Meet Our Team

As our founding Principal, Rowan is a strong advocate for building community and connection within Pacific Online. He is both a leader of our Christian educators and an educator himself, teaching Economics in Stage 6. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children and doing anything that involves water.

Martha is a founding team member of Pacific Online, serving in numerous capacities. She oversees curriculum development and student wellbeing and is the Assistant Principal of Pacific Online. Martha lives in Medowie with her four children, dogs, cats and horses. Her active involvement in the equestrian world has crossed over into the Pacific Online space, as she leads and supports our students who participate in these events.

Kylie joined the team in July of 2023 and is now a key part of the leadership team. Along with keeping Rowan organised, she oversees the administration team. Kylie is a mother of 5 boys and now a grandmother! She works from the Medowie office and attends church in Newcastle. Previously Kylie worked as a cabin manager for Jetstar for 15 years. She loves to sing and go camping with her family.

Brad serves Pacific Online, our students, and families as our Business Operations Manager. Prior to this role, he has worked as a software engineer and independent consultant for around thirty years. Based in northwest Sydney now but formerly from the Hunter Valley, Brad lives with his wife and two teenage children. When not working or spending time with family, he keeps busy running his church youth group, coaching junior sport, and poking fun at anyone and anything, including himself.

Is Pacific Online’s Registrar and started in this role at the end of 2024. Previously worked in Corporate for over 10 years and lives in Northwest Sydney. Is married and blessed with two beautiful daughters who keep her busy. Donna loves connecting with people, anything skincare and wellness related and a good karaoke session!

Tahlia is based in Melbourne Victoria and began her journey with Pacific Online as Registrar, focussing on family engagement. She has since moved into the marketing space and takes pride in communicating our school story and those of our families to the broader community! Tahlia and her husband have 2 boys and are actively involved in the youth and creative aspects of their church. They are passionate about helping young people find freedom in Jesus Christ and feel very blessed to walk alongside those entrusted to them.

Veronica is a relative newcomer to the world of online education. With a background in small business operations and Vocational Education and Training, Veronica brings a wealth of knowledge and experience across a range of industries. Veronica’s role at Pacific Online is within Curriculum Administration. As a Mid-Coast NSW mum of 2 teenagers, Veronica doesn’t get much free time but does enjoy singing, playing piano, travelling with family and Instructing Taekwondo classes.

Before immigrating to Australia at the beginning of 2024, my family and I lived in Mauritius for eight year. During that time, I was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom to our two beautiful children before returning to work in 2023. I am passionate about serving others and have a deep curiosity and devotion to Jesus. Currently, I work as the receptionist at POCS and I am always happy to help with anything admin-related.

Jayde serves as the Counsellor at Pacific Online. With a deep passion for student wellbeing, Jayde’s heart is to ensure every student she supports feels seen, heard, and empowered to grow into the best version of themselves. Drawing from her background as a school Chaplain and her ongoing studies toward a Master of Counselling, Jayde brings a rich blend of experience, compassion, and insight to her role. A lifelong love of hers is to care for and serve others, and she brings this heart into every interaction.

With a background in Accounts and Administration and experience in chaplaincy and pastoral care roles, Vanessa brings a relational approach and pastoral heart to her role overseeing the school finances. She desires to see people free from the events and circumstances which life delivers and to reach their God-given potential. Vanessa’s favourite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jessica is our Dean of Inclusive Education and teaches Year 7 Mathematics. She started with us in Term 2, coming from St Philip’s Christian College Waratah, and bringing over 20 years of experience in learning support and educational leadership. Her commitment to fostering inclusive, student-centred learning experiences further strengthens our school approach to supporting students and enhancing our learning experience.

Jason trained as a PDHPE teacher and fills the role of Dean of Learning Design, where he enjoys researching and experimenting with the latest tools to boost engagement. Jason lives in Newcastle, is also an avid mountain bike rider and acknowledges the wisdom in 1 Timothy 4:8. This verse highlights the value of physical training for the temporary body, but values the greater importance of godliness, which benefits all aspects of life.

Tiffany is a Learning Enrichment teacher at Pacific Online. She is also our Year 7 Pastoral Care Teacher, and teaches Stage 4 English, Geography, History and Core Essentials. Tiffany has had many years of experience as both a classroom teacher and in Learning Support. She is passionate about enabling students to grow into their gifts and talents; supporting them to develop a positive learning mindset. Tiffany has a love for nature, music, and horses and enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband and their three children.

Olivia is our Stage 6 Pastoral Care teacher, as well as subject teacher for Stage 6 Business Studies, Legal Studies, and Standard English. She also teaches Stage 5 English. Olivia is based in the beautiful Clarence Valley in the Mid North Coast (Yamba) region of NSW. A Bible verse Olivia clings to is Matthew 17:20 that states having a “little faith can move mountains”.

Working in almost every year group across our school, Rose teaches Maths, Biology and CAFS. When not teaching, she runs herself ragged raising four daughters and lives in the shadow of a mountain of laundry, under the oppressive paw of a tyrant cat. In less hectic times, Rose has enjoyed singing and competing in ocean swims and mountain bike races.

