Mrs Nicole Gregory | Deputy Principal GradCertEdLead, MCouns, BEd, DipEd, MACEL

With a career in education spanning almost three decades, Nicole Gregory has spent most of those serving in Lutheran schools. 

Nicole is an experienced Lutheran Leader having served as Acting Principal, Head of Middle School, Year Level Coordinator and Head of Performing Arts Co-curricular in other Lutheran settings.

Nicole is passionate about GRIT! Education for Nicole is about growing people, both staff and students, who are passionate learners willing to persevere through the ‘muddiness’ of an experience in order to find personal and corporate accomplishment. She loves encouraging people through the tough stuff no matter their age and sees GRIT is the conduit for growth.

Nicole’s involvement in Restorative Practices came from the completion of a Masters in Counselling in 2008, where she was endeavouring to find ways to manage student behaviour in a mediated setting, giving students the space to learn from their mistakes rather than simply experience punitive discipline. Her work in Restorative Practices has seen her speak internationally and also engage in the growth of Pastoral and Restorative Practices systemically.

As a Christian woman of God, Nicole rests in the tenants of Faith, Hope and Love, believing that the creator of the universe loves each person unconditionally. Nicole’s favourite scripture verse comes from Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Pastor Mark Vainikka | College Pastor BBus(Acc), BA(Th), GradDipMin, LTh, MTh, MLearnDev

Mark is an ordained Lutheran pastor, with a keen interest and passion in education. Mark has served the Church in parish, para-church and College ministry and also serves the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District as First Assistant Bishop. 

Mark was born in Helsinki, Finland, but grew up in Melbourne. Before seminary, he studied business, majoring in accounting, communications and journalism and is a graduate of Luther Seminary, the University of Manchester and the University of Southern Queensland, where he is currently completing his doctoral dissertation in ecclesiastical governance. 

Mark has an interest in discovering how the Lutheran faith informs and enriches educational practises. He is eager to empower people to discover their God-given gifts in service to others. Mark believes that the gospel needs to be enacted, told and retold in meaningful ways, so that God’s unconditional love and grace can be experienced by people of all ages. Hence, he is a keen follower of social trends and wants to continue to grow in his understanding of Australian culture in the 21st Century in all its complexities, reflecting Church life that can relate to the diverse cultural values of modern-day Australia. 

Mark has studied educational leadership and has also been trained in Restorative Practices. In his spare time, he trains for his next marathon and spends time restoring his classic car. Mark finds consolation and strength from worship, contemplative prayer and the reading of Scripture, especially from Galatians 2:20 ‘It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.’

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 Aaron Hardke | Director of Teaching & Learning P-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

Mr Michael Trott | Teaching & Learning Coordinator 7-9 BA, BEd, DipT

Michael has been working as an educator since 1974 after graduating from Wattle Park Teachers’ College in Adelaide. Graduating initially with a Diploma of Teaching he also completed a Bachelor of Education from the University of South Australia.  Michael taught extensively in state and Independent schools in Adelaide including a teaching exchange to British Columbia before moving to Queensland. He joined the Redeemer Lutheran College community in 2014 as Director of Middle Years after a number of years at a neighbouring independent school where he held a variety of Executive Positions.

Initially Primary trained Michael now specialises in education in the Middle Years of Learning and is vitally interested in innovative pedagogies and learning spaces. His passion for education stems from a desire to create opportunities for students to realise their potential through engaging with authentic and interesting opportunities; which provide them with a level of input into their learning.

Michael has recently taken up the position of Teaching and Learning Coordinator in the Middle Years. In this position, he is also developing a program to provide innovative and challenging activities for very able students; outside of the standard curriculum offerings.

A favourite Bible passage is: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres".  1 Corinthians 13

Ms Lisa Robinson | Head of Junior School BTch(Primary)

Lisa began her career teaching at an international school in Papua New Guinea.  After 4 years of adventures and mentoring from some incredibly skilled professionals, Lisa felt the call of home, and returned to Australia to begin working in the Lutheran Education system in the mid-1990s.  Lisa considers it a privilege to be a part of an educational system that puts Christ at the centre of all that we do and feels blessed to have worked in a number of different Lutheran schools throughout Queensland during her time as a classroom teacher as well as in different leadership roles.  Each of these schools and communities has contributed to her growth professionally as well as personally and spiritually.

Education is about helping students realise they have the capacity to make a difference, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of others.  Helping students to use their voice and make choices that assist them in growing academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually has always been a key driver in Lisa’s desire to work with young students and their families.

