Meet our Leadership Team

Karen believes that the core purpose of education is to enrich, deepen, and stretch the learning of all students so they can flourish in an increasingly dynamic and complex world. She is passionate about ensuring that education equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and growth mindset required to contribute meaningfully to society, guided by purpose, resilience, and hope for the future.

She has more than 25 years’ experience in education across both the public and independent sectors, including over 18 years in senior leadership roles. She spent 12 years at the University of New South Wales as a lecturer, tutor, and ICT integrator in English Method and has presented nationally and internationally at conferences on creativity, generative AI, improving student writing, student agency, and assessment. She has published three books for teachers, and one of these one a national publishing award.

“At 43 years young, Hills Grammar is agile enough to innovate and develop our offering, but old enough to know who we are and to maintain the essential elements of our culture.”

David brings almost three decades of experience to the School. He has held a number of senior roles in diverse independent schools across Sydney with portfolios including teaching and learning, wellbeing, innovation, staff development, human resources and school operations.

David has also held a number of special advisory appointments including in curriculum design and assessment with state and national curriculum authorities, teacher education with universities in Australia and the United States and in teacher professional learning with a number of professional associations. He is a prolific writer having authored, edited and contributed to numerous books, journal articles and atlases across diverse topics from the humanities and within professional domains.

“Hills Grammar is a place where every child can thrive in their pursuit for personal best, as passionate educators we want nothing less for our students.“

Sarah is a specialist in inclusive education and has worked across Pre K to Year 12 since joining the staff of Hills Grammar in 2010. Prior to this, Sarah worked in a range of educational settings, including consultancy roles, as a positive behaviour support specialist, and as a leader of professional development across key areas such as curriculum design, student wellbeing, and inclusive practices.

Sarah is passionate about recognising and nurturing the individuality of every student. Her recent work with the Stage 3 Birrung program exemplifies this commitment, providing opportunities for students to stretch their thinking and develop their own areas of academic strength. She is a strong advocate for personalised learning, taking the time to truly understand each student, as well as their families and school staff. Sarah believes this approach epitomises the Hills Grammar ethos of valuing the “original” student and fostering genuine, meaningful connections within the school community.

Throughout her career, Sarah has led initiatives that promote individualised education, positive behaviour support, and differentiated learning strategies. She has delivered professional development programs for educators, focusing on creating environments where every learner can thrive. Her experience spans classroom teaching, leadership roles, and collaborative projects that enhance student engagement and achievement.

“As a staff member, parent and alumnus, Sarah is well placed to understand the value of the “original” student, both past, present and future.“

As the Director of Learning and Teaching Pre K to 12, Geoff chairs the K-6, and 7-12 Curriculum meetings, working closely with the Junior School leadership team and Senior School Heads of Department to ensure the continuity of a high-quality curriculum across the school. He works with teaching staff on whole school pedagogy, and such projects as Designing for Deep Learning, Cultures of Thinking, and (more recently) the integration of GenAI into learning and teaching at the school. 

Geoff started teaching at Hills Grammar in 2004. Prior to Hills, he worked in Sydney, London and Hamburg and has taught HSC, GCSE, IGCSE and IB Diploma courses. His past leadership roles have included Literacy Coordinator, Student Services Coordinator, and Head of English. Geoff has presented at education and university conferences on pedagogy, literature, and creative writing practice. In 2025, Geoff was awarded the NSW Premier’s Creativity Across the Curriculum Scholarship, which included international travel and research.   

Geoff completed a Master of Arts (Creative Writing) in 2007, and a Master of Education (Leadership) in 2013 and a Doctor of Creative Arts degree in 2023. Recent publications include articles on creative writing, literary studies and creativity in Cambridge Scholars Publishing (2020), Australian Literary Studies (2024) and Australian Education Leader (2025). His upcoming novel ‘The Phantom Surrealist’ will be published by Transit Lounge in 2026. He is a passionate English teacher and avid reader.

