College Staff

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nepean community college

Our Teachers

Our Teaching Staff

At Nepean Community College, our trainers and assessors hold nationally accredited VET qualifications and continually maintain industry currency through ongoing professional development. They bring real-world experience straight into the classroom, ensuring you learn the most up-to-date skills and practices.

Complementing our vocational experts are our leisure-course tutors, each a passionate specialist in their field. From creative arts to personal enrichment, they design engaging, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and growth.

Scroll through the slider below to explore each trainer and tutor’s biography, discover their unique backgrounds, and see how they’ll guide you on your next learning journey

Our Staff

College Staff

Wesley Jones
CEO

Wesley Jones brings over three decades of leadership, compliance expertise, and hands-on training experience to his role as Chief Executive Officer of Nepean Community College. With dual degrees in business and sociology, an MBA, and a Graduate Certificate in Transformational Leadership in Education, he weaves deep strategic insight with a passion for empowering learners. Wesley’s career trajectory—from frontline nursing and airline operations to leading community-focused Registered Training Organisations—reflects his commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Kim Aubrey
RTO Compliance and Quality Assurance

Kim Aubrey exemplifies the ideal blend of creativity, rigour, and deep vocational expertise required for her dual role as Compliance Manager and Course Writer at Nepean Community College. With over two decades of experience spanning RTO compliance, curriculum design, and learner engagement, Kim brings a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for inclusive education. Her leadership in validation processes, audit preparation, and resource development ensures the College not only meets ASQA standards but consistently exceeds them. Kim’s ability to tailor training materials for diverse cohorts—refugees, seniors, and students with disabilities—makes her an invaluable force behind the College’s commitment to quality, relevance, and learner success.

Sarah Stuart
Office and Community Development Manager

Sarah serves as the Office Program Manager and Community Development Manager at Nepean Community College, where her 22+ years of RTO administration experience underpin the smooth operation of every program. With qualifications in Business Administration, Frontline Management, and Business Management, she expertly oversees student records, coordinates tutor and trainer logistics, and ensures that all programs run efficiently and compliantly. Sarah’s deep understanding of community needs and her strategic approach to development make her a cornerstone of the College’s inclusive and responsive education model.

Jade Leggatt
RTO Manager and Student Engagement Facilitator

Jade Leggatt brings a rare combination of frontline empathy and strategic oversight to her role as Student Engagement Facilitator and RTO Manager at Nepean Community College. With a background in program coordination, compliance, and learner support across multiple states and funding streams, Jade ensures students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered from enrolment through to graduation. Her expertise spans AVETMISS reporting, LMS navigation, trainer onboarding, and continuous improvement, making her a linchpin in both student success and operational excellence. Jade’s commitment to quality, adaptability, and inclusive education drives the College’s mission forward with warmth and precision.

Andrew DiNoia
Outreach Support Officer

As Outreach Support Officer at Nepean Community College, Andrew Di Noia brings a rich blend of linguistic expertise, cultural sensitivity, and heartfelt dedication to learner support. With a background in TESOL, linguistics, and biblical languages, Andrew excels at making complex language concepts accessible and engaging for diverse student cohorts. His experience in volunteer teaching, private tutoring, and online language exchange has honed his ability to connect with learners through empathy, patience, and creativity. Andrew’s outreach work is grounded in genuine care and a passion for education, helping students feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

The Team​

Our Tutors

Paula Roe

Paula Roe is an award-winning author with HarperCollins, with nine books published in over 20 countries and multiple languages. A Borders Books best seller and finalist in Romance Writers of Australia’s Romantic Book of the Year, she is a double-winner of the Australian Romance Readers' Best Romance of the Year award and a multi-nominee for their Favourite Romance Author of the Year. Paula writes contemporary, historical, speculative and women’s fiction, and is traditional and indie published, is an experienced tutor and public speaker, and also runs a small business that creates websites, book covers and author writing tools.

Wan Tien Wong

I am a Malaysia Chinese and had to learn three languages since I grew up in Malaysia. After I finished my high school education, I determined to go to Taiwan University for enhancing my Chinese. Once I immigrated to Australia, I decided to do the graduated diploma of teaching course because I want to share my languages for the local community. Since I have been teaching Chinese at my private tutoring, Easy Peasy Australian School and NNC, I built up more teaching experiences and enjoyed in sharing Chinese language with the students I taught are all walks of life and they are of different ages. I am able to adopt variety of teaching strategies according to different age group. I look forward to seeing more of you to join the Chinese courses.

