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.

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

Leigh Noremberczyk - Trainer and Assessor

Originally from Victoria, after completing high school, I applied for a Hairdressing apprenticeship. Joining the hairdressing industry I continued my studies and obtained a Certificate IV in Hairdressing. With these gained skills I became a Salon Manager and later owner-operator. After 15 years in the industry, I became interested in teaching my trade. I have now been a Trainer and Assessor for the past 7 years and I am currently studying for my Dual Diploma TAE50116 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training & TAE50216 Diploma of Training Design & Development. I have been training the Certificate II Salon Assistant at Djarragun College since 2019 and became VET Coordinator in June 2020. This year commencing in Term 2, I now have the pleasure to work alongside students at Cape York Girls Academy, supporting the girls with their chosen vocational education and student pathways for work experience including post year 12 employment. I am very excited to be part of Cape York Girl Academy and look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience.

Melissa Bann – Counsellor

Melissa is a Qualified Counsellor and Sandplay Therapist. Her main specialities are person-centred counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, trauma counselling, psychodynamic approach and mindfulness.

Melissa has been married to Torres Strait Islander Jeffrey Bann for over 17 years. They have one daughter together – Katie aged 7. Melissa also has six stepchildren and seventeen step grandchildren. Melissa worked previously for Indigenous organisations both in Cairns and Victoria as a Case Manager and Therapeutic Practitioner providing counselling and therapeutic support for children in out of home care and youth ‘at risk’ of having adverse contact with the criminal justice system. Melissa works two days a week at Djarragun College and one day a week on a Thursday at Cape York Girls Academy as a Counsellor. She engages the girls in individual counselling and also runs an anger management class. Melissa also runs her own practice two days a week at Nintiringanyi Cultural Training Centre, Mooroobool providing individual counselling and anger management and anxiety classes. Melissa has worked with Indigenous children, youth and adults for around 27 years. Melissa finds her most rewarding work is the work she does with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female teenagers helping them heal and restore from past trauma and go on to be strong, resilient, positive leaders within their community.

Kerry Savory – Student Counsellor

I’m completing my studies in a Bachelor of Counselling and was fortunate to be able to do my final placement with Ngak Min Health Centre. As part of this placement I’ve had the privilege of working with the staff and students at the Cape York Girl Academy for the past few months. The Girl Academy is a very special place. During my short time here, I have witnessed how the staff truly care about the girls, not only in providing an education but focusing on their social and emotional wellbeing. Combined this will enable and empower the girls to become proud First Nation Women who are resilient and equipped to go forward and live a full life. The highlight of my time at the Academy has been getting to know the girls. I have loved working with them and have been inspired by them in so many ways. They truly are an amazing group of young women.