CAULFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Executive Chairman of Bamfa Properties
Adam Agosta is the Executive Chairman of Bamfa Properties, an organisation that employs over 500 people and has significant interests in commercial property development, residential master planned communities, self-storage, building supplies and child care development and operations under the Nino brand with over 2,500 children in daily care. Adam holds a Bachelor of Business in Property, is a qualified property valuer and Harvard Business School alumni. Adam has two daughters at CGS. Adam joined the Foundation Board Advisory Committee in 2022.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Investment Committee
- Foundation President
Adrian joined School Council in 2019. Adrian founded and is the Chief Executive Officer of Merricks Capital. Prior to that Adrian has held a variety of roles both domestically and internationally in the finance sector, including roles with Citadel Investment Group and Merrill Lynch. Adrian is presently the Deputy Chair of the investment committee for Murdoch Children's Research Institute. Adrian has a range of corporate, commercial, governance, strategic and leadership experience gained primarily in the finance and endowment sector. Adrian is a parent of two children enrolled at the Caulfield Campus.
Adrian was appointed Foundation President in 2019 and is a member of School Council and the School Investment Committee. Adrian is the Executive Chair & Chief Investment Officer at Merricks Capital, a multi-billion-dollar asset management group, which he founded in 2007. As Executive Chair & CIO, Adrian is responsible for investment strategy, investors, and portfolio across all Merricks Capital products. Prior to Merricks, Adrian worked at Citadel Investment Group in Chicago. Between 1993 and 2005, Adrian worked for Merrill Lynch in New York, Hong Kong & Melbourne, his responsibilities included the position as Head of Pension and Endowment Strategy.
Adrian has a son at CGS, and a daughter who recently graduated, and his wife Christina teaches yoga and meditation to staff and students in the School's wellness program. Adrian is the Deputy Chairman of the Investment Committee for Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
Job Titles:
- HON. TREASURER & CHAIR, FINANCE & RISK COMMITTEE
Join Principal Ashleigh Martin for a live online information session to learn about the Caulfield Grammar School experience from the comfort of home.
Ashleigh is a strong advocate for values-based leadership and student-led learning. He passionately believes in enabling young people to develop beyond their academic achievements, finding their own individual pathways ready to create their own unwritten futures.
When asked what he loves about his role, Ashleigh doesn't hesitate to say it's the privilege of working with young people and helping make a difference in their lives. Every decision that is made can have a direct and lasting effect on students, and as Principal, Ashleigh understands the importance of striking the right balance between business performance and student welfare.
Joining the School in 2012 as the Caulfield Campus Head of Middle School, he was appointed to the role of Director of Teaching and Learning three years later, and in 2016 was appointed Vice Principal. In 2018, he was appointed the 10th Principal in the School's 140-year history.
It was as a student at St Patrick's College in Ballarat from 1988 to 1993, that education started to play an important role in shaping Ashleigh's professional life. He was the benefactor of strong guidance and leadership, and observed first-hand the influence that such leadership at school has on a young person's development.
Prior to commencing at Caulfield Grammar School, Ashleigh held an executive position as Head of Middle School at the Australian International School in Singapore for six years. Ashleigh commenced his teaching career at St Kevin's College, and he openly acknowledges that he was an aspiring Principal from the day he started teaching.
Conscious that the future of education and the future needs of our School are ever changing, Ashleigh led the development of Strategy Plan 2019 - 2031, a reimagining of Caulfield Grammar School's future. The plan is grounded in the School Values, retains its strong heritage while driving innovation, and remains focused on providing the best learning opportunities for all students. The wellbeing of all in the School community is at the cornerstone of this strategy.
Ashleigh passionately revisited the School Values, ensuring School community input and engagement. He is particularly proud that students led the development of their own set of behaviours for each Value and leads a school with five unique campuses united by common School Values and Behaviours. A School that knows who it is and what it values.
