2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
The new faces of CYGA Catalina Bejarano Sanchez - Teacher My name is Catalina Bejarano Sanchez, and I am one of three teachers at the Girl Academy in Wangetti. I am originally from Bogota, Colombia, but have been living in Australia for almost 15 years. Before becoming a teacher, I worked extensively in science and biology, and I still have a strong passion for both these fields. During my studies I worked at schools in the Whitsunday’s, the Western Central Desert, and the Kimberley, and I feel very fortunate that I have found a home here in Cairns with the Cape York Partnership. I love teaching as it gives me the opportunity to support young people on their learning journey and because I get to learn interesting things about my students. In my free time I like to travel, explore nature, and spend time with my husband Zack and my cat Taco.
Madeleine Boyd - Teacher Hi everyone, my name is Madeleine, and I had the privilege of joining the Girl Academy as a teacher. I grew up in Gubbi Gubbi country in the Sunshine Coast and I spent the past 3 years as a teacher in Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, before moving to beautiful Cairns. Prior to becoming a teacher I did a double degree in Human Services and in Creative Industries (Drama), where I had the opportunity to complete a range of placements including at a centre for refugees in Brisbane, an organisation supporting young people in the Aboriginal community of Cherbourg, an NGO for people with disabilities in Cambodia, and a project supporting people experiencing DV in Papua New Guinea. I am passionate about empowering young girls to find their voice, and I feel so proud to work at a school that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. I feel especially privileged to be able to work with these amazing resilient girls here at the Girl Academy, and with our incredible team of staff.
Nikki Sebastianelli (aka Nikki Doll) Growing up on the Atherton Tablelands, my family originally came from Rabaul, East New Britain in Papua New Guinea. I am also of Italian & Chinese descent and our family relations include Bama and TSI, so we eat every kind of food at my house! With a background in music, I am a professional entertainer and voice artist and perform in various genres and venues, from Solo act, bands, choirs, studio recording, children & family entertainment, cabaret, musical theatre, civic festivals,weddings, parties, & collaborate with other artists on commissioned projects, civic festivals, commissioned projects & community events. I am a mother of a teenage daughter, named Aminata and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share and learn, working in my new role as Teacher Aide, alongside such an amazing team & student cohort of the strong & inspiring women at CYGA.
Mel Dunstan – Nurse Hi I’m Mel Dunstan - part of the Ngak Min Health team who visits the Girl Academy to yarn about Health. I am a Nurse Practitioner, Midwife, Child Health Nurse, Diabetes Educator, and Women’s Health Nurse. I love speaking with anyone about how we can keep ourselves healthy including preventing illness. I enjoy getting to know people and hearing their stories before working with you about your health. I look forward to my visits to the Girl Academy and getting to know you all
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