Our Staff

SEDA College (SA) staff are experts in their field, helping students to develop their individual passions and achieve success.

TEACHERS & student mentors

Our teachers, while being experienced educators, also have a broad range of professional skills and excellent theoretical and practical grounding. Our teachers, mentors and learning assistants will walk alongside and support the individual journey of our students as they complete their secondary education.

 

Emma Knight, Teacher, Basketball

My number one passion is working with youth to achieve their individual goals and help shape them into the person they aspire to be. I love basketball, love sport, and am motivated by those around me.

Lachlan Hennig, Teacher, Basketball

I am a young and passionate teacher with a love for sport. I bring an enthusiastic approach into my teaching with a focus on inclusivity, to allow all students to be appropriately challenged and achieve personal success.

Georgie Hatchard, Teacher, Basketball

As a former student-athlete in college, I am thrilled about the chance to establish a setting and culture where I can combine my two interests in education and basketball. My guiding principle is to emphasise the value of being a student first, then an athlete. For my students to learn, grow, and push boundaries in order to reach their potential, I strive to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where they feel safe exploring a variety of interests. As a former athlete, I am eager to impart my expertise and experiences to my students while also continuing to learn from them as the game of basketball continues to develop. 

Ben Jansan, Student Mentor, Basketball

After 4 years of college basketball experience in America, I am excited to pass on my knowledge to the next generation of players. I currently play at the NBL1 level for the Norwood Flames and have been actively involved in the sport of basketball since I was 7 years old. I value communication, positive affirmations and promoting confidence within these young student athletes. I am excited to be actively involved in helping them reach their goals academically and athletically, whilst individually promoting their well-being.

Ricardo Martin, Student Mentor, Basketball

I am a passionate guy who loves to see people succeed in things they love. I have played basketball professionally for 8 years in 5 different countries and I am extremely excited to pass those experiences and knowledge on to the next generation!

Cameron Hext, Teacher, SACA & Netball

I have been teaching since 2015 in a range of year levels and subject areas. I am an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who values relationships and solving challenges alongside young people. I am keen about many sports including cricket, cycling, footy and basketball. In my spare time I enjoy riding, running, reading and visiting the cafe. I am also personally interested in nutrition, fitness, wellbeing and living a healthy lifestyle.

Joe Gatting, Student Mentor, SACA, Netball & Soccer

I was born and bred in the UK. I have been fortunate to play professionally in two different sports. I played football (soccer) for Brighton and Hove Albion FC before moving to cricket to play for Sussex CCC and Hampshire CCC. Since 2009 I have spent eight summers in Adelaide before relocation full time early 2021. I am currently the head coach / captain at Tea Tree Gully District Cricket Club, and I will be playing soccer for Para Hills Knights Soccer Club during the winter months. I have a passion for helping people discover their brilliance by understanding their individual needs and desires, while falling back on my knowledge and life experiences, to give them a head start in starting their journey to achieve their future goals.  

Taylor Renfrey, Teacher, Netball SA

I entered the teaching profession in 2018, and quickly established the belief that educating young people is my contribution to the future. I continue to be inspired by the quote: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” and so using a relationship-centred approach, I aim to mentor students in the essential skill development for a prosperous tomorrow. I am dedicated to making the learning experience impactful, authentic, and positive, allowing students to begin their post-school journey with zest, confidence and passion.

Kelsi Ley, Student Mentor, Netball SA

My journey at SEDA College began in 2019 as a Year 11 student and upon completing Year 12 I was offered a position as a Learning Assistant. I am now currently working as a Student Mentor within the NSA & SACA class at Glandore Oval. I have a strong passion for all sports in particular, Netball, Football and Soccer. Within my role at SEDA, I focus on building strong connections with every student and supporting them to complete their schoolwork in a way that best suits them

Joshua Lloyd, Teacher, Adelaide Crows

I have been teaching since 2007 in a range of different subjects and roles, including teacher, Sport/PE Coordinator, Year 11 Coordinator and Curriculum and SACE Coordinator. My passion is sport and to see students achieve their best in all they do, being able to take responsibility for their actions to maximise their learning. I have been teaching the Adelaide Crows Sports Development Program at SEDA College since 2019.

