Learning Support Officers (LSOs) enhance teacher delivery of inclusive and accessible learning programs for students.

Emily Bryon 

I have been working at Nazareth College for five years, prior to that I was working as a nanny in the United States for two years.  

I enjoy exploring new places and have travelled around Europe, Thailand, and have been to 32 states in the US. 

I am from the Mid North Coast of NSW and have lived in Melbourne for around 6 years. I grew up near the beach where I did surfing and beach walking for sport at secondary school.  

I am currently studying teaching and plan to work in inclusive education.  

It is very rewarding to see the students learn and grow. I look forward to working with you all this year.  

Fun fact: I have skydived on the Gold Coast. 

Claire Duckett

Hi Everyone

I have just started at Nazareth this year, and it’s my first time being an LSO! I’ll be working Wednesdays and Fridays, and on the other days, studying my Bachelor of Nursing. Thanks for a welcoming and friendly start, I’m definitely a bit nervous, but keen to get to know the students and staff and work alongside you all!

Fun fact: I enjoy sewing.

Elisha Duckett 

Greetings all!  

My name is Elisha and I have returned to work as a Learning Support Officer at Nazareth College after completing a university placement.

I am currently studying a Master of Social Work at Monash University after finishing up a Bachelor of Liberal Arts. I'm hoping that my study and work will go hand in hand in assisting the learning of students!   

Apart from study and work, I enjoy playing netball, hitting the gym and spending time with family. Although a bit nervous, I'm keen to be back at Nazareth!   

Fun fact: I love playing netball.

Priya Gnanaswamy 

I am excited in working as a Learning Support Officer at Nazareth College. I am committed to fostering a love for learning and inspiring students to reach their full potential. I bring a deep sense of empathy, understanding and dedication to my role as an educator. I am a qualified teacher with a Master of Science and a Master of Philosophy in Plant Science, and a Bachelor degree in Education.  I have taught Senior Biology and High-School Science for around ten years and gladly returning to teaching environment after a few years of being a dedicated full-time mum of two daughters. Otherwise, I am passionate about gardening, travelling and cooking international cuisines. 

Fun facts: I love unplanned adventurous trips with my family that also includes three bunnies!    

Amy Graham  

This is my third year at Nazareth as an LSO. I had a fantastic year last year and I am looking forward to another great year at Nazareth. I am passionate supporting all students in experiencing success while at school. I have a Bachelor of Science with Double major in Microbiology and Zoology with a minor in Biochemistry and moved to Melbourne from Tasmania a couple years ago. My hobbies include crocheting, knitting and anything generally crafty. I live locally and really enjoy living and working in this part of Melbourne.

Fun Fact:

I have two dogs who always keep me on my toes.

Eliza Hastings 

Hi everyone!

My name’s Eliza and this is my second year working at Nazareth as an LSO. I'm currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education degree. I have loved working so far with an amazing team of LSO’s and look forward to working alongside you in your classes 😊

Fun Fact: I once played a game of basketball at Hisense Arena!

Maria Hatzis

I have been a Learning Support Officer at Nazareth College for the past 8 years. I find my work with our students both enriching and fulfilling. Prior to my position with Nazareth, I worked as a stylist collaborating with many Australian and New Zealand designers. I have travelled extensively throughout Europe and am now looking forward to travelling to places more off the beaten track.  

Fun fact:  My favourite celebrities to style would have to be Deborra Lee Furness and Sonia Kruger. Both delightful and incredibly down to earth.  

Shyla James 

I’ve been working at Nazareth since 2001, prior to that I worked in an International School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia teaching English. I have a Bachelor of Education degree and a Master's in English Literature. I enjoy working with students to help them achieve their best .

I look forward to working with you all this year. 

Fun fact: Calligraphy is my hobby.

Angela Jordan 

I began working at Nazareth College in February 2021.  On the day I started here, the first Covid Vaccine was released in Australia!  

