Our People

Jo Rossiter
Principal

Passionate about developing student agency and creativity, Jo devotes her time investing in each and every child at Annesley to map their own path to success. Engaging students in rich and authentic experiences and spending their time exploring significant global issues is close to her heart. As an old scholar of Annesley, Jo was influenced by her teachers and leaders to know no bounds and is rewarded by the opportunity to nurture today’s Annesley students in the same way. In her own time, Jo loves riding her bike, hiking with friends, family and her dog Scout, gardening, cooking and camping.

Sharyn Darrell
Director of Primary

Sharyn, an experienced educational leader, initially focused on wellbeing as a Counsellor and later on teaching and learning as a curriculum coordinator. Drawing from these roles, she went on to successfully lead schools as both a Principal and Deputy Principal. Passionate about continuous learning, Sharyn stays abreast of the latest educational research through reading, networking, and professional development. As a parent of two children, she values the foundational role of Primary education in fostering confident, independent learners.

Donna Nicolle
Director of ELC

Donna is an experienced Early Childhood Teacher having taught and led teams in ELC and Junior Primary settings. She has been part of the Leadership team at Annesley Junior School since its inception. She is passionate about the opportunities that play based learning provides for young learners inquiring into how the world works. She is particularly focused on how environments can best support students to demonstrate autonomy, their sense of wellbeing and the fostering of their natural curiosity whilst providing opportunities for them to share and develop their uniqueness. When not at school you will find her out enjoying the natural environment, connecting with friends and enjoying the many arts festivals our beautiful city has to offer.

Steph Bates
Director of Learning Growth & Engagement

For over 25 years, Steph has learned that being a teacher is not just about lessons, and being a leader is not just about direction — it is about lighting the way for others, walking beside them through challenges, and believing in their potential long before they see it in themselves. Steph is a data‑driven and experienced leader and teacher of the Australian Curriculum and IB PYP, with a passion for aligning the curriculum to support all learners. A lifelong learner herself, Steph is a voracious reader, enjoys staying active with Pilates, and loves spending time with her family, including Ollie the Bordoodle.

David Taylor
PYP Coordinator & Highly Able Teacher

David is the PYP Coordinator & Highly Able Teacher at Annesley, supporting teachers and students across the school to develop challenging and engaging curriculum. He is originally from Peterborough in the UK but has moved to South Australia with his family after 13 years working at an IB World School in Abu Dhabi. Outside of school, David is a keen soccer player and loves playing his guitar.

Peter Morton
Chaplain & Counsellor

Pastor Pete is the Chaplain at Annesley. He is passionate about helping people discover who they are, and how they can live out their God-given potential. Pete is an ordained Minister and marriage celebrant in the Uniting Church. He holds degrees in Engineering (Civil) and Ministry, a Master of Theological Studies, and a Master of Counselling Practice. His home life is never quiet with 5 young adults and their cavoodle Rosie. Pete enjoys playing piano and trying to write songs which his children don’t think are lame and dated.

Gail Millar-Luke
Coordinator of Personalised Learning

Gail is Annesley’s Personalised Learning Coordinator (Reception – Year 6) and an experienced classroom and inclusive education teacher. She joined Annesley in 2015 after working in both Tasmanian and SA schools. Gail leads an experienced and passionate team of Student Support Officers (SSOs) dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive and enriching learning environment for all students. Gail and her team work in partnership with teachers and parents in order to help all students thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Penny Rawinski
Coordinator of Experiential Learning and Wellbeing

Penny is a passionate Health and Physical Educator. She focuses on helping students develop the skills and knowledge that gives them the confidence and motivation to lead healthy and active lives. Outside of school Penny enjoys being at the beach with her family or running some of the local trails.

Lauren Gibbs
Manager of OSHC

Lauren is Annesley's Coordinator of OSHC and a valued personalised learning educator. Lauren joined Annesley in 2020 as an educator in Annesley’s ELC. Through this experience and Laurens passion to work with all age groups, she began the role of OSHC Coordinator and PL educator. Lauren is committed to delivering a safe and nurturing environment for students to develop their passions and interests, while providing the Annesley community a professional and trusted out of school hours care program.

