President

Helen Moore, AM, PhD

Helen is a “retired” (!) teacher educator, who set up the first full professional TESOL teacher education program at La Trobe University (Melbourne) in the late 1970s. She was also Acting Director of the La Trobe Language Centre (1991-93), which included AMEP and ELICOS students. She has taught in Papua-New Guinea, England, Holland and China as well as Australia. Her 2004 doctoral thesis from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in Toronto analysed policies impacting on English language teaching in Australian schools from 1948 to 1996. Returning to Australia in 2004, she worked for the AMEP Research Centre on two projects (continuous enrolment and provision for refugee youth with minimal/no previous schooling). She has played a major advocacy role through the Australian Council of TESOL Associations (ACTA) and currently co-chairs the ACTA Consultancy Group on Adult ESOL EAL/D and on EAL/D for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander learners. Her other passion is music.

Vice President & ACTA Councillor

Bronwyn Singh (Dip. Teaching, B Ed., Grad. Dip. TESOL).

Bronwyn is currently teaching in an ACT Government Primary Introductory English Centre. Canberra born and bred, Bronwyn began her teaching career in the United Arab Emirates in primary schools operating in English medium. TESOL Arabia conferences initiated her into the TESOL world and prompted a strong desire to learn more about the field. Back in Australia, Bronwyn joined the staff at a new arrivals Introductory English Centre. She has contributed to the ATESOL ACT Committee since 2013 and is now its Immediate Past President. Bronwyn is a Stage 2 nominee for a National Excellence in Teaching Award, sponsored by the Australian Scholarships Group.

Treasurer

Sam Chrzczonowicz (Bachelor of Primary Education, TESOL Certificate).

Sam became interested in language development following the birth of her first child. When seeking part time employment, she was unexpectedly placed into an EAL/D teaching position. Panicking at the thought of teaching students with minimal English, she sought further qualifications in TESOL, including becoming a trainer for Lexis Education’s course “Supporting Teaching young children in English in multilingual contexts” (TYCEMC). Discovering the joy of EAL/D teaching blossomed into a passion. After 10 years teaching within the EAL/D field, Sam moved into the EAL/D Executive Director position for the ACT Education Directorate for five years, then into her current position as the Teaching and Learning Officer for EAL/D at Catholic Education Canberra/Goulburn. ATESOL ACT representation supports Sam’s quest for EAL/D advocacy work.

Secretary

Humera Khan (Master of Education in Leadership and Learning, MA English – Linguistics and Literature; Diploma in Project Management, Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership, Graduate Certificate in TEAL, Diploma in TESOL, Certificate IV in Mental Health, Dual Diplomas in Training Design and Development and Vocational Education and Training, TAE40116).
Humera is a qualified and experienced TEFL/EAL/ESL educator, trainer, and assessor with, over 10 years of experience across VET, adult education, and Defence-related contexts. She is currently working at MTC Australia and has also worked with leading institutions, including the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), Navitas Skilled Futures, AMES Australia, Melbourne Polytechnic, Chisholm Institute and Swinburne. In these roles, she has delivered programs such as AMEP, SEE and business administration. Her experience spans curriculum design, instructional support, student services, and compliance-aligned training across English language, vocational education and learner support environments. She also contributes to the community through volunteer governance roles, serving as a school board member at Red Hill Primary School and as a member of the Parent and Carer Committee at Telopea Park School. She is committed to education leadership and is currently undertaking research on “Exploring the Impact of Climate Change-Induced Displacement on Australian Educational Policies and Leadership Development of Young Refugees”.

Committee Member, Public Officer &
ATESOL-ACT Representative on COACTEA

Sarah Warren

Sarah says: “I’m a primary school educator in the ACT Public Education Directorate. I have worked in a variety of different school settings throughout the ACT in between overseas postings. Currently I teach fulltime with a fabulous class at Throsby School. We have an amazing diversity of home languages and cultures in our community. My involvement as a member of ATESOL ACT is central to my professional learning and development. The expertise, advocation and excellent opportunities assist my everyday teaching. I am proud to be a member of such a dynamic association.”

