Ohana College Staff

CEO

Aaron Devine

Aaron Devine is a leading education executive, with over 20 years as a senior leader of some of Australia’s largest and most innovative educational providers.

Aaron is committed to supporting students achieving their goals and in seeking to ensure all students have access to quality education irrespective of social, emotional or financial barriers.

Aaron is a respected Educational consultant working in tertiary and school education. Until October 2016, Aaron led TAFE Queensland Brisbane in the role of General Manager. Aaron was also the Chief Executive Officer for the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, and Pro Vice Chancellor at Charles Darwin University. He worked as a Solicitor in Victoria where he practiced in Commercial Law, Civil Litigation and Employment Law. Aaron served as a Senior Adviser to the former Premier of Tasmania, the Hon Jim Bacon AC and Senior Policy Adviser to the Paul Wriedt MHA when he was the Tasmanian Minister for Vocational Education and Training.

Principal

Tenneille Lynham

Tenneille is a devoted and dedicated individual who began her education career at Ohana College in 2018. During this time Tenneille has taken on a number of leadership roles which include Senior Teacher, Head of Learning Enrichment, Head of Teaching and Learning, Deputy Principal and currently Principal.

Tenneille is a devoted and dedicated individual who began her education career at Ohana College in 2018. During this time Tenneille has taken on a number of leadership roles which include Senior Teacher, Head of Learning Enrichment, Head of Teaching and Learning, Deputy Principal and currently Principal.

Tenneille has 14 years experience in the education field having studied a Bachelor of Secondary Education and a Diploma in Counselling. Tenneille has provided leadership, support and has developed strategies to positively manage students and colleagues through a number of diverse and challenging situations.

One of Tenneille’s biggest strengths is offering a valued perspective and insight into varied situations and providing voice to discussions. Tenneille’s person centred approach to education ensures students achieve success in a supportive, positive and inclusive environment.

Deputy Principal - Senior School

Zach Friend

Zach began his journey at Ohana College in 2019 as a teacher but has since held a number of roles within the organisation, including his current role as Deputy Principal of senior school.

Zach began his journey at Ohana College in 2019 as a teacher but has since held a number of roles within the organisation, including his current role as Deputy Principal of senior school. Zach is passionate about supporting students to achieve their social, emotional and educational goals. He is committed to helping students who have previously found school challenging by identifying their own individual interests and strengths to help them to succeed at school and become lifelong learners.
Deputy Principal - Junior School

Sandra Gazzard

Sandra has had many varied positions in the education space across her career which have included Classroom Teacher, Executive Teacher, Head Teacher, Regional Consultant with the Department of Education, Head of Learning and Support and most recently Deputy Principal at Ohana College.

Sandra is a dedicated educator in roles which included facilitating teacher capacity building and delivering quality evidence based professional learning. Sandra has had many varied positions in the education space across her career which have included Classroom Teacher, Executive Teacher, Head Teacher, Regional Consultant with the Department of Education, Head of Learning and Support and most recently Deputy Principal at Ohana College. Sandra has a motivational and encouraging attitude which supports students' and staff self-empowerment. Sandra is driven to provide academic and emotional guidance for students with disabilities, their carers and teachers.
Welfare Coordinator

Deb Black

Starting with Arcadia College in 2013, Deb's journey as the Welfare Coordinator at Ohana College spans over 12 years, marked by a commitment to student welfare deeply influenced by Samoan heritage and Indigenous connections. Armed with a Diploma in Counselling and specialised training in trauma-informed care and cultural awareness, Deb integrates cultural insights with professional expertise to elevate student welfare and educational outcomes.

Starting with Arcadia College in 2013, Deb's journey as the Welfare Coordinator at Ohana College spans over 12 years, marked by a commitment to student welfare deeply influenced by Samoan heritage and Indigenous connections. Armed with a Diploma in Counselling and specialised training in trauma-informed care and cultural awareness, Deb integrates cultural insights with professional expertise to elevate student welfare and educational outcomes.

In her role at Ohana College, Deb oversees a diverse team dedicated to enhancing students' social and emotional wellbeing. The team adopts a sensitive and inclusive approach, valuing each student's cultural and personal identity. Deb has spearheaded initiatives such as customised Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, tailored to meet the diverse needs of student groups. Deb's extensive experience in fostering relationships with students, parents, and educational partners positions her well to contribute effectively to the college community.

Deb is devoted to providing innovative tools for growth and change and supporting the holistic development of students at Ohana College.

Registered Psychologist

Amy Easton

Amy is the Head of Wellbeing and Senior Psychologist at Ohana College, with over 15 years working within the mental health industry. She is a registered psychologist, and clinical registrar. Amy believes that each student is unique and should be provided with unconditional positive regard.

Amy is the Head of Wellbeing and Senior Psychologist at Ohana College, with over 15 years working within the mental health industry. She is a registered psychologist, and clinical registrar. Amy believes that each student is unique and should be provided with unconditional positive regard.

Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, holistic and empathetic. With a passion for nurturing mental well-being and academic success, Amy offers compassionate guidance to students facing challenges. From fostering a safe space for self-expression and exploration, building resilience, to collaborating with educators and families, Amy ensures every student is provided with the opportunity to thrive emotionally and academically.

Amy’s passion is to develop a fun and creative space to help students feel at ease and is flexible in her approach to meet the student’s individual interests and needs. Her qualifications and training include:
· Registration as a general psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
· Master of Clinical Psychology.
· Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours.
· Diploma of Community Services.
· Training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
· Currently completing the clinical registrar program.