How long have you worked at Fintona?
I first came to Fintona as a second year student teacher in 2011. The following year I was offered the Rowing Coordinator position and I haven’t looked back! I officially began teaching at Fintona in 2016.
What do you love the most about your job?
I became a teacher because I wanted to have a positive impact on others. My favourite part of the job is the feeling of belonging in the Fintona community, and watching our students grow and develop into strong independent women through the programs that the School offers.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about promoting physical activity and encouraging all of my students to develop a love of being active, whether that be through a traditional sport such as rowing, or in other ways such as dance and hiking.
Where did you get your love of sport and outdoors?
I was fortunate to attend a school that offered amazing programs in both areas. I love the team aspect of both sport and outdoor education and the feeling of achieving something that previously seemed impossible. Through both programs I made many of my fondest memories and, of course, lifelong friends.
What is your favourite sport and/or outdoor activity?
It would have to be a four way tie between rowing, running, surfing and skiing! I love any sport that involves going fast on water. I row for Melbourne University Boat Club and run nearly every day.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done?
I think adventure is being pushed out of your comfort zone to achieve a rewarding experience. The most adventurous thing I have done recently would have to be trekking across the jungle in Costa Rica on the School’s recent World Challenge trip. The adventure involved steep climbs which required scrambling up rocks, river crossing aplenty, and a whole lot of mud. It was all worth it. We saw amazing wildlife including sloths and macaws as well as experiencing the wildness of the jungle first hand.
What is your favourite travel destination?
That is such a tough question! I have been fortunate to travel to Hong Kong, Italy, England and Costa Rica – all were amazing travel destinations in their own unique way. However, I can’t go past the food in Italy or the biodiversity of Costa Rica. I think if anything, this year has spurred a major travel bug within me and I am keen to see as much of the world as possible with Nepal and North America being the next two destinations on my bucket list. I am also a firm believer that we have so many amazing travel destinations in our own back yard. I love getting down to Aireys Inlet, and exploring the high country of Victoria.
How do you like to spend the weekends and term breaks?
Throughout the summer terms, the majority of my weekends are spent on the banks of the Barwon River at rowing regattas. When I’m not coaching I love going for a long run followed by brunch, or taking the opportunity to get out of Melbourne ideally somewhere with snow or surf!