Wellbeing/Learning Support Team

Lydia Keiffert (Speech Pathologist)

Hello, 

My name is Lydia. I am a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and hold a Master of Science in Speech Pathology. I support students with a variety of communication needs including expressive and receptive language, social skills, and speech sounds. I have experience working in the clinic, school, community, and telehealth settings. 

I strive to make therapy suit the individual needs of each person I work with, while focusing on building trusting relationships. I believe in neurodiversity affirming and client-centered approaches to therapy. I enjoy working alongside teachers to support students across environments. I primarily work with a paediatric population and regularly engage in professional development to continue to improve my knowledge base. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time at the beach, and exploring new restaurants. 

Bhavana Sharma (Learning Support Officer - LSO)

My name is Bhavana Sharma. I have been working as a Learning Support Officer at South Melbourne Primary School since March 2021 where student safety, happiness and success is our top priority. Every day I interact with children, staff and parents from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. It gives me immense pleasure not only to share my experience but also to learn from all around me.

Prior to this I have served as an education professional for 11 years as a Mathematics and Science Teacher back in India. Teaching is not only my profession, but also my passion. I love and enjoy working with children and helping them in shaping their life. Over the weekend to serve my passion, I am working at Edu Kingdom College. There, I work as a Mathematics teacher, helping students from Grade 3 to Grade 7 in their learning journey.

My hobbies include reading and writing. I have written a couple of books on children’s rhymes in my native language (Hindi) and am working on some short stories. Also, I love painting and enjoy putting my emotions and thoughts on canvas.  I love cooking and experimenting with new dishes on weekends.

I am looking forward to another great learning year where we will share our experiences and grow together.

Happy Learning!

Mia Stovell (Learning Support Officer - LSO)

Hello SMPS community! 

My name is Miss Mia, and I have the pleasure of being one of our Learning Support Officers. In 2024 I provided support in the Prep classes, as well as occasional support throughout the day to other year levels.

I started in Term 1 of 2024, and have loved every day at SMPS! As I learn more about each student every day, I am constantly finding new ways to connect with them, and it brings me so much joy. 

Outside of SMPS, I am studying a Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Psychology double degree. I am passionate about understanding the complexities of the mind and how this makes us all so unique and special. I recently just graduated!

If I am not working or studying, you will probably find me either crocheting or reading.  

I am so excited to continue learning more about the children, staff, and families at SMPS, and becoming closer to such a supportive and aspiring community. 

Parul Agrawal (Learning Support Officer - LSO)

Dear SMPS students and families, 

My name is Parul and I am extremely excited to be a part of the SMPS community, as a Inclusion Aide (Learning Support Officer). 

I began my SMPS journey in 2018 with OSHClub, being the Assistant Coordinator. Throughout the past 5 years, I have had the pleasure of running engaging activities for students and getting to know them and their wonderful families.

I look forward to taking my experiences from Osh and applying them to this new role. I believe that trying something new and challenging yourself helps you to become a better person!

A little bit about me...I love trying new dishes from different cuisines and travelling with my family and experiencing different cultures around the world. I especially love dancing, drama and music as growing up, I used to participate a lot in my school and represent my culture through the arts.

I have an 8-year-old daughter whom some of you may know as she attends this school, and my husband is a techie developing codes and providing system solutions to his clients.

I look forward to seeing you all around and getting to know you better.

Best regards,

Parul Agarwal

Rasmita Sahu (Learning Support Officer - LSO)

Hello wonderful SMPS family!!

My name is Rasmita, and I was most recently supporting Year 2 students. 2025 was quite an exciting period for me supporting Year 2 students. As a new start to my career, I got ample opportunities to learn from each one from the SMPS family. I am happy to say the students are great teachers for me and I learnt a lot from them. Moreover, the warmth and support that SMPS staff and class teachers have shown to me is quite commendable.

I belong to the beautiful eastern side of India consisting of amazing seashores, delicious food and rich culture. Five years back, I migrated to Australia along with my family. After a long break in my career, I started my stint as a supporting teacher a year back and it helped me to resume my professional journey. 

2026 will be my third year in SMPS and I will be supporting a range of students. I am quite excited to meet the students and their families. There are so many exciting moments to come in.

I am thrilled to have another fun filled time at SMPS family 😊!!

Sam Whadcock (Learning Support Officer - LSO)

Hello, South Melbourne Primary School Community! My name is Mr Sam and I’m one of our Learning Support Officers. As Mr Noel says, our kids are the best in the universe and it’s a privilege to work with them all. 

I moved to Melbourne from England in 2021 with my wife Laura and our little dog, Luna. In April 2025, we welcomed our beautiful boy, Artie. I feel incredibly lucky to be working at this wonderful school and we feel that Melbourne is very much our home. I love all things music, and I like to play a few instruments in my spare time. The three of us love to explore and we are continuously amazed at how beautiful Victoria is!

I began my studies in 2024 to begin my teacher journey, having been inspired by the incredible team of teachers I’ve worked alongside. My dream is to one day become a teacher at SMPS myself. 

I’m so excited for another incredible year at SMPS! 

Siobhan Murphy (Learning Support Officer - LSO)

Hello SMPS Community, my name is Siobhan and I am one of the Learning Support Officers. I have really enjoyed working with the Prep team in 2025! I have previously worked in schools providing wellbeing support for students, however, I have always had an interest in teaching, and feel privileged to be providing support to students in their learning and seeing their growth.  

A little bit about me, I have a pet cat named Miffy (named after the character in the books from my childhood). I love spending my free time in nature, and being out in the open when weather permits. I’m part of a big Irish family, and we have made homes all over the world, which I can’t wait to explore! 

Have a great summer, I look forward to seeing you all next year! 

Sonia Singh (Learning Support Officer - LSO)

Hello SMPS students and Families,

My Name is Ms. Sonia Singh and I have been working in SMPS since March 2023 as a Learning Support Officer. 

I grew up in India and worked as a lecturer for Economics in Delhi University for 4 years before moving to Australia in 2020. I love to be around children, so I cherish every moment I spend in the school. 

I enjoy dancing, cooking, and spending time with my Family.

I hope everyone has an amazing holiday and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

Nina Sepahpour (Learning Support Officer - LSO)

Hello SMPS students and Families,

My Name is Nina and I started working at SMPS in 2025. I have helped out with multiple year levels and even in the office sometimes!

I love being involved in creative and community activities. I have previously run an Art Club at the Horace Petty Housing Estate in South Yarra, where I enjoyed connecting with participants and seeing their progress each week. I am really passionate about creating welcoming spaces for people to express themselves and feel supported.