Our Team.
Teffany has been running visual arts workshops for children since 1996. As Program & Artistic Director, she designs Aeon Academy’s Creative Catalyst, a unique and successful program. She has run this original program at Yarralumla Primary School since 2003.
As an award-winning artist, Teffany is an active exhibitor, both in her annual home studio exhibition and interstate. She’s passionate about community art and hand’s on participation in the arts.
Mathew is the Creative Director and Program Director of Aeon Academy’s Vala program and the author of many of its dramatic adventure modules. His philosophy and passion is ‘education through creativity’. He is equally passionate about cultural enrichment, including through the ancient methods of storytelling.
Mathew has travelled extensively in India, Tibet, Mexico and Japan. He continues to study and read extensively in history, literature and esoteric fields. Mathew has trained and coached in sports and the martial arts and is a qualified Yoga Instructor.
As Senior Centre Manager, Monica—who has worked at Aeon Academy since 2012—ensures the team continually delivers exceptional programs to students. She is also periodically involved in teaching Creative Catalyst workshops, including painting, ceramics and other visual arts.
Monica has consulted on a number of large arts events in and around Canberra. She speaks fluent Spanish.
Steph is driven by the imaginative connection children make during play between their own and other worlds. She has a wide range of creative interests, including writing poetry and illustrating comics, and always has a project or two on the go.
Having lived in and explored countries as far-flung as Samoa, Tanzania, Ecuador, and Nepal, Steph has a wealth of cultural knowledge and new perspectives to share with students of Aeon Academy.
Before joining Aeon Academy, Saadia ran her own outdoor adventure equipment retail business. She represented Pakistan in the Commonwealth Youth Entrepreneurship Conference (Noida, 2007) and was an active member of the Youth Committee of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce.
Saadia grew up reading Enid Blyton’s Famous Five & Secret Seven. She loves adventures, including camping, rock climbing and travelling.
Luke began attending Aeon Academy in 2003 and hasn’t missed a program since. He started as a volunteer and then began working as an assistant in 2009. Luke continues to pursue his interests in roleplaying and writing and he took home the Best New Designer award from Canberra’s local roleplaying convention in 2014.
Studying history, religion, and mythology are other passions. So too is travelling and during trips to Japan and Ireland, Luke conducted first-hand research for Aeon Academy’s Vala program.
Ochre attended most Vala and Creative Catalyst programs since the age of 5 before starting to work at Aeon Academy at 16. She shares with students her love of creative activities. Her ceramic skills are legendary and her clay classes super popular. Ochre also enjoys working with macramé, making jewellery and helping create decor at music and lifestyle festivals around Australia and overseas.
With a certificate in Permaculture Design, Ochre has travelled to many places working on organic farms and helping with community projects.
As a former Australian judo representative, Enki has a strong background in the martial arts and an interest in the historical authenticity of the boffer weapon play. He also enjoys all the physical aspects of the live action games available in Vala and getting students enthused and involved.
At Aeon Academy, Bridie applies her skills and knowledge to inspire young people to think creatively and to be passionate about visual arts.
Bridie has also worked on creative large-scale installation projects, textile work, explorative paintings and intricate drawings.
At Aeon Academy, Lucy brings her love of guided play and gets a buzz out of helping students to develop their imagination and social skills.
Rai brings his love of music and unique ability to nurture the creative spark in all students, and has added drum circles and improvisational jams to Aeon Academy activities. He has studied and performed music for more than a decade and incorporates many aspects of music into his program delivery.
Rai has himself been a student of Aeon Academy, having attended the Vala program in 2010.
Highly passionate about education through creativity, Claire brings her personal love of theatre and performance to run classes that inspire and motivate students to develop a love of the arts. Working with children is second nature to Claire.
George has been passionate about the creative arts since he could flick a paint brush and roll a d20, often at the same time. He loves playing out a good story in good company. George is also a regular weekend role-player and has an insatiable curiosity for culture, creativity and community, in all its forms.
George has been with Aeon Academy since 2015, when he joined the team as an Assistant Facilitator in the summer vacation program.
Maxwell brings his joyous and playful personality to his work, ensuring students are supported to fully engage with the programs.
With her patient and compassionate approach, Alice inspires students with her passion for games and creative play.
Hannah inspires students of all ages with her passion for dance, outdoor adventures and animals. When not working Hannah loves to spend time with and cook for her friends and family.