The egalitarian ethos of Caulfield Grammar is what Ashleigh believes distinguishes it from other schools. He is committed to ensuring that Caulfield Grammar School continues to be a leading co-educational school in Australia.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Investment Committee
Colin joined Caulfield Grammar School's executive leadership team in January 2022. His business career spans more than 20 years in a range of global industries, developing his commercial acumen and leadership expertise with companies such as ExxonMobil, Santos, Cosan and Brenntag.
Through his professional and personal journey to date, Colin has become convinced that ‘good business' is ‘business for good', where meaningful and positive social change goes hand in hand with a strong and sustainable commercial endeavour. This belief has led him to also apply his skills over the past decade to the for-purpose sector.
In 2013 Colin co-founded an employment-focused social enterprise that supports integration training for at-risk youth in the warehousing and logistics sector. In 2019, as Director of Impact Investing at Social Ventures Australia, Colin helped develop Victoria's emerging social enterprise sector, building strategic partnerships with industry, government and social enterprise to facilitate at-scale employment opportunities for disadvantaged Australians.
A proud Caulfield Grammar parent, Colin's strong sense of community service also led him to serve as Treasurer and then President of the Caulfield Campus Parents and Friends' Association from 2015-2019, reinforcing his belief that commercial roles in schools are fundamentally about improving operations to support and enable a focus on quality learning and building a strong school community.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Investment Committee
- Member of the FINANCE & RISK COMMITTEE
Bio
David joined School Council in 2019, and will commence the role as Chief Executive of IFM Investors from March 2020. Prior to this Mr Neal joined the Future Fund in 2007 as the organisation's first Chief Investment Officer and in 2014 he was appointed as Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining the Future Fund, Mr Neal spent 15 years with Willis Towers Watson where he started his career in the United Kingdom. He holds a Master of Arts (Hons) in Electronic and Structural Materials Engineering from St Edmund Hall, Oxford University.
David is a parent of three children enrolled at the Malvern and Caulfield Campuses.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Human Resources Committee
- Member of the FINANCE & RISK COMMITTEE
Bio
David joined School Council in 2017, and is the current Managing Partner of the Melbourne office of Hunt & Hunt lawyers. He has practiced in the area of employment and workplace relations for many years, acting for employers in a wide range of industries, including education. David is a past student of both Malvern and Caulfield Campuses, as was his father. David is the parent of two children who also attended Caulfield Grammar School.
Diana Cregan's association with CGS started in 2013 when her son commenced at the Malvern campus soon to be followed by his older sister. She has been actively involved in the School community and started on the P&F Exec in 2017 and has been a class rep every year for both her children's year levels. Her daughter graduated from CGS in 2021 and her son is due to graduate 2024. Diana has a diverse mix of corporate and small business experience across a range of industries. She and her family, lived in the USA for 7 years before returning to Australia in 2012 when she started her own small business. She shares a broad range of philanthropic interests with her husband Tom and she is the Victorian State Chair of a national giving circle which exclusively supports the Australian Red Cross. Diana joined the Foundation Board Advisory Committee in 2022.
Emily joined the School Council in 2020 and is the President of the Caulfield Grammarians' Association. She is currently the Head of Brand and Content at Mercedes-Benz Australia. Emily is a past student and School Co-Captain (2007-2012) and has completed a Double Degree at Monash University, a Bachelor of Business Management and Marketing. Since graduating from the School, Emily has remained a keen contributor through the Caulfield Grammarians' Association and is the second ever female to hold the presidential position. Emily joined the Foundation Board Advisory Committee in 2022.
Job Titles:
- President of CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANs' ASSOCIATION
Bio
Henry joined the School Council in 2023, and is the current President of the Caulfield Grammarians' Association (CGA). Henry has a deep history with the School, being a past student starting at Shaw House (1979), School Captain (1989), a parent of three Caulfield Grammar School students (two of whom are currently enrolled), and a member of the CGA Committee since 2018.
