Leadership Staff

Mrs Anastasia Strong | Head of Senior School BEd, DipEd

Anastasia is an educational leader with over 20 years experience in secondary schools.

Graduating from the Queensland University of Technology, Anastasia completed a Diploma of Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Secondary Education. In 2016, Anastasia became an accredited leader in Lutheran Schools, completing a Graduate Certificate in Leadership.

During her career, Anastasia has served in a number of roles, including classroom teacher, House Leader and for the last eight years, has been the Head of Senior School at Redeemer Lutheran College.
Anastasia believes that pastoral care is critical in enhancing a student’s capacity for personal and academic growth and instilling confidence and hope in our young people, in a rapidly changing world. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of student wellbeing, is passionate about the mental health of young people and is an advocate for restorative practice in schools.

Anastasia is well informed in youth culture, emerging issues and trends impacting on teenagers and is committed to assisting students and families navigate through the trials and tribulations of adolescence.
Anastasia was born in London and moved to Melbourne, Australia, as a young girl, before re-locating to Brisbane with her family in the late 80’s. Her schooling was for the most part, in multi-cultural settings and for this reason, she is a strong advocate for inclusive education and celebrating diversity.

Born and raised in the Greek Orthodox Christian faith, Anastasia has been transformed personally and professionally, by her faith in Christ. Anastasia’s favourite scripture verse comes from Isaiah 40:31:
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”

Anastasia is happily married to Mark and has two children, Maria and Nicholas.

Mr Adam Ayling | Head of Junior School

Adam has been working as an educator for the past 17 years after graduating from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Education. He began his time at Redeemer teaching Year 5 at the beginning of 2021 before moving into the role of Acting Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator (P-6) in Term 2 of that year.

Prior to commencing at Redeemer, Adam had taught at a variety of schools including 15 years at Redlands College where he held a number of roles including Director of Years 6-9 and Dean of Learning 6-9. With a passion for enhancing and deepening students’ learning through connection with the community and the wider world, Adam was deeply involved in project-based learning programs, student-led worship bands and as a qualified outdoor education leader in the Duke of Edinburgh Award program.

Adam is driven by the belief that each student is created by God, who has a plan a purpose for their lives. Furthermore, that as educators we have the great privilege and responsibility of being part of God’s plan to grow and nurture the knowledge, skills and agency of each student so that they can positive impact the world around them.

A scripture that gives him constant encouragement and direction is Ephesians 2:10:

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Mr Ben Babao | Head of Programming, Staff Management and Co-Curricular (P-12)

Ben’s journey in education commenced after graduating with First Class Honours in Mathematics at The University of Queensland in 2014. He has worked in various leadership roles and has experience leading innovation across curricular and administrative domains.

Ben is passionate about leveraging technology, systems, and data to improve student and staff outcomes. Holding a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, he wholeheartedly believes a school’s most important asset is its people - students, staff, and families. As such, he is committed to fostering community and engagement across all areas at Redeemer.

Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew have continued to inspire and form Ben throughout his teenage and adult years. When we are kind and selfless to others, we are kind and selfless to Christ himself: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Ben feels blessed to be welcomed into the Redeemer Community, where a love of God and His people are at the heart of all it does.

Mrs Christina Bianchi | Dean of Faith

Christina embarked on her educational journey at Redeemer Lutheran College in 2008 with a strong sense of purpose. With a degree in Primary Education, and an Early Childhood major, she ventured into the world of teaching in the Prep classroom. Driven by a passion to make a positive impact on the lives of her students and fostering a harmonious integration of faith and education, she honed her skills, adapting to changing educational landscapes and refining her teaching methods whilst embarking on a range of leadership roles.

Central to Christina’s approach is her unwavering Christian faith. She sees her role as Dean of Faith at Redeemer, not just as a profession but as a calling to serve and nurture. Christina extends her influence beyond the classroom, actively engaging with the Redeemer community to promote values of compassion, tolerance, and understanding. She sees each student as a unique individual, with untapped potential waiting to be discovered.

Christina’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education when fuelled by passion, faith, and a genuine love for students. As a devoted Christian, a dedicated teacher, and an advocate for inclusivity, Christina believes that education is not just about learning but about connection, compassion, service and faith.

