Leadership Staff

Mr Denis Merciér-Lee | Deputy Principal - Community MREd, MEdTeach, GradCertComm, BEd, MACE, MACEL, MACSA

Denis comes to Redeemer Lutheran College with over 30 years of teaching and leadership experience in Prep to Year 12 schools. Most recently, from 2019-2020, he was Team Leader: Teaching and Learning which involved him advising Principals and School Leadership Teams in Catholic Schools across the Northern Territory in strategy, curriculum, pedagogy, inclusion support and student well-being.

Denis’ extensive experience encompasses various leadership roles including that of Acting Principal, Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School, Director of Mission and Head of Department in Independent, Anglican and Catholic Schools in New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Denis was born in Singapore and his family emigrated to Sydney, New South Wales when he was 16 years old. He has extensive experience and understanding of both education in an Asian country as well as in Australia. He has a passion for contemporary curriculum and pedagogy and how to collect, analyse and use educational data to effect improved outcomes for all students.

Denis is a committed Christian whose personal faith is summed up by the Prophet Micah (6:8):

“He has told you, … what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”

Denis feels blessed to be called to minister among the community at Redeemer Lutheran College as Deputy Principal and is wholeheartedly committed to the College’s Redeemer Master Plan: 2018 and beyond. He is looking forward to collaborating with the Redeemer Lutheran College community so that we can all be faithful to the words of Christ in the Gospel of John (10:10), “…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Mrs Anastasia Strong | Head of Senior School BEd, DipEd

Anastasia is an educational leader with over 20 years experience in secondary schools.

Graduating from the Queensland University of Technology, Anastasia completed a Diploma of Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Secondary Education. In 2016, Anastasia became an accredited leader in Lutheran Schools, completing a Graduate Certificate in Leadership.

During her career, Anastasia has served in a number of roles, including classroom teacher, House Leader and for the last eight years, has been the Head of Senior School at Redeemer Lutheran College.
Anastasia believes that pastoral care is critical in enhancing a student’s capacity for personal and academic growth and instilling confidence and hope in our young people, in a rapidly changing world. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of student wellbeing, is passionate about the mental health of young people and is an advocate for restorative practice in schools.

Anastasia is well informed in youth culture, emerging issues and trends impacting on teenagers and is committed to assisting students and families navigate through the trials and tribulations of adolescence.
Anastasia was born in London and moved to Melbourne, Australia, as a young girl, before re-locating to Brisbane with her family in the late 80’s. Her schooling was for the most part, in multi-cultural settings and for this reason, she is a strong advocate for inclusive education and celebrating diversity.

Born and raised in the Greek Orthodox Christian faith, Anastasia has been transformed personally and professionally, by her faith in Christ. Anastasia’s favourite scripture verse comes from Isaiah 40:31:
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”

Anastasia is happily married to Mark and has two children, Maria and Nicholas.

Mr Adam Ayling | Head of Junior School

Adam has been working as an educator for the past 17 years after graduating from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Education. He began his time at Redeemer teaching Year 5 at the beginning of 2021 before moving into the role of Acting Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator (P-6) in Term 2 of that year.

Prior to commencing at Redeemer, Adam had taught at a variety of schools including 15 years at Redlands College where he held a number of roles including Director of Years 6-9 and Dean of Learning 6-9. With a passion for enhancing and deepening students’ learning through connection with the community and the wider world, Adam was deeply involved in project-based learning programs, student-led worship bands and as a qualified outdoor education leader in the Duke of Edinburgh Award program.

Adam is driven by the belief that each student is created by God, who has a plan a purpose for their lives. Furthermore, that as educators we have the great privilege and responsibility of being part of God’s plan to grow and nurture the knowledge, skills and agency of each student so that they can positive impact the world around them.

A scripture that gives him constant encouragement and direction is Ephesians 2:10:

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Mrs Christina Bianchi | Dean of Faith

Christina embarked on her educational journey at Redeemer Lutheran College in 2008 with a strong sense of purpose. With a degree in Primary Education, and an Early Childhood major, she ventured into the world of teaching in the Prep classroom. Driven by a passion to make a positive impact on the lives of her students and fostering a harmonious integration of faith and education, she honed her skills, adapting to changing educational landscapes and refining her teaching methods whilst embarking on a range of leadership roles.

Central to Christina’s approach is her unwavering Christian faith. She sees her role as Dean of Faith at Redeemer, not just as a profession but as a calling to serve and nurture. Christina extends her influence beyond the classroom, actively engaging with the Redeemer community to promote values of compassion, tolerance, and understanding. She sees each student as a unique individual, with untapped potential waiting to be discovered.

