Meet our Gibberagong staff

David Smith

Principal - Teacher: B. Science; Diploma in Secondary Education; Certificate III Public Relations.

David is a trained secondary science teacher who has proudly led the team as Principal of Gibberagong EEC for over 12 years. The position combines his love of teaching, science and outdoor learning that was formed through numerous camping and outdoor experiences in his youth. 

Paula Bourke

School Aministration Manager - B. Arts Humanities; B. Teaching Secondary; Cert III Public Relations.

Paula has extensive experience in business management and administration. After working for 15 years in the corporate sector Paula transitioned to the Department of Education and has worked in numerous positions in schools, including library, student services and front office administration/management. Paula has a love for the environment and is an integral member of the Gibberagong team ensuring all our visiting schools are well communicated with and are supported in their excursion experience.

Charlotte Bennett

Teacher – B. Education (Primary).

Charlotte has worked as a primary school teacher for several years. She has experience teaching all grades, including multi-stage and support classes. During university, Charlotte was honoured to be selected to be a part of the National Exceptional Teachers for Disadvantaged Schools. Under this initiative, Charlotte worked collaboratively with other teachers to produce effective teaching strategies to improve student learning outcomes.

Charlotte also worked as a dance teacher for a number of years. She developed K-6 creative and performing arts programs and coordinated whole school dance and musical performance productions.

Charlotte is passionate about student wellbeing and the positive benefits of spending time in nature. Charlotte values exploration and connection to the natural world for students and provides meaningful and memorable learning opportunities for all who visit Gibberagong EEC.

Brad Crossman

Teacher - M. Environmental Management; B. Primary Education; B. App. Science (Environmental Management and Tourism).

Brad loves nature and sharing the wonders of the natural world with students, teachers and our local community. He can often be found behind the lens capturing the beauty in nature, paddling the waters of Cowan Creek or walking through our stunning national parks.

Before working at Gibberagong EEC, Brad was a teacher in a number of local primary schools and taught the Opportunity Class. Prior to teaching he worked for the NSW Environment Protection Authority, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney Water and State Forests.

Helen Curry

Teacher - B. Arts; Grad. Dip. Ed. (Secondary); Grad. Cert.(Environmental Education).

Helen has a teaching background in secondary geography and other HSIE subjects. She has also worked in outdoor education roles including in residential settings. She is currently combining her passions for teaching outdoors, kitchen gardening, bush regeneration and sustainability education by teaching in primary schools and DEC Environmental Education Centres.

Lea Harlow

Teacher - B. Arts (Hons); B. Law; Grad. Dip. Ed. (Primary).

Lea is a proud descendant of the Gamilaraay Peoples and an executive member of the local AECG. She enjoys sharing her culture with students and seeks to give them a greater appreciation and respect for Country.

Before joining the Gibberagong team, Lea taught for over 10 years in primary schools and has specialist training in teaching Gifted and Talented students as well as students with additional needs.

Lea has held various roles at NESA and NSW AECG giving her a strong understanding of the curriculum. Combining this knowledge with her passion for Aboriginal education, Lea has led PL for teachers to improve their ability to incorporate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures into their classrooms.

Kate Hooghuis

Teacher - B. Science; B. Teaching.

Kate had a 10 year career with National Parks & Wildlife before training to be a primary teacher. 

Kate has a passion for nature connection and teaching students outside. Kate has undertaken extensive  training in curriculum based outdoor learning and is keen to support classroom teachers to take lessons outside, for the benefit of their students. 

Lisa Tennyenhuis

Teacher - B. Arts; B. Com; B. Law; Dip Ed (Primary)

Lisa is a trained Primary School Teacher and has been working at Gibberagong for many years. Lisa's early love for the environment came from her involvement in Scouting in her youth and Lisa continues to be involved in Scouting as a leader.

Teaching at Gibberagong allows Lisa to combine her passion for teaching and nature, with her knowledge gained through scouting, to help students learn, enjoy, and connect with the outdoors.

Claire Winnick

Teacher - B. Science in Biodiversity and Conservation with first Class Honours; B. of Teaching.

Claire’s teaching background is in high school science. 

Claire has many year's experience working as a scientist at universities, helping students with laboratory practical's and conducting research. Combining her love of being outside and science experience, she is passionate to share her knowledge and enthuse students.