Governance
Samford Valley Steiner School is an independent school established in 1987 by the Rudolf Steiner Education Group Brisbane Inc. (the Association). The Association oversees the school’s development, with membership open to staff, parents, and community members. Its annual general meeting allows members to nominate for board positions. To see our Annual Reports, Strategic plans and policies, check out our Official Documents.
Teachers and College of Teachers
Teachers are central to the school, delivering education and pastoral care while working together to create shared approaches. The College of Teachers, a dedicated group of staff, focuses on enhancing the school’s overall well-being and vision through collaboration and communication.
Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
The SLT includes the School Director, High School Director, Primary School Director, Early Childhood Director, Economic Development Manager, and College Chair. This team leads the strategic and operational management of the school, ensuring continuous improvement and a connection between the teaching body and governance.
The Board
The Board governs the school to ensure it operates effectively, legally, and sustainably while delivering high-quality education. Board members are volunteers dedicated to the school’s long-term success. Members bring expertise from diverse fields to guide the school’s strategic direction.
Board Members
President – Cherrie Wilson
Cherrie has over 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, specializing in governance, finance, legal compliance, and organizational development. She joined the Board in 2022 and is committed to supporting the school’s growth while upholding its Steiner education values. Cherrie is a parent of one current student and one graduate.
Treasurer – Julia Abramova
Julia is a CPA with more than 15 years of financial management experience across corporate and non-profit sectors. Currently a Financial Controller with expertise in financial analysis and strategic planning, she contributes her skills to support the school’s development. Julia has two children at the school.
Board Secretary – Adriana Braid
Adriana spent seven years as Executive Officer and Secretariat to the Chair and Board of the Business Liaison Association in Far North Queensland, working closely with secondary education, industry partnerships and pathways for students in Years 10–12. In 2016 she founded Painting pARTy Art Studio, Cairns’ first paint-and-sip space, creating inclusive, joyful environments for adults and children to explore creativity. With eight years of artistic and business practice, her work reflects a belief in art’s power to inspire, heal and connect. Most recently, she managed community activities in the aged care sector and now brings her creativity and experience to Steiner education
Non-Executive Member – Tim Dunn
Tim has been privileged to have had a 20 year long relationship with SVSS, and with over 40 years of experience in education. He worked as a research scientist at UQ (holding a PhD in biochemistry), a Senior Lecturer at QUT and was then one of the pioneering educators who began our current high school. He worked in SVSS leadship from 2013 to 2019 and works now as a mentor and consultant for many Steiner schools both in Australia and overseas. He joined the SVSS Board in April 2023 and is a passionate supporter of our leadership, teachers, parents and students to deliver the very best Steiner education available. Tim has two grandchildren at SVSS and a son who graduated from our high school in 2016.
Non-Executive Member – Miranda Tester
Miranda brings over 17 years of leadership in real estate investment and development. A mother of two SVSS students, she is passionate about the school’s nurturing environment and supports its growth and masterplan implementation.
Non-Executive Member – Ivan Woodcock
Ivan is an experienced engineering and project manager with a focus on planning and construction. A long-term community member, he brings technical expertise to support the school’s infrastructure and development projects. Ivan’s wife works as a teacher aide at the school, and he has two children currently enrolled.
Non-Executive Member – Rachael Trihey
Rachael Trihey Co-CEO & Co-Founder of YOUmanity an organisational consultancy firm specialising in leadership recruitment and board advisory. Rachael is an experienced Board Director, CEO, entrepreneur and energised executive search and organisational advisory professional, she has verifiable success connecting people to organisations to support healthy and thriving workplaces. Having commenced her career as an Accountant, Rachael also lends lived commercial expertise to her advisory work.
In addition to executive search and organisation consulting, Rachael has co-founded two charities whose purpose was to support safeguarding outcomes for children and at-risk adults. She was also co-founder of a entrepreneurial start-up developing personal safety technology to directly support those most vulnerable. She was the recipient of Optus Future Maker Award and the Lord Mayor Business Award for this important work.
Rachael’s passion for social impact work also extends to her current non for profit board positions. A born connector, Rachael is well known for her tenacity in connecting those who have a need with those who can deliver.
In her personal life Rachael and her husband are proud foster carers devoting much time to supporting children to thrive. This calling and managing a small farm and menagerie of animals is what she knows lights her soul.