Meet the Faculty
Natalie Cooper is the Head of English. She is an experienced educator with a passion for English and History. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Sydney University and a Certificate of Religion, Catholic Education Office, Parramatta Diocese. Her career began in 1993 as a teacher of English, Humanities and Religion at Nagle College, Blacktown, New South Wales. When the college expanded to incorporate senior classes, Natalie was involved in developing and teaching courses in Ancient History and Studies of Religion. Between 1995 and 1998, she undertook the role of History Coordinator, followed by the Head of House position from 1996.
BESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyIn 1999, Natalie started work at Marist Sisters College, Woolwich where she was involved in the implementation of the new NSW syllabus for her subject areas. She was an HSC marker, CEO Audit team member and was appointed Head of English in 2001. Natalie relocated with her family to the Gold Coast in 2009 where she began teaching at St Hilda’s School in the areas of English and History. In 2015, she was appointed Head of English and continues to work on developing engaging courses and fostering an enthusiasm for learning and a love of English.
Ross Jewell specialised in Comparative Literature and Social History, completing a Bachelor’s Degree at Griffith University and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching at the Mt. Gravatt College of Advanced Education. He began his teaching career in North Queensland, moving from Mount Isa to Charters Towers. Ross served for a short period on the Townsville District Review Panel in his capacity as a History teacher and panelist, involved in the moderation of Junior History assessment. During his years of teaching in Logan City, Ross also taught English, Geography and German and it was during that time, that he undertook a 12-month exchange, teaching English at the Erasmus-Grasser-Gymnasium in Munich, which motivated him to complete a TESOL qualification on his return. After serving as a residential teacher at the Slade Campus of the Anglican Church Grammar School for some time, Ross was appointed to the staff of St. Hilda’s School in 2005 and since then he has taught English to students from Years 7 to 12. During that time, he has supported a range of co-curricular activities from Debating to the volunteer reading program initiated by the Smith Family. He has also performed as subject coordinator and acting Head of English, and remains committed to inspiring in students a life-long love of reading.
Liam Guilar has an honours degree in Medieval History and Literature from Birmingham University (UK), a Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary English Teaching from Liverpool University (UK) and a Master’s Degree (by research) in Medieval Literature from the University of Queensland.
He taught in England before moving to Australia. He was the English teacher on the foundation staff of Redbank Planes State High School in 1987 and started teaching Senior English at St Hilda’s in 1993. Appointed Head of English at Saint Hilda’s in 1997, he was the Gold Coast District Review Panel Chair for English and then for English Extension (Literature).
Liam has written articles on English teaching, presented papers at conferences and been a guest speaker at teacher training sessions. He has also worked as a writer-in-residence and presented papers at the Australasian Association of Writing programs and the James Joyce Seminar at Dunedin University. He retired as Head of Faculty in 2007 and has taught the English Extension (Literature) program since it started in 2001.
Julie-Anne Johnston is an experienced educator with a love of English and History. She holds a Bachelor of Education (English and SOSE) from Griffith University. Her career began in 2002 as a teacher of English in the New South Wales Department of Education schools. She taught within the English and Humanities faculties and specialised in the senior course of Society and Culture between 2003 to 2007. In 2008, Julie-Anne relocated to Queensland and joined St Hilda’s School. She has a love of reading and great enjoyment of encouraging the girls to read and think critically about the texts.
Wendy Lauman began her teaching career as a Speech and Drama teacher before focusing her interest in girls’ education. Wendy has an Association with the Australian College of Music, a Bachelor of Education (Drama), a Master of Education in Counselling and Guidance, and a Master of Education in Behaviour Management. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Management, and a member of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.
Her secondary school teaching career began in 1992 at Moreton Bay College in Queensland where she led the Personal Development Program for senior students and was Head of Whitfield House. In 2006, Wendy was appointed as Dean of Students at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School in Queensland where she began a professional network for senior leaders of pastoral care and completed further studies in senior leadership and governance. She has a particular interest in positive psychology and working with teams.
Wendy was appointed Deputy Principal at St Hilda’s School in 2014 and has continued to promote the specific interests of girls’ education through her membership of AHISA conference committees and supporting the initiation of the St Hilda’s Girls in Engineering Conference, and the extension of the Performing Arts programs. She is one of St Hilda’s Student Protection Officers and works with the Anglican School’s Commission to ensure students, staff and parents are assisted with support when facing issues of concern.
Mary-Elizabeth Nash holds a Master of Education (Educational Management) from the University of Southern Queensland, a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) from the Australian Catholic University. She also holds Certificates IV in Training and Assessment, Careers Development and Christian Ministry and Theology (Foundations). Mary-Elizabeth began her career in 1992, teaching in private girls’ schools in Melbourne. In 1996, she moved to the Gold Coast taking a role at Aquinas College, where she held a number of positions over the next 15 years. These included Year 8 Coordinator, Middle School Coordinator and Assistant to the Principal – Administration (Head of Curriculum). During this time, Mary-Elizabeth presented sessions at conferences on Middle School Management, Whole School Literacy and Numeracy programs, and Teaching Excellence. After many years working in educational management, Mary-Elizabeth returned to the classroom following her appointment to St Hilda’s School in 2012. She is a dedicated and experienced educator who supports individual academic success through a student-centred approach and an enthusiasm for learning.
