Meet the Staff
JO CONNOR
Executive Officer
For over 20 years Jo worked in local and state government supporting communities to become more sustainable through the design and implementation of community behaviour change programs. Over that time she has learned a lot about bins and waste!
Previously sitting on EEV’s Committee of Management, Jo is passionate about collaborating, and finding opportunities to connect with nature to create real-life learning opportunities for teachers and students. She believes while individual actions are important, it's when we work together that lasting and significant change happens.
verity mclucas
Communications and Project Officer
Verity brings 18 years' experience working in environment and sustainability education and campaigning, having worked in government and not-for-profit settings in Australia, Vietnam, Ecuador, Germany and France. In a previous life, she worked in international trade and global logistics.
By nurturing young peoples’ innate curiosity about the natural world, and supporting their education in caring for Country, Verity believes there is much hope for a more harmonious future.
helen pearce
Office Administration
Initially trained in Engineering and Economics, Helen has worked in myriad fields over the years, including Early Childhood Education.
She loves the great outdoors, travelling, and exploring new places in Australia and abroad.
Helen believes that if we all make small changes to support our environment, the most positive impacts can be made.
REBECCA HOYNE
Education Officer, Barwon Region
Bec and her family made the move from Melbourne 11 years ago to the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. She loves everything about this special coastal region, with all of its natural elements and wonders.
Having worked in education as a primary school teacher for over 20 years, Bec is passionate about sharing sustainability ideas, environmental initiatives, and putting into practice the traditional methods of conserving and protecting Country, for and with our future generations.
Bronnie walsh
Education Officer, Western Metro
Bronnie is an Outdoor Education and Geography teacher who added environmental expertise to her skillset after forming the Upper Yarra Landcare group in 2008.
Her environmental background has ranged from working as a marine education officer around Port Phillip Bay, to working as an environment officer in the alpine region at a ski resort. Her love for the active outdoors has led her to be a qualified instructor in snorkelling, canoeing/kayaking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing.
Bronnie is an active committee member of Upper Yarra Landcare, South Melbourne Toy Library, South Melbourne Sustainability Group, and Port Phillip Bicycle Users Group. And she’s always up for talking about her love for the Little Penguins of Melbourne!
kristy brewer
Education Officer, South West Region
Kristy is lucky enough to live in the beautiful coastal town of Portland, Victoria. She loves the great outdoors and spends lots of time outside immersed in nature with her two teenage sons and husband, enjoying the best of the west!
Kristy has worked in the Natural Resource Management industry for over 20 years, and believes that increasing intrinsic ecological and sustainability knowledge is the key to motivating sustainable grassroots movements and lasting community change.
Kristy's prior work history includes supporting communities to further develop their understanding of the important relationships flora and fauna share with the natural environment - she believes this is the key to transitioning our communities toward ecosystem service recognition, advocacy, and beneficial on-ground conservation-based action.
MARITA JAMIESON
VCE Program Coordinator
Marita is a dedicated Environmental Science Teacher with significant experience in VCE study design development, exam assessment, and education resource design. She believes in empowering communities through education to ensure the protection of the ecosystem services that all life depends upon. Marita is continually amazed by the natural world, and aspires to all people developing an appreciation and sense of place in the great outdoors. She can often be found in the garden with her dog, Trevor.
marika wong
Programs & Curriculum Officer
Marika worked in secondary education for 20 years before joining EEV in 2021. Her background includes Natural Resource Management and teaching Science, Geography, Biology and Environmental Science.
Her favourite view is any place where the forest meets the ocean, and is a strong believer in the power of immersion in nature for maximising wellbeing and education.
ELIA PIRTLE
Education Officer
Elia is lucky enough to live next door to the Grampians/Gariwerd in regional Victoria.
She is an ecologist who has studied all manner of scaley and crawly critters, from caterpillars and wasps, to frogs, skinks and dinosaurs!
She has worked across the fields of conservation, agriculture and biosecurity, but more than anything, loves helping people build personal connections to their local habitats. One of her favourite activities is bringing her kit of microscopes and 'bug hunting' tools to schools, teaching kids how to survey for insects.
BRAM mcleod
Education Officer
Bram brings a wealth of experience to EEV, with 30 years as a classroom, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science teacher in secondary schools. More recently he has been the Deputy Head of Senior School and in charge of Environmental Issues at a local school in Geelong. During his time as a teacher, Bram was actively involved in sustainability in schools and has supported the ResourceSmart Schools journey at many schools he has worked at.
adele calvert
Education Officer
Adele and her family live on Wadawurrung country, having moved from Melbourne 8 years ago.
Adele has worked in early childhood education for over 10 years, and previously as an education officer for the Bundoora Farm.
Adele is passionate about teaching, the environment, and sustainability. She also has a strong interest in biodiversity and nature play programs.