Monika Falk
ELC Teacher

Monika has been a teacher at Annesley for six years. She has enjoyed opportunities to work in both the primary school and early learning center, treasuring the many positive relationships she has made with the children and their families. Children are at the center of every choice she makes, which is reflective in the way the learning environment is set up to create space for all learners to feel a sense of wellbeing and agency. Monika has a passion for dance and movement to support wellbeing. Movement is also incorporated throughout the day in both Literacy and Mathematics, engaging the children in real play-based learning.

Wendy Scrivens
ELC Teacher

Wendy began teaching in the UK in Welsh Primary and High Schools before moving to Australia in 2014 with her husband and two sons. She has enjoyed teaching and Early Years leadership for over 30 years. With a passion and expertise in language development and literacy - it comes as no surprise then, that Wendy likes to talk! She likes talking at the checkout, dog-walk chats on the beach and talking anything ‘film’. Wendy values learning collectives, and seeks opportunities to connect with others, share, wonder and create, what better place than Annesley.

Tia Mansfield
ELC Teacher

Tia has been at Annesley for three years now and is an Early Years Teacher with a passion for pre-school. Learning through play-based provocations and fostering engagement through curiosity is a core pedagogy for Tia, after all you learn the most when you're having fun! Tia embeds sustainability, cultures and First Nations perspectives and ways of being into her practice daily, feeling strongly about giving every child the chance to engage in and belong to a warm community of open-minded, empathetic and determined problem solvers. When Tia isn't having fun here at Annesley she is most likely at home cuddled up with some chocolate or exploring some of Adelaide's many great restaurants.

Charity Makris
ELC Teacher

Charity is an experienced Early Childhood Teacher. She is committed to nurturing wellbeing and learning through structure and warmth in the ELC. Charity and her team of educators achieve this by providing consistency and predictability in routines, interactions and expectations, as well as a calm environment full of engaging invitations to play.

Leanne Williams
ELC Teacher

Leanne is an experienced Early Childhood and Junior Primary teacher. This enables her to nurture a positive transition to school, by creating an engaging learning environment that respects and values the uniqueness and potential each child brings.

Cindy Nguyen
ELC Admin & Afternoon Program Lead Educator

Cindy is a dedicated Early Learning Educator with over eight years of experience at Annesley. As the ELC Admin and Afternoon Program Lead Educator, she is passionate about creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for young children. Cindy values building strong connections with families and believes that nurturing relationships are key to a child’s development. Her greatest motivation comes from witnessing the incredible growth that children experience in their early years and supporting them on their learning journey.

Olivia Lane
ELC Teacher

Olivia is an experienced and passionate ELC and Reception teacher. Over many years at Annesley, she has been fortunate to have nurtured learners across the ELC and Primary School. Olivia is excited to return to the Primary School and share her expertise as a Reception Teacher. She believes that building strong, positive and trusting relationships is the foundation for success in learning together.

Gaby Lugg
Teacher

Gaby is an accomplished Early Years educator, teaching Reception students for the last 16 years at a variety of Adelaide independent schools. She has particular expertise in supporting children and their families in their transition between Early Learning and Reception with a focus on creating positive and trusting relationships. Gaby is passionate about the Reggio Emilia Early Learning philosophy for Education enhancing our inquiry learning. Her knowledge of early literacy has been an asset to the Reception team at Annesley.