Taking on leadership roles such as Head of Learning and Teaching and Director of Student Well-being in previous educational settings has allowed Lisa to delve deeply into learning more about student well-being and the impact that it has on the overall capacity of students to learn and engage in school life.  Her joy is working with students, and spending time with children will always be at the forefront of what she does.

As a Christian woman, Lisa has always been passionate about using her God-given gifts and talents to serve others.  The act of service is something that has always been something she has felt called to do.  Having the opportunity to work with young children allows her the opportunity to role model this as well as encourage and advocate for students who feel called to serve others in whatever capacity they feel equipped to do so.

In her current role as Head of Junior School, Lisa works to ensure all members of the Redeemer community feel valued and important.  Working in a vibrant and growing community with staff, students and parents is a pleasure and a privilege that she thanks God for daily.

Lisa often turns to scripture for guidance and comfort.  A Bible verse that fills her with hope is Jeremiah 29:11 “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.”

Mrs Kirsty Clements | Pastoral Care Coordinator P-6 BEd, DipCoun, CertIV TESOL, Cert3 Comm Service 

Kirsty has been working as an educator for over 20 years after graduating from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Education in 1997. She has also acquired a Diploma of Counselling, Cert 4 in TESOL and Cert 3 in Community Services focussing on Youth. She has taught in the State and Independent Education system, with the majority of her teaching career at Independent Christian schools in Brisbane.

Kirsty has worked in numerous areas over her career, spaning from Curriculum writing, developing and training teaching teams, to Pastoral Care where her passion lies. Kirsty is interested in relationships, developing these and supporting personal restoration through God’s grace. She has a desire that every individual is able to be encouraged to identify, understand and develop the potential God has placed within them. 

Kirsty’s passion for Pastoral Care stems from the reality that we live in a broken world, and therefore at times need help from those around us. However, with help from those around us and God’s unconditional love, guidance and wisdom we are able to be renewed and revitalised each day ready to serve, sustain and stand on the promises He has provided us. This, she believes has the potential to aid positively in the educational journey of each child, ultimately helping students become healthy contributors to their communities both now and in the future.

One Bible verse she gains strength and wisdom from is Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Miss Tamara Zingelmann | Teaching & Learning Coordinator P-6 BEd, BCreativeInd

Tamara has been working as an educator since 2009 after graduating from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in Drama and English. She first joined the Redeemer Lutheran College community as a student before returning in 2010 as a teacher in the Senior School.

In 2012, Tamara specialised in Middle Years Education as Curriculum Leader for English. During this time, she developed an interest in exploring the relationship between innovative pedagogy and learning spaces. This interest has seen her research contemporary education practices across a number of contexts. Tamara’s passion for education and curriculum stems from a desire to create opportunities for students to reach their potential through engaging and contextualised curriculum that cultivates a lifelong love of learning.

Tamara has recently taken up the position of Teaching and Learning Coordinator in the Junior School. This role will see her responsible for curriculum development and the teaching and learning of Junior School students. In this position, she is very keen to be able to use her experience across the whole of the college to track learning and pedagogy.

As an advocate for the arts in education, Tamara also values her involvement in the college musicals. She enjoys working creatively with both staff and students as it promotes a holistic education and provides opportunities to partner with students in a collaborative environment.

One Bible verse she turns to in times of reflection is from Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Mr Anthony Vassallo | Business Manager MSc(Mgt), MEd, FBCS, Sloan Fellow (LBS), FIML

Anthony’s education and experience span business, information technology and education from a global perspective.  Born in London, he has worked in the Far East (Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong), the Middle East (Saudi Arabia) and Europe (UK and Germany).  Anthony is a Fellow of the British Computer Society, a Sloan Fellow of London Business School and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders.  He has a Masters of Management degree from the University of London and has studied at Greenwich University (Computer Science), the MIT Sloan School of Management (Systems Dynamics) and the University of Queensland (Education).  Anthony recently completed a Master of Educational Leadership degree at QUT.

Anthony spent the first 20 years of his working life in international banking, specifically in operations, accounting and IT.  Anthony’s passion, however, is teaching and while working in banks he wrote and ran numerous training courses on aspects of international banking operations.  In his spare time, he has been a Cub Scout leader, provided standardised test preparation training and run dance classes.

After the birth of his son, Anthony and his family moved to Australia and he turned his passion into his career, completing a Graduate Diploma in Education.  He now combines his business skills and passion for education in the somewhat unusual role of teaching Business Manager.  For the last few years, Anthony’s teaching has focussed on Robotics. He also runs the college’s Robotics club.

Besides his work at Redeemer Lutheran College, Anthony also sits on the board of a Lutheran primary school and Queensland Early Childhood Services.

Anthony’s favourite bible verse is from Matthew 5:41 – “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”