Our People

Paul O’Shannassy-Director- BEc, Grad Dip Ed

Paul is a highly regarded practitioner who has vast experience in Education, managing teams and maximizing their output. He forged an impressive career in Education, becoming a Deputy Principal of a leading private secondary school by his early thirties and he has also held many positions of leadership in private schools. Paul, a father of two, has 20 years experience working in Melbourne's leading private schools and has an intimate knowledge of the sector. During this period, Paul also successfully ran his own business conducting conferences and seminars.

In addition to his extensive education experience, Paul also has senior management experience in the training sector. Paul is an excellent facilitator and presenter and he has worked with many organisations and families, helping them make better decisions about choosing a school. Paul has also had several articles published on "Choosing the right school for your child" and is a recognised authority on the subject.

Paul has a very impressive Australian Rules background, coaching over 200 VAFA games and winning premierships at both U/19 and senior level. He was awarded the AFCA/VAFA coach of the year award and went on to win the statewide coach of the year award, beating an impressive field. He is a member of the AFCA/VAFA executive and works for the Hawthorn Football Club in the recruiting area.

Email: paul@regentconsulting.com.au

Jennis Kiellerup-Director- BEd, Grad Dip Arts

Jennis has a wealth of teaching experience in private schools and has an excellent knowledge of the Melbourne education market. Although trained as a secondary Drama and English teacher, she has also taught Grade 5 and 6 students. She has run Youth Theatre sessions at Arena Theatre in South Yarra. Positions of responsibility during her teaching career include; Careers Officer, Year 12 Tutor Teacher and Assistant House Teacher. A six year stint in retail management added a touch of the real world to subsequent teaching positions, giving her a breadth of experience to pass on to her students.

Passionate about Drama in Education, she was Director of Drama at a leading Melbourne girls' school for many years, where her Year 12 Drama and Theatre Studies students constantly achieved high VCE marks. A number of these girls were invited to perform in the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority's Excellence Series and Top Acts Show. Jennis was also employed by the VCAA as an examination reviewer. Her time in private schools offered her the opportunity to establish innovative and effective programs for girls and she has a keen eye for such programs.

Jennis' creative approach to establishing Drama programs has resulted in her students not only enjoying their classes but also being challenged in terms of developing ideas and technical skills. The interpersonal skills they gain in Drama are, of course, invaluable for their overall development. Her classes were always structured to ensure high standards of teaching and learning. She has a warmth and understanding that enables her to work closely and effectively with parents to help them make informed decisions.

At the end of 2006, after a wonderful career in private education, Jennis began working as a Civil Celebrant, using her drama skills in a different way. An honours graduate of the Monash University Civil Ceremonies course Jennis is now running sessions there in Drama Skills for Celebrants in addition to her consultancy work for Regent.

Email: jennis@regentconsulting.com.au

ALISON HAY-Associate-BEd(Hons),MBA

Alison has many years experience working in Melbourne's leading independent schools. During that time, she held many positions of leadership and also worked as a VCAA state reviewer and also sat on several VCAA exam setting and vetting panels. Several of her students have won Permier's Awards for excellence in her Year 12 subjects and she forged a reputation as one of the states leading teachers. As a mother and educator, Alison brings great insight to her role at Regent and she is excellent at building relationships and assessing the specific needs of the families she deals with. Alison loves spending time with her children, husband Matt and her dogs.

Email: alison@regentconsulting.com.au