Christina’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education when fuelled by passion, faith, and a genuine love for students. As a devoted Christian, a dedicated teacher, and an advocate for inclusivity, Christina believes that education is not just about learning but about connection, compassion, service and faith.

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3

Mr Aaron Hardke | Dean of Learning 7-12 BA, GradCertEd(Th), GradDipEd(Sec), MEdTheol

Aaron is a dedicated educator with more than 20 years of experience. He studied Humanities, Literature and Media before completing postgraduate studies in Education at Griffith University. His teaching career spans Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions in the state and private sectors. The majority of his teaching and leadership has been in service to Lutheran Schools in Queensland. While teaching he has completed further postgraduate studies, in Education, Theology and Leadership. He is an accredited Teacher and Leader in Lutheran Schools.

Having served at St John’s Lutheran Primary School, Living Faith Lutheran Primary School and the Lutheran Education Queensland office, Aaron’s training as a secondary teacher has seen him develop and support teaching and learning in a wide range of contexts. He has also worked closely with Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and Lutheran Education Australian (LEA) on various advisory committees and groups over the past decade.

Aaron is passionate about learning and encouraging students to reach their potential by nurturing their unique gifts. As a lifelong learner himself, Aaron is continually seeking new knowledge and skills in and beyond Education. He loves witnessing students grow, learn, achieve and fail. Aaron wants students to embrace their mistakes and understand that learning happens through failure, not just success.

Aaron and his wife Kellie are dedicated Christians and have been lifelong members of the Lutheran Church. They have 2 children who share their faith and passion for learning.

He has complete trust is God - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11

Mrs Heidi Barnes | Dean of Learning P-6

Working as an educator for the past 19 years, Heidi graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Primary Education. As an alumnus of the College, she embarked on her employment journey with the Redeemer in 2012. Raised in the Lutheran faith, Heidi’s connection to the school’s Lutheran Ethos serves as the cornerstone of her teaching, guiding her in instilling not just knowledge, but also a strong sense of community, compassion, and curiosity in her students.

As a learner herself, Heidi has further developed her skills in project-based learning and Mathematical Mindset Teaching, whilst embarking on a range of leadership roles. During her career, Heidi developed a keen interest in innovative teaching methods that allowed effective integration of digital tools and resources in the classroom. Her commitment to technological advancement in education saw her become eLearning Coordinator in the Junior School.

Heidi believes all students can make a positive impact in their community when given the opportunity. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment that caters to the unique needs of each student. Heidi strives to inspire a new generation of learners, whose curiosity is encouraged, and they feel empowered to embrace challenges as an opportunity for growth.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Mrs Kylie Wright | Dean of Students 7-12 BMassComn, DipEd(Sec)

Kylie is a passionate educator who has been working in Education since 2012. In her tertiary studies, Kylie completed a Bachelor of Mass Communication, majoring in Media and Communication and Public Relations at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), before undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) at the University of Queensland (UQ), with the specialist subjects of Film, Television and New Media and Business.

Kylie’s teaching and leadership journey has been in service to Lutheran Education in Queensland. Over the past eight years, Kylie has served as a Pastoral Care Leader at Redeemer Lutheran College, providing young people a value based and Christ-centred holistic education, with a focus on minimising barriers to allow students to flourish and reach their potential. This experience in student wellbeing is driven by her passions in the areas of mental health, inclusivity, caring relationships, and restorative practices.

Kylie loves Redeemer as it is a school where everyone is seen, valued, and challenged to be the best version of themselves. As in Proverbs 16:24, "Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body".

Mrs Leah Storer | Dean of Students P-6

Since graduating from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Education, Leah has been working as a passionate educator for 22 years. Her teaching journey has included both Primary and Secondary schools across the state and private sectors. Leah spent over 10 years working at Brisbane State High in both classroom and leadership roles. Her holistic approach to the education of the whole child and an enthusiasm for pastoral care bought her to the Redeemer's Junior School in 2015 as a classroom teacher.

Leah believes that fostering a supportive and caring environment is essential for students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. As Dean of Students, she feels very blessed to be doing God’s work in supporting the well-being of all students in the Junior School, not only to enhance their academic experiences, but also to encourage them to leave a lasting positive imprint on those around them.

Micah 6:8 serves as a guiding scripture for Leah, a devout Christian, inspiring her to live a life aligned with essential principles. The verse encourages us to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God." Leah seeks to be fair and gentle in her actions, treating others with equity and respect. Loving mercy, she demonstrates compassion and forgiveness, mirroring God's gracious nature.

Mrs Tracey Lewis | Corporate Services Manager

Mrs Nikki McKenzie | Head of Admissions and Marketing

Mr Andrew Kemp | Infrastructure Manager