Michaela Jones
Teacher

Michaela joins Annesley as the teacher for the 2025 Mid-Year Reception class. An Annesley Old Scholar, she brings experience from pre-schools and Junior Primary classrooms across Adelaide, as well as rural and remote APY Lands communities. Inspired by children’s curiosity and joy in learning, Michaela creates hands-on experiences that are engaging, inclusive, and tailored to each child. She is committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging and helping every child develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Stasia Vigor
Teacher

Stasia brings more than 20 years of experience in early childhood and primary education. She has taught in the Early Learning Centre at St Peter’s Girls’School, as well as Mid-Year Reception and Year 4. Her extensive experience includes teaching and leadership roles at St Andrew’s School and serving as Director of Cedars Montessori Preschool, Walford. Stasia is known for her warm, nurturing approach and expertise in the Early Years Learning Framework, Australian Curriculum and IB Primary Years Programme. She is passionate about fostering a love of learning and building strong relationships with children and their families.

Amy Wells
Teacher

Amy is a passionate Year 1 teacher who believes the heart of learning lies in strong relationships and a caring classroom community. With a deep commitment to nurturing the whole child, Amy creates an environment where every student feels valued, safe, and inspired to grow. She is an experienced IB and Early Years teacher with eight years of teaching experience across ELC, Reception, and Year 1. Her recent training in the Berry Street Education Model has strengthened her belief in the importance of building meaningful connections with students and fostering wellbeing, respect, and empathy—so children can explore, discover, and take an active role in their learning journey.

Laura Greeves
Teacher

Laura is a passionate Early Years teacher with many years of experience teaching the IB Primary Years Programme. She enjoys getting to know her students, supporting them in achieving their individual goals, and celebrating their successes. Laura loves animals—especially dogs—and spends her weekends with family and friends enjoying good food. Originally from the Clare Valley, Laura has also lived in Adelaide and the UK. We welcome Laura back to a teaching role in 2026, after enjoying parental leave in 2025 with her baby, Elliot.

Bonnie Charvel
Teacher

Bonnie is thrilled to be joining the Annesley Junior School in 2026 and is a valuable addition to the Year 1 teaching team. Bonnie is a talented teacher, and she is passionate about fostering curiosity and empowering students to not only thrive but truly flourish. At the heart of her teaching is a commitment to building strong relationships and creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Outside the classroom, Bonnie enjoys exploring new places to eat, walk along the beach, and watching the footy with friends and family. She looks forward to meeting everyone and becoming part of the Annesley community.

Jess Fosdike
Teacher

Jess has been a teacher at Annesley Junior School for many years. She has worked in both the Early Learning Centre and Primary School, supporting children and their families during the transition from Early Learning to Reception, and into Year 1. Jess is passionate about the Reggio Emilia philosophy and providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences to enrich and support the curriculum. As Loris Malaguzzi says, “Nothing without joy!” Jess is an experienced member of the Year 1 teaching team.

Penny White
Teacher

Penny's passion is ensuring all children feel welcome, involved and have fun in their learning. When she’s not at work, Penny refocuses her inexhaustible energy to entertain her two young sons’ notoriously short attention spans. When they’re all tuckered out, Penny finds solace in books, your go-to person for the latest recommendations featured on her bookstagram.

Sarah Walsh
Teacher

Sarah has been working with children for over 25 years and is a passionate and talented teacher. She loved her experience working in international schools prior to having her daughters, Isabel and Eliza. She has taught at Annesley for many years as an accomplished classroom teacher, and more recently as our Visual Arts Teacher. She is ready and eager to return to classroom teaching in 2026. Outside school hours, Sarah is a keen gardener and enjoys spending time with her friends and large family.

Thea Simpson
Teacher

Thea is an experienced IB and Early Years teacher with eight years of teaching experience across ELC, Mid-Year Reception, and Year 2. She began her teaching journey as an Educator at Annesley ELC and has previously taught in various South Australian schools, including St Andrew’s School. She is passionate about fostering positive relationships with children, supporting development through personalised and explicit teaching, making meaning through inquiry-based learning, and connecting learning to the wider community.

Jodie Johnson
Teacher

Jodie has been part of the Annesley community for several years and previously taught in both the UK and Singapore. She has a passion for hands-on, active learning and believes every child is a unique and capable learner. Jodie enjoys learning alongside children in engaging environments, supporting them to develop their foundational skills and their strengths and passions. Jodie is returning to us from parental leave in 2025, after welcoming her second daughter, Macy.

