Meet Our Staff

Mark commenced as Pembroke Principal in July 2022. In accordance with the School Constitution he is an ex officio non-voting Board Member. Mark is also a member of the four Board appointed committees.

Mark is an experienced educational leader, with undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in English, History, Communications and Educational Leadership. Most recently, Mark was Senior Deputy Principal at Wenona School in North Sydney where he worked closely with the Principal and School Board of Governors on all matters of school leadership and management, with particular emphasis on leading the innovative staff culture of learning.

Throughout Mark’s extensive career he has held many leadership roles across diverse areas such as Student Wellbeing, Professional Learning and Teaching and Learning. He is thoroughly committed to developing a school culture that values relationships and fosters personal excellence through continual improvement within a respectful and caring community.

Mark is passionate about all things Pembroke and is looking forward to advancing the School into the future, and co-designing strategy that supports Pembroke being at the forefront of education and one of Australia’s leading independent schools.

Chris commenced at Pembroke as Deputy Principal in July 2023. Chris has extensive experience in high-performing girls’ and co-educational schools in Victoria and New South Wales. He has held ELC-12 leadership roles, and has experience in pastoral care, department leadership, and co-curricular programs. Most recently, Chris held the role of Deputy Principal (School Operations) at Wenona School in North Sydney. During his time at Wenona, Chris provided high level support and leadership of the Senior Leadership Team. Primarily responsible for the day-to-day running of the School, he led a range of areas including Property & Facilities, House and Co-curricular Programs, domestic and overseas tours, risk management, child safety and major events. In addition to this extensive remit, Chris worked with the Executive Team and Heads of Schools to provide support to the wellbeing, Human Resources and teaching and learning teams.

Chris has taught Physical Education and Health from Reception to Year 12 during his 20-year teaching career. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement) and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from Deakin University, and a Master of Education (Management) from the University of Melbourne. He is also a graduate of the Association of Independent Schools NSW, National Flagship Program. Chris is excited to be joining a community that emphasises the pursuit of quality and excellence across a wide range of academic, co-curricular and service-based programs. He is eager to immerse himself in a school culture that values student participation and involvement as a means of developing resilience and confidence in its students.

Sean joined Pembroke in May 2022 as Director of ICT. Sean has been responsible for advising, guiding and leading IT strategy, architecture, projects and change management for a variety of organisations across a broad range of sectors including retail, government, energy, finance, manufacturing, construction, health and education.

Sean is an advocate of lifelong learning and holds numerous qualifications including an MBA and Graduate Diploma in Project Management. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently serves as an non-executive Director for AICSA and Branch Executive Committee member for the Australian Computer Society.

Amanda has gained an extensive understanding of Pembroke over more than 30 years. Prior to working at Pembroke, Amanda worked with an international research and marketing company interstate. At Pembroke, Amanda has held the positions of Deputy Head and Acting Head of Girls’ Boarding and she was the inaugural director of the Pembroke School Foundation from 1999 to 2018, helping enable several major capital developments and scholarships. In 2019 Amanda was appointed Director of Indigenous Education and Community Engagement, continuing her work with key supporters of the School, and developing the Indigenous Education program in support of students’ growth as well as engendering a spirit of reconciliation across the School. Amanda is a Fellow of, and an advisor to, the Pembroke Foundation, and a member of the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee at St Mark’s College, Adelaide.

Vincent joins us in 2024 to lead the culture of giving at Pembroke. He is well known in the wider community through his work with the Art Gallery of South Australia, as Managing Director of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and his contributions to the tertiary education sector. Vincent has a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Adelaide, a Graduate Certificate in Management (Arts Management) and a Graduate Diploma in Journalism. His career includes roles as a journalist, in Arts management, and extensive board and advisory panel work, specifically across tertiary education and The Arts, with his most recent role as Head of Philanthropy and Enterprise at the Art Gallery of South Australia. As a past parent and member of our Foundation Board, Vincent is looking forward to his growing involvement, expertise and leadership in this vital space to ensure the Pembroke legacy continues for generations to come.

