Our Team.

Teffany Theideman
Teffany TheidemanFounder & Programming Director
Teffany is a founding member of Aeon Academy and co-founder of Aeon Arts. An award-winning artist, she holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the ANU School of Art & Design and has studied support of people with Autism under the Thomas Wright Institute & has participated in the Bundian Way Arts Exchange; a creative project focussed on building positive reciprocal relationship between the Canberra community and local regional Indigenous communities.
Teffany has been running visual arts workshops for children & Teens since 1996. As Program & Artistic Director, she designs Aeon Academy’s Creative Catalyst, a unique & renowned program run 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 Long
Mathew LongFounder & Executive Director
Mathew is a founding member of Aeon Academy and co-founder of Aeon Arts. He graduated from the Australian National University in Canberra, majoring in Anthropology, Archaeology and History.
Mathew is the Creative Director and Program Director of Aeon Academy’s Vala program and the author of many of its immersive 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.
Monica Castelo
Monica CasteloCentre Director
Monica is the Centre Director at Aeon Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts in Ceramics from the ANU School of Art & Design and a Graduate Diploma of Education. She has taught art & media studies across colleges in Canberra in addition to maintaining her own arts practice.
As Center Director, Monica ensures the team continually delivers exceptional programs to students and still steps onto the floor to deliver the occasional Creative Catalyst workshop.
Monica is currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and speaks fluent Spanish.
Dora
DoraCentre Director
Dora is the Centre Director, onsite at Aeon Academy’s Yarraluma Primary School Service every day. She values authentic and warm relationships with all the students and leads a team of Educators in delivering meaningful programming in an inclusive and welcoming environment. She hails from Brazil, is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and Italian and holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Natasha Office Manager
Natasha brings a wealth of experience working in business and with NGO’s as an administrator to Aeon Academy’s crucial office role. She is the friendly voice on the phone or by email ensuring your questions are answered and your child’s schedule in order! Natasha hails from Papua New Guinea and is key member of the management team.
Enki
Enki Vala Manager & Lead Educator
Enki has been an Educator in Aeon Academy’s Vala program for 7 years. He attended programs at Aeon Academy since the age of 5 and has become an adept storyteller. He has deferred his studies of Arts at the ANU to work and travel, visiting places like India, Mexico, Europe and Uluru.
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.
Lucy
LucyLead Educator - Vala & Creative Play
Lucy holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has worked in children’s education and care for over a decade. She brings her warmth and thoughtful attentiveness to her work with all the children.
Lucy has always been passionate about the creative arts and live action role play and loves playing out a good story in Vala.
Veronica
VeronicaLead Educator - Sparks Early Years
Since joining us early in 2022, Veronica has become an key member of our Sparks team, leading the delivery of unique and engaging programming for our youngest students.
Veronica shares her passion for Early Childhood Education, actively mentoring her fellow Educators. She is due to complete her Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at the University of Canberra at the end of this year and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education.
Veronica has embraced Aeon’s creative and nurturing philosophy and brings her warmth, compassion and energy to the delivery of our Early Years Foundation Program.
Ochre
OchreLead Educator - Creative Catalyst
Ochre holds a Bachelor of Arts at ANU with a focus on Anthropology and Environmental Studies.
Ochre attended Vala and Creative Catalyst programs from the age of 5 and started working at Aeon Academy at age 16. She shares with students her love of creative activities. Her ceramic skills are legendary and her clay classes super popular.
Ochre runs a collaborative art studio practise and enjoys working with macramé & making jewellery. With a certificate in Permaculture Design, Ochre has travelled to many places working on organic farms and helping with community projects.
Lauren
Lauren Lead Educator - Creative Catalyst, Visual Art
Lauren holds a Visual Arts Degree from the ANU School of Art & Design & has been inspired to create since childhood with a special affinity for Painting, Drawing and all things 2D.
Lauren joined the Aeon Team back in 2018 as an assistant and now leads her own regular afterschool & holiday Creative Catalyst workshops.
Sophia
SophiaLead Educator - Creative Catalyst
Sophia grew up attending Aeon Academy’s programs painting, building and drawing her way through Creative Catalyst art workshops. She is now studying towards a Bachelor of Visual Arts and has her own burgeoning arts practise with a Ceramics focus. Her steady, encouraging and positive approach with students makes her a wonderful addition to the Catalyst team.
Kiran
KiranLead Educator - Vala Adventures
Kiran has grown up with Aeon Academy’s programs and has a passion for story, culture, and adventure. He is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Arts, History and brings his unique perspective to the teaching of Vala modules. His humour and friendly approach are an excellent addition to our team.
Phoebe
PhoebeLead Educator - Sparks
Phoebe brings her interest for children’s learning to Aeon Academy’s Early Years program. As a core member of the team she ensures a smooth transition between the School and our service for our youngest students. An enthusiasm for movement, reading and collaborative play and an ability to engage students in learning is a great contribution to the team. Phoebe is currently studying toward her Bachelor of Education (Primary).
Laura Lead Educator - Sparks
Laura is studying towards a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and is also working as a teaching assistant at Yarralumla Primary School. She has many years of experience working with children as a coach and Educator. She has a passion for making learning fun and brings her joyful approach to our Sparks program.
Ed
Ed Assistant Educator - Creative Play
Mary
Mary Assistant Educator - Creative Play
Mary hails from Croatia and after a nursing career and homeschooling her five children joins Team Aeon with a wealth of experience. She brings her love of food gardening and an enthusiasm for maximising student learning to our Creative Play programming.
Mary’s quiet, friendly and openly curious approach has been a great addition to the Creative Play program.
Leyla
Leyla Assistant Educator - Creative Play
Phoebe
Phoebe Assistant Educator - Creative Play
Justine
Justine Assistant Educator - Creative Play
Zoey Assistant Educator - Creative Play
Kinzang Assistant Educator - Creative Play