Katie Cummins
Teacher

Katie is an experienced Early Childhood teacher who began her career teaching ELC, Reception, and Year 1 in Adelaide before moving to Singapore to teach at the Australian International School. She believes the first years of school are pivotal, providing a foundation for children to develop skills, confidence, and independence. Katie brings expertise in teaching early literacy and numeracy and has become pivotal in leading wellbeing, differentiation and the use of Anney in our school.

Alana Iannazzo
Teacher

Alana is a long-term member of the Annesley community, having begun her teaching journey here in 2015. During this time, she has taught Year 1, Year 2, and Visual Arts. For Alana, the most special aspect of Annesley is its wonderful community and the relationships she has built with families, staff, and children. She is excited to continue her journey in 2026 as part of the Year 2 team again and brings her skill in effectively supporting children with the Foundational skills of English and Maths, but also harnessing their strengths and creativity.

Katy Castley
Teacher

Over the past decade, Katy has taught in South Australia, Victoria, and at Australian International School in the United Arab Emirates. She is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive. Katy’s learning space is calm and engaging, and students are supported in their wellbeing and unique learning styles. When she’s not teaching, Katy enjoys exploring new cafés, sketching, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family.

Cindy Schafer
Teacher

Cindy moved to Adelaide at the end of last year and has been teaching at Annesley during 2025. Originally from South Africa, she previously served as Head Teacher at Collegiate Junior School in Port Elizabeth, overseeing both Academic and Learning Support Departments. Cindy is passionate about fostering diverse and inclusive education. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Adelaide and it’s surrounds, playing golf and spending time outdoors.

Bernie Smith
Teacher

With over twenty years of experience in primary education, Bernie is passionate about creating a classroom where every learner feels valued and supported to achieve their personal best. She aims to build upon students’ strengths, support their learning growth in personalised ways, and foster a sense of belonging and happiness. Outside of teaching, Bernie enjoys life with her three teenagers, her husband, and spending time outdoors—especially at the beach.

Caitlin Wilk
Teacher

With over a decade of teaching experience, Caitlin Wilk is dedicated to creating an inclusive classroom where every student feels valued and inspired to reach their potential. Her approach focuses on engaging students through innovative strategies, encouraging critical thinking, and connecting learning to real-world contexts. Beyond the classroom, Caitlin is committed to ongoing professional growth and collaboration with colleagues. Her goal is to empower students academically while nurturing their curiosity and creativity for lifelong learning.

Cherie Gemert
Teacher

Cherie Gemert is delighted to be joining the team at Annesley in 2026. She brings experience teaching across Reception to Year 4, including working as an Autism Inclusion Teacher, where she supported students, staff, and families to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. Cherie is a talented and skilful teacher, passionate about student wellbeing. She strives to help every child feel safe, valued, and confident in who they are, while nurturing their curiosity and love of learning. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, sewing, and travelling with her husband, Luke.

Michelle Hicks
Teacher

Michelle has taught for over 15 years as well as holding leadership roles, focusing on pedagogy, curriculum and wellbeing. She has experience both supporting staff development and promoting a positive and collaborative school culture. Passionate about holistic education, Michelle continually seeks innovative, evidence-based approaches to empower every child to reach their potential. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband, their three children and their dog.

Kate Dunn
Teacher

Kate Dunn is an experienced educator with a strong passion for STEM and digital literacy. Her travels around the world have enriched her teaching, allowing her to bring cultural perspectives into an inclusive and inquisitive classroom environment. Kate strives to foster a growth mindset in every student and celebrates their successes along the way. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her young family and their dog, gardening, and relaxing at the beach.

