Team

Joanne Watkins

Chief Executive Officer

Jo has been a part of the team since 2011 moving across from her role as an Earth and Environmental (and general) Science teacher with the Department of Education. Jo loves enthusing students and teachers about this wonderful subject.

Jo is based in WA but loves travelling, to support the team, across Australia.

Marie Rodger

Operations Officer

Marie joined the team in 2018 with over twenty years of experience in not-for-profit, private and public sectors, including running her own consultancy. She provides operational support for the team as well as helping to make ESWA bigger and stronger. Having three daughters, she is passionate about education and children having no barriers to learning and striving.

Marie is based in WA.

Hannah Moore

Lead Educator – Primary Engagement

Hannah joined the team in 2024 while nearing the completion of her PhD in Volcanology. Hannah has a background in Earth Science and runs a science podcast and radio show aimed at young people. Her experience also involves guiding as a Geology Tour Guide and engaging in impactful school outreach initiatives such as the Young Tassie Scientists program. Hannah is committed to nurturing the curiosity of future scientists. Hannah’s passion for travelling and exploring geological formations inspires her work.

Hannah is based in WA.

Sally Budge

Lead Educator – Lower Secondary Engagement

Sally joined us in 2023 after over 30 years teaching Science in the UK and Australia.
She is passionate about all things Earth and Space and loves sharing this passion with students and teachers.
Sally has travelled widely across Australia and around the world.
Iceland and a safari through Africa are on her bucket list.
Sally is based in WA.

Sophia McLean

Lead Educator – Senior Secondary Engagement

Sophia joined the team in 2022 after 23 years of experience teaching science in QLD and NSW. She has taught NSW HSC Biology and Earth and Environmental Science (EES) for 7 years. She has experience as an EES HSC marker. She has a wealth of experience after working in mining revegetation, conservation biology, plant propagation and as a scuba instructor. She has experience leading professional learning for preservice, primary and secondary educators and has co-taught primary science in all sectors in all states and territories of Australia. Sophia loves beach sediments, soils and microfossils.
Sophia is based in NSW.

Lachlan Hallett

Education Officer

Lachlan joined the team in 2021. Lachlan is a geologist with the Northern Territory Geological Survey but is swapping the rocks and map making to come work with primary school students in the NT. He has a background in geology and engineering. In his spare time, Lachlan enjoys building things and going orienteering.

Lachlan is based in the NT.