Dr Sandra Hastie EdD, M.Ed (Admin) Hons, B.Ed, Dip Tchg

Dr Hastie commenced as Principal of Somerville House in January 2024.

A vastly experienced teacher and principal, she attended the Christchurch College of Education, Canterbury University, and Auckland University where she completed her Doctorate in Education and has held senior leadership roles in both state and independent schools.

In 2010 she was appointed as Principal of Saint Kentigern Girls’ School with responsibility for growing the roll and establishing the first Saint Kentigern Pre-School. At this time, she was also appointed as Head of Primary for both Saint Kentigern Schools to provide strategic and curriculum leadership, a role that she held until the end of her 19-year tenure in the Saint Kentigern environment.

In January 2016, Dr Hastie returned from the UK where she was the Headmistress of Tavistock and Summerhill Preparatory School, to take up the position of Principal at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School.

She has enjoyed the challenge of working within the Primary sector as well as leading a Secondary School which was consistently placed in the top 3% academically within New Zealand.

Dr Hastie is passionate about independent education in this ever-changing world.

Ms Leanne Guillon BA, GDipEd, MInstrLead. commenced as Deputy Principal in January 2025, bringing extensive experience from independent schools across Melbourne to Somerville House. She is dedicated to empowering students through a holistic education.

With a distinguished career in independent schools, including her most recent role as Deputy Principal - Head of Caulfield Campus at Caulfield Grammar School since 2020, Leanne is committed to fostering both academic achievement and wellbeing. Her vision emphasises recognising and nurturing each child’s individuality, helping them thrive both in school and beyond. Passionate about transforming learning and teaching, she aims to build the skills, knowledge, and values needed for the future.

While her career includes experience in co-educational schools, Leanne is particularly dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of girls and women, believing that their journey begins with a strong educational foundation.

Ms Guillon excels in cultural and collaborative leadership, strategic thinking, and innovative teaching and learning. She is also committed to fostering an inclusive culture and promoting the wellbeing of both students and staff.

With more than 25 years of experience in teaching and leadership, Ms Guillon has cultivated a deep understanding of education, learning, and development. We are excited to welcome her wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Somerville House community.

As the Head of Junior School, Susan Clarke is a highly accomplished educational leader with over 20 years of experience in shaping the future of independent girls’ education. Having held three headships across the UK and Australia, she brings a wealth of expertise in fostering dynamic learning environments that inspire young minds.

Her leadership journey includes a pivotal role within the United Learning group, where she was part of the strategic transformation team and undertook system leadership training at the HULT Business School. She has also contributed to the Independent Association of Prep Schools’ executive coaching and leadership training, reflecting her commitment to the professional growth of educators.

Passionate about empowering young girls, Susan has been instrumental in the development of sports and STEM programs in the UK, ensuring students have access to enriching experiences that nurture their confidence and curiosity. Her vision for girls' education is to cultivate a love of learning, where every student’s voice is heard and understood.

Born and raised in Western Queensland, Susan experienced boarding school life from the age of 11, giving her a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities of independent schooling. Now part of a family of four, she has lived in both London and Australia, embracing a global perspective on education.

Beyond her professional commitments, Susan loves to travel, cook, and spend quality time with her family. She is future-focused, placing heart at the centre of her practice, and values continuous professional development for both herself and those she leads. 

Susan holds a Bachelor of Education and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), equipping her with the expertise to lead with vision, integrity, and a deep dedication to student success.

Mrs Jane Lister B.Ed, B.A, Dip. Bib. Studies, has served in Education and Christian Ministry for over 20 years and trained as a secondary English and Humanities teacher at the University of Queensland. After teaching for several years in faith-based schools, Jane undertook ministry training, combining her love of teaching, pastoral care and the Christian message to serve with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students in a Senior Staff capacity at Charles Sturt University. Since then, Jane has enjoyed a long tenure at The Riverina Anglican College teaching Christian Education and as Head of International Baccalaureate Service Learning, as well as specialising in Language and Literature at MYP and DP levels at Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology in Brisbane.

Jane is passionate about helping people connect more closely with Jesus Christ, and understand God’s grace expressed through his life, death and resurrection. Jane attends her local Presbyterian church where she is blessed to experience this each week.

Mrs Julie Brunckhorst BA, DipT, MACEL, Dean of Students, has held various roles in her fifteen years at Somerville House including Head of Year, and teacher of Learning Enhancement Literacy and English. Julie’s teaching and educational leadership experience of more than thirty years have spanned co-educational government schools and independent Christian girls' and boys' schools. Previous to Somerville House, Julie has been Deputy Principal, Head of Department - English, Head of Year, Boarding House Supervisor, teacher of English, Economics and History, and Manager of Human Resources across Queensland offices in an international professional services firm.