Prior to Nazareth, I worked as an LSO in a Primary School setting for seven years.  I was also RE Coordinator at St John's Mitcham Parish for the Government School Sacramental Program.   

I became interested in supporting students with disabilities through my involvement with para sports. My husband and I have one 16 year old daughter and one 18 year old son. Our 18 year old son is a para athlete in sprints and competed for Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Our family were fortunate enough to travel to the UK to see Anthony compete live in Birmingham and enjoyed a holiday whilst there.  

Through para-athletics, I have met many young athletes and parents who have shared a similar journey with living with a disability. I am passionate about not only inclusivity in sport but also in education.  

I really enjoy the variety and inclusion that a secondary school has to offer across all topics. I am particularly interested in History and Economics as these are topics I studied at university. I am interested in environmental issues and politics and together with a small group of neighbours lobbied local government to save around 100 trees from removal in our neighbourhood. 

On a personal note, I like to tend to my garden and enjoy walking amongst nature. I love to spend time in the outdoors, exploring Melbourne's beautiful parks and gardens. I love cricket and football and follow the Adelaide Crows as my hometown is McLaren Vale, Adelaide, South Australia. I have been in Melbourne now for 27 years and so perhaps I am a local now! 

Fun fact: My son and I have met the Australian cricket team and I have had Shane Warne personally sign an enlarged photo of his hat-trick at the MCG.  

Melissa Lot

Hi everyone!

This is my first year at Nazareth College and first time as an LSO. I’m currently a final year student studying Education (secondary) and Science. I’ve had opportunities working with secondary students before in programs such as Access Monash, Monash Virtual School, and Embrace Education. The staff here have all been no less than amazing, supportive, and friendly so I am looking forward to working within this community this year!

In my spare time, I love going on food adventures to find the best local yums and sharing those experiences with my friends and family.

Fun facts: For three years straight, I watched the TV show Friends every night before I sleep (yet, I still cannot quote the show well). I also recently went swimming with sting rays in the Gold Coast! 😊

Sanjulata Mourya 

Hi everyone!  

This is my third year at Nazareth, and I love working at the College and supporting students. I was a High School teacher of Geography and Economics in Bengaluru (Bangalore), India for 10 years. I have completed my Master's degree in Geography and Bachelor of Education in Geography and English. I am blessed with two boys.

I am always extremely excited about the role of Learning Support Officer, and I enjoy every day at Nazareth since I joined the College. I found everyone very warm, welcoming, and supportive. I feel blessed to be in association with such a wonderful community where everyone's attitude is full of gratitude for each other. I have tried my best to support all learners and help them emotionally and intellectually. I am extremely glad as we have a collaborating Learning Diversity team who supports each other to achieve future goals. Our team has grown, and we are here to support all.

Fun Fact: I have done a Post Graduate Research in Water from Germany in Year 2000 (three months) which was fully sponsored by German Academic Exchange. I love cooking and can make 56 items in approximately 4 hours. 

Jules McKenzie

Hi everyone!

My name is Jules and I joined Nazareth in March 2023. Last year I took Term 3 off to travel and now I am back part time. I am currently studying Psychology, doing a Bachelor of Psychology at La Trobe University doing my minors in neuroscience and human relationships.

When I am not at work or studying, I enjoy spending time outside, with friends and family, bouldering, reading, walking, going on adventures and doing things.

I am excited to be back here at Nazareth after the holidays and hope this year is full of learning, growth and great experiences.

Fun Fact – I used to have a national tennis ranking in the top 200 for women in Australia :)

Hansa Parashar

Hello everyone,

I am an experienced Teacher and excited to gain experience as a Full Time LSO in this esteemed institution, Nazareth College.

Fun Fact: I do Tarot Card readings and have a YouTube channel, Hans Heals, dedicated to interesting general and pick a card tarot reading.

Naomi Pernar  

I have been a learning support officer at Nazareth for nearly eight years. 