Originally from the United Kingdom with an extensive teaching background, Doug moved to Australia in 2015 and commenced at Guildford Grammar, a co-educational independent school in Western Australia. While teaching Humanities and English, Doug started working as Boarding Supervisor with the school’s junior and senior boy boarders. In 2020, Doug moved to The Armidale School in regional New South Wales to continue his career in boarding as Head of Boys’ Boarding House. There, he was responsible for the overall leadership and operational management of the house, the wellbeing of students and the supervision and guidance of staff. Doug is passionate about cultivating a boarding house as a place where boarders feel welcome and enjoy living. He has a strong focus on consultation and ensuring all students are heard.

Rebecca commenced at Pembroke in 2018 as Middle School Counsellor and won the position of Head of Social, Emotional and Personal Development in 2020. She has extensive experience in teaching, educational leadership and wellbeing across a range of school sectors in Australia, New Zealand and Germany, including as Assistant Principal of Middle School. Most recently, before commencing at Pembroke, she was Counsellor at Seymour College, ELC to Year 12, for a decade. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Art, a Diploma of Yoga Teaching and Masters of Education Studies specialising in Student Counselling. Rebecca is passionate about the mental health and wellbeing of young people and building a strong school culture of connection and belonging.

In late 2023, we welcomed Jesseca as our Director of Admissions at Pembroke. With a Bachelor of Management (Marketing) from the University of South Australia and 13 years’ experience within the independent school sector, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of school admissions and operations.

Jesseca's professional journey provides her with profound insights into the needs and aspirations of families when selecting a school. Through the development and implementation of innovative campaigns, customer-focused initiatives and forward-thinking strategies, Jesseca's mission is to serve our families diligently. Her dedication lies in ensuring that each family feels supported, informed and excited about the exceptional education awaiting them at Pembroke.

With a passion for storytelling and expertise in education, Caroline is a journalism, marketing and communications professional who commenced at Pembroke in late 2023. After completing a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) degree through the University of South Australia, she began her career with a coveted Cadetship at the ABC before joining the Seven Network where she spent more than a decade traversing various disciplines including reporting, presenting, producing and news editing, culminating in her appointment as Adelaide’s Deputy News Director. Following her time with Seven, Caroline managed media, engagement and communications for the State Government’s then Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure prior to joining St Peter’s Girls’ School where she served six years as Director of Communications. A firm believer in lifelong education, Caroline completed a Master of Business Administration through RMIT in 2021, and in 2023 became a tutor in Public Relations at the University of South Australia.

Jessica commenced at Pembroke as Head of Junior School in January 2023. Prior to this, she held the role of Head of Middle School at Walford Anglican School for Girls. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of South Australia, a Bachelor of Education (Junior Primary / Primary) from Flinders University, and a Master of Education (Leadership and Management) from Flinders University. Her impressive qualifications are complemented by her experience teaching and leading in junior school settings as a primary classroom teacher, PYP Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and in various leadership roles within the area of curriculum, wellbeing and teaching and learning. Jessica has a strong interest in student wellbeing and providing opportunities for school communities to learn, grow and improve together. She is a student-centered leader that values authentic student voice and enjoys providing opportunities for young people to shine.

Michele commenced at Pembroke in 2020 as Head of SACE and took up the inaugural position of Dean of Learning Cultures and Innovation in January 2024. She has previously held the positions of Learning and Teaching leader for English, Research Project Program Coordinator and Senior Years Learning Leader at Immanuel College. Michele is a passionate teacher of English and History, and has a strong interest in 21^st century education and pedagogical innovation. She has extensive research experience, completing a Doctor of Philosophy in English in 2003. She also holds a Graduate Diploma of Education and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Darren joined Pembroke in 2001 having taught previously in the Catholic sector. Employed as a Chemistry/Science teacher he has since held a range of acting and substantive roles including Senior Tutor, Head of IB and Assistant Head of Senior School prior to commencing as Dean of Administration in 2016. Darren has qualifications in chemistry and education.

