Leadership Staff

Vanessa Noonan | Acting Head of Senior School

Vanessa Noonan is the Acting Head of Senior School at Redeemer Lutheran College in 2026. She brings more than 23 years of experience in education across New South Wales and Queensland, having worked across different school systems, sectors and communities in a range of teaching, wellbeing and leadership roles.

Her work has focused on supporting young people to thrive both academically and personally, while building strong learning cultures within schools.

Through her experience across states and educational contexts, Vanessa has developed a broad understanding of curriculum, student wellbeing and the importance of clear partnerships between schools and families.

Vanessa values the important role parents and caregivers play in shaping each young person’s growth and success. She considers it a privilege to serve the Redeemer Lutheran College community and is passionate about living out her faith through service to students, staff and families.

Kellie Hardke | Head of Junior School

BEd (Primary) Grad Cert Ed (Theology) Grad Cert Ed (Trauma-Aware Education) Dip Sports Psychology

Kellie is an educational leader who has served Lutheran Education for over 25 years. Her teaching career spans Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions.

During her career, Kellie has served in several leadership roles, including classroom teacher, Learning & Teaching Coordinator, Deputy Head of Junior School and most recently Head of Junior School for the last ten years.

Kellie holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and has completed post graduate study in Theology and Trauma-Aware Education. She also has a Diploma of Sports Psychology.

Kellie’s philosophy of education is grounded in the understanding that we are all children of God, each made uniquely and for a purpose. Education is about inspiring young people to discover and develop their gifts and talents so that they can make a positive difference in the world. She is passionate about fostering the development of the whole child and engaging parents, students, and staff to work together in partnership. It is a privilege to serve in communities where God’s word and His love are being brought to life through our learning, our experiences, and in our relationship with others.

Jackie McComb | Business Manager

Christina Bianchi | Dean of Faith & Community

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

Ben Babao | Head of Programming, Staff Management and Co-Curricular (P-12)

Ben’s journey in education commenced after graduating with First Class Honours in Mathematics at The University of Queensland in 2014. He has worked in various leadership roles and has experience leading innovation across curricular and administrative domains.

Ben is passionate about leveraging technology, systems, and data to improve student and staff outcomes. Holding a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, he wholeheartedly believes a school’s most important asset is its people - students, staff, and families. As such, he is committed to fostering community and engagement across all areas at Redeemer.

Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew have continued to inspire and form Ben throughout his teenage and adult years. When we are kind and selfless to others, we are kind and selfless to Christ himself: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Ben feels blessed to be welcomed into the Redeemer Community, where a love of God and His people are at the heart of all it does.

Aaron Hardke | Head 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

Sharon McHugo | Acting Dean of Students 7-12

Since graduating from University College Maynooth with a Bachelor of Science, Sharon has built a diverse and impactful career as an educator both overseas and in Australia. She went on to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Nottingham Trent University, followed by a Master of Education specialising in Leadership and Management at the University of Southern Queensland.

Sharon’s professional journey has taken her across a range of school contexts internationally and locally, where she has taught, led, and supported students through the pivotal stages of their educational development. These varied experiences have shaped her holistic and culturally informed approach to teaching and leadership.

Sharon is deeply committed to fostering an environment where young people feel safe, respected, and motivated to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She values strong relationships and believes in the power of positive, proactive pastoral care.

In her role as Acting Dean of Students for Years 7–12, Sharon works closely with students, families, and staff to promote wellbeing, positive behaviour, and a strong sense of school community. She is dedicated to guiding young people through the challenges of adolescence while supporting them to build resilience, confidence, and the skills needed for life beyond school.

Sharon considers it a privilege to serve and support the school community, ensuring that every student feels known, encouraged, and empowered to reach their potential.

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.

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