New Staff Introductions

Maddy Hallam

English, Humanities & Religious Education Teacher 

I am delighted to be commencing my full-time teaching career at Mount Alvernia College. In 2024, I was fortunate to complete a university practicum at the College under the mentorship of Tanielle Hartwig, an experience that provided me with a strong understanding of Mount Alvernia’s educational philosophy and pedagogical approaches. I am passionate about teaching English, History and Religious Education, and I am committed to fostering student independence through clear structure, consistency and supportive guidance. I take a holistic approach to teaching, recognising that positive and respectful student–teacher relationships are essential for students to feel safe, supported and capable of achieving their best.

I bring a high level of enthusiasm to the classroom, an approach that my previous students responded to positively. Outside of school, I enjoy following Formula 1 and the NRL, but I will watch almost any sport! 

Tayler Ihle

English, Humanities & Design and Food Technology Teacher 

I am excited to be joining the Mount Alvernia College community. As a past student, I am deeply passionate about all-girls education and the Franciscan charism, having experienced the values of the College firsthand. I strongly believe in educating the whole student and in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning. Outside the classroom, I enjoy playing beach volleyball, travelling, and cooking. I look forward to becoming involved in the wider Mount Alvernia community in the year ahead.

Carmel Currenti

Italian Teacher

Buongiorno! This year, I am delighted to be teaching Italian to our Year 7 and 8 students. I feel privileged to share my deep passion for the Italian language and culture to them. I am especially passionate about fostering intercultural understanding - encouraging students to see the world through different perspectives and appreciate the richness of global diversity.

I am a second generation Italian with both parents born in Sicily. When I started school, I couldn't speak English, I grew up speaking the Sicilian dialect at home. 

Gemma Balaam

Business, Economics and Religious Education Teacher 

I’m very excited to be a part of the Mt A community! This year, I am teaching Business, Economics and Religious Education. Health and Physical Education is another teaching area of mine which I’m very passionate about. In my Business and Economics classrooms, I have a strong commitment to connecting learning with real-world contexts and equipping students with business and financial literacy skills to thrive beyond school. In my RE classrooms, I have a strong commitment to creating respectful and inclusive environments, encouraging dialogue and reflection. I’m passionate about fostering students’ confidence and creating engaging learning resources and experiences for students to flourish. Outside of the classroom, I love travelling and exploring new places!

Sam Yeats 

Dean of Middle Years Outcomes and Transitions

I am excited to join the Mount Alvernia College community this year as Dean of Middle Years and an English teacher. I am looking forward to learning alongside our Years 7 - 9 students and to building their motivation to achieve their potential. The middle years are a time to pursue passions, explore new things and become an expert at learning from mistakes. For these reasons, I have always been so energised to work and learn in the middle years. When not at school, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, renovating our house, and hanging out with my two cats and Labrador, Rosie. 

Richard Braithwaite

Head of Futures, Partnerships and VET

I am delighted to be joining the Mt Alvernia community as Head of Futures, Partnerships and VET, with a strong focus on supporting students in their career exploration and pathway planning. I am passionate about helping young people understand their strengths, build confidence, and discover the many options available to them beyond school. In my role, I look forward to working closely with students and families, as well as teachers and industry partners, to provide clear guidance, real‑world experiences and meaningful opportunities that support successful transitions from school to further study, training, or employment. I believe every student deserves to feel informed, supported, and optimistic about their future. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children and getting out on the golf course. I am excited to contribute to the strong culture of faith, learning and care at Mt Alvernia, and I look forward to partnering with families to support students as they prepare for life beyond the College.

Catherine Richardson

Learning Enhancement and Support Teacher 

I am thrilled to be joining the staff of Mount Alvernia this year as a member of the Learning Enhancement and Mathematics departments. I have recently relocated to Brisbane from Cairns, where I worked in similar roles for the past ten years. I am deeply committed to supporting students in developing their confidence and the academic skills needed to become successful, independent learners. 

Tanya Maddison 

School Nurse 

I have been a paediatric nurse for 19 years and spent the first 10 years of my career working in surgical and medical wards. I then moved on to nursing in the community with Queensland Children's Hospital HITH program (Hospital in the Home), followed by time in community clinics with the CHQ - Child Development Service. I have now been working in schools for the past 4 years and am passionate about supporting young people build confidence with management of chronic medical conditions. I am always on the hunt for a new spot to go for that perfect coffee, and am known for my cake making skills.  

Irena Haze

English Teacher 

Knowledge alone is not enough if students cannot communicate it. The ability to express ideas, justify reasoning, and engage an audience is what transforms understanding into success.

As an English teacher across Years 8, 9, and Senior Essential English, I provide a supportive, student‑centred environment built on clarity, substantiation, and confidence‑building. My extensive background in Drama enriches the inclusive classroom, creating a space where students feel safe to take risks, express ideas authentically, and engage with texts in meaningful, real‑world ways.

Clear communication and genuine connectivity are essential. By developing agency, voice, and precision, I help students articulate ideas, interpret complex texts, and respond thoughtfully in both written and spoken tasks. I take great pleasure in offering creative, purposeful strategies that strengthen expression, substantiation, and collaboration —skills that enhance performance across all learning areas.

In addition, I work to foster resilience, empathy, and adaptability so learners feel empowered to participate, question, and contribute confidently to every classroom. Just as responsible AI can give students an edge in learning, Drama provides the bridge from one edge to the next—supporting learners as they navigate knowledge, communication, and the world beyond the classroom.

Carina Perin

School Officer, Learning Enhancement Support

Since beginning my education career at 19, I have dedicated over 25 years helping students thrive across a range of learning environments. My background includes over 16 years as a Primary School Teacher in Brazil and nine years working in the New Zealand education sector in both teaching and support roles.

In my role within the Learning Enhancement Support Department, I am committed to fostering students’ learning, wellbeing, and engagement. I draw on a strong understanding of individual learning needs, inclusive practices, and targeted support strategies to help students access the curriculum and experience success.

I value respect, clear communication, and kindness, and I work closely with teachers, support staff, and families to ensure every student feels understood, supported, and confident in their learning journey.