Courtney Roberts, Teacher, Adelaide Crows

Having worked in footy for 5 years prior to becoming a teacher I am excited to bring my footy knowledge into the classroom! My goal is to make the classroom a safe but fun environment that is accepting to a diverse range learners. I am very passionate about making an impact in young people’s lives, and I am thrilled to be at SEDA guiding students through their final years of schooling.

Thomas Latchford, Teacher, Adelaide Crows

I started my teaching career in 2018 and have worked at a number of different schools around Adelaide within a wide variety of roles including; Director of Sport, Football and Cricket Coordinator, PE, Math, Research Project Teacher and many other roles. I have always had a passion for sport, especially Aussie Rules which I have played my whole life and coached since 2013 including The Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy (Males and Females), Norwood Under 18’s, and several school teams. SEDA seemed to be the perfect fit for me to combine my passion for teaching and sport and combine the two to work with likeminded students who I understand and can relate to whilst seeing increased engagement and enjoyment in their schooling. 

Xaiver Wagner, Student Mentor, Adelaide Crows

I am originally from Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula and have been living in Adelaide since 2015. I am a hard worker who is passionate about sport and I absolutely love footy. I have been lucky to have worked for the Port Adelaide Football Club and most recently, Adelaide United, so I have a strong understanding of what it takes to work in elite sport. I also have experience on the field having played at SANFL Reserves level, SAAFL Div 1 level and I am currently playing A grade footy back home on the Eyre Peninsula. I am keen to draw on these life experiences to be the best mentor that I can be for the students. 

Shaun King, Student Mentor, Adelaide Crows

I am an enthusiastic mentor who has a wealth of life experience from moving around the country during my schooling and young adult life. Predominately living in the country, I relocated to Adelaide in 2018. I am currently studying a bachelor’s degree in social work at Flinders University. I have experience at both SANFL level football and State League basketball. I am passionate about all things sport and coaching, specifically AFL.

Daniel Pearce, Teacher, Football SA

With over 11 years of experience as a PE teacher, coordinator and classroom teacher, I am dedicated to helping students bring their “A Game” and achieve their full potential. My experience in a range of sports, in particular with Soccer, Cricket and Golf, has equipped me with the skills necessary to help students work towards their sporting and academic goals. 

Dan Fraser, Teacher, Football SA

I recently moved to South Australia from Queensland, where I worked as an Academies Coordinator and Director Of Football in a High school. I was enthralled by the SEDA model and how sport can be used as a vehicle to engage students in their learning and open up a range of career opportunities. Sport plays a significant role in shaping and influencing my teaching. In education, sports provide an effective platform for teachers to instill important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership in students. The competitive environment of sports fosters a growth mindset, where students learn to embrace challenges and work towards their goals. This same approach can be applied to my classroom, where teachers encourage students to strive for academic excellence.

Sam Carmichael, Teacher, Football SA

I have been in the sporting world for most of my adult life. Firstly as a player playing at range levels in USA (University system), Sweden, Scotland, New Zealand and currently locally at Cumberland United, and more recently as a coach in a range of different settings including with FSA, SACA and local soccer clubs/schools. My passion is to help people find their goals and then support in achieving them.

Megan Mercer, Teacher, Football SA

I have a strong passion for sport and wellbeing and was a soccer player until I retired at the age of 20 due to injury. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in teaching and share my love for physical activity with others. I am dedicated to helping young people find their passion in life and am always striving to make a positive impact on the communities I serve.

Antonia Macadam, Student Mentor, Football SA

While working across a range of jobs as a qualified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, swimming teacher and pool lifeguard, I graduated in 2020 from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Activity. In 2021 I broadened my skill set by working in a leadership role for a Summer Camp in the USA and am excited to be a Student Mentor at SEDA College. I am very passionate about helping students work towards their aspirations and finding pathways that match their interests and skills. 