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3

Mrs Leah Storer | Dean of Students P-6

Since graduating from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Education, Leah has been working as a passionate educator for 22 years. Her teaching journey has included both Primary and Secondary schools across the state and private sectors. Leah spent over 10 years working at Brisbane State High in both classroom and leadership roles. Her holistic approach to the education of the whole child and an enthusiasm for pastoral care bought her to the Redeemer's Junior School in 2015 as a classroom teacher.

Leah believes that fostering a supportive and caring environment is essential for students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. As Dean of Students, she feels very blessed to be doing God’s work in supporting the well-being of all students in the Junior School, not only to enhance their academic experiences, but also to encourage them to leave a lasting positive imprint on those around them.

Micah 6:8 serves as a guiding scripture for Leah, a devout Christian, inspiring her to live a life aligned with essential principles. The verse encourages us to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God." Leah seeks to be fair and gentle in her actions, treating others with equity and respect. Loving mercy, she demonstrates compassion and forgiveness, mirroring God's gracious nature.

Mrs Heidi Barnes | Dean of Learning P-6

Working as an educator for the past 19 years, Heidi graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Primary Education. As an alumnus of the College, she embarked on her employment journey with the Redeemer in 2012. Raised in the Lutheran faith, Heidi’s connection to the school’s Lutheran Ethos serves as the cornerstone of her teaching, guiding her in instilling not just knowledge, but also a strong sense of community, compassion, and curiosity in her students.

As a learner herself, Heidi has further developed her skills in project-based learning and Mathematical Mindset Teaching, whilst embarking on a range of leadership roles. During her career, Heidi developed a keen interest in innovative teaching methods that allowed effective integration of digital tools and resources in the classroom. Her commitment to technological advancement in education saw her become eLearning Coordinator in the Junior School.

Heidi believes all students can make a positive impact in their community when given the opportunity. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment that caters to the unique needs of each student. Heidi strives to inspire a new generation of learners, whose curiosity is encouraged, and they feel empowered to embrace challenges as an opportunity for growth.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Mr Aaron Hardke |Head of Learning and Teaching 7-12 BA, GradCertEd(Th), GradDipEd(Sec), MEdTheol

Aaron is a dedicated educator with more than 20 years of experience. He studied Humanities, Literature and Media before completing postgraduate studies in Education at Griffith University. His teaching career spans Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions in the state and private sectors. The majority of his teaching and leadership has been in service to Lutheran Schools in Queensland. While teaching he has completed further postgraduate studies, in Education, Theology and Leadership. He is an accredited Teacher and Leader in Lutheran Schools.

Having served at St John’s Lutheran Primary School, Living Faith Lutheran Primary School and the Lutheran Education Queensland office, Aaron’s training as a secondary teacher has seen him develop and support teaching and learning in a wide range of contexts. He has also worked closely with Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and Lutheran Education Australian (LEA) on various advisory committees and groups over the past decade.

Aaron is passionate about learning and encouraging students to reach their potential by nurturing their unique gifts. As a lifelong learner himself, Aaron is continually seeking new knowledge and skills in and beyond Education. He loves witnessing students grow, learn, achieve and fail. Aaron wants students to embrace their mistakes and understand that learning happens through failure, not just success.

Aaron and his wife Kellie are dedicated Christians and have been lifelong members of the Lutheran Church. They have 2 children who share their faith and passion for learning.

He has complete trust is God - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11

Mrs Kylie Wright | Dean of Students 7-12 BMassComn, DipEd(Sec)

Kylie is a passionate educator who has been working in Education since 2012. In her tertiary studies, Kylie completed a Bachelor of Mass Communication, majoring in Media and Communication and Public Relations at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), before undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) at the University of Queensland (UQ), with the specialist subjects of Film, Television and New Media and Business.

Kylie’s teaching and leadership journey has been in service to Lutheran Education in Queensland. Over the past eight years, Kylie has served as a Pastoral Care Leader at Redeemer Lutheran College, providing young people a value based and Christ-centred holistic education, with a focus on minimising barriers to allow students to flourish and reach their potential. This experience in student wellbeing is driven by her passions in the areas of mental health, inclusivity, caring relationships, and restorative practices.

Kylie loves Redeemer as it is a school where everyone is seen, valued, and challenged to be the best version of themselves. As in Proverbs 16:24, "Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body".

Mrs Tracey Lewis | Business Manager

Mrs Nikki McKenzie | Head of Admissions and Marketing

Mr Andrew Kemp | Infrastructure Manager