraba Special School including her own daughter.   She has invested in her own strategic leadership skills as a Principal for more than two decades and mentored colleagues to further their leadership journeys. She is a trained Instructor in Choice Theory, and the school was co-verified as the first International Quality School for a Special School in 2022. In this twenty-two-year period she connected with Bette Blance, Bob Sullo, Maggie Bolton, Susan Fleming and Rob Stones who facilities training and leadership training to invest in the school’s community.   During her career she has chaired and taken membership on a number of committees to advocate and collaborate to ensure the moral purpose of students was front and centre. She welcomes the opportunity to be a voice on the Board from Darling Downs where she now resides.

I was brought up in Naracoorte, country South Australia, where I completed my schooling. After attempting a number of work options in Adelaide, I finally pursued an interest in teaching and consequently education became my life’s passion. I completed a Bachelor of Education leading to a Master of Catholic Education. Along with teaching, I moved into administration and various educational leadership roles, and for many years as Deputy Principal in three different Colleges. During my time as Deputy Principal, I realised I needed to extend my skill set to effectively work with students, parents, and colleagues within the school community. In studying Choice Theory, I found the tool I was looking for and I obtained certification. Consequently I became involved with the Counselling Association of South Australia as a counsellor and a member of the executive committee. During this time I also became the South Australian representative of PACFA participating on a number of committees. Having now retired from education, I continue to have an interest in Choice Theory and so am delighted to serve on the Glasser Australia board.