James Schmusch, Student Mentor, Football SA

I am an enthusiastic and experienced educator with a passion for the outdoors and adventure. With over 3 years of teaching experience, both in South Australia and the United States, I have a love for imparting knowledge and igniting a sense of wonder in my students. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me exploring the great outdoors, seeking new adventures and always seeking to expand my knowledge and understanding of the world around me.

leadership team

Jeremy LeCornu, Deputy Principal

I am an experienced school leader and have worked in government schools, most recently as an Assistant Principal for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. I am passionate about transforming teaching and learning through innovation and inspiring students and teachers. I lead professional learning workshops for teachers around Australia and internationally. I also love sport and the way in which the SEDA model allows students to achieve their SACE using a hands-on approach whilst being immersed in the sports industry. As SEDA College SA’s first Deputy Principal, I am thrilled to be helping to achieve our vision of changing the game by providing fantastic opportunities for our students.

Dana Kempster, Director of Student Experience

Respect, relationships and relativity are central to my philosophy. My approach is holistic, acknowledging the inextricable link between wellbeing and learning. I am enthusiastic about empowering young people to develop confidence and character as they navigate the adolescent years, guiding them to leverage their strengths and develop a solid personal brand that is alignment with their values. I am committed to the ongoing development of a strong and healthy culture at SEDA College and am delighted to serve the community as the Director of Student Experience.

Ashley Jenner, Director of Learning Innovation

It has been very exciting for me to be a part of the growth and improvement of the College since joining SEDA as a teacher in the Football Program at the beginning of 2020. I love being able to combine my passion for innovation and problem-solving with the physical side of the role, particularly joining the students in my role as Director of Learning Innovation. Outside of the school setting, I enjoy playing and watching sport with my family and friends. 

support Staff & learning assistants

Alana Lishmund, Learning Assistant

As a 2021 graduate student, my main focus is to help students get the most out of their time here at SEDA College. Through supporting them as individuals and assisting their understanding of work, I am very excited to get to know students and do the best I can to be there for them. I can relate to the student experience here at the college having completed Year 11 in the soccer program and Year 12 moving to the AFL class. Having a background in a few different sports, I now spend my time playing League footy for the Norwood Women’s side, hoping to pursue a career in AFLW one day. Whilst being around the college I am also currently undertaking a Certificate 3 in Education Support to reinforce my knowledge of assisting and observing student life. 

Catherine Smith, Program Admin

I’m a country girl who moved to Adelaide in 2017. I strive to get the best out of our youth so they can reach their potential become a successful well-rounded adult and ready for what life can throw at them. I love sport and teamwork, after all a champion team will always beat a team of champions.

Thomas Johnson, Counsellor

I bring a range of professional and personal experience to my role at SEDA. As a PACFA accredited counsellor, I have training in multiple therapeutic practices and focus on tailoring my practice to the individual. I am a new graduate from the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (2022) program at the University of Adelaide and am excited to apply what I have learnt in this course here at SEDA. I am passionate about student wellbeing and creating a safe space for young people to work through the challenges they face. I know the stress the last two years of high school can bring and want to provide space for students at SEDA to thrive not just with their studies, but with their mental health as well! 

Cathy Buttignol, Inclusion Coordinator

‘Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists; it is making a new space, a better space for everyone.’ (George Dei 2006). The student voice and their lived experience informs, enriches and drives my passion within secondary settings. I have worked in education for 25+ years, with both domestic and international students, teaching Mathematics and English, coordinating year levels, and for the last 15 years, providing Professional Counselling to adolescents in schools. I have a Master’s degree in Social Science (Counselling) and one of my strengths is a love of learning. The sports focus at SEDA provides an innovative and inclusive platform for celebrating diversity.

Adrian Stenta, Professional Practice Coach

My two greatest passions in life are education and football and I’ve been very fortunate to be employed as both a teacher in a secondary school setting and football coach since 2003. I believe in using a student-centred, inquiry-based approach to learning where students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences to find meaning in their own lives. For me, teaching is a social process, which means building positive relationships is fundamental within the classroom. As such, I value communication, conversation, and positive reinforcement within the classroom.

Request a copy of the SEDA College SA Prospectus to learn more