Expertise:  I have been a classroom primary (elementary) teacher for more than 20 years, mostly with senior students. I now run my own business, High Hopes Educational Services, working with parents and their children (and sometimes teachers) on a range of issues such as transition from primary to high school; organisational skills; time management; understanding learning styles to assist with effective study and work routines at home; prioritising tasks; developing a balance between work and play; how to 'get started' on writing that essay or assignment!

Experience in the area
20 years of classroom teaching experience; in 2006, based on an enormous amount of research and practical experience (some of it with my own teenage boys!), I set about developing a series of programs of information and support for parents who want to both assist and monitor their child's progress. I prefer to regard these programs as tools of empowerment for parents and their children - skills for school AND life!

Organizations
TED; LinkedIn; Community Builders NSW; Our Community; YouthGas

Publications
My biography (under maiden name of 'Cook') appears in 'Who's Who of Australian Women' (1982), 'The World Who's Who of Women' (1986) and 'Debrett's Handbook of Australia' (Bicentennial Edition 1988). My article "Coping With High School - a Transition for Students and Parents" was published in the Primary and Middle Years Educator Journal (Australian Curriculum Studies Association), August 2007 and P&C Journal, Term 3 issue, 2007

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Sydney (English and Education majors); Diploma in Education (Sydney Teacher's College)

Awards and Honors
University of Sydney 'Blue'(for track and field); a variety of sporting awards (both State and National)