Helen Barrett
Principal
Helen, is a passionate and experienced Principal who joined Tombolo in July 2021. With a rich background in education, Helen has dedicated her career to supporting neurodiverse students in Australia and the United Kingdom. Her expertise lies in building relationships with vulnerable students, including those with diverse needs and abilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attachment Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Pathological Demand Avoidance.
Helen is excited to be leading our start-up school and forging new opportunities for families. Her passion for education is evident in how she inspires and motivates her staff to create an inclusive and safe learning environment for all students.
Helen enjoys exploring the great Australian outdoors outside of school, including paddle boarding and kayaking. Her love for adventure reflects her adventurous spirit and determination to try new things.
Alex Newman
Assistant Principal
Alex has worked in specialist schools for over 13 years in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. During that time, he has held various roles such as Teaching Assistant, Sports Coach, Leading Teacher and Head of Student Support and Wellbeing.
He has an extensive background in working with learners with ASD. This has ranged from engaging and supporting non-verbal communicators who displayed incredibly challenging behaviours and students with complex needs alongside their ASD diagnosis to working with gifted and talented 2e learners in ASD resource bases.
Ensuring that all students can engage and develop the fundamental skills necessary for them to progress and become independent learners regardless of their abilities or backgrounds underpins Alex’s pedagogy.
Alex has a strong focus on student well-being in the classroom. He believes in building strong and meaningful relationships with all of his students. Developing trust and understanding helps students to feel comfortable and safe in their learning environment.
As a Forest Leader, Alex has a strong connection with the outdoors. He is looking forward to having the opportunity to bring some of his outdoor learning to Tombolo through schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
As a Forest Leader, Alex has a strong connection with the outdoors. He is looking forward to having the opportunity to bring some of his outdoor learning to Tombolo through schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Josh Grierson
Mathematics Teacher
Josh has recently emigrated from the U.K. to sunny Melbourne. He is a passionate educator who aims to elevate the teaching of mathematics for all students.
With a particular focus on project-based learning, Josh leans on his; academic background in Law and Politics, professional background in events and finance, and his fervour for all things nerdy to bring maths to life with contemporary, relevant and highly engaging activities that foster collaboration, curiosity and autonomous learning.
Josh has worked in inner-city London schools where diverse learners have diverse needs and strives to be a positive role model for students. His fascination for mathematics started at a young age, from playing chess in the local library to building solar system models.
Josh has always had a unique insight into the application of maths and, more broadly, problem-solving. He strives to demonstrate the explicit link between mathematics, other academic subjects and the interests of his students whenever possible.
Josh believes that everyone has an untapped potential to develop mathematical thinking, which may manifest through near-infinite possible pathways.
Helen Fricker
Primary Teacher/Curriculum Writer
Helen is part of the teaching team at Tombolo, and she also designs learning and curriculum content in collaboration with the team.
Originally from the UK, Helen has over 20 years of experience from various roles in the Early Years, and both the Primary and Secondary Phase. Helen has worked as a Special Educational Needs Advisor supporting families during the early identification process and as a teacher in both mainstream and specialist schools. She spent two years teaching at Cheshire School, a specialist setting for students with social, emotional and behavioural needs.
Helen describes herself as a kind and nurturing person. As an educator, she believes that her success in the classroom derives from the student-teacher relationships she fosters. Her passion is reconnecting students to the world of education and empowering them to believe that what they offer has value. Helen loves bringing a fun and creative approach to teaching and learning.
In her spare time, Helen loves spending time with her family, walking her dog Frankie, and trying to master the skill of paddleboarding, without falling off!
Kim McClounan
Specialist Intervention and Primary Teacher
Kim has worked in education for almost 30 years, with 20 of those being in London, UK.
Throughout her career, Kim has supported many students individually through various programs and always endeavours to ensure they have a voice in the support they receive. She also works as a teacher at a specialist primary school in Victoria for students with significant social, emotional and behavioural challenges.
Kim has also recently completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Photography (with Distinction) and is an avid photographer.
Kim has also recently completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Photography (with Distinction) and is an avid photographer.
Victoria Gelberg
Drama Teacher
Victoria Gelberg has been teaching for over 25 years in Primary & Secondary settings in Melbourne, Moscow and London.
She is a committed Drama and generalist teacher who enjoys weaving well-being and mindfulness into her lessons.
Victoria worked in theatre as an actor, producer and director and is extremely excited to bring her experiences and knowledge to Tombolo.
Victoria has a special interest in working with Neurodiverse students and has run education and training for parents and teachers of ND children with a focus on ADHD & Executive Functioning skills.
Victoria loves to learn and expand her world views and believes that the children and families she works with have a lot to teach her.