Sue Kennedy

Founder and CEO of Author Academy, Sue Kennedy Publishing, Soul Guidance Thru Art and Conquering Cancer Creatively. With over three decades of author coaching, publishing, speaking, and most importantly, real-life, in-the-trenches business experience, her view is radically different. Sue appreciates, and shares with listeners, that writing your story is a journey that allows you to access your untapped, forgotten, or ignored passions and energies that will get you moving. Everyone has a book inside of them. It's how we share our story that counts. Sue, sometimes referred to as the “People Whisperer” for her coaching skill that brings out the best in people, is known for her practical, street-savvy style; Sue's fusion of real-life stories and her conversational techniques connect with her audience at an intimate, intense and individual level.

Francesca “Cesca” Lemon

Francesca “Cesca” Lemon is an experienced trainer, facilitator, and community educator with a career spanning corporate, community, and education sectors. Holding a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology, a Diploma of Community Services Work, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, she blends academic insight with practical expertise in program design, delivery, and evaluation. Cesca has developed and delivered accredited and non accredited training across diverse contexts — from Certificate I & II Skills for Vocational Pathways in high schools to workshops supporting families and carers in the mental health sector. Her facilitation portfolio includes topics such as emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management, and change and loss, tailored to audiences ranging from youth to older adults. Her earlier career at Thomson Reuters saw her lead client and staff training on complex software systems, while her background in promotions and public relations honed her skills in stakeholder engagement, event coordination, and content creation. Cesca is also an accredited ‘Seasons for Growth’ facilitator and has completed specialist training in trauma informed practice, cultural competence, and mental health first aid. She is recognised for her empathetic approach, clear communication, and ability to create safe, engaging learning environments that empower participants to grow in confidence and capability.

Connie Theodoridis

Connie Theodoridis is an accomplished CEO, Director, and award winning business coach with over two decades of leadership across vocational education, corporate training, and community services. A certified Level 1 & 2 Coach, NLP Practitioner, and qualified Trainer & Assessor, she blends strategic vision with hands on expertise in organisational growth, compliance, and people development. Her career spans senior executive roles — including CEO of multiple RTOs, National Training Manager, and Compliance Manager — where she has driven operational excellence, secured industry accreditations, and led large, diverse teams. Connie’s portfolio includes designing and delivering accredited training from Certificate III to Graduate Diploma level in leadership, business, project management, and community services, alongside developing robust quality systems and innovative learning resources. As Founder of Opening Doors Life & Business Coaching, she empowers business owners and professionals through tailored coaching, mentoring, and professional development programs. Her achievements include multiple Australian Small Business Champion Awards and recognition among the Top 10 Influential Greek Australian Women. Fluent in English and Greek, Connie is a dynamic facilitator, public speaker, and change leader committed to building capability, confidence, and sustainable success for individuals, teams, and organisations.

Mujgan Tahery

Mujgan Tahery is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Uniting Circle Multicultural Community Centre, a dynamic leader with over 16 years’ experience in customer and community services, complemented by 7 years in administration and management, and a further 7 years as a nursing professional. Holding an MBA, a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (HRM), and multiple vocational qualifications, she combines strategic vision with hands on expertise in service delivery, compliance, and team leadership. Since establishing Uniting Circle in 2023, Mujgan has spearheaded inclusive programs that empower culturally diverse communities, forging partnerships with government, industry, and grassroots organisations. She is adept at strategic planning, financial stewardship, and program evaluation, ensuring services are sustainable, impactful, and responsive to community needs. Her prior role as an Operational Support Officer Director at the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission saw her lead cross functional teams, develop operational policy, and drive quality improvement initiatives across the sector. A skilled trainer and assessor, Mujgan excels in curriculum design, workshop facilitation, and mentoring, with a strong focus on cultural competence. Her leadership style fosters collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement, underpinned by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and the wellbeing of the communities she serves.

Kirsty Stewart

Kirsty Stewart is a versatile trainer, facilitator, and communicator with a career spanning corporate training, customer service, disability support, and community engagement. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, she brings a unique blend of business acumen, instructional expertise, and people focused service delivery. Kirsty has designed and delivered professional development programs for leading organisations including Qantas, Telstra, Westpac, Nestlé, Sydney Water, and Optus. Her training portfolio covers communication, leadership, time management, negotiation, customer service, and Microsoft Office applications, with a proven ability to tailor content to diverse audiences across Australia and the UK. Her career also reflects a strong community and service ethos — from her work as a Disability Support Worker and Learn to Swim Instructor to her role as a Marriage Celebrant and active Toastmaster. In corporate settings, she has excelled in sales and marketing coordination, implementing social media strategies, managing client relationships, and producing customised tenders and proposals. Adaptable, engaging, and committed to professional excellence, Kirsty thrives in roles that combine facilitation, creativity, and relationship building. She is passionate about empowering individuals at all stages of life through learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and confidence building.