Henry started his career as a Corporate Solicitor, and has spent the last 20 years leading technology and services related businesses - large and small - across ANZ and North America. Currently Acting CEO for BioCurate, and prior to that CEO of IncentiaPay, Henry's formal education includes LLB (Hons) / BA (Economics and Politics) from Melbourne University and Harvard MBA.
Job Titles:
- HEAD of WHEELERS HILL JUNIOR CAMPUS
Imogen has worked across both Malvern and Wheelers Hill Junior Campuses and has held several leadership positions since joining Caulfield Grammar School in 2017. These roles include Classroom Teacher, serving as a Pedagogical Literacy Coach across both campuses, Deputy Head of Wheelers Hill Junior Campus, and Acting Head of Wheelers Hill Junior Campus. Within these roles, Imogen has spearheaded initiatives to promote student wellbeing and academic excellence. Imogen joined the School Executive Team in 2023 as the Acting Head of Wheelers Hill Junior Campus.
Imogen is a life-long learner with an unwavering passion for teaching and learning. Graduating with Honours from Melbourne University with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education, Imogen's commitment to early childhood education and advocating for all learners is deeply ingrained in her professional ethos.
Having lived and worked overseas for most of her childhood and early teaching career, Imogen brings a wealth of diverse experiences to her role. From bustling cities in Southeast Asia to the picturesque landscapes of Australia including Queensland, Sydney, Tasmania and Melbourne, she has embraced the richness of different cultures and educational environments.
Prior to her tenure at Caulfield Grammar School, Imogen spent seven formative years at the Australian International School in Singapore, honing her pedagogical skills and shaping her approach to education.
In addition to her educational pursuits, Imogen has also studied Hotel Management and Accounting, demonstrating her multifaceted skill set and commitment to personal growth.
Imogen is an avid traveller, embracing new experiences in Australia and overseas. If she is not at school or in a bookshop you will find her diving, skiing, or travelling around the world. Her commitment to lifelong learning extends beyond the classroom, shaping her approach to both professional and personal growth.
Jim served as the President of the Foundation for 2 years until 2019, having been a member since 2010. Jim has been a member of the School Council on three separate occasions and was appointed President in May 2016. Jim is a former managing partner at Heidrick & Struggles', a global executive search firm and has extensive experience in finance, mergers and acquisitions, executive recruitment and directorships. Jim is also non-executive Chairman of a Perth based engineering technology company. He is a past student, past President of the Caulfield Grammarians' Association and past parent of two boys who attended Caulfield Grammar School.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Nominations Committee
Bio
The Hon. Kelly O'Dwyer served as the Federal Member for Higgins, a member of Federal Cabinet and Cabinet's Expenditure Review Committee before her retirement from politics in 2019.
Kelly has held a number of senior economic portfolios including Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations and Minister for Women; Minister for Revenue and Financial Services; Assistant Treasurer; and Minister for Small Business. Kelly was the first woman to serve in Cabinet in a Treasury portfolio and the youngest woman appointed to Cabinet. In 2018 Kelly was recognised as one of the BBC's 100 Women. Before serving in Parliament, Kelly had a career in law and finance.
Kelly joined the School Council in 2019 and is a parent at the School.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of PEOPLE and CULTURE
- School Executive As Director of People
Kirsten is a proud and passionate Caulfield Grammarian, having attended Wheelers Hill Campus as a student and, for the last 20 years, as a year coach in the Caulfield Grammar Rowing program.
In November 2023, Kirsten joined the School Executive as Director of People and Culture.
Caulfield Grammar has played a significant role in Kirsten's life through helping develop critical skills, forming life-long friendships, and leading her to a career she is passionate about. Kirsten believes in the impact that Caulfield Grammar School has on students, not just while they are at school, but for their entire lives.
An experienced HR professional who has worked in Australia and in the United States for large global organisations, Kirsten joins us from Anzuk Education where she was Global Head of People and Growth. Prior to 2021, Kirsten held a variety of senior roles at NBCUniversal, Mattel and Deloitte.
