Alex Brien

Hi everyone, I am Alex Brien, a student counsellor at MITS.

It is a big challenge moving far away from family and community and I’m here to support students with their wellbeing and mental health so they can be strong and independent.

I completed a Masters in Social Work and have worked in many different places from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne to Tennant Creek High School in the Barkly region.

I love learning and my mum and dad encouraged me to seek knowledge and learn whatever I could wherever I may find it. I see these same values of education in the families at MITS but know it’s not a simple journey and takes a lot of courage to be away from home. I have three siblings that all live far away where we grew up in Canberra (Ngambri) with my mum and that’s them in the photo!

There is something rare in the strength demonstrated by students committed to their long term goals and making their family proud. It is something that gives me strength and makes me proud too.

Teleisha Cubillo

Assistant Manager at Biderap

I am a proud Larrakia woman from Darwin, where I grew up with my family. I am the eldest of 4, with my two younger brothers Brooklyn (18) and Ashton (14), and my younger sister Illiana (4). My family recently moved to the Tiwi Islands, where my mum (Kristy) works at Tiwi College and my dad (Joel) does FIFO. I moved to Geelong in 2021 to go to boarding school at The Geelong College, before moving to Melbourne to continue my studies at Deakin University in a Bachelor in Primary Education.

I have been a part of the boarding team since 2024, recently moving into the Assistant Manager role at Biderap Senior Girls Boarding, and I am excited to see what is to come.

What inspires me at MITS is seeing how much our students grow throughout their journey. Watching them achieve their goals, whether it is small or big, demonstrates their constant resilience and determination to take up on all the opportunities they are given. I am fortunate enough to be able to see them flourish and gain more confidence to take on the world once they leave MITS.

Emma Beckers

School Volunteer (two mornings per week)

I am a local Richmond resident and have been volunteering in the classroom at MITS for more than five years. I live with my husband, Dom, and our two children, Reuben, who is in Year 7, and Mathilde, who is in Year 9.

I first discovered MITS through our local community—at the Richmond Junior Football Club and simply by being out and about in Richmond. My daughter now plays football at Richmond Junior Football Club alongside some incredible MITS alumni, which has strengthened our connection to the MITS community.

As a volunteer, no two days are ever the same. I help wherever I am needed, whether that's organising staff and classroom spaces, ordering stationery, coordinating camps and swimming lessons, or supporting students with their reading and maths.

Every time I visit MITS, I leave feeling inspired by both the students and the staff.

The students continually amaze me with their resilience. Living in Melbourne away from their families is no small challenge, yet they embrace opportunities with determination and positivity. It is a privilege to watch them grow in confidence and develop throughout their time at MITS.

The dedication of the teachers is equally inspiring. They consistently go above and beyond for their students, creating a learning environment where academic growth is matched by genuine care, encouragement, and support for every young person.

It is so joyful to see the students I have had the privilege of working with over the past years out and about in Richmond or reconnecting with them through the wider MITS community. Watching them continue to thrive is incredibly rewarding.

From the teaching team!

Important Dates

Term 3