Jodie Paterson has worked in the education sector for 30 years with over 20 years of leadership experience. She most recently worked with the Department of Education supporting the leadership of NSW Primary and Secondary Principals.  She has been a principal in two Primary schools on the Mid North Coast of NSW.  In 2023, she has launched her own company <em><strong>JP Adaptive</strong></em> with a vision to support holistic leadership learning that contributes to personal growth and wellbeing, development of positive relationships and whole school improvement. Jodie delivers professional learning, strategic planning support and coaching that aims to integrate and embed leadership practices that support organisational wellness and high levels of social support.  Jodie is a faculty member of the William Glasser Institute Australia and is an endorsed instructor of Basic Intensive Theory, Basic and Advanced Practicums. Jodie collaborates with leadership teams  to customise the design of school plans and professional learning  to meet the contextual needs and priorities of the school. This includes initial analysis of need, strategic planning, development and presentation of professional learning for school leadership teams, teachers, parents and students supporting a culture of improvement and wellness.

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.

Duncan is a senior education and sports administration leader with in-depth experience running sports departments and developing and implementing educational programs for independent schools in Australia and the US. He has had significant achievements spearheading and implementing innovative initiatives and processes to deliver revenue, quality, safety, efficiency, and cost savings. Duncan has a proven ability to build and manage large cross-functional teams and chair committees to high levels of performance while developing trusting relationships with boards and key stakeholders. He has demonstrated agility in teaching, training, and coaching K-12 students and adults, designing workshops and curricula, and incorporating current methodologies into content. Duncan is passionate about making an impact on youth sports and education. Duncan is a faculty member and practicum supervisor with the Glasser Insitute and is currently involved in post-graduate studies in mediation. Duncan has a master’s degree in  Education Leadership from Sydney University. Duncan consults with senior leadership teams and teachers across all school sectors, building holistic wellbeing ecosystems and delivering teacher training in CT, RT and LM.  Duncan believes that by intentionally infusing and applying the core concepts and competencies of Choice Theory, Reality Therapy change then is naturally meaningful. personal and long-lasting. <em>‘Building organisational capabilities for schools and sports clubs to ensure the physical, social and emotional well-being of all students and athletes</em>

Jane Newman first began her journey with Choice Theory in 1999 as a first-year teacher in a remote community in far north Queensland.  Since then, she has had a vast and diverse career as a successful Teacher, Kindy Director, Early Childhood leader and School Leader & Principal. Jane is a passionate instructor who offers a connected teaching style built on a genuine and authentic love of the continuous learning journey.  She believes that there need not be any circumstance or factor to stand in the way of personal improvement and growth and that being a life-long learner is a deliberate mindset, not a skillset. Jane relishes the opportunity to work with others to develop the qualities and attributes required to be the absolute best versions of themselves.

Sarah has been an ‘official’ educator for the past 25 years, beginning her teaching career at the ripe old age of 2 with a headstrong determination to guide and mentor her siblings into the unique and talented individuals she knew they would one day become! Her extensive experiences as a teacher include working in Cambodia, South-West Sydney and the Illawarra. Sarah resigned from her position as Principal of Barrack Heights Public School in 2018 to begin her own company 3C Consultancy – Creating Change through Choice. In addition to spending her entire career in complex school settings and working with students with diverse,  individual needs,  Sarah has personal insights and sensitivity in working with and raising children from complex backgrounds – as she and her wife are currently foster carers. Sarah is a Practicum Supervisor with the Glasser Australia,  recently completing the Australian Childhood Foundation – Certificate in Developmental Trauma. Sarah is determined and excited to inspire “passionate curiosity” sharing a vision with her idol Jim Henson in “leaving the world a little bit better than when I got here.”

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.