OUR PRINCIPAL

Mrs Louise Elliot-Watson

Mrs Louise Elliot-Watson has been teaching at YVCS since its commencement in 2022. She has now stepped into the role of Principal, bringing with her a wealth of experience teaching students with additional learning needs, including Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and Dyslexia. She holds a Masters in Inclusive Education, a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood), and a Bachelor of Education (Primary).

OUR TEACHERS

Mr Josiah Wilkes

Mr. Josiah Wilkes joined YVCS in 2024. With extensive experience catering to students with diverse learning needs such as Autism, ADHD, Intellectual disabilities, and Dyslexia, he brings a wealth of expertise to the classroom. Mr. Wilkes holds a Master's in Inclusive Education along with a Bachelor of Education (Secondary). Additionally, he is pursuing a Ph.D. focused on Christian Approaches to Inclusive Education.

Miss Julie Purnell

Miss Julie Purnell joined the YVCS team this year. She has been working for a decade teaching students with additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and trauma backgrounds. She holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduating with distinction.

OUR TEACHERS' AIDES

Mrs Penny Egan

Mrs Egan has over 20 years’ teaching experience across early childhood and primary education, including working closely with a number of children on the autism spectrum. She currently holds a Bachelor in Arts Primary Education, which she graduated from with Honours.

Mrs Lyndal Hansford

Mrs Hansford has a wealth of experience in Early Childhood education and has worked in a variety of preschools, long day care centres and schools for over 30 years. Her role as an Early Childhood Teacher involved closely working with children and their families and providing additional support for neuro diverse children including Autism and ADHD.

Mrs Hansford holds a Diploma of Teaching. She is currently employed as a teacher providing RFF lessons one day per week and a teacher's aide part-time. Mrs Hansford is available as a casual teacher at YVCS.

Mrs Sarah Potter

Mrs Potter has a range of experience working with children in educational settings and is currently studying to be a child psychologist.

Mrs Elise Koch

Mrs Koch has several years’ experience supporting children with diverse needs, both in mainstream and specialised settings. She is committed to maximising educational outcomes, with much of her career dedicated to enabling students with challenging behaviours succeed in mainstream classrooms when a more suitable environment was not available.

Mrs Lee

Mrs Lee has a background in Special Needs Educational Support and Art Therapy. She has joined the YVCS Team this year and is thrilled to be able to support students in their learning and development, primarily through her role in Visual Arts.

Mrs Josie Psaila

Mrs Josie Psaila has over 20 years' experience in Early Childhood Education and in a variety of primary schools as a teacher's support. She has had many years involved as the children’s ministry coordinator in a church setting. She also teaches Scripture in primary schools. Throughout this time, she has worked alongside neurodiverse children including autism. She is currently studying Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.

Mr Andrew Stanbrook-Mason

Mr Stanbrook-Mason moved with his family to the Central Coast from New Zealand in January of 2024, starting at YVCS as a Teacher's Aide in Term 2, 2024. He has a background as a primary school teacher and taught for many years in New Zealand before a change in direction saw him as a pastor for 19 years.

Miss Courtney Sams-Medhurst

Miss Courtney Sams-Medhurst graduated in 2024 from Avondale University with a Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education and is beginning her teaching career at YVCS. She has experience working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly children on the autism spectrum. She observes and supports children to help reduce emotional outbursts and fosters deep, meaningful relationships that enhance their learning development. Additionally, she is part of a church team that serves in children's ministry, focusing on equipping young lives from a Christian perspective.