In addition to her passion for rowing, Kirsten loves travelling, reading, exercising, coffee, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Principal
- Deputy Principal - Head of Caulfield Campus
Becoming a member of the Caulfield Grammar School community in 2020, Leanne came to education from the corporate world for the moral purpose the education sector offers. Joining Caulfield Grammar from Carey Baptist Grammar School, Leanne started out teaching French before holding a range of leadership positions including Head of French, Head of LOTE (Language Other Than English) in Middle School, Head of eLearning, and a nine year tenure as Deputy Principal.
Leanne completed a Masters of Instructional Leadership, a degree focusing on learning optimisation for students, at the University of Melbourne. She also recently completed studies at INSEAD Business School, the renowned executive leadership university near Paris.
Leanne has lived and taught in France. Her own beliefs about how important international mindedness and supporting students to embrace diversity align strongly with Caulfield Grammar School values. Students like to hear her stories of using French in business and of her travels in Europe.
This breadth of experience has allowed Leanne to expand on her professional and personal journey - characterised by a clarity of purpose to innovate, to lead and to flourish. Leanne's innovative streak extends to her home life; always trying new recipes, cuisines and ingredients. As a proud Francophile, soufflés of all flavours are her signature dish.
A feature of Leanne's leadership is her commitment to capturing and acting on student and staff voice. She is excitedly applying this passion at Caulfield Grammar, with a strong belief that students must be at the centre of all that a school does.
Leanne is committed to preparing students for their own personal future by ensuring they have the skills, knowledge and values they need to have a positive impact on the world. She understands the power of staying connected with alumni, and ensuring their stories support current students to imagine their own pathway into the future.
Leanne is especially proud of her work increasing community awareness about gender equity and diversity. She chose education because of the impact that is possible in a school community.
Lynn's family has been part of Caulfield Grammar School since 1988 when Lynn commenced Year 7. Her parents established the WH Society for Asian Languages & Arts. Graduating from Monash University in 1996, Lynn worked in the international tax practice of a global accounting firm in Sydney and Tokyo until 2010. She returned to Melbourne and CGS in 2011 as a parent. Lynn is an active member of the school community as a junior school class representative and member of the P&F. Her three children are all currently at the Wheelers Hill campus. Lynn joined the Foundation Board in 2017.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Charted Accountant
Marc was appointed to Caulfield Grammar School's Executive as CFO and Secretary to the School Council in July 2022.
Bringing extensive finance experience across Australia and North America, Marc has led large finance teams at Australia Post and The News Group. During 8+ years at Australia Post he held various senior finance positions including Divisional CFO and board member for subsidiary companies Decipha and Securepay. During 10+ years with The News Group, a member of the Jim Pattison Group, Marc successfully drove diversification and integration initiatives addressing systemic business challenges experienced in the magazine and book industry. Marc's extensive commercial experience will support the next phase of growth for Caulfield Grammar School.
Marc is a qualified Charted Accountant in Australia and Canada, holds a BA in Economics from the University of Victoria, a post graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership from the University of British Columbia and a Diploma in Advanced Accounting from BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology). Marc has also completed the Ernst & Young ‘Group of 100' CFO program.
Marc has three daughters and is active in his local community volunteering with the Elwood City Soccer Club and sitting on the Finance Risk & Audit Committee along with the Fees & Levies Committee for Equestrian Australia. Marc brings a passion for leading high performing finance teams within a collaborative environment, aligning closely to the Caulfield Grammar School values of Pursuing Excellence and Thriving Together.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Principal
- Deputy Principal - Head of Wheelers Hill Campus
Matt, along with his young family, joined the Caulfield Grammar community in 2021 following 13 years teaching and leading outstanding international schools in Hong Kong and Malaysia. Most recently he was Secondary Principal at Garden International School, one of the region's oldest and most prestigious schools. He is particularly proud of the growth in enrolment numbers and record-breaking academic results that the school achieved during his tenure.