When not working, Victoria can be found watching the latest musical or play, hanging out with her family, playing with her two cats Cosmo and Jarrah, getting crafty with clay and mosaics, cooking up a storm or planning her families next travel adventure.
Daniel Lewis
PTT-Sports Teacher and Senior Assistant Teacher
Dan has worked in specialist schools for over nine years as a Sports Coach and Teaching Assistant. He started his career in the UK, and in 2015 Dan travelled to Tasmania to play semi-professional football, where he stayed for three years before coming to Melbourne.
Dan was coaching tennis at the young age of 13. After starting as a tennis coaching assistant, he eventually became a qualified tennis coach. Dan is passionate about supporting students with negative experiences in mainstream settings after experiencing similar challenges.
After struggling in school, Dan was diagnosed as dyslexic when he started university, which led him to pursue his interest in improving student experiences and outcomes.
Craig Fraser
PTT -Sports Teacher and Senior Assistant Teacher
Craig brings over 10 years of experience in teaching and sports leadership, in the UK and US, to the sports coaching team at Tombolo.
He is highly proficient in leading recreational and educational activities and draws on a wide range of experience at international training camps and coaching programmes.
As a Counsellor, Sports Coach and Recreation Director, Craig has worked with children of all ages and abilities. He prides himself on building strong relationships with every student he works with.
His strengths include a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and impeccable attention to detail. Craig looks forward to using his ability to build long-lasting relationships with students, parents and colleagues to contribute to the successful growth of the Tombolo Academy.
Daniel Sillar
Assistant Teacher
Daniel has over five years of experience working as a tutor and is excited to bring his knowledge in personalised student learning to Tombolo. Daniel is passionate about creating engaging and creative learning activities for students. He has a degree in Computer Science & Mathematics degree and AMEB qualifications in speech and drama.
With a love for DND, games, and all things nerdy, he is looking forward to getting to know the students on their level and helping them develop and pursue their lifelong passions.
With a love for DND, games, and all things nerdy, he is looking forward to getting to know the students on their level and helping them develop and pursue their lifelong passions.
Matthieu Harte
Assistant Teacher
Matthieu studies Arts at Melbourne University and has a specific interest in social justice and the representation of diversity in everyday life.
As a bilingual French speaker, Matthieu has a deep appreciation for the importance of celebrating identity and understanding oneself to better understand how to learn effectively. He first became interested in teaching when he was completing his work experience at a specialist school and while participating in a program to construct housing for villagers in Vietnam, where he also got involved in teaching the local children.
Matthieu is passionate about music, cinema and crochet and hopes to share and discover the passions of the students at Tombolo.
Chris Hall
Occupational Therapist
Chris has extensive Paediatric Occupational Therapy experience in disability and developmental delay, Early Childhood Intervention and Community Health. She is passionate about supporting the well-being of children, their families, carers and teachers.
Chris has extensive Paediatric Occupational Therapy experience in disability and developmental delay, Early Childhood Intervention and Community Health. She is passionate about supporting the well-being of children, their families, carers and teachers.
Chris understands the importance of each child’s learning, play and home environments and endeavours to use her OT skills to help each child participate and engage with everyday tasks.
Chris is very excited about working in Tombolo’s teaching and learning environment. In particular, Chris is interested in helping each student to be able to engage in learning, socialising and other activities that are meaningful to them.
Jim Slattery
Registered Music Therapist
Jim completed his Masters of Music Therapy at The University of Melbourne in 2023. During that time, he completed a placement at Tombolo Academy, and is very excited to continue performing this role as a Registered Music Therapist.
Jim has several years of experience working with children and adults in social work, education, counselling, and disability, and he has a passion for supporting students to build key life skills through fun and creative musical activities.
As well as his role at Tombolo, Jim is passionate about working with groups and individuals within the disability sector, where he believes in taking a collaborative, strength-based approach to music-making to work towards his clients’ therapeutic goals. He is particularly passionate about his work with children, facilitating fun and stimulating sessions and providing opportunities for creative and musical expression.
Matthew Newman
Human Resources and Business Manager
Matthew is from the UK and brings a wealth of international business experience having worked in Spain, the UK, Japan and now Australia for organisations across various industries. This experience has given him a very open and inclusive approach to work and he is always attuned to people’s unique context and needs.
Matthew taught English in Japan for 5 years at ECC – Japan’s largest and most recognised foreign language institute. During this time he taught students of all ages, from 18 months through high schoolers to students 90+ years old. In his second year, he also moved into the HR/Management team where he was responsible for all aspects of HR for over 100 foreign language teachers. This included assistance with visas, banking, scheduling, payroll, etc.
Matt’s previous role was as the HR and Operations Business Partner at an HR consultancy based in the city. Here he managed the back-end operations for the entire business, including finance, HR, marketing and admin.
