Governance

Chrissy Gamble is the 17^th Principal of Kingswood College, commencing in January 2023.

For nearly 30 years Chrissy has been leading and teaching in independent schools across Australia and she has a breadth of experience across a range of Kindergarten – Year 12 settings from the classroom to governance, advocacy, funding programs, strategic planning and curriculum development, along with a strong track record of driving educational excellence.

Before Kingswood College, Chrissy held the position of Deputy Executive Director at Independent Schools Tasmania for four years.

Prior to moving to Tasmania, Chrissy was the Principal of Christ Church Grammar School in Melbourne, and she has also held the positions of Deputy Head of School (P-12) and Head of Junior School (P-6) at Cranbrook School in Sydney.

Chrissy holds a Master of Education from Murdoch University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Education) from Curtin University. Chrissy is highly experienced in the delivery of International Baccalaureate Programmes and is passionate about creating exceptional educational experiences for young people.

Chrissy is a personable and articulate leader who cares deeply about young people, and she has a natural affinity for relationship, community and capacity building. She is deeply committed to the development and sustainability of outstanding educational communities, by fostering the development of others in the pursuit of personal best for students and staff alike.

Chrissy is married to Ross and they have an adult son Daniel.

Geoff Roberts-Thomson is the Deputy Principal at Kingswood College and commenced in January 2020.

Geoff is a highly experienced Deputy Principal, and brings a wealth of knowledge and vision to the role.

Prior to commencing at Kingswood College, Geoff was the Deputy Principal (Staff and Administration) at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, a position he held for three years; and prior to that he was the Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School at Oxley Christian College for 13 years.

A passionate educator who seeks to foster a life-long love of learning in every student, Geoff is committed to thinking deeply about what education for today’s students should look like. He will lead the College in the next phase of implementing our unique LATTICE framework and the implementation of the secondary and whole school priorities.

Geoff teaches Mathematics and Information Technology and he also has a strong background in wellbeing, community based learning and student agency.

Chris joined Kingswood College in 2021 as the Director of Business. His role focuses on the financial sustainability of the College, the upkeep of the College’s facilities and strategic direction of the College.

Chris has been working in schools since 2012 and he was previously the Finance Manager at Korowa Anglican Girls’ College a senior position he held since 2017.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accounting, a Certificate in Governance for Not-for-Profits, and a Master of Business Administration. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Association of School Business Administrators (ASBA).

Lynelle Dudman is the Director of Community Engagement and commenced in 2011.

Lynelle is responsible for the development of the Kingswood College brand, publicity and reputation, marketing, enrolments, alumni and community engagement programs.

With a business degree specialising in marketing, Lynelle has significant experience in marketing, communications, brand management, media and publications in both Australia and the United Kingdom.

Prior to her appointment at Kingswood College, Lynelle was employed at Deakin University as the Manager Communications and Branding – a senior management position within the Marketing Division which she held for five years.

Lynelle has worked at Fairfax Community Newspapers as the Victorian Marketing Manager for a group of 30 local newspapers and magazines.

Lynelle previously worked in the United Kingdom for several years in marketing management positions in a range of industries including media, publishing and recruitment.

Amy Lovell is the Head of Junior School, joining the College at the beginning of Term 3 2020.

Amy brings a wealth of experience to the classroom and the Executive Team having been a key leader at Carey Baptist Grammar School’s Junior School (Kew campus) since 2005. Amy is currently the Prep – Year 3 Coordinator and the Prep – Year 6 English Coordinator.

Amy’s has a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education and a Graduate Certificate in Education (Specific Learning Difficulties), all from the University of Melbourne. She has led curriculum reviews, implemented significant learning programs and is committed to individual growth and personal best in each young person.

Her reputation as a strong, innovative and imaginative curriculum leader is well established. Amy is intelligent and empathetic.  Her work ethic and commitment to team-work are highly-regarded by those who work with her, and have impressed her colleagues and our selection panel.

Amy’s values are strongly aligned with those of Kingswood College, and her commitment to service and building community are hallmarks of her career in education.

Her interests include twentieth century history and politics, as well as bushwalking, camping and jogging. Amy lives locally, is married to Adam, and they have three young children.

Lisa Sacristani is the Head of Middle School commencing at the College in 2023.

Lisa is an experienced middle years’ leader, and prior to joining Kingswood College she was the Head of Junior Secondary (Middle School) at Donvale Christian College. Lisa worked at Donvale Christian College for more than a decade and held a range of leadership positions including Head of Year 9, as well as teaching English, Humanities and Sport to secondary students.

Prior to Donvale, Lisa worked at a number of other schools in teaching positions across a range of settings, as well as owning her own business.

At the heart of Lisa’s educational philosophy is the power of relationships. Lisa understands what it takes to build strong communities, and her hope is that every student in her care, will develop an imperviable identity, one where they have a deep sense of their value and worth, know who they are and that they belong.

In 2021 Lisa completed her Master of Education (Leadership) at the University of Melbourne.

In her spare time Lisa loves walking, reading and going to the beach. Lisa is married to Rob and together they have three teenage sons.

Dr Stephen Maus commenced as the Head of Senior School in January 2018.

Dr Maus is an esteemed educator with an outstanding reputation for his classroom teaching, support for students and families, for raising standards and improving student-learning outcomes.

Stephen was previously the Head of Year 11 at Trinity Grammar School with direct leadership and responsibility for more than 160 students. He played a pivotal role in the development and delivery of Trinity’s renowned student leadership program, as well as holding numerous other positions of leadership including Head of Commerce, Head of House and Senior Master.

Stephen has worked in Catholic education and independent schooling as well as industry. He is also an accomplished sports coach.

In 2004 Stephen completed his Doctor of Education, with his thesis focused on how to improve learning outcomes for students.

He shares Kingswood College’s philosophy of educating the mind, body, heart and spirit, and believes wholeheartedly in developing a strong three-way partnership between school, students and families.

Michaela Sutherland is the Executive Assistant to the Principal and the Indigenous Liaison Coordinator at Kingswood College.

Michaela commenced at the College in March 2012 and manages the office and schedule of the Principal. She works closely with the Executive Team, College Council and College community.

Michaela is also the liaison for the College’s Indigenous program, working with Indigenous students, their homestay families and the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School.

She is a passionate supporter of the Kingswood College community. She has been involved in many school camps, activities and international community based learning programs.

Prior to commencing at Kingswood College, Michaela held senior administrative roles at Carey Baptist Grammar School where she was employed for more than 20 years.

Michaela has a Diploma in Management and a Diploma in Business Administration.