Subashree Rajah

Subashree Rajah is an education professional with over six years’ experience in the education and training sector, underpinned by a strong academic foundation that includes a Master of Business Studies, a Bachelor of Commerce (First Class with Distinction), and Certificates IV in Training and Assessment and Education Support. Her career spans roles in Australia and Sri Lanka, combining classroom support, teaching, and lecturing. Most recently, as an Education Support Officer at Heritage College in Victoria, Subashree provided targeted assistance to primary students, including delivering one on one multi literacy programs for learners with additional needs. She supported teachers in lesson delivery, resource preparation, and supervision during school activities, while maintaining a strong focus on child safety and wellbeing. Previously, she taught Cambridge Advanced Level Business Studies at Lyceum International School, and lectured in business at Singapore Informatics, where she developed curriculum, facilitated workshops, and assessed student performance. Subashree brings technical proficiency with digital learning tools, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven ability to adapt quickly to diverse educational environments. Her approach blends academic rigour with empathy, ensuring students are supported to achieve their potential while fostering a positive, inclusive learning culture.

Kylie King

Kylie King is a dynamic business trainer, assessor, and entrepreneur with a proven track record in leadership, retail management, and small business development. Holding an MBA, a Diploma of Leadership and Management (in progress), and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, she blends strategic insight with hands on operational expertise to deliver measurable results. As a Business Trainer and Assessor at Parramatta Community College, Kylie designs and facilitates engaging programs in business administration, entrepreneurship, and employability skills. She has successfully supported diverse cohorts — including migrant students and people with disabilities — to build workplace confidence, with many securing employment as a direct outcome of her training. Kylie is also the founder of Kylie King Hypnotherapy and the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative (ALIBI), where she provides mindset coaching, business mentoring, and community networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Her leadership extends to event management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic growth initiatives that foster collaboration and empowerment. Earlier in her career, Kylie spent a decade as a Big W Store Manager, leading large teams, managing multimillion dollar operations, and delivering significant profit growth. She is recognised for her adaptability, integrity, and ability to inspire individuals and organisations to achieve their goals.

Pranish Kapil Chandra Jit

Pranish Kapil Chandra Jit is a highly experienced disability and community services professional with over 23 years in the sector, spanning frontline support, case management, program facilitation, and NDIS planning. Holding a Bachelor of Public Health, multiple community services qualifications, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, he combines deep sector knowledge with a passion for empowering individuals to achieve greater independence. Pranish’s career includes roles as Disability Support Worker, Program Facilitator, Case Manager, and Local Area Coordinator, working with diverse cohorts and complex needs. He has extensive expertise in developing and implementing individualised plans, coordinating supports, managing budgets, and liaising with multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic outcomes. His work as a Subject Matter Expert has seen him mentor colleagues, deliver in house training, and enhance organisational capability in NDIS processes and compliance. Known for his exceptional communication skills, cultural competence, and ability to build trust with clients, families, and stakeholders, Pranish is adept at navigating complex systems to secure resources and opportunities for participants. His approach blends empathy with strategic problem solving, ensuring services are both person centred and goal driven. Fluent in English and Hindi, he is committed to fostering inclusion, capacity building, and meaningful community participation.

Andrew Di Noia

Andrew Di Noia is a linguist and language educator with a passion for helping learners unlock the structure, beauty, and meaning of language. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Macquarie University and a Certificate IV in TESOL, he brings both academic rigour and creative teaching strategies to his work. Andrew has taught English to speakers of other languages in both volunteer and private tutoring contexts, including his TESOL placement at Penrith Anglican Church, where he integrated technology and interactive activities to make lessons engaging and accessible. He has also designed and delivered specialist classes in reading and writing Biblical Hebrew, and provided ongoing language support through online platforms and language exchange communities. His teaching style blends empathy, patience, and cultural awareness, ensuring learners feel supported while being challenged to grow. Skilled in lesson planning, grammar instruction, and classroom management, Andrew adapts his approach to suit individual learning needs and goals. With a background in ancient Greek, Latin, and especially Biblical Hebrew, Andrew offers a rare depth of linguistic knowledge. He is committed to fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in his students, whether they are beginners or advanced language enthusiasts.

