Tell us a little about yourself…

I live Geelong, along with my husband, son and a dog called Samson and quails. My yard is filled with edible plants which I extensively work at to provide fresh food for our family and friends.

How did you become interested in working in the agriculture/horticulture industry?

It all started when I participated in Agriculture-Horticulture classes back when I was at high school. My passion for the industry, particularly with working on farms, was ignited during a school camp to Dookie, an Agriculture College which is campus of the University of Melbourne. Once I graduated from high school I enrolled to complete a Bachelor of Agriculture Science, which included a one year’s research study on the role of using a cow’s immune system in the prevention of mastitis. Following this I completed a Graduate of Diploma of Education (Secondary) which lead to me teaching Agriculture-Horticulture at Chairo Christian School, followed by me developing an environmental teaching program at Ballarat Christian College before becoming a Trainer/Assessor at Covenant College.

My passion for growing edibles from home slowly developed through a shared love of food between my husband and I, which led to us slowly turning our urban garden into a productive urban farm. We love having newcomers to our home, to show them the variety of food we grow, and especially the more unusual varieties of fruit/vegetables from our school yard.

What do you enjoy most about working with young people in the Agriculture and Horticulture VET courses?

I love the realness of my students. They are prepared to give everything their best efforts, particular with the physical aspects of the subject. I especially love to see my students come across a challenge, such as driving a tractor for the first time, and the smiles and joy I see on their faces when they succeed.

What do you think are the highlights of the Agriculture and Horticulture courses at Covenant College TSC?

Having the ability to use tools, equipment and machines that form practical components of the course. I love being able to say to others who ask what my day was like and simply say ‘I trained a student how to drive the tractor today’.

By the way…

In addition I also teach Years 5-10 Agriculture-Horticulture at Covenant College.

Tell us a little about yourself…

I live Geelong, I am a parent of a child at Covenant College. I have a dog Bosco who is also my teaching assistant in VET classes. I am also a qualified counsellor with a passion for mental health and wellbeing.

How did you become interested in working with animals?

I inherited my love of animals from my grandmother who has had horses, dogs, cats. I used to play with them growing up. I began my career in the veterinary industry in 2006. Since then I have worked in veterinary practices across the Mornington Peninsula, Ballarat, and Geelong regions. I have had a passion for animals for a long time.

What do you enjoy most about working with young people in the Animal Care VET course?

I love sharing my passion for animals with students.  In my work as a senior veterinary nurse in a local small animal veterinary hospital I discovered a desire to share my skills, knowledge and passion with junior and student veterinary nurses. This has extended to VET classes and I love working with Senior Secondary students as they start learning about the industry and unearthing skills and understanding in regards to what it is like to care for animals as a career. It is a privilege to help nurture and guide these students at the very beginning of their journey into the animal care industry.

What do you think are the highlights of the Animal Care course at Covenant College TSC?

Our smaller classes allow for a more personal experience for students. We form genuine connections with students, the facilities are great and we provide great opportunities for students to connect with the industry in regards to excursions, incursions and industry work placements.

By the way…

I am a registered veterinary nurse with the VNCA and sit on both the editorial board and review panel for the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia.

Tell us a little about yourself…

I currently live, with my husband, in Inverleigh on a 32 acre farm. We have a variety of animals: sheep, cows, an alpaca, chickens, two ponies, two dogs and a cat. I spent my early teenage years living on my fathers’ farm where I had the responsibility of making sure the animals were healthy, fed and clean. I have always loved the country and really enjoy working on our farm. I have taught at Covenant College for many years across many and varied subjects and have really enjoyed the challenge of using my Diploma in Ag., to work with the Agriculture students.

How did you first become interested in working with animals?

While I was at school my dream was to become a Vet – so the joy of working with animals has been there from an early age. We have always had pets and now have a farm, which has always been a dream.

What do you enjoy about working with young people in the Agriculture VET course?

I enjoy working with the Agriculture students as we learn together – students sharing their knowledge, experience and their passion for all things Agriculture with other students and their teacher.

What do you think and the highlights of the Agriculture Course at Covenant College TSC?

The ability to learn in different classrooms – a classroom that can be a huge farm or out in our paddock caring for the resident sheep and alpaca or visiting a local producer who has a sustainable approach to agriculture or listening to a retired farmer share his passion for the land or learning to drive the TSC’s tractor and ride-on-mower. Another highlight is learning through work experience, the students have worked in different environments such as a horse riding centre, a free range chicken farm, a berry, meat and vegetable producer who runs a café, working with stock agents and many more.

By the way…

Hands on and practical learning is often the best way to learn, you don’t forget the experience, the activity and the purpose of what you are doing. It makes learning real.