Amy AyresPresident
Amy is a passionate Science teacher with experience across sectors, states and countries. Amy is currently the Dean of Teaching and Learning at St Augustine’s College, and was previously the Head of Science at Northern Beaches Christian School, and concurrently Director of Academic Projects. Amy has been an educational consultant for a range of institutions including UNSW and the Cancer Institute NSW where she prepared programs and resources to support the NSW Science curriculum. Amy is currently the President of the Association.
Lauren McKnightVice President
Dr Lauren McKnight is a science educator in the Garvan Institute’s Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, exploring and facilitating genetics education in school and community settings. Lauren completed her PhD in the faculty of Medicine at Sydney University and has experience and a passion for supporting scientific literacy in learners of all ages. Lauren joined Council in 2020 and is currently Vice President of the Association.
Julie RogersTreasurer
Julie is Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support, previously Head of Science, at Lucas Heights Community school. She is passionate about creating a legacy of effective practice, leading and developing teacher efficacy and assisting colleagues to continually develop as professionals. She has held the office of councillor 2016, 2022-23 Treasurer 2017-2019 and Vice President 2020-21 and returns to the executive position of Treasurer in 2024.
Robin GordonRobin has had a broad experience as a Science teacher in public and independent schools and is a longstanding member of STANSW. She is an experienced faculty Learning Leader. Robin has had experience mentoring early-career teachers and has been an authorised assessor of experienced teachers for accreditation with NESA and ISTAA (Independent Schools Teacher Accreditation Authority).
Tracey-Ann PalmerBTeach, BSc(Hons), MBA, PhD. Tracey is a lecturer and researcher in initial teacher education at UTS specialising in science education and educational psychology. She has worked in research science (biochemistry) for two scientific personnel consultancies, and has experience in marketing, finance and project management.
Jacqueline McCarthyPrimary Teacher Representative
Jacqueline is currently primary school science specialist at Abbotsleigh, having transferred there from Sydney Grammar. She is a qualified primary and secondary teacher specialising in agriculture. Prior to specialising in Primary Teaching Jac was engaged by the Royal Agricultural Society as their Education manager. She is passionate about nurturing the curiosity of primary-aged students.
Ken BaumgarnerKen has been teaching in NSW private schools since 1988. Before that Ken worked as a Science Department Curriculum coordinator in the Western Samoa (Samoa) Department of Education. In NSW schools, Hills Grammar School, Oxford Falls Grammar School and Northern Beaches Christian School, Ken has taught Science in years 7-10 and Yr 11 and 12 Biology. He has a special interest in environmental education.
Annie MartinAnnie Martin has been the Junior School Science Coordinator at PLC Sydney for the last 11.5 years. She is passionate about making Science accessible to all teachers and students and she designs innovative and relevant contexts for inquiry-based learning. Annie began her teaching career as a high school Biology and Chemistry teacher. She aims to make all her students scientifically literate but also thoroughly enjoys mentoring her students with extra-curricular science projects.
Leda McFadzeanLeda is Senior Chemistry Coordinator at Northern Beaches Christian school where she has been for 5 years. Prior to this appointment she was at Mackellar Girls Secondary College for 14 years where she was engaged in both head teacher science roles along with stage 6 chemistry. She has been a peer mentor and preservice mentor. She is a current HSC Pilot Marker and has developed chemistry programs, taught and marked both new and old syllabuses.
Kathryn NewtonKathryn is a passionate, dedicated Science educator located in Newcastle. Having worked in public schools, she has experience teaching Junior Science, Biology, Investigating Science and Physics, as well as working casually for NESA. Kathryn convenes the Hunter Head Teacher network for Science and believes that together we need to support and encourage all Australians to engage in lifelong learning to eradicate fake news, to think critically and rationally.
