About the VAGTC Facilitators

Our facilitators are educators with post-graduate qualifications in gifted education and are appointed by the committee of the VAGTC. Educator professional development programs are delivered across the school year and can be customized for schools on request.

Mr Mark Smith – Master of Education (Gifted and Talented), completed via course work and research (Monash University).  Most passionate about mentoring and inquiry learning programs that engage and inspire gifted learners, enabling passion research, processes for learning, and ultimate student autonomy. Presenter and writer of VAGTC seminars. Former Head of Gifted and Talented at Carey Grammar and Mentone Grammar.

Ms Kathy Harrison – Master of Education (ICTE), Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Science. Former Exemplary Teacher at Methodist Ladies’ College. 2018 recipient of the Australian Mathematics Trust Teaching Award. A passionate gifted student advocate, enthusiastic about social justice and a community volunteer. Expertise and experience as a VAGTC seminar presenter and exemplar of theory to practice in gifted education.

Ms Amy Horneman – Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics), Bachelor of Arts/Education (Secondary). Gifted education practitioner (Northside Christian College) and VAGTC seminar presenter. Passionate about fostering positive home-school partnerships, advocating with and for parents of gifted children and seeing all (but particularly gifted) children happy and loving learning inside and outside of school.’

Dr Susan Nikakis – Doctorate of Education. Thesis title: “What Makes an Expert Teacher of the Gifted”. Senior Gifted Education Officer for Catholic Education Melbourne.  A passionate advocate for gifted children, with the mantra ‘different not more!!!’

Dr Anna Pollard – Phd (RMIT), Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Graduate Diploma of Education (La Trobe).  Developed and managed literacy support and gifted education programs in both state and catholic schools in Victoria.  Expertise and passion in gifted education – to provide professional development for teachers in order to build program that are targeted, appropriate and supportive of the needs of gifted and talented students.  Writer and presenter of VAGTC seminars.