about me
Growing up I was never interested in food. My parents and grandparents were not that great in the kitchen and food never interested me much. Monday's, for as long as I can remember was always spaghetti night, and to this day when I visit my parents, Monday is still spaghetti night. I actually look forward to it. It wasn't until the 7th grade when I was made to do Food Technology as an elective in school, I discovered that food could actually taste good and it was easy to make good healthy food! I became fascinated by the way our body functions and from that moment forward I have loved all things food and health.
I have a B. App.Sci - Food & Nutrition and a Grad Dip - Teaching & Learning. I worked for Nestle in their product development kitchen creating new recipes for cookbooks, back of pack recipes as well as new product for the Nestle Brand. I then ventured out and started a franchise chain and when I left there were 30 stores across Australia. In need of a complete change of life I headed to America and took up a position in Outdoor Education. It was a life changing experience that lead me into teaching full time. I also spent some time in London setting up a juice bar brand there one winter.
Upon returning to Australia I moved to Darwin, got my degree in education and have been working as a teacher ever since. In 2012, I was nominated for a teaching award in the area of Technology. 2013 was a big year and I was nominated and won the Northern Territory Independent Schools Teacher of the Year. An award that I am incredibly honoured to receive and incredibly humbled by it also.
I am married to a pretty amazing man. He never ceases to amaze me with his love, kindness, generosity and zest for life and all of the adventures that it has to offer us. He encourages me to be the best person that I can be. When we got married we wrote our own vows and did not read them to each other until we were standing there. We had written one line that was identical. "Wherever you are in the world, that will be my favourite place." Together we take on the world, eat good food, drink better wine and cycle through places near and far.
In 2014 we ended up in China and had a brilliant adventure! It is certainly an interesting place and there was never a dull moment. Being challenged in the way I viewed life was something that I will cherish forever. I am so appreciative of what we have here in Australia. Many of us do not know how lucky we really are!
After returning to Darwin from China we uncomfortably set up life in Darwin again. Both of us always looking for the next adventure. I always thought it would be Greg that took us from Darwin again but it was me. After a few days of not loving Darwin anymore I found a job ad applied for it. It was at an elite Private School in Melbourne. What hope did I have? nil. And then I got it and within 7 weeks we were gone. Leaving our second home and sanctuary again. But this time forever... well nothing is forever.
I was the Head of Boarding at a gorgeous and very old school on the Mornington Peninsula. I was in my sweet spot of challenge and reward. I was consciously unskilled and loving it. Most of the boarders were Chinese and I totally understood them and their families. 2 Years later, a new house and a promotion to Director of International Education & Boarding I am in my element. I love my girls. I love their families and I love my day to day madness. Having said that I miss looking after my health and fitness but it will be a priority one day again I am certain. I get to go to China each year and travel to SE Asia also to recruit students and meet their families. I have somehow managed to combine my love of travel and my love of education into one job. Currently growing my international community, with the most amazing leaders and more importantly man by my side on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. #Neveradullmoment.
Much love,
CJ x
I have a B. App.Sci - Food & Nutrition and a Grad Dip - Teaching & Learning. I worked for Nestle in their product development kitchen creating new recipes for cookbooks, back of pack recipes as well as new product for the Nestle Brand. I then ventured out and started a franchise chain and when I left there were 30 stores across Australia. In need of a complete change of life I headed to America and took up a position in Outdoor Education. It was a life changing experience that lead me into teaching full time. I also spent some time in London setting up a juice bar brand there one winter.
Upon returning to Australia I moved to Darwin, got my degree in education and have been working as a teacher ever since. In 2012, I was nominated for a teaching award in the area of Technology. 2013 was a big year and I was nominated and won the Northern Territory Independent Schools Teacher of the Year. An award that I am incredibly honoured to receive and incredibly humbled by it also.
I am married to a pretty amazing man. He never ceases to amaze me with his love, kindness, generosity and zest for life and all of the adventures that it has to offer us. He encourages me to be the best person that I can be. When we got married we wrote our own vows and did not read them to each other until we were standing there. We had written one line that was identical. "Wherever you are in the world, that will be my favourite place." Together we take on the world, eat good food, drink better wine and cycle through places near and far.
In 2014 we ended up in China and had a brilliant adventure! It is certainly an interesting place and there was never a dull moment. Being challenged in the way I viewed life was something that I will cherish forever. I am so appreciative of what we have here in Australia. Many of us do not know how lucky we really are!
After returning to Darwin from China we uncomfortably set up life in Darwin again. Both of us always looking for the next adventure. I always thought it would be Greg that took us from Darwin again but it was me. After a few days of not loving Darwin anymore I found a job ad applied for it. It was at an elite Private School in Melbourne. What hope did I have? nil. And then I got it and within 7 weeks we were gone. Leaving our second home and sanctuary again. But this time forever... well nothing is forever.
I was the Head of Boarding at a gorgeous and very old school on the Mornington Peninsula. I was in my sweet spot of challenge and reward. I was consciously unskilled and loving it. Most of the boarders were Chinese and I totally understood them and their families. 2 Years later, a new house and a promotion to Director of International Education & Boarding I am in my element. I love my girls. I love their families and I love my day to day madness. Having said that I miss looking after my health and fitness but it will be a priority one day again I am certain. I get to go to China each year and travel to SE Asia also to recruit students and meet their families. I have somehow managed to combine my love of travel and my love of education into one job. Currently growing my international community, with the most amazing leaders and more importantly man by my side on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. #Neveradullmoment.
Much love,
CJ x