Matt is multilingual, speaking 3 languages (English, Spanish and Japanese). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Business Studies and is a certified member of the CIPD (UK AHRI equivalent).
Outside of work, Matt enjoys playing football (soccer) as well as a range of other sports including tennis, squash and snowboarding. He also loves travelling, mainly to try all of the local cuisine.
Melissa NeSmith
Senior Administration Assistant
Melissa has training and experience in office administration, special education (K-12) and middle-level education. Melissa worked for many years as an executive assistant in an organisation that provided rehabilitative training for people with disabilities in WA.
Melissa also co-taught students with learning disabilities in a mainstream middle school in the US. More recently, Melissa worked as an administration officer at a specialist primary school in Victoria for students with significant social, emotional and behavioural challenges. Besides Tombolo, Melissa also works as ed support in classrooms in other specialist schools, ranging from kindergarten to Year 12.
All these experiences have taught Melissa that almost everyone can learn, given the right guidance and environment. She likes to tell her own children that smart/fast alone doesn’t get the assignments done…it takes hard work and perseverance…much like the tortoise (in the story of The Tortoise and the Hare), who wins in the end through sheer perseverance!
Christine Yu
Finance Officer and Accountant
Wei arrived in Australia in 2007 to study high school and pursue further education at the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Professional Accounting in the University of Sydney and completed her CPA study in 2019.
Wei is a highly self-motivated individual with great attention to detail. She has several years of experience as an accountant across Retailing, Hospitality, Construction and manufacturing industries. This is her first time jumping into the Education field, and she is so excited and can’t wait to use her skills and experiences to work for Tombolo.
In her spare time, Wei loves hiking and travelling worldwide. She believes travel enriches the mind and educates us far beyond any textbook. It teaches us about humanity and gives us an appreciation, understanding and respect for different points of view and ways of life. We also learn about ourselves along the way.
Suzana McCarthy
Admin & Reception
Born and raised in South Africa to Portuguese parents, Suzana has developed a passion for languages, food and travel. Her love of travel has seen her travel extensively and live in Northern Ireland, England (where she met her husband on the English Channel!) and then finally, Australia.
Sue managed a TAFE cafeteria for eight years, holds a Cert III in Commercial Cookery and is currently undertaking an Arts degree remotely. Having worked in the service industry since the age of 16, Sue has a deep passion for helping people.
For the last couple of years Sue has been in Darwin having an outback adventure with her family. She worked in reception at a school up north and this experience enforced her desire to continue working in the Education industry.
Sue speaks 4 languages and hopes to learn more in the future. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog Scruffy, baking, reading, movie nights, looking for the next travel destination and cooking but adventuring with her family is a top favourite.
Torie Dixon
Science Teacher
Torie completed her Bachelor of Science in 2016, majoring in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology. Although she once struggled with Chemistry in high school, her passion for the subject ignited at university thanks to an amazing lecturer, leading her to pursue it as her major.
Before transitioning into teaching, Torie worked as a formulation chemist, designing moisturizers, cough liquids and other household products. During this time, she volunteered as a cub scout and joey scout leader, which ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in teaching. She made the leap into teaching through the Teach for Australia program, where she taught in Warrnambool.
Torie is dedicated to making science engaging and accessible for all students, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed practices. Her experience designing products as a formulation chemist allows her to see the application of science everywhere, and she loves bringing these real-world connections into her classroom. Passionate about hands-on learning, she ensures that her students not only learn science but experience it in practical, meaningful ways.
Outside of the classroom, she loves colour, novelty, and sewing—so if you ever see her in a dress with a crooked hem, you’ll know she’s continuing to perfect her craft!
Paige Dias
Assistant Teacher
Paige has a background in Childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in design arts. She really loves making a difference in a child’s education whether it’s teaching, guiding or supporting them. She also loves sharing her creativity in the classroom.
In her spare time, she loves spending time with her two gorgeous children and her family. She enjoys going for bike rides or a walk on the beach. Paige feels very lucky to live close to the beach which is a real bonus! She also enjoys theatre, a night in watching Netflix or finding a new novel to read.
Dan McHugh
Art & Music Teacher
Dan is the art and music teacher. He studied and worked in architecture in his hometown of Newcastle before moving to Melbourne in 2014. He completed a Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Monash University over the following years.
Dan has taught art, design and music in a wide range of school since graduating in 2015. He has taught in specialist schools for over 5 years and developed a passion for working with smaller classes and neurodiverse students.
Art and music have always been part of Dan’s life. He drew and painted from a very young age and has fond memories of making art during his own schooling. He picked up a bass guitar and joined a band when he was 13 and has continued to play music since then.
Dan got married in Ireland in 2023 and has two young daughters, Willow and River. He looks forward to supporting students, parents and colleagues at Tombolo Academy.
