Winner – Alyssa Forbes-Nicholson
Faculty of Health Sciences, Youth and Community Studies
Alyssa played a key role in bringing the Certificate II in Work Education to life at Holmesglen - giving students a supportive pathway to study and employment.
In 2020, after only a few months of being an Education Manager, Alyssa was called on to steer her students and families through a complex but highly successful adaption to online learning.
Now Head of Department, Alyssa embodies the qualities that make her an exceptional leader; integrity, courage, respect, empathy and gratitude.
Her achievements include implementing the Community and Transitional Education placement, School Advisory Committee and advocating for young people with disabilities.
Her colleague Kellie Fernando-Bird best summarises Alyssa’s qualities with this insight:
“I have witnessed Alyssa’s ability to resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. I believe these characteristics represent all that is good in our company, and I am pleased to nominate her.”
Watch the video and hear from our finalists
Finalist - Carole McMahon
Vocational College
Carole is an Education Manager who has embedded the Holmesglen Leadership Charter behaviours into her day-to-day work.
“She has a passion and love for VCAL students and seeing those students who are usually pigeonholed succeed,” says colleague Tara Davis.
Among her leadership qualities, Carole role-models recognition for good work. This involves expressing gratitude in team meetings and rewarding staff who have gone above and beyond.
Carole has collaborated with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority to understand the new VCE Vocational Major (VCEVM) for our learners. She has also shared her knowledge with our school providers, career counsellors and industry groups.
During this time, Carole ran workshops for staff on VCEVM changes, developed teaching and admin tools, and supported teacher innovation for classroom delivery and assessments.
Finalist - Debora De Amicis
Faculty of Business, Design, and Information Technology
Deb is like an umbrella over her team, closely watching how their week is unfolding and looking for signs of joy to be shared or stress to be alleviated.
A passionate leader and Education Manager, Deb is respected for her inclusivity. She always holds team meetings, brings her staff together, seeks their opinions and inspires collaboration.
“Deb is very creative in problem solving,” explains colleague Sarah Ballan. “She also listens therapeutically and deeply. She’s always made us feel safe to voice our concerns.”
While working with our client partner City of Kingston, Deb led her team to anticipate stakeholder needs and ensure professional delivery of services on behalf of Holmesglen.
Her team has adopted Deb’s leadership style in the way it treats, nurtures and listens to our students.
Finalist - Marilou Fisher
Faculty of Business, Design, and Information Technology
An Education Manager, Marilou sets an exceptionally high standard of service for her learners, teachers and staff.
“Anyone can go to her with questions…and she gives them answers straight away. She’s truly amazing. I think many departments would love to have her in their team,” says colleague Jane Joseph.
Always looking for opportunities to bring her close-knit team together, Marilou shares their achievements, organises events, runs problem solving sessions and ensures recognition.
“I’ve never met anyone more dedicated to her students and staff than Marilou,” says colleague Daniel Fitzsimmons, “she genuinely cares…and represents the best Holmesglen has to offer.”
Marilou has built up strong industry relationships to provide her students with access to special employment programs, which includes placements with local councils and SummerTech Live.
Award photo gallery
