Meet the Teachers

Highly qualified, inspiring teachers with real classroom experience 

Parent love

Peter Garrad

Director

Peter has just celebrated his 1st anniversary since taking over Discover Learning, marking a truly fulfilling and inspiring year.

With a professional background in Banking and Finance and coming from a family of educators, including his mother, sister, brother, and grandparents on both sides; Peter has long appreciated the power and impact of teaching.

Having spent much of his career in large organisations where he often felt like a small cog in a big machine, Peter is passionate about fostering a connected and collaborative environment at Discover Learning. He believes deeply in the strengths and ideas of every team member and sees collaboration as key to enhancing the educational experience and outcomes for all students.

From day one, the energy and dedication of the staff have been nothing short of extraordinary. Their unwavering passion for education and commitment to our students are at the heart of what makes Discover Learning such a special place.

The moment you walk through the doors, the enthusiasm and positivity are unmistakable. It’s this vibrant environment that not only motivates our team but also inspires our students every day, creating the ideal atmosphere for learning and growth.

Hannah Senior

Bachelor of Education

Hannah is a passionate and dedicated teacher originally from Dublin, Ireland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Dublin City University. With over 5 years experience, Hannah has a diverse background in teaching, including experience in mainstream schools as both a classroom teacher and support teacher, as well as years spent tutoring.

Hannah takes pride in customising her teaching approach to cater to the unique needs of each student. She strives to plan fun, engaging and interactive lessons for her students. She is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every individual feels supported and valued.

Hannah’s core values revolve around prioritising student well-being and fostering confidence in her pupils. She firmly believes in the importance of creating a positive and enriching educational experience for all her students, ensuring they feel empowered and motivated to reach their full potential.

Leanne Garvey

BSc & M. Ed

Leanne is a dedicated educator from Ireland with a strong background in both science and education. She graduated from Dublin City University with a degree in Analytical Science, which has given her a solid foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. Leanne later pursued her passion for teaching, earning a Master’s degree in Primary Education from Hibernia College Dublin.

This diverse academic background equips Leanne with the skills to approach teaching with a unique perspective, fostering both a love for learning and a deep understanding of the varied needs of students in today’s classrooms. Additionally, her experience providing one-on-one tutoring in the subjects of Maths and Science throughout her career has honed her ability to offer personalized support, helping students to thrive through tailored, individual attention.

Laura McGonigle

BSc & PGCE

Laura completed her undergraduate degree at Ulster University before moving to Liverpool to complete her PGCE in Primary teaching. After she graduated as a qualified teacher, she moved to Doha in Qatar where she spent 2 years as a Year 1 teacher. Laura then made the move back home where she taught across the primary age phase, before embarking on her Sydney teaching journey.

Laura’s passion lies in English, particularly phonics as she believes that a sound phonics knowledge leads to confident readers which ensures a child progresses in all subjects throughout the curriculum. Working with children who had English as a second lesson, provided her with with experience of creating engaging lessons that catered to visual and kinaesthetic learners, whilst also ensuring that the children were reaching their personalised learning goals. Laura’s favourite part of being a teacher is the moment when a child grasps a concept that they have previously struggled with – that light bulb moment!

Above all, Laura believes that learning should be enjoyable and cater for the needs of each individual student in order for them to reach their full potential.

Sharon Towey

B. Ed

Sharon is a qualified primary school teacher from Ireland. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the National University of Ireland Maynooth, where she then worked as a mainstream class teacher. During her time working there, Sharon also worked as a private tutor for maths, giving her a great insight into working with children on a one-to-one basis.

One of Sharon’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to personalise learning experiences. She recognises that each student possesses unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. With this insight, she tailors her teaching methods to cater to individual needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Creating intrinsically motivated learners is extremely important to Sharon as she emphasises the need for students to gain confidence in themselves in order to progress and meet their potential, particularly in areas where they might struggle and lack motivation.

Hayley Bennett

B. Ed

Hayley is an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher from London, England, bringing with her a strong academic background and extensive classroom experience. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, with a specialism in English, she has spent six years working in a mainstream classroom, where she has developed a deep understanding of diverse learning needs.

Hayley is passionate about supporting students to reach their full potential and is committed to providing individualised support. Known for her creativity, Hayley ensures that her lessons are active and engaging, fostering a love of learning in every student she teaches. Hayley is patient, approachable and able to break down complex concepts into manageable steps, ensuring pupils feel motivated and self-assured.

At her previous school, Hayley held the position of Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, alongside being a class teacher. Her time in this position allowed her to recognise the importance of placing a strong emphasis on building children’s social and emotional literacy, alongside promoting their academic growth. She is keen to foster emotional wellbeing and support pupils with developing greater self-awareness and resilience.

Hayley’s goal is to inspire her students to develop a life-long love of learning, becoming keen to strive to be the best they can in any given situation or environment.

Jasmin Hudd

B. Ed

Jasmin is an enthusiastic and passionate teacher from England. She completed a Bachelors Degree in Primary Education at the University of the West of England and then went on to teach as a substitute teacher in various schools and year groups. This enhanced her adaptability and flexibility when teaching. 

Jasmin moved to London in 2022 and was a class teacher here for two years before moving to Australia. In London, she experienced working with children with a variety of needs and from a range of backgrounds. As a result, she is experienced in tailoring lessons and activities to suit the needs of individual children and recognises that every child is unique. 

Through her experience, Jasmin can recognise the qualities of a good classroom community and is passionate about creating a learning environment where children can thrive and enjoy their learning. She wants to create a space where children feel safe and valued and develop a life long love of learning. 

Elizabeth Rigby

BA & PGCE

Elizabeth is an English Literature graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education. She has experience teaching both primary and secondary students and brings a thoughtful, adaptable approach to each learner she supports.

Driven by a deep passion for English, Elizabeth loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for literature, language, and writing. She is dedicated to enriching young minds, helping students build confidence, develop essential skills, and discover the joy of learning. Whether preparing for exams or strengthening foundational abilities, Elizabeth provides engaging and supportive tutoring tailored to each student’s unique needs.

Macy Cocking

BAEd

Macy is a dynamic and enthusiastic secondary English teacher.

Macy completed her Bachelor of Education & Arts from the University of Notre Dame Sydney in 2019, including a stint at the University of Ireland, studying English Literature.

She is passionate about all things English!

Macy has a wealth of experience teaching across the junior and senior English curriculum. From Year 7 to Year 12. Macy seeks to bring her love and passion for English to all her students, striving to make her students’ goals a reality!

Macy caters to all learners and enjoys nurturing and engaging students to achieve their personal best. She prides herself on creating a fun, caring and positive learning environment, where every student feels supported, and confident to strive for their best.