Meet the team

Jared Bussell

A champion of evidence-based teaching who believes every student can and should succeed.

Jared is deeply committed to research-informed instruction that has a lasting impact on students. From struggling in his early days in the classroom, he persevered and followed the evidence, and with a lot of help, he gained the knowledge to transform his teaching. Having achieved phenomenal results with multiple cohorts of his own students, he shares his knowledge with as many other teachers as he can, eager for them to experience the joy of impactful teaching. Jared has travelled all over Australia teaching, coaching, and sharing resources with thousands of educators, and always brings his trademark warmth and humility to everything he does.

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. With a mind like an iron trap, Jordan has led curriculum and instructional innovations both as a teacher and a school administrator. He has accomplished what many set out to do, but only a few attain — which is to achieve a significant and lasting impact on improving student outcomes. He is a master at finding ways for teachers and students to truly thrive in the classroom.

Brooke Wardana

A sagacious Early Childhood expert with unrivalled instructional skills that she shares generously.

A juggernaut in Early Childhood Education, Brooke’s teaching ability is next-level. It’s impossible to watch her teach and not be captivated by 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 proven 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.

Amy Yeates

An immensely talented teacher, curriculum leader and resource designer.

Amy is a distinguished Level 3 classroom teacher who specialises in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and high-impact teaching strategies. Passionate about evidence, her data-driven approach has been instrumental in enhancing student outcomes in a variety of schools and projects by integrating assessment with targeted intervention. Amy’s leadership in nationwide teaching intensives, along with her willingness to model effective practice in virtually any classroom has solidified her standing as one of Australia’s most talented and respected educators.

Bhavisha Kerai

A gifted teacher and instructional leader dedicated to raising outcomes.

Exuding warmth, knowledge, and a genuine passion for her craft, Bhavisha is a highly regarded Level 3 classroom teacher and instructional leader. Hailing from the UK, she brings a unique perspective on effective teaching, honed through years of experience refining her own practice and supporting hundreds of other teachers through professional learning and instructional coaching. From conquering diverse classroom settings to raising whole-school outcomes, Bhavisha has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of high-impact teaching, and now dedicates herself to sharing that knowledge and inspiration with others.

Isabella Preston

A secondary expert who relishes opportunities to support teachers and their students.

Isabella stands out in secondary education for her incredible expertise in curriculum development and classroom delivery. Her supportive approach resonates with students and teachers of all backgrounds and ability levels. With an unparalleled eye for detail, she is especially gifted in creating resources and assessments of the highest standard. With over four years as an instructional coach across Humanities, English, Science, and Technologies learning areas, Isabella’s expertise in mentoring teachers is extensive, and her genuine dedication to improving outcomes for teachers and their students is truly inspiring.

Ryan Steed

Secondary English expert and instructional coach with a deep drive to help others.

Ryan steps into our team as a secondary English expert and a seasoned instructional coach in challenging contexts. A champion for high-impact strategies and well-being among educators, he promotes academic rigour while also emphasising the importance of teacher self-care. His leadership in integrating Writing Revolution techniques has been a game-changer across various learning areas. A fervent advocate for empowering student voices through creative writing and storytelling, his passion for literature is rivalled only by his commitment to inspiring it in others.

Loren Sorgiovanni

Secondary Maths expert and instructional coach with a passion for innovation.

Seeking innovation in lesson design and delivery, Loren’s commitment to advancing Maths education is impressive. As an instructional coach, she excels in mentoring her peers with evidence-based strategies tailored to diverse classrooms. Using teacher demonstrations that include her exemplary resources, Loren showcases the virtues of high-impact teaching in a highly accessible way for teachers. Loren’s insightful approach is not just refreshing for her students but also serves as inspiration for her colleagues. Her enthusiasm, warmth and generosity or the perfect combination.

Kate Charlton

Expert primary teacher, school administrator, and organisational phenom.

An experienced and highly respected 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 goes the extra mile for her students, but who shuns the spotlight. Kate draws her satisfaction from seeing the impact on students, both her own and those of the teachers that she works with. Impossibly patient and empathetic, she is a shining light in our team. In one of her greatest challenges yet, she is now trying to bring a sense of order to Shaping Minds.

Lauren Coulter

Design, finance, and master problem-solver

Wearing multiple hats, 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.

Marcus & Dominic

Event Security 😊
Human Coordinator Specialists

You might spot these fine gentleman at larger Shaping Minds events. Whether lugging equipment around or helping you to your seat, these boys are happy to help. 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.