Despite being known as a VCE General Mathematics teacher, Mel started her teaching career in a prep classroom in 2007. In 2008, she made the move to teach mathematics and science at Ballarat Secondary College (now known as Woodmans Hill Secondary College). Her passion for science then led her to teach Science Education at Federation University.

Mel returned to secondary education, spending 10 years at Ballarat High School where she developed her leadership capabilities, taking on learning specialist, leading teacher and assistant principal roles withing both teaching and learning, and wellbeing. At the same time Mel was teaching General Mathematics within a highly organised team, implementing best practice teaching and learning strategies that resulted in high outcomes for all students.

Mel has a passion for teaching and learning and is excited about supporting Central Highlands school to achieve the best results for all students.

Coming from a Primary school background where she has taught from Foundation to Year 6, Annika also has experience as a Literacy Leader and Learning Specialist. Annika loves building connections, examining documentation systems and structures, and helping educators to be their best. She is highly qualified in Literacy, with a Masters of Applied Linguistics from the University of Melbourne. Her passion for Literacy instruction encompasses pre-Foundation skills, Disability and Inclusion support, English as an Additional Dialect or Language support, all the way to VCE.