Christian O’Dwyer
Teacher

Christian is an experienced Year 6 teacher and has spent the past 23 years supporting primary school students in their transition to high school. He has been a lead teacher in Catholic education, guiding practice in data analysis, Mathematics, Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Physical Education, and student leadership. He builds outstanding relationships with young people, who know that they are safe, supported and known under his mentorship.

Sophie Waller
Performing Arts, Drama & Music Teacher

Sophie is a dedicated educator with experience in Junior Primary and Primary education and is passionate about creating personalised and engaging learning environments. An accomplished Drama and Music Teacher, Sophie inspires a passion for the Arts in children, enabling them to shine in weekly lessons, and larger performances whilst also leading choir and band opportunities for our students. Since moving from the UK to Australia in 2019, she embraces opportunities in South Australia for herself and her family, immersing herself in community drama productions and other Arts opportunities.

Christiana Schammer
Science Teacher

Christiana is a passionate teacher who is the specialist Science teacher for Early Years and Primary students. She grew up on a farm catching tadpoles and climbing trees and this connection to the environment is evident in her science learning space and lessons. She is keen to develop and encourage a sense of wonder and curiosity in all students. Her science program at Annesley has been recognised for the last two years by the South Australian Science Teachers’ Association, naming Annesley as a ‘Science Active School’. Christiana supports our students to enter the Oliphant Science Awards each year, enabling our students to achieve personal success as young scientists.

Zac Venning
Health and Physical Education Teacher

Zac is a passionate about bringing his love of sports and movement to his other life purpose of teaching primary students. Zac can effectively teach all ages, with a rigorous and effective learning program. Zac is passionate about supporting our Year 4-6 students to participate in SAPSASA events across the year, and takes the lead in organising Sports Day and Cross Country in our school, amongst other things. A talented sports person himself, particularly on the football field and the cricket pitch, Zac has vast experience in coaching roles in our community.

Millie Walker
Health and Physical Education Teacher

Millie is an enthusiastic and compassionate educator who thrives on building strong connections with her students. Her goal is to inspire every learner to achieve their personal best - both in the classroom and beyond. With a deep commitment to learning and wellbeing, Millie creates engaging, supportive environments where students feel empowered to set and reach their goals. An accomplished athlete herself, Millie brings real-world experience to her teaching. Before joining the education field, she worked extensively as a Personal Trainer and Yoga and Pilates instructor and led a range of wellbeing and health initiatives. This rich background allows her to share practical strategies for fitness, resilience, and lifelong health, helping students develop habits that support both body and mind.

Jolanta Stephens
Technologies Teacher

Jolanta joins Annesley in 2026 as the Digital Technologies teacher. With over 20 years in education, she has taught previously at Pedare Christian College and Immanuel College. She has held leadership roles in leading IB curriculum, reflecting her passion for creating engaging learning environments. Jolanta is deeply interested in technology and innovation, having worked with Lumination, an extended reality company that helps schools integrate VR, AR, and generative AI. She loves connecting technology with the Arts and inquiry-based learning within the IB framework.

Tania Wood
Visual Arts

Tania has been teaching Visual Arts for over 25 years, nurturing creativity and inspiring students to express themselves through art. Passionate about the wellbeing that creativity brings, she works across many mediums, with acrylic painting as her constant focus. Drawing inspiration from nature, Tania brings a sense of wonder to her classroom and helps students discover their strengths. She is committed to making Visual Arts a joyful, inclusive, engaging and uplifting experience for all learners.

Sallyanne Probert
Personalised Learning Teacher

With extensive experience from across the country and the UK, Sallyanne is passionate about supporting all students learning needs and has completed a Master of Special and Inclusive Education through the University of Sydney. Sallyanne enjoys bringing her special education experience and knowledge back into mainstream classrooms to ensure that students are given the best opportunity to achieve their personal goals by supporting teachers and families as well.

Belinda Brennan
Personalised Learning Educator

Stacey McSheffrey
Personalised Learning Educator

Lauren Gibbs
Personalised Learning Educator and Coordinator of OSHC

Deb Hollamby
Personalised Learning Educator