Meet our LSOs

Dominique Crasto  

Hey everyone! I’m excited to be starting at Nazareth College this year and hope I get to know you all throughout the year.  

I am currently completing a Bachelor of Primary and Secondary Inclusive Education at Monash University; my major being in Inclusive Education and with a minor in History. As part of my studies, I have experience mainly in primary school and specialist education settings which has allowed me to work with students from a diverse range of backgrounds.  

Prior to starting at Nazareth, I have been working for the past two years as a Learning Support Officer at Mazenod College. My role as a Learning Support Officer provides me with invaluable insights for my future teaching practices and I look forward to hearing about any tips and tricks that you have!   

Fun fact: I have had 4 pet dogs: Mac, Gypsy, Lilo and Charlie. Charlie is a Cavoodle and he will be 2 in August. He is so soft and fluffy! 

Amy Graham   

I have just started at Nazareth as of May this year. I am excited to be part of the team. I have recently moved to Melbourne from Tasmania. I am loving the new people and places the area has to offer.  I have a Bachelor of Science with Double major in Microbiology and Zoology and a minor in Biochemistry. This is my first job in a school, and I am enjoying working with students in an education setting.  

Fun Fact: I love to crochet and all things crafty. 

Maria Hatzis  

I have been a Learning Support Officer at Nazareth College for the past five years. I come from a Visual Merchandising background and am inspired by creativity. I find my work with our Nazareth students both enriching and fulfilling. I have travelled extensively throughout Europe and am looking forward to visiting and undertaking charity work in Ethiopia.   

Fun fact: I was featured as a stylist in Australian Vogue.  

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 daughter and one son. Our son is a para athlete in sprints and is currently training to represent Australia one day in the Commonwealth Games and Paralympics.  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 am currently in a local community organisation who are representing the interests of our residents in protecting local fauna and flora.  

On a personal note, I like to tend to my extensive garden and enjoy 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 24 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 hattrick at the MCG. 

 Sanjulata Mourya  

I am looking forward for an exciting year at Nazareth College. 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 completing year 12 and younger one will finish Primary school end of the year.  

I am extremely excited about the role of Learning Support Officer, and I think I can be a big support to the children as I can understand them socially and emotionally. I am extremely glad as we have team members who can support each other which will help us 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 the past 6 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 of Education I also would like to do a course in Youth Mental Health.  

For the past 25 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.  Fun fact:  I used to work in Used Cars so know all the used car sale tricks.  

I have 2 children, a son currently in Year 12 and a daughter in Year 7, 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!  

Tania Persi  

Hello All, I am officially working after 24 years of being a stay at home mum. (Husband is happy!)  

I have 3 beautiful girls. The eldest has started her dream job working with the AFL. The second is studying for her Masters in Pharmaceutical Science and the baby is in Year 12.  

Prior to motherhood I taught for 12 years in a boys school. My main subject areas were Politics and Italian.  I had roles as Homeroom Teacher, Head of Languages other than English, House Leader and Year Level Coordinator.  

It is a privilege to work in Learning Diversity and to work with students to help them achieve their personal best. I am enjoying being in the classroom again and although not much has changed student wise the technology used in the classroom today is so different.   

Fun fact: I studied in Florence many years ago and went back in 2013. The teacher I had was still there and I got to introduce my family to her.  

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!  

Caitlin Trustum  

I was a student at Nazareth College from 2015 and graduated two 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 last year. 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. I look forward to working with you all this year!  

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

Emily Bryon  

I started working at Nazareth in mid 2018, after a one year placement at Collingwood College while studying Education Support at ACU. It was a valuable experience, and ACU provided a lot of support.  

Prior to that I was working as a nanny in the United States for two years. I have travelled around Europe, Thailand, and have ticked off 32 states in the US.  

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.