Melissa Presland
Head of Senior Studies (Years 11-12)

With a Bachelor of Biomedical Science from Griffith University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Queensland, Melissa joined A.B. Paterson College in 2002 as a Science teacher and was promoted to Head of Faculty Science in 2012.  In that role, Melissa ensures that the members of the Science Faculty are able to deliver a quality education that follows the requirements of ACARA (Years 7 - 10) and QCAA (Years 11 - 12).

In 2023 Melissa was promoted to Head of Senior Studies (Years 11-12). 

Anne Wood
Head of Academic Academy

With an impressive career spanning three decades, Anne is a seasoned English teacher who has enriched the educational landscape across various systems—including State, Independent, and Catholic schools—in New South Wales and Queensland.

In recognition of her expertise, she has assumed key roles such as QCAA Lead Confirmer, Lead Endorser, Chief External Marker, and a Member of the QCAA Prescribed Textbook selection committee.

As the President of the English Teachers Association of Queensland and a member of the Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented, Anne is passionately committed to elevating the professional skills of all teachers and advocating for the improvement of the learning and wellbeing outcomes of gifted and talented students. Her commitment to the field is further highlighted by her participation as a speaker at various national and international conferences and seminars.

Amelia Hands
Head of Pathways

Amelia joined A.B. Paterson College in 2023 as the Head of Pathways. Amelia holds a Master's degree in both Educational Leadership and Business Administration as well as a Bachelor's degree in both Music and Secondary Education. Amelia is a passionate educator, with the belief that each student's pathway should be tailored to their specific goals, with the priorities of student success and wellbeing at the centre.

Amelia brings a broadness of experience to her role, having worked as a teacher and Head of Vocational Education and Training, as well as over 10 years experience working in business and events management in the sporting and performing arts industries.

As Head of Pathways, Amelia provides students with access to individual pathway planning sessions to discuss their academic and educational experience goals both before and after school. Amelia takes on the responsibility for ensuring each student enters their post schooling journey with the skills to succeed in their next chosen step. Amelia believes that schooling is only one aspect of a student's education, and that the combination of academic study as well as enriching educational experiences is the key to developing young men and women of character that are future proofed and ready for the world beyond A.B. Paterson College.

Leighton Morgan
Head of Learning Analytics

Leighton joined A.B. Paterson College in 2017 as a mathematics teacher. He had previously been the Head of Mathematics at several schools in London, United Kingdom. 

In 2018, he was appointed as Assistant Head of Mathematics at A.B. Paterson College. In 2020, Leighton became the Head of Learning Analytics.

Andrew Sole
Head of Outdoor Education

Andrew Sole is an internationally acclaimed photographer and educator with a first-class B.A. Honours Degree in Photography, Film/Video, and Animation. His work has been exhibited globally and featured in top-tier publications like The Observer and The Geographical Magazine. In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Andrew has contributed articles to photography magazines across continents and served as an Advanced Skills Teacher and Lecturer in Photography and Digital Imaging. Andrew has garnered significant recognition in photography competitions, particularly in sports and editorial categories.

Kimberley Costello
Head of Faculty - English

Kimberley Costello joined A.B. Paterson College in 2018 as an English teacher, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to her classroom. In 2023, she was appointed Assistant Head of English. 

Kimberley has been committed to creating outstanding learning opportunities and environments for all students, encouraging a love of literature and language. She is incredibly passionate about curriculum design and implementing effective pedagogical practices to best support student outcomes and experiences.

Anthony (AJ) Chetter
Head of Faculty - Humanities & Social Sciences 

Anthony is excited to be working with the dynamic and inspiring HASS team to continue developing student knowledge and skills in Humanities subjects.

Anthony is an Ancient and Modern History teacher and has previously also taught English in Years 8-10 at A.B. Paterson College. Prior to joining the College, he taught Geography in Hong Kong and began his teaching career as a German teacher in Logan and the Lockyer Valley. He found teaching in a variety of contexts and subjects extremely rewarding and insightful. Anthony believes there is something to interest every student in the HaSS domain, due to the breadth and depth of subjects. 

Paul Dilkes
Head of Faculty - Health & Physical Education

With a Bachelor of Education (Honours) degree from Brunel University, United Kingdom, Paul joined the College in 2008 as a Health and Physical Education teacher. With a lifelong passion for health and physical activity, he views HPE as a subject which teaches life skills and provides the students with the knowledge to live long, active and healthy lives.