Born in Melbourne and raised in New Zealand, Matt began his career teaching PE and English in Auckland. With extensive experience in coaching a variety of sports, he has continued this throughout his school leadership career, seeing first-hand the powerful impact sport brings to young people's lives.
A highly reflective practitioner, Matt has a passion for continuous improvement and is a firm believer in striving to ‘be better than before'. He is an avid reader and considers himself a lifelong learner, holding two Bachelor degrees along with a Master of Education specialising in Leadership.
As a leader, Matt strives to ensure that every decision is student-centred and focused on enhancing both academic and wellbeing outcomes. He is passionate about building capacity in others, developing leadership talent in both staff and students, and nurturing positive learning cultures. Above all, Matt holds a deep-held belief in the importance of developing the whole child through a broad, balanced program and outstanding pastoral care.
Matt is committed to physical and mental wellbeing, so outside of school, you will usually find him exercising, playing sport at the park with his children or researching his next family outdoors adventure.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Investment Committee
- Member of the FINANCE & RISK COMMITTEE
Matthew is Executive Director / Practice Principal of Scholten Collins McKissock / Godfrey Pembroke Limited, the business he founded in 1996. He is a Certified Financial Planner and has qualifications from the Australian Insurance Institute, SPAA and ASFA. He has held a number of management positions in financial services including business development, client service, sales and marketing, corporate superannuation and product development.
Matthew is a past student (1984) and has been keenly involved in alumni activities, including serving as President of the Caulfield Grammarians' Association from 2010 - 2012, and President of the Caulfield Grammarians' Football Club from 1998 - 2012. Matthew is a parent to three children who attended Caulfield Grammar School.
Job Titles:
- Deputy President & CHAIR, PEOPLE & CULTURE Committee
- Member of the Audit and Compliance Committee
Job Titles:
- Director - Student Experience
Mike commenced at Caulfield Grammar School in October 2015. Following a period of induction in Melbourne, he headed to Nanjing, China to take up his position as the Head of Nanjing Campus.
During this time, he led the Campus team in significant program developments reinforcing the program's original learning intentions in a rapidly changing Chinese landscape. During this time, the Nanjing Campus team further established the School's renowned reputation across the Yangtze River Delta by cementing established bonds while also creating new opportunities through new relationships.
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Mike returned to Australia to lead the establishment of remote residential programs in domestic locations. Mike is passionate about providing immersive and impactful learning experiences for students, and now oversees the strategic development and operational direction of remote student experiences across the School.
Mike was previously Deputy Headmaster of Toowoomba Preparatory School between 2010 and 2015, and then at Anglican College (now Toowoomba Anglican School). During his tenure, the School transitioned from being a preparatory boarding school for students from ELC to Year 7 into a co-educational ELC to Year 12 boarding school. It remains Australia's only boarding school for children of all school year levels, serving families from across Australia's vast central and western interior.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director at Dorman Capital Investment Group
A Grammarian and future parent, Nick is Managing Director at Dorman Capital Investment Group, the private investment office of the Melbourne based Dorman family. Dorman Capital traces its origins back to the formation of what is now Regis Healthcare, one of Australia's largest builders, owners and operators of residential aged care facilities founded in 1992. The family remains active in the business at a board level and has retained a significant shareholding. Nick is a Director of the Dorman Family Foundation, its aim is to "implement sustainable programs to provide opportunities for present and future generations. He is a Graduate and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (2013). Nicholas joined the Foundation Board in 2022.
Job Titles:
- President, CGSA - Parents and Friends' Subcommittee - Caulfield Campus Representative
- President, P & F Caulfield
Bio
Richard joined the School Council in 2022 and is the current President of the CGSA - Parents and Friends' Subcommittee - Caulfield Campus representative.
Richard has over 30 years' experience in business. During his corporate career he held senior executive positions in the Oil industry with BP, and Luxury Products with Royal Worcester Spode. Over the last 17 years Richard has run an Executive Coaching and Leadership Development company. With a particular focus on the Financial Sector, clients have included BT Financial Group and Westpac.
