Leanne has spent her career in primary and secondary education with significant contribution to Deaf Education. She has worked in such diverse roles such as teacher, lecturer, advisor, state-wide access, and equity coordinator and finally as principal. She lectured in Deaf Education for the University of Melbourne and was made a Fellow of the University for this work. Leanne initiated the training of Auslan Interpreters in Western Australia at TAFE and is an interpreter herself.

In all of her work, Leanne has sought to influence positive change with a person-centred approach. She attributes the success of her varied educational career, particularly in leadership, on building relationships and having a conversational coaching approach when supporting others, developing teams and positive work cultures.

Leanne has also worked as a councillor for the City of Subiaco and as a Board Member for both the WA Deaf Society and the Emmanuel Centre in Catholic Education. In February 2022 Leanne was awarded the prestigious Dr Harry Blackmore Award for her work in Deaf education and interpreting by the WA Deafness Council. Presently she is a State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) Sessional Member representing the education sector. She also attributes her “coaching way of being” as supporting her endeavours beyond the educational arena.

Special Interest Areas

  • Individual Coaching
  • Access and Equity
  • Educational Leadership
  • Facilitating Cultural Change
  • Developing Teams
  • Positive Education
  • Emotional and Social Intelligence

Education, Qualifications and Memberships

  • Master of Education (Uni of Melb)
  • Bachelor of Education (Deaf Studies)
  • Bachelor of Education (Primary)
  • Accredited Growth Coaching International Coach
  • NAATI Accredited Interpreter