Our Learning Support Officers (LSOs) work collaboratively with Learning Diversity staff, students, parents and teachers to meet the individual learning needs of students. The LSOs at Nazareth work with a range of students and support their individual needs.

Emily Bryon

I started working at Nazareth in mid 2018, after a one-year placement at Collingwood College while studying Education Support at ACU. 

Prior to that I was working as a nanny in the Mid-West state of Iowa 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.

Sheetal Deshpande

Hello,

I am excited to have commenced working at Nazareth College from this year.

I have been working in the role of Education Support at schools with special needs, especially students with Autism. The school had students ranging from kinder to Year 12. Having worked at different levels has given me opportunity to support students with a wide spectrum of needs. It has been a very challenging and equally rewarding experience to be able to support them through their learning journey.

Prior to that, I have worked as a Conservation Architect and hold a Bachelors’ Degree in Architecture and a Masters’ degree in Architectural Conservation. Most part of my career has been dedicated to academics. I have worked in the role of Asst. Professor at different Indian Universities for 10+ years teaching Undergraduate and Post graduate courses.

I have immense passion for Heritage and aim to contribute towards protecting and promoting it. I work as a volunteer with National Trust of Australia, Victoria, as a Heritage Tour Guides at La Trobe’s Cottage, one of the Trust’s properties. It is one of the only remaining prefabricated house of early Melbourne (1800s). It would be a pleasure to take you all on a tour of this humble and beautiful Cottage!

I look forward to an amazing experience meeting and working with you all.

Fun fact: I love cooking; however, I did not know baking before we moved to Australia!! (That is 5 years ago).

I have challenged myself to learn to bake a dish, preferably sweet/dessert every weekend!

Amy Graham

This is my second year at Nazareth as an LSO. It was fantastic to meet everybody last year and I am looking forward to developing those relationships further this year. I am passionate about ensuring all students feel supported and valued at school. I love Science and have a Bachelor of Science with Double major in Microbiology and Zoology and a minor in Biochemistry.

Last year I moved to Melbourne from Hobart, Tasmania and I have settled in with my little family. I have two dogs which always keep me on my toes, at home. In my down time I love to be crafty and enjoy knitting and crocheting.

Fun Fact: I have dissected animals from each class of vertebrates (at uni!)

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 Masters 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 15 yr old daughter and one 17 yr old son. Our 17 yr 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 extensive garden and enjoy walking and running to keep fit. 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 25 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.

Sanjulata Mourya

Hi everyone!

I joined Nazareth in March 2022 and learnt a lot with the community. I was a High School teacher of Geography and Economics in Bangalore, India for ten years. I have completed my Master's degree in Geography and Bachelor of Education in Geography and English.

I am blessed with two boys. Elder son will be joining Uni at Monash this year and younger one has started High School.

I was extremely excited about the role of Learning Support Officer, and I enjoyed every day at Nazareth last year. 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.

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.

Naomi Pernar

I have been a learning support officer at Nazareth for nearly 7 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 Masters 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 8. 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 am starting my second year working as an LSO at Nazareth College. Last year was exciting to return to a classroom environment after having been away for a long time.

When I did teach (prior to having my children) it was in the areas of Politics, Italian and Religion.

It is wonderful to work with such passionate and caring teachers who only want the best for their students. I feel privileged to assist those students achieve their best in my LSO role.

Fun fact: We no longer have school fees to pay after having done so for the past 20 years.

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!

Christiana Sifinos

Hi everyone! I am Christiana Sifinos, and have recently started working at Nazareth College in January 2023. I am currently in my fourth year of my Bachelor degree at Monash, studying a Bachelor of Primary and Secondary Education, majoring in Business Management. I have chosen to become an educator, to address all student needs, as well as provide an environment which is inclusive and productive. My aim as an aspiring educator, is to elicit student motivation so they have the desire to attend school and improve each day. I also teach at a Greek language school at South Oakleigh College. During my downtime, I enjoy doing yoga and Pilates, as well as spending time with family and friends. I am always open to feedback and look forward to working alongside with all of you!

Fun fact: Before an education degree, I wanted to become an air hostess.

Caitlin Trustum

I have been a student at Nazareth College since 2015 and graduated 3 years ago, after completing VCAL with 2 TAFE certificates, being 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 so proud to be working 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 own 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.

NCCA