Amany Ashaia

Amany Ashaia is an energetic and adaptable TESOL teacher with a strong background in customer service and international English language instruction. Holding a Master of Arts in TESOL from the University of Western Sydney, a Licentiate in Spanish Language, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, she combines academic expertise with a practical, student centred approach to learning. Amany has taught English to adults across a range of settings, including MTC Blacktown, Canterbury Language School, and Mission Australia Parramatta, delivering lessons from beginner to advanced levels. She is skilled in developing interactive, tailored lesson plans that respond to individual learning needs, and consistently receives positive feedback for her engaging, supportive teaching style. Her professional background also includes roles in reception and telecommunications, where she honed her organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Fluent in English and Arabic, with basic Spanish, she brings cultural awareness and linguistic versatility to her teaching. Beyond her professional work, Amany is an active Sunday school teacher, creating lessons and activities that inspire and connect with young learners. She is committed to fostering confidence, language proficiency, and a love of learning in every student she teaches.

Simon Rigney

Simon Rigney is a qualified trainer, assessor, and industry subject matter expert with a unique blend of technical expertise, emergency services experience, and vocational education capability. Holding a Bachelor of Arts (Information Systems) from the University of New South Wales and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, he is accredited to deliver and assess across business, information technology, work health and safety, communication, foundation skills, and first aid. Simon’s professional profile is underpinned by extensive service with the NSW State Emergency Service, where he has completed advanced training in leadership, incident control, navigation, rescue operations, floodboat handling, four wheel drive operations, and workplace safety. His SES roles have honed his ability to lead teams in high pressure environments, conduct briefings and debriefings, and maintain operational readiness through rigorous skills development. In the classroom, Simon combines real world operational insight with a structured, learner centred approach. He is adept at tailoring training to diverse cohorts, from beginners in digital literacy to vocational students in accredited qualifications. His delivery style emphasises clarity, practical application, and confidence building, ensuring learners can translate skills directly into workplace or community contexts. Committed to excellence, Simon brings professionalism, adaptability, and a strong safety ethos to every training and assessment engagement.

Happy Singer

Happy Singer is a British born Australian language educator and public speaking trainer who brings academic excellence and performance flair to every class. He earned a BA (First Class Honours) in German Studies from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, receiving a commendation for spoken German and the Swiss Embassy Prize. Across the UK and Germany, he taught German, French, and ESL to high school students and private clients, building a reputation for clarity, warmth, and results. Since 2022, Happy has returned to classroom teaching with fresh energy, offering German for adults and private tuition for all ages, alongside public speaking at the college. His lessons demystify German grammar with step by step scaffolding while prioritising real world communication. Learners gain confidence through targeted pronunciation work, interactive tasks, and practical strategies they can use immediately in conversation, study, or work. A professional software engineer, experienced public speaker, and former musician, actor, and comedian, Happy designs uniquely engaging sessions that blend technological innovation, musicality, and humour. He tailors content to individual goals—from foundation skills to advanced fluency and stage presence—using feedback loops, micro drills, and performance techniques to drive measurable progress. Above all, Happy believes language learning should be joyful. His goal is simple: help learners find their voice—whether in German or on the microphone—with confidence and authenticity.

Perry Gamsby

Perry Gamsby was a professional soldier for nearly a decade from the age of sixteen. He's been a private investigator, bodyguard, businessman, tutor, salesman and writer and has a wealth of first hand experience of people and places having traveled extensively and lived abroad for many years. Unique among most writers, Perry has been dead twice and is certain this experience has influenced his 'edgy, urban lit' style of writing. A father of six, he and his wife live with these wonderful people in the far west of Sydney where Perry supports his wife and kids through his writing, editing and process serving activities.

Evelyn Therese Sanders

As a child & young adult I thought I was in no way artistic. Then after a year of intense therapy I began to paint pictures that came into my head. After another year, I attended a Mandala class at Continuing Ed - Syd Uni. The instructor was fabulously supportive, & formed a group after the course, where we drew once a month, for many years. Through encouragement I drew at least one mandala a day, & began keeping journals of drawings done using coloured pencils, gel pens, ink, paint. I also studied Betty Edwards book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain", which I use in the classes I teach. Many students have had tremendous success in using Betty's exercises to begin or improve their artistic abilities. My experince, & working through Betty's book, proved to me that drawing is a learnt skill, that leads on to art.

Yoshimi Fraser

I was born and brought up in Japan. I have been teaching languages for 20 years. I am passionate about teaching and communicating with people. I am a mother of two boys (+I have a husband) so I think I am very well trained in being patient! You can ask me questions as many times as you need. Each lesson is revised in the next lesson to make sure everyone is on the same page and no one is left behind. I am happy to support whatever your purpose is for learning Japanese. Japanese is not an easy language to learn but I will make sure each lesson is fun and creative for everyone to enjoy and discover how great it is to be able to understand other languages. If you are into Manga, Anime, want to understand more what your favourite characters are saying on the screen, planning on travelling to Japan or thinking to teach Japanese in the future, this course is the perfect entry level for you!