I hold a Diploma in Community Services and an Advanced Diploma of Community Services and am currently studying part time for a Bachelor of Education and Cert IV in Training and Assessment. I hope to also complete a Master's of Education.  I also would like to do a course in Youth Mental Health. 

For the past 27 years, I have worked with children aged 0-16 years, I have managed child care centres and council owned OSHC programs as well as validating child care centres.  I have 2 children, my eldest is now an apprentice plumber and my daughter is in Year 9. I enjoy watching them participate in a range of sporting activities including football, basketball, netball and dancing. I have also been team manager for my son’s basketball and football teams. I used to play baseball and have assisted with coaching. 

Since being at Nazareth, I have found my work both fulfilling and rewarding. 

Fun fact: I barrack for Essendon. Go The Bombers!  I also used to work in Used Cars so know all the used car sale tricks. 

Tania Persi 

Hello Everyone

I began at Nazareth College in 2022 so this is my third year working as an LSO.

Prior to returning to work I was a stay at home mum.  I have three daughters who now are either working or completing their studies.

I began my working life teaching Italian, Politics and Religious Education for many years at an all boy secondary college.

I am enjoying my work as an LSO and seeing the students have many successes.

Fun Fact: I enjoy watching sport - particularly AFL and Tennis. I follow the Mighty Tigers. I have my tickets already for the first couple of rounds.

Jason Robert  

I have immersed myself in the teaching profession for approximately 18 years. Having served as a teacher, a private tutor and a teacher aide, I have taught a wide array of subjects, including English, mathematics, music, economics, psychology and business. I am ardently passionate about learning, reading, writing, singing, playing the guitar, travelling and meeting people. Stemming from my devotion to education, I am dedicated to imparting my knowledge and wisdom to students. To me, Nazareth College is not merely an educational institution - it is more than a school as it is an exciting, vibrant community consisting of the students, the staff and the parents. I take great pride in the College, which is why I keep raving about the school when I meet students from other schools. 

Fun fact: I can sing in different voices! 

Priyanka Saha

Hello everyone! I have completed my Master's Degree in Geography and achieved third rank in my University. In addition, I have my Bachelors of Teachers’ training in Social Science and English. I have roughly 10 years of experience as a high school teacher. I love to be circumscribed by students and gain the positive energy from them. I always wanted my students to learn the subject in a fun way, which in turn helped them to gain marks.

I'm fairly new to this country. Thoroughly enthusiastic to work as an LSO in my first school in Australia. In the first two days, I found Nazareth staff members to be very warm, compassionate and ever ready to help. Looking forward to work with the whole team.

Fun facts: In my leisure times, I love to indulge myself in acrylic paintings.

Roshni Shakeeb

Hi everyone, this is my first year at Nazareth as an LSO and my first teaching experience in my career. I was a software developer back in India and the Middle East before coming to Australia, as I have Master's in computer application as an engineering degree and a graduation in mathematics (both I managed to acquire from India)

When I am not working, I love to go for long drives. But the only thing which holds me back from going for long drive is not having a travel buddy. I celebrated 2023 new year occasion by going for a long drive from Melbourne to Gold Coast via Dubbo and on the way back visited Sydney to see the New year fireworks and took the scenic route via lakes Entrance.

Fun Fact : I am into Shoes (Colourful Shoes😉)

Caitlin Trustum 

Hi everyone!

I was a part of the Nazareth class of 2020, after completing VCAL with two TAFE certificates, a Certificate 3 in Education Support and Certificate 4 in Disability. I completed my Certificate 4 in Education Support whilst working at Nazareth in 2021. I am currently completing a Certificate in school and office administration.

I have a physical disability due to having an acquired brain injury as a young child which, I am very open about and more than happy to talk regarding it. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and exploring new places in Victoria.

I am proud to work at Nazareth as a Learning Support Officer and immensely enjoy supporting students to strive to reach their goals. My passion is to support students of all abilities with their studies so they can follow their dreams.  I look forward to working with you all this year! 

Fun fact: I got to run through the Hawthorn banner at the MCG in 2013. 

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