Our Principal & Staff
OUR PRINCIPAL
Mrs Louise Elliot-Watson
Mrs Louise Elliot‑Watson has been teaching at YVCS since its opening in 2022 and stepped into the role of Principal in 2024. She brings a wealth of experience supporting students with additional learning needs, including Autism and ADHD. Louise holds a Masters in Inclusive Education, a Bachelor of Education (Primary), and a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood), and is committed to leading a nurturing, inclusive, and Christ‑centred learning community.
ADMINISTRATION
Mrs Penny Egan
Mrs Egan has been part of the school community since its foundation in 2022. Working in an administration role, she brings a strong educational background with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education. Highly adaptable, she supports a wide range of tasks across the school and plays a key role in ensuring daily operations run smoothly. Her deep knowledge of the students and the inner workings of the school contribute to a warm, well‑connected environment where families and staff feel supported.
OUR TEACHERS
Mrs Alana Bell
Mrs Alana Bell joined YVCS in 2026. She brings extensive experience supporting students with diverse learning needs in early intervention and across a variety of school settings. Mrs Bell holds a Bachelor of Special Education and is currently completing a Master of Autism. She is passionate about creating inclusive, strengths‑based learning environments where every student feels supported, understood, and empowered to succeed.
Mr James Picot
Mr James Picot joined the YVCS team in 2025, bringing a breadth of experience in both school and tertiary education. Before joining YVCS, Mr Picot worked as a lecturer at Alphacrucis University College and has been supporting students with special needs as a teacher since 2012. He holds a Master of Special Education and a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), and is passionate about creating nurturing, inclusive and engaging learning environments. Mr Picot is committed to fostering a Christ‑centred community where every student is valued, supported and encouraged to grow academically, socially and spiritually.
Miss Julie Purnell
Miss Julie Purnell is continuing to teach K-2 at YVCS. She joined the YVCS team in 2024 and has worked in a variety of settings. She has a strong history of teaching students with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and trauma backgrounds. She holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduating with distinction.
Miss Courtney Sams-Medhurst
Miss Sams-Medhurst graduated in 2024 from Avondale University with a Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education and has begun her teaching career at YVCS in 2025. She has a passion for helping all children thrive in their learning, especially those that are Neurodivergent (Autism Spectrum Disorder). She has worked with families that have ASD children both within and outside YVCS. Courtney observes and supports the children by implementing strategies, making adjustments and working with the students to help reduce emotional dysregulation and make them feel loved, heard, seen, accepted and valued for who God has created them to be. As part of the YVCS Christ‑centred community, she feels privileged to grow, contribute, and flourish in building the Kingdom, develop deeper relationships and equip young lives from a Christian perspective. Serving and doing the Lord's work both in and out of YVCS grounds is a passion of Courtney's.
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.
OUR TEACHERS' AIDES
Miss Gemma Collins
Miss Stephanie Davis
Since 2021, Miss Steph Davis has supported students across a range of Central Coast schools as a teacher’s aide. Steph is passionate about helping children who need a little extra time and encouragement. She believes kindness and understanding create the best environment for confidence and learning to grow. Inspired by her daughter’s additional needs, she is committed to recognising each child’s unique learning style and supporting them in ways that help them thrive within a Christ‑centred community.
Miss Olivia Filo
Miss Olivia Filo began working at YVCS in July 2024 and has developed strong experience supporting students with ASD and additional learning needs. She is passionate about equipping students for both learning and life, and values the opportunity to invest in their academic, emotional and spiritual growth. With more than seven years in children’s and youth ministry, Miss Filo brings a nurturing, faith-filled approach to her work. Her background in dance and music enriches her teaching, helping students grow in confidence, expression and joy.
Miss Filo holds a Bachelor of Music, a Certificate III in School Based Education Support, and a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management. She is currently completing a Master of Teaching (Primary).
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 Sara Lee
Mrs Sara Lee has a background in Special Needs Educational Support and Art Therapy. She joined the YVCS Team in 2025 and is thrilled to be able to support students in their learning and development.
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.
Mr Emmanuel Psaila
Mr Manni Psaila joined YVCS as a Teacher’s Aide in 2025. He has a significant passion for working with young people and desires to see children empowered, welcomed, and safe. After finishing high school in 2022, Manni began a Bachelor of Education (Primary).
In 2023, he commenced work as a Scripture Teacher and Chaplain and has since continued serving in children’s and youth ministry. Manni has experience across primary, secondary, and special education settings. His work consistently reflects his heart for children, who he sees as treasures in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mrs Josie Psaila
Mrs Josie Psaila has over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and as a teacher’s support across a variety of primary schools. She has also been deeply involved in children’s ministry, serving for many years as a coordinator in a church setting, and teaches Scripture in primary schools.
Throughout her career, Josie has worked alongside neurodiverse children, including those with autism, bringing care, understanding, and tailored support to each child. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at university, further enhancing her skills and expertise in education.
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.
Mr Isaac Volegoff
Mr Isaac Volegoff joined the YVCS team in 2026 as a Teacher Aide. He brings over two years of experience as a disability support worker, working closely with children on the Autism Spectrum and additional learning needs. Isaac has supported students in both one-on-one and small group settings, helping implement strategies that support emotional regulation, engagement, and positive learning experiences.
Isaac is currently completing his university studies in Primary Education and holds a Diploma of Leadership from Alphacrucis College. Isaac is committed to contributing to a nurturing, inclusive and Christ-centred learning environment where every student feels supported and valued.