Wendy Luxford

Wendy studied dress design at the Dress Design Studio at East Sydney Technical College with the aim of working in the theatre • Costume maker and wardrobe assistant, she has made and co-ordinated costumes for professional and amateur theatre, movies, television and commercials • Freelance costume maker and wardrobe co-ordinator, specialising in community theatre productions and male and female period costume (current) • Patternmaker/grader - flat and CAD (current) • Consults and tutors classes and workshops in colour, style, image and wardrobe for men and women as well as pattern fit, sewing and tailoring. • Taught in community colleges for nearly 30 years. Wendy enjoys sharing her knowledge with students and giving them the confidence to makeover their image, revamp their wardrobe, adjust a pattern to fit their figure, learn new techniques or complete a garment or sewing project.

Rosemary Brett

I started cake decorating doing cakes for family and friends My cake decorating teacher retired and asked me to take over her classes .the rest is history I continue to be fascinated at the continued growth of the world of sugar.it gives me great pleasure to see how adults and children are so pleased with their results after just one lesson.Many of them continue on with creating a small business with their skills they have learnt.

Jeanine Gallazi

Born in Morocco from French parents. Primary School in Morocco. High School in France with English as a second language from 1st year. Au pair in England while learning English. My love for languages has always been present and now I am studying for a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. I have a friend who is fluent in French as her second language, lucky for me to be able to speak my language as I have no French family in Australia.

Daniel Baranowski

I have over 20 years teaching experience, I am a Tai Chi for Health Institute Board certified instructor and am a certified COVID safe martial arts instructor.

Stephen Bradstock Mann

I started playing chess competitively in the early 1970's, as a teenager and rapidly improved, winning a few tournaments, mentored by the then current Australian Chess Champion, Max Fuller. As an Early Childhood Educator, I have taught chess as part of an ongoing program at Springwood Preschool for 30 years. I have held workshops at Lawson and Kindlehill Primary Schools for groups of 20+ students. I also teach adult students privately as well as in Church based groups.

Lowell Rowland Tarling

I was born in London. Migrated in 1959. Married in 1972. Had three children. Lived in Sydney, Newcastle, Warragul, Bermagui, Melbourne and Katoomba. I have written and ghostwritten many books - including Mythbusters, Beyond Azariah (with Michael Chamberlain), three novels, but my favourites are biographies including, (singer) Tiny Tim, and the Australian artist Martin Sharp.

Gayle Di Iorio

For many years I have dabbled in design features on fabric. Which is why I learnt to sew. Painted fabric, beading and applique can give a unique look to a basic garment and soft furnishings. We don’t need to invent the wheel all over again. It’s fun to take an old outfit or basic cloth object and personalize it. As they say a change is as good as a holiday. Making that change can be fun and satisfying.

Lisa Penson

Lisa is an experienced and acclaimed business educator and her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners to bring big ideas to life. Lisa has a proven track record of face-to-face and online business training, advising and coaching start-ups, micro and small business owners to implement sustainable and profitable growth strategies. Lisa has built a strong reputation for her business acumen, innovative thinking and no-nonsense approach helping her clients and students reach their goals.

Janelle Grimshaw

Janelle is a jewellery artist based in the Blue Mountains. Over the last 2 decades Janelle has refined her skills in various jewellery design techniques including bead weaving, stringing and many forms of mixed media, she has a particular interest in chainmaille, wire work and thread work. Having been a serial crafter all her life, when Janelle discovered the art of jewellery making she has finally found her niche.

Kingleo Chuenchom

Ever since I was a kid I had always wanted to be a teacher just like my grandparents, one day while talking to my mom she had advised me to advertise on Facebook saying that I can help tutor kids from 6-15 years in English and Thai. From there I was messaged by many parents asking me to help teach there kids Thai so that they won't forget there native tongue and also help teach them English. I then realised I wanted to do something more with teaching and join the Nepean Community College team and started teaching Thai with them this year.

Loraine Blythe

I started sewing while in 5th year at high school, then studied Dressmaking at TAFE for 2 years. Married, & started working in a school for disabled children, when I heard about the Evening College needing a Dressmaking Teacher for their night classes. I applied, & although the locations have changed over the years, I am still working for the local College. That was in 1969. Have also taught for NSW Sport & Recreation when they held Dressmaking classes, in various locations from Emu Plains to Springwood. Aboriginal students were taught at Mt Druitt & Liverpool. I have made countless wedding, Evening & casual dresses. Altered numerous garments, & made lots of Quillo's. (A quilt that folds into a pillow).