Committee Member

Janica Morella

Janica says: “I have always loved learning about different cultures and languages. I was born in Malta but have been living in Canberra, Australia since I was two. I have my Masters in Education and Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (CERT TESOL). I am currently working at St Gregory’s Primary School in Queanbeyan as Inclusive Education Co-ordinator and EALD teacher. I joined the ATESOL ACT Committee in 2019. It’s been a wonderful way to network with other EAL/D teachers and to update my skills through professional learning opportunities. This year I have decided to hand over the Treasurer role to Sam, after 5 years as Treasurer.

Committee Member & ACTA Councillor

Noah Dean

Noah is the National Manager of the Skills for Education and Employment program at MTC FutureReady, a not‑for‑profit organisation. He is also a Guest Lecturer at Western Sydney University. An MA TESOL graduate, Noah brings extensive leadership experience in adult education and the delivery of large‑scale government‑funded programs. He began his work in the SEE Program as a Trainer and Assessor in 2018 before moving into program management in 2019. Since then, he has played a key role in MTC’s growth, progressing to NSW State Manager in 2022 and National Manager in 2024 as the program expanded in scope, scale, and national footprint. Noah has also overseen multiple government initiatives concurrently, including the Career Transition Assistance program. His leadership is grounded in a strong understanding of classroom practice and a deep commitment to language learning and teaching, which he continues to pursue both professionally and personally.

Committee Member & Newsletter Editor

MaryClare Woodforde

MaryClare says: I am a secondary Humanities and English teacher, working in an ACT Government P-10 school. I am currently completing my Graduate Diploma in TESOL, and am the EAL/D coordinator at my school. In my setting, I teach students in mainstream and literacy intervention classes, and provide one-on-one support for English language learners. My involvement in ATESOL ACT has solidified my commitment to advocating for and celebrating the young learners whom we encounter in our work.

As I have only taught in one setting, the exposure to new ideas and connections to experienced educators through ATESOL ACT has been invaluable. As a Committee member, I hope to give back to this community of amazing educators.

Committee Member

Ken Smith currently heads up a training directorate in the Australian Public Service and has previously worked as a secondary Biology and English teacher in Brisbane. Ken is currently studying for a Graduate Certificate in TESOL and Foreign Language Teaching at the University of Canberra.

Committee Member

Libby Quinn (B.A.; Grad.Dip. Business (Admin); M.A.; Dip. Yoga Teaching; Grad. Dip. TESOL).

Libby says: “I’m currently completing a Masters in TESOL at the University of Canberra. In previous careers I have worked in arts management and in policy development for the Australian Government.  I’ve also run my own business as a yoga teacher. As a student member of ATESOL ACT, I’ve benefited enormously from the quality professional development opportunities the Association provides. As a committee member I hope to be able to contribute to the ongoing success of the organisation.”

Committee Member

Elizabeth Hook
Elizabeth says: “I grew up in Tasmania and where I trained as a teacher. I have since taught in city, town and remote locations in Australia, and in Northern Ireland on a teacher exchange. After gaining my EAL/D qualification at the University of Canberra in 2011, I have had an EAL/D Specialist role in several Canberra schools. I enjoy building teacher understanding of EAL/D language needs and pedagogy. I have presented at EAL/D forums and had a number of articles published in Practical Literacy (ALEA). I am excited to be on the ATESOL committee and look forward to the new opportunities this will bring.”

Committee Member

Ajin Karim

Ajin began her journey with MTC Future Ready five years ago, joining as a full-time trainer shortly after completing her Bachelor of Education, Training and Assessment and her Master of TESOL. Over the years, she progressed to Senior Trainer, then Centre Manager, and since late 2024 has had the privilege of serving as the Area Manager for the ACT region.

Before joining MTC, Ajin taught in the Kurdistan Region, where she developed a strong passion for education and community support. This experience shaped her lifelong commitment to helping refugees, migrants, and Australians build their language, literacy, and numeracy skills and improve their employment outcomes.

Ajin speaks Kurdish, Arabic, English, and some Persian, which enables her to connect deeply with learners from diverse backgrounds. Being part of MTC’s mission and contributing to its growth has been a privilege, and she is proud to be part of a team making a real difference in people’s lives.