A proud Pembroke educator since 2012, including leading our Humanities Faculty, Simon has more than 20 years’ experience as a teacher in Australia and the UK across state, Catholic and independent sectors. He has been involved in the delivery of professional learning at a local and national level through curriculum bodies and professional associations. Simon is President of the Geography Teachers’ Association of South Australia and Deputy Chair of the Australian Geography Teachers Association. He has co-authored student textbooks for the BBC and Cambridge University Press and is completing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Simon is passionate about developing opportunities for staff to innovate, collaborate and use evidence to inform best practice. He is highly regarded at Pembroke, not only for his knowledge and expertise, but also his care and compassion which are evidenced across a variety of fronts including being the joyful guardian of a Pembroke Wellbeing Dog.

Alexandra commenced at Pembroke in 2005 and manages the busy Girton Campus, site of the Senior School, working with a range of staff and being responsible for 450 students in their final two years of formal education. She is an experienced teacher having worked in the UK, been Chief Assessor for the SACE and an examiner for the IB Diploma Programme. Additionally, she has contributed to textbooks and journals along with serving as the President, Treasurer and Journal Editor of the Geography Teachers’ Association of South Australia. Alexandra has an Honours Degree in Geographical Sciences and Master of Education – Leadership and Management.

Clark re-commenced at Pembroke in 2020 following previous stints from 2006-09 and 2012-15. Clark oversees the planning and management of Pembroke’s academic program. He has experience in international education in Singapore, the Lutheran sector in addition to the independent education sector. He has held a wide variety of positions including Year 11/12 Coordinator, IB Diploma Coordinator and Assistant Head of Senior School prior to this role as Dean of Studies. Clark has tertiary qualifications in Finance, Economics and Education.

Anita joined Pembroke in July 2023 as Business Manager, leading the Business Operations Team. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), bringing diverse industry experience to her role. Prior to Pembroke, Anita worked in the tertiary education sector in Victoria. Her expertise encompasses financial management, process improvement and compliance. Anita is passionate about fostering a collaborative environment and is committed to driving operational excellence at Pembroke, ensuring that the School continues to thrive and support its community.

Kia joined Pembroke as Head of Middle School in 2021 (previously Head of Middle School at Seymour College, Head of Middle School/Acting Deputy Principal at Woodcroft College). In addition to her success as a Head of Middle School, Kia brings many proven strengths and experiences to her role at Pembroke. She is currently completing a Master of Education Studies (Innovation and Change). She is an excellent Design and Technology teacher across Australian Curriculum, IB and SACE and blazed a trail with a number of female colleagues in the early 1990s to teach in the traditionally male-dominated school curriculum area of Technology. She is a Nationally Accredited Assessor in Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL) and can certify and assess teachers in the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher level. Kia is actively engaged in professional associations and, from time to time, specialist committee work. In 2019, Kia won the Adolescent Success - Middle Years Leader of the Year National Award. She holds Australian Sports Commission and South Australian Sports Institute coaching certification for softball, lacrosse and netball having played all these sports at state or club level.

Margarita is a dedicated Human Resources professional with over 12 years’ experience. As our Director of People and Culture, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of HR from recruitment and onboarding to interpretation of legislation and industrial tools.

Margarita has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resources and has extensive experience in the education industry having worked at two of South Australia’s leading universities, the University of Adelaide and Flinders University.

Margarita is passionate about cultivating a culture of growth, development and opportunity within our team at Pembroke to assist in ensuring our students continue to be guided and supported by exceptional educators and professional services staff.

Wendy commenced Pembroke in 2000. She oversees the School’s finance, business, risk, compliance, governance, major projects, ICT and properties services functions. Wendy is Secretary to the School Board, a member of the Board appointed committees and a Foundation Fellow.

Prior to joining Pembroke Wendy worked across manufacturing, banking, finance, housing and multimedia. She has qualifications in economics, finance, investment, management, governance and superannuation. She is currently a Trustee Director of NGS Superannuation, a member of the AISSA Finance Committee and Chair of Kathleen Lumley College Inc. Wendy is a Justice of the Peace (SA) and a fellow of CPA Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors and Governance Institute.