Vicki has been teaching Mathematics to our senior students since the earlier days of the school. She has enjoyed over 30 years teaching in a range of schools, TAFE and university. I hope and pray that I can open my students’ eyes to the fascinating world of Mathematics created by our God and help them to see how practical the subject is.

Juliana Harmeling is passionate about Science, the Bible, her family, strategy boardgames, dressing up for murder mystery parties, anything with a motor and when she gets to see the ‘lightbulb’ moment in her students. A lifelong learner, Juliana has a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering and four master’s degrees. Her favourite Science experiments are any that include a major colour change.

Amanda is a creative, compassionate professional with a deep passion for well-being, kindness, and helping others live and learn beyond the conventional. A single mum of two, she brings warmth, resilience, and real-world empathy to everything she does. With 7 years of experience teaching early childhood at The Hive Creative Studios and 4 years in learning support, she has a strong foundation in nurturing individuality and supporting diverse needs. Amanda is dedicated to empowering people - especially those who think differently - to feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow with confidence and joy.

Anthony is currently in his 28th year of teaching art. While most of this time has been spent in NSW, he also dedicated eight years in the NT, working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. As an art teacher, he finds great joy in helping students discover and embrace their own creative potential, as well as in fostering an appreciation for the art-making process. He believes that all people are created in the image of God and therefore have the inherent capacity for creativity. Anthony is passionate about the outdoors, particularly the unique blend of ‘bush and beach,’ and enjoys observing the beauty, goodness, and grace of God in creation.

Mervyn is a Mathematics teacher at POCS. Merv says, “a good understanding and proficiency in Mathematics is important not only for scientists, engineers, people in business, nurses, accountants, and many other work situations, but for everyone who has to manage their personal finances, decide on the best mobile phone plan, and so on. Apart from all its practical applications, Maths can just be studied for fun. There are so many interesting patterns that God has designed, and Maths provides a way to explore His creation.”

Jen is a passionate HSIE teacher with a particular interest in the wars of the Twentieth Century. When not working, she enjoys being in nature, appreciating God's beautiful and diverse creation. Jen believes her greatest privilege has been raising her four (now adult) children. One of her favourite scriptures is from Micah 6 - And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Wade is a qualified PDHPE Teacher with many years of experience as both a classroom teacher and head of department. He is passionate about engaging students in their learning so that they can fulfill and exceed their God-given potential. Wade is a Year 10 Pastoral Care Teacher and teaches PDHPE, HMS and CAFS. He is passionate about sport, health, fitness, outdoors and spending time with his family.

Kim has a great love for Science and Careers education. She is passionate about encouraging students to walk in their God-given potential. On the weekends Kim enjoys surfing and hanging out with her husband, 3 kids, 2 dogs and 2 rabbits.

Originally from the UK but raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Nicolle has a heart for serving others and seeing young people discover their God-given potential. With experience in youth ministry and as a teacher’s aide in primary schools, she brings her bubbly personality and humorous joy into every environment - especially the classroom, where her students keep her laughing! Nicolle found Jesus at a young age and is passionate about helping young people encounter His love in an authentic and real way.

Rick is a casual teacher who finds it hard to retire after several extended attempts. Having taught at every level of education, he is currently teaching Software Design and Development and Stage 4 Technology. He loves singing and plays bass and harmonica with his church worship team. Rick and his wife of 50 years live in the Penrith area and homeschool three of their six grandchildren.

Richie is our Stage 4 Technology teacher and is dedicated to helping young people succeed. He brings a calm, gentle and joyful nature to the classroom. Richie treasures the Word of God and values the wisdom and impact found in teaching children (Proverbs 22:6). He often spends time with loved ones, and enjoys basketball, tennis and Mario Kart.

Stella is an experienced educator with over two decades of experience across the secondary and tertiary sectors. Her subject areas include LOTE, English, and student wellbeing. She is a qualified counsellor with a passion for helping students flourish through the positive psychology framework. She lives with her husband, Michael, their two children, and a sleepy axolotl named Oxymoron. She loves perusing second-hand bookshops (especially ones with a sofa) and taking slow walks around her sleepy neighbourhood.

Stephen joined the Pacific Online team this year. Originally from South Africa, he lived in Mauritius for 8 years and now calls Newcastle, NSW, home. He enjoys fishing for jewfish, playing cricket, and spending time with his family. Stephen feels very fortunate to live in beautiful Australia and is passionate about giving back to students and the community. He especially enjoys teaching Economics and helping students understand how the world works. Favourite Scripture: Matthew 17:20

Kylie Zhu is an English and History teacher and as such, she loves a good chat. She spends much of her time speaking with others, discussing wide topics such as historical eras, literature, current topics and how God is working in the lives of those around her. Kylie is passionate about enabling all students to achieve their best, nurturing diligence that is underpinned by a steady sense of self. She hopes to impart her love of learning and curious nature to her students.