Julie is passionate about positive wellbeing. Her professional focus has always been on building positive, respectful relationships, to provide a secure space where those with disparate needs can flourish. She believes in empowering students and staff: to think creatively and critically to achieve individual potential, to develop educational and personal capacity for resilience, and to celebrate a life of meaning and care for the greater good. She is particularly interested in building community, in creating a sense of belonging and empathy for others. Julie’s current leadership research and initiatives centre on the correlation between wellbeing and achievement.

Julie’s collaborative approach has been inspired by William Butler Yeats, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

Ms Naomi Holley – MEd(Leadership&Mgt), BEd(Sec), GradCert(CareerDevelPrac), Cert IV Career Devel, MACEL.

As the Dean of Academics at Somerville House, Naomi brings a rich background in fostering academic excellence within girls’ education. With a tenure spanning over twelve years at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Naomi has held a variety of roles including Head of Faculty, Head of Year and Director of Careers and Pathways.

Naomi demonstrates innovative approaches to integrating technology in education and has a deep commitment to fostering academic care. She has a proven track record in leading transformative educational change, including the enhancement of the P-12 Learning Development, Careers Education and Counselling Programs. Her previous initiatives have significantly enhanced data analytics processes and academic planning across the secondary school.

Deeply attuned to global educational trends, Naomi is committed to empowering young women to excel in leadership roles and across a diverse number of fields. At Somerville House, Naomi is eager to continue her commitment to shaping strategic educational direction, championing a nurturing environment that ensures students not only achieve academic success but also develop resilience and make impactful contributions to society.

Mr Clayton Forno – MA(AppLing), GradDipEd, BA.  

Deeply committed to the Somerville House vision and values, Clayton considers it a privilege to have served at the School since 2012, including a tenure as Head of Languages for over 10 years before taking his current role as Dean of Curriculum. 

As a passionate educator and school leader, Clayton began his work in schools in 1997. With French as his teaching area, his career has included roles in co-educational, all-boys, and all-girls schools.

Clayton has a passion for empowering and supporting students to effectively navigate the very important middle years of schooling, and to build an excellent foundation for success in the Senior Years and beyond. He is very keen to nurture a learning environment that enables students to thrive, and to be compassionate, purposeful, resilient, and independent young women.

Clayton is particularly interested in contributing to the School’s strategic initiatives, using data to enhance student learning, and leading innovative classroom practices and curriculum design that meet the diverse needs of our Middle Years learners.

Clayton is in the final stages of completing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at QUT and enjoys the benefits that this postgraduate study brings to his work.

As Business Manager, Ms Renee Bromiley BCom, CPA, GAICD oversees the School’s business functions including finance, technology services, facilities, and corporate enterprise and provides high-level support to the Principal, School Council and PMSA Board as part of the School’s governance arrangements.

Before joining Somerville House in late 2017, she held several senior leadership roles both locally and internationally and has a diversified skill set and a keen interest in strategic planning, capital projects, business planning and analysis and business improvement initiatives.

She holds memberships with CPA Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Renee champions a healthy lifestyle and is always motivating her staff to achieve their personal best both at work and in other pursuits.

As the Director of Communication, Admissions and Engagement, Nicole Earley (BCom, Bed, Cert IV Training and Assessment, GIA(Affiliated)) is a marketing and communications professional with a rich and diverse background in education, sports marketing and real estate. 

She has worked in both independent and Catholic schools and has served as a Board Director of a school for three years. Nicole holds a qualification in marketing and communications and is also a qualified teacher. 

With over 13 years of experience in schools, she spent five years as a secondary teacher. Nicole loves the diversity of her role and the opportunity to work across Prep to Year 12 and boarding, allowing her to seamlessly blend her passion for education with her expertise in marketing and communications.

Ms Taryn Miller BBus (Human Resources), DipLeadership&Mgt commenced as the Human Resources Manager in May 2019, and was appointment to Director of Human Resources in Feb 2021, overseeing the provision of the School’s Human Resources services, policies and programs.

Before joining Somerville House, she has held key senior HR leadership positions over the last seventeen years across industries such as the Queensland Government, Residential Building, Civil Construction and Student Accommodation.  She has developed a diverse skillset across areas such as providing operational support and guidance to Executive Management, implementation of HR teams and strategy both nationally and internationally, HR Administration, Attraction & Retention, Learning & Development, Organisational Development, WH&S & Regulatory Compliance and Policy & Procedure. 

She holds the level of CAHRI membership with the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).

Taryn is passionate about the employee experience and lifecycle within an organisation.