Paul has taught HPE in the UK and Sydney, Australia before taking on the role of Head of Rowing at The Southport School, which he held for two years before transitioning back in HPE teaching for a further three years until joining A.B. Paterson College.

Paul firmly believes that teaching HPE gives teachers a unique opportunity to interact with students in a different environment and to provide experiences that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Cheyne Sandercoe
Head of Faculty - Languages

Cheyne coordinates the Languages Program from Prep to Year 12.  This includes Japanese (Prep to Year 12) and Spanish (Years 4 - 12).  She teaches the Prep Japanese and Senior Japanese classes. Cheyne joined the College in 2006, moving from a teaching position to Assistant Head of Languages in 2011, and to the Head of the Languages Faculty in 2013.

Genevieve Whittington
Head of Faculty - Learning Enhancement

The Head of Learning Enhancement Faculty's role is coordinating learning support across the campus. Genevieve Whittington joined the College in 2019 in the Junior School as a Year 5 teacher. She advocates for the diverse learners at A.B. Paterson College and supports staff to provide differentiation in the College. She believes all students can meet their full potential and succeed at school. 

Jasmine Lange
Head of Faculty - Mathematics

Jasmine is responsible for the day-to-day operations within the Mathematics Faculty, working collaboratively with students and fellow teaching staff to ensure that the curriculum and assessment practices challenge and inspire students while meeting QCAA guidelines.  Jasmine joined the College in 2006, moving from a teaching position to Assistant Head of Mathematics, and to the Head of the Mathematics Faculty in 2017.

James King
Head of Faculty - Technology

As Head of Faculty for Technology, James King oversees the development and management of the department. He is dedicated to delivering a curriculum that is innovative, engaging, and designed to inspire students to achieve their best. 

Since commencing at A.B. Paterson College in 2022, James has taught a range of subjects within the Technology faculty. He values collaboration as a cornerstone of effective teaching and believes it is essential for creating an outstanding learning environment for students.

Sharyn Walker-Joyce
Head of Faculty - The Arts

Sharyn Walker-Joyce was appointed to the Head of Arts Faculty position in 2013. In this role, she oversees the organisation and growth of the College Co-curricular Performing Arts program and the development of the Prep to Year 12 academic Arts curriculum encompassing Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts.

Peter Brookes
Head of Dennis House

Peter's main role is to supervise the personal growth and welfare of all students in the A.B. Paterson College, with a special focus on those in Dennis House. 

Peter has been a part of the HPE Faculty in A.B. Paterson College since 2007 and transitioned to his current position as Head of Dennis House in 2018.

Alison Ward
Head of Lawson House 

Alison’s role is to oversee the personal development and wellbeing of students across the College, with particular pastoral emphasis on the students of Lawson House.  Alison joined A.B. Paterson College in 2010 as a History and Social Sciences teacher.  She became Head of Lawson House in 2016.

Michael Culverwell
Head of Mackellar House

Michael joined A.B. Paterson College in 2018 as a senior Engineering and Technology teacher. He was appointed Assistant Head of Faculty Technology in 2021, Head of Mackellar House in 2023 and as Acting Head of Pathways in 2024.

As Acting Head of Pathways Mr Culverwell takes on the responsibility for ensuring each graduating Year 12 student enters the world of work, training or higher education with confidence and optimism, whilst nurturing quality relationships with organisations, employers, higher education providers. Ensuring all students in the Senior School have access to individual career planning sessions, to discuss their academic and post-school goals. This service provides peace of mind for students and parents, knowing that there is
a professional career practitioner on the College staff to discuss their concerns and to brainstorm career options.

Jonathan Albertini
Acting Head of Wright House

Jonathan joined A.B. Paterson College in 2014 as a conductor of the A Cappella Choirs, where he led choirs through their participation in many Gold Coast Eisteddfods and other internal and external prestigious events. In 2021 he began teaching Business and Economics in the Secondary School as a member of the HASS Faculty and continues to work with the choirs. Jonathan comes from a tennis background running a tennis coaching business in schools and is now the Head of Tennis. He has always had a passion for youth development in both the arts and pastoral wellbeing areas.

Jonathan became the Acting Head of Wright House in 2025 after acting as the Head of Dennis House for part of 2024. He believes in fostering transformative experiences that empower young individuals to navigate their futures with confidence and purpose. Jonathan's mission is to nurture and mentor youth, guiding them through life-changing experiences, to become leaders who positively impact their communities.