Meet the team

Jared Bussell

A champion for inclusive, evidence-based instruction.

The teacher we wish we all had. Jared is passionate about teacher-led instruction that has a lasting impact on students. His vast pedagogical knowledge is complemented by his warmth and compassion. With experience as a school administrator and teacher in challenging contexts, he has successfully implemented school improvement initiatives in a diverse range of settings. He bridges the gap between theory and practice through his pragmatic examples and demonstrations of effective practice.

Jordan O’Sullivan

An architect of school-based curriculum and instructional resources

Jordan’s expertise is matched only by his willingness to share it. With an innate interest in Cognitive Science and research in Education, he only endorses practices that are supported by evidence. Jordan has led curriculum and instructional innovations as a teacher and school administrator. He has accomplished what many set out to do, but only few attain… which is to achieve a significant and lasting impact on improving student outcomes. He is a master at finding ways to help students truly learn.

Brooke Wardana

A sagacious Early Childhood expert with unrivalled instructional skills

A juggernaut in Early Childhood Education, it is impossible to watch Brooke teach and not be in awe of her talent for instruction. Demonstrating that high-impact teaching can be fun, fast, and meaningful for all learners. With a level 3 classroom teacher qualification, a track record of lifting student outcomes in disadvantaged schools, extensive experience as an instructional coach, and the ability to captivate audiences of educators with her authentic personality and pragmatic approach to teaching – Brooke is an absolute force of nature.

Lauren Coulter

Design, finance, and master problem-solver

Wearing multiple hats in a small family business, Lauren oversees both our financial and creative departments. She puts her studies in Psychology and Art to good use through her design work and in helping to support everyone’s mental health. Possibly the most patient, helpful, and brilliant person at Shaping Minds — if you want to speak to an adult on the team who isn’t a teacher… Lauren’s your only hope 😊

Kate Charlton

Expert teacher, administrator, and organisational phenom

A teacher and school administrator who led our junior primary during its strongest period of student performance — although you’d never hear this from her. A humble achiever who shuns the spotlight. Kate draws her satisfaction from seeing the impact on students, both her own and those of the teachers she works with. In one of her greatest challenges yet, she is now trying to bring a sense of order to Shaping Minds.

Marcus & Dominic

Crowd Control

Whether helping you to your seat while engaging in slightly awkward small talk OR escorting you gently from the venue… these boys aim to please. Despite a 2 year age difference, they work so well together that you would think they were freshly separated twins. If you see these legends at a Shaping Minds event, don’t forget to say hello… they are two of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

Lightnin’ McQueen

Pilbara Special – Feline edition. Indifferent and aloof.

Although in charge of the ‘Happiness Committee’, it is not a role that he takes seriously. Rather, McQueen commits himself diligently and in full to the pursuit of bird watching from sunshine-filled windows. He appears only when not being called, yet ironically, will lash out ruthlessly if his presence is not acknowledged when entering a room. Really, he fits in with the team quite well.