Paula is a person of Scottish and Portuguese heritage who grew up in Brisbane. Due to her father’s work, she spent most of her childhood living in Southeast Asia. She moved back to Brisbane to complete her schooling and later lived in England and Germany in her early twenties. When she returned to Brisbane, she began her career in Accounting. … Read More

Dyonne is a proud Githabal woman from the far North Coast of NSW. She is an experienced school principal and has led in senior management roles including curriculum consultant at a regional and state level. Dyonne was previously the Chief Operations Officer at the Stronger Smarter Institute with a focus and priority on First Nations educational success. Dyonne is currently … Read More

Cassie Ryan is a Kamilaroi woman, a descendant of the Weatherall family.  She was born in Dirrandbandi Queensland and grew up in Oakey, Queensland.  Cassie has over 10 years experience working for the NSW Department of Education.  Prior to joining the Stronger Smarter Institute, she was employed as the Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer in the Lismore area.    Cassie has … Read More

Michal Purcell is an original staff member of the Stronger Smarter Institute who is now our Chief Operations Officer.  Her role oversees the operations and the delivery of Stronger Smarter Leadership Programs.   Michal is a descendant of the Butchulla people from Kgari – Fraser Island and the first people of Ambrym Island in Vanuatu.  She grew up in Childers in nearby South … Read More