“Hills Originals is a fitting way to characterise a school where the individual is embraced by the community. Being yourself, rather than a conformist, is one of the many things I like about our students, staff and school community.”

Yass has spent over 16 years at Hills Grammar, which has enabled him to see what works for one student may be different for another.

Prior to joining Hills Grammar he was a senior curriculum advisor for the Department of Education and Training. During this time he wrote educational resources, presented professional learning workshops to teachers around NSW and supported schools with curriculum implementation.

In his role as the Director of the Co-curricular Program, he oversees the operation and strategic development of the Schools Co-Curricular program, ensuring we are able to maximise the opportunities for all students in their areas of interest. The program has six core areas including Music, Leadership & Service, Sport, Outdoor Education, STEM and the Creative, Spoken and Performing Arts.

“Hills Grammar is different as we truly focus on the all-round development of the students. A school full of opportunities from a local community level through to international educational and service opportunities.”

The role of Director of Professional Learning Pre K-12 is focused on ensuring that all staff are professionally challenged and supported to develop in expertise as they grow in alignment with our School’s vision and mission, thereby enabling them to further enrich our learning community.

Chris has held a number of teaching and leadership positions across State and Independent schools. A career highlight has been the completion of a PhD on how to boost teacher learning across all career stages as a means to improve practice and accelerate student learning outcomes. She enjoys developing whole-school staff development initiatives and professional learning programs that inspire and encourage teachers and leaders and coaching them towards “outstanding teaching”.

“Hills Grammar is an authentic, sincere and vibrant school that genuinely places our students at the centre of all we do, as we work together towards our vision of ‘Extraordinary Education: Extraordinary Individuals'”

As Director of Business Services, David oversees the financial, operational and commercial aspects of the School. In this role, he contributes to shaping and implementing strategic initiatives, supports business sustainability and enables the next phase of campus development, including the 10-year Master Plan and Strategic Plan (2026–2028).

He is an accomplished executive leader with over 25 years of experience at C-Suite and Board level spanning diverse sectors including education, not-for-profit, disability, sport and professional services. He has extensive experience shaping and executing strategic plans, driving income growth and diversification, master planning and major capital projects, stakeholder engagement, leading high-performing teams and managing complex budgets.

“Hills Grammar is a vibrant, future-focused learning community. Through continued thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship, and strategic investment it will remain a place of excellence, opportunity, and growth.”

As the Director of Advancement and Engagement, Claire’s role encompasses internal and external communications, enrolments, branding, school events, community relations, alumni, archiving and reception.

She has a Degree in Business and over 30 years’ marketing and business development experience. She started her career in Public Relations and Event Management, before moving into marketing and business development roles in the professional services sector, particularly corporate law firms.

Claire brings a fresh approach to building the School’s brand and reputation in the Hills District. She works across the School to ensure the extraordinary experience of Hills Grammar is celebrated and shared with the community.

“It is a joy to work with the Hills Grammar community – staff, students and parents – to truly make a difference and add value to the futures of our young people. I am sure we are preparing the next generation to confidently take on the world beyond our gates.”

Joining Hills Grammar in July 2023, Adam has over 20 years of experience in the education sector including Schools, TAFEs, Universities, and the NSW Department of Education. He has a proven track record in the effective creation, development and leadership of high performing, ICT Transformational and Operational Support teams.

During his time at the Department of Education Adam successfully led ICT Operational Readiness Teams through the builds of several new Schools across NSW in partnership with Schools Infrastructure NSW. Most recently, he successfully led the Department of Education’s IT response to the COVID-19 pandemic between 2019 – 2022,  ensuring the continuity of teaching and learning through periods of social isolation.

Adam is leading the ICT transformation of Hills Grammar.  His innovative approach ensures our students are ready for the world beyond our gates.

“Hills Grammar is a lighthouse School, providing students with unique technology learning opportunities through strong partnerships between teachers, students, and the ICT Team.“