Richard holds a BA (Hons) in Business from Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, UK.
Richard has 3 children with his wife Stephanie - a son in the Class of 2018, a daughter in the Class of 2020, and a daughter in Senior School. With a wide range of interests, including many sports, Richard is a very keen golfer and member of The Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of TEACHING and LEARNING
Simone joined Caulfield Grammar School in 2016 in the role of Head of Teaching and Learning Junior Schools, overseeing the highly successful authorisation of Malvern and Wheelers Hill junior campuses as International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) World Schools. In 2018, Simone was appointed as the Head of Malvern Campus, significantly transforming and progressing several key improvement agendas for the campus before moving to the role of Director of Teaching and Learning in 2024.
Born and raised in Sydney, Simone began her teaching career as a targeted graduate on the NSW Central Coast. Prior to Caulfield Grammar School, she held leadership positions at Canberra Girls Grammar School, the Australian International School in Singapore, and the New International School Thailand (NIST), a renowned IB World School.
Having lived and worked overseas and in three diverse states and territories, Simone is an experienced and action-oriented educator and pedagogical leader.
An active and well-respected IB Consultant and Educator, she has strong professional networks and relationships through her work with schools nationally and internationally. Simone coaches and guides leadership teams through their school's improvement agendas and delivers training workshops for educators and school leaders around the world. She holds a Master of Education in Leadership from Murdoch University and a Bachelor of Education from Southern Cross University.
Simone cultivates strong and respectful relationships with all members of the Caulfield Grammar School community through her open and clear communication style, and has an unwavering commitment to ensuring learners are at the heart of every decision made. This approach contributes to a high functioning and happy community of learners at Malvern Campus.
Outside of school, Simone enjoys playing tennis, watching her son play multiple sports and walking the family dog. Avid beach lovers, Simone and her family also enjoy exploring new holiday destinations - anywhere warm is best.
Job Titles:
- Director of Community Engagement
- School As an Employee
Sue has an unwavering commitment to community and connection. Appointed to the role of Director of Community Engagement in 2018, an extensive and active network benefits her work across all areas of the School. Sue's focus is on making connections, continuous collaboration and fostering relationships including with the Parents & Friends, and Parent Support Groups Subcommittees across all campuses.
A proud Caulfield Grammarian, Sue joined the School as an employee in 1996. A former VCE Psychology and Health & Human Development teacher, Sue also held leadership roles including Head of House, and Teacher-In-Charge of Swimming. In 2005 Sue moved to the School's Nanjing Campus for four years. As Deputy Head of Campus and Head of Nanjing Campus, Sue's passion for experiential education and cultural immersion was amplified. She enjoyed learning alongside students and leading such an impactful program.
On returning to Australia, Sue has applied her passions to a variety of senior leadership positions including Deputy Head of Wheelers Hill Campus, Head of Project Administration, and Associate to Vice Principal - School.
Sue is currently responsible for strategic and operational delivery of School community projects across key areas of Community Engagement including Admissions, Marketing & Communications, Scholarships, Uniform, Archives and Events. Integral to the function of Community Engagement, Sue supports and maintains important relationships with the Caulfield Grammarians' Association and the Caulfield Grammar School Foundation to ensure alignment and connectedness across the vast School community.
Talya Masel is a proud graduate of WAPPA acting programme. Since graduating she has performed, directed and written several plays before entering into the world of Opera and Music Theatre. She has directed many works including for the Victorian Opera and Opera Australia. Following on from receiving her mediation qualifications Talya has recently completed her Masters in Bio-Ethics and is continuing to pursue her interests in the world of ethics.
Committed to giving back, Talya is Director of her family foundation and sees the work of helping others as critical to making the world a better place. Her work in Philanthropy has given her the opportunity to meet some extraordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
She was excited to join the Caulfield Grammar School Foundation in 2019 and hopes that her experience in Philanthropy will be an asset to the School Foundation
Job Titles:
- President, P & F Wheelers HilL