MEET THE
PRESENTERS
Keynote Speakers
Most Rev Peter A Comensoli DD STL MLitt PhD
Archbishop of Melbourne
In June 2018, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Peter as the ninth Archbishop of Melbourne and on 1 August 2018, he was installed at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Archbishop Comensoli holds a Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Catholic Institute of Sydney, a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in moral theology from Accademia Alfonsiana (Rome), a Masters of Letters in moral philosophy from the University of St Andrews (Fife, Scotland) and a Doctorate of Philosophy in theological ethics from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland). He is the author of In God’s Image: Recognizing the profoundly impaired as persons (Cascade Books, 2018), as well as a number of articles on disability and Christian anthropology.
Keynote: God saw what he had made and indeed it was very good (Gen 1:31): the Catholic vision for the human person and what difference it makes
Professor Kath Engebretson
Lead RE Curriculum Writer, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
Professor Kath Engebretson is known to many through her years educating religious education teachers at pre-service and postgraduate levels. She is the author of many academic books and papers on religious education. A particular service has been Kath’s contribution to the development of student resources especially the acclaimed To Know Worship and Love series. In her role as lead curriculum writer of the forthcoming religious education curriculum for the archdiocese of Melbourne, Professor Engebretson brings deep knowledge and wide experience, and a commitment to excellence in religious education.
Br William Short OFM
Professor of Spirituality in the Franciscan School of Theology, University of San Diego
Brother William Short O.F.M. is a Franciscan Friar and Professor of Spirituality in the Franciscan School of Theology (FST) at the University of San Diego in California. Originally from Seattle, Washington, "Brother Bill" is just finishing a decade of service in Rome as Director of the International Center for Franciscan Studies and Research. He received his B.A. from the University of San Francisco, his M.A. from FST and the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley. He received the Licentiate and Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. He has previously served as Dean, Academic Vice-President and President of FST and Vice-Rector of Students of the International Franciscan College Sant'Antonio in Rome. An avid collector of California native plants, he has also been an amateur wine-maker in Italy and California.
Keynote: The Gift of St. Francis for Our Day: Friend of the Poor, Lover of Peace, Brother to all Creatures
Anne Kertz Kernion
Speaker, retreat leader and author
Anne founded Cards by Anne (www.cardsbyanne.com) over forty years ago, and is the award-winning author of “Spiritual Practices for the Brain,” which integrated insights from health and spirituality. Her background in engineering, theology, neuroscience and positive psychology informs her presentations for groups across the US and Australia. Anne’s third book, “The Four Connections: How to Flourish by Aligning Your Beliefs, Body, Brain, and Bonds,” was recently published by Loyola Press.
Professor Br David Hall FMS
Dean of the La Salle Academy at Australian Catholic University
Br David is a leading educator and researcher of Catholic Education in Australia. Br David is the Dean of the La Salle Academy that operates as a joint enterprise between ACU’s Faculty of Education and Arts, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, and Directorate of Catholic Mission, and provides an integrated approach to curriculum development, delivery and assessment, and faith formation activities.
Workshop Presenters
Dr Nigel Zimmermann
Director Catholic Mission & Identity, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
Dr Nigel Zimmermann is Director Catholic Mission & Identity at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). Nigel received his PhD in theology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, holds a degree in
Journalism (QUT) and Master’s Degrees in theology (Brisbane College of Theology) and bioethics and medical law (St Mary’s University Twickenham). He was a Wingate Scholar in the UK, taught theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia and publications include Faith and Reason: Vistas and Horizons (co-editor), Levinas and Theology (2013), and Facing the Other: John Paul II, Levinas, and the Body (2015).
Sr Dr Elizabeth Dowling RSM
Senior Lecturer, Australian Catholic University
Elizabeth (Liz) Dowling is a Sister of Mercy who lives in Ballarat. She has a lifelong commitment to education, working in secondary, tertiary and adult education settings. After completing doctoral studies in 2005, Liz lectured in Biblical Studies at Australian Catholic University for ten years. She has published a book and many journal articles and book chapters on the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Luke.Currently, she offers biblical workshops and retreats across the country.
Dr Dan White
Former Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools and former Director of Catholic Education Hobart.
After retiring as the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools in 2019, Dr Dan White has facilitated an extensive range of professional development and spiritual formation programs for Catholic dioceses and schools throughout Australia. Building on his doctoral research in the field of Brain Based Learning and Pedagogical practice, Dan is the author or co-author of eight educational resource books focusing particularly on the Sacred Scriptures and higher order learning and thinking strategies. His current research project involves an exploration of the cultural context of 1st Century Palestine and its implications for understanding the Scriptures.
Professor Richard Rymarz
Professor of Education, University of Notre Dame Australia. Project Manager, KWL Resources
Richard Rymarz is Professor of Education at the University Notre Australia and Project Manager for KWL Resources based in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. He has had a long career teaching, researching and writing about Catholic education with a special emphasis on religious education and teacher formation and development.
Rosalba Squarci
Principal, St Raphael's Catholic Primary School Preston West
Rosalba Squarci, Principal of St Raphael's Primary School, brings over three decades of experience in Catholic education across the Northern and Western regions of Melbourne Archdiocese Schools. Rosalba leads with authenticity and a strong commitment to learning excellence, curriculum innovation, and contemporary pedagogies that enhance student outcomes. As a spirit-filled leader, Rosalba fosters a culture of faith and servant leadership, integrating educational and ecclesial dimensions to support the holistic growth of students, staff, and the wider community. Rosalba holds a Master of Catholic Educational Leadership (ACU), a Graduate Diploma in Special Education (Monash University), and a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education and Teaching (ACU).
Dr Beth Nolen
Manager, RE Excellence, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
Dr. Beth Nolen is an accomplished educator and researcher who has served across four dioceses in diverse roles, including teacher, Religious Education Leader, consultant, lecturer, and manager. Building on her master's research, she authored the book Prayer Strategies: A Teacher’s Manual, now widely used in classrooms throughout Australia. Her doctoral research focused on teaching Scripture in the early years, a project conducted in close collaboration with schools to ensure practical classroom impact. This groundbreaking work earned Beth an international award and demonstrated significant results, with independent data showing a 25% increase in student engagement levels.
James O'Brien
Curriculum Writer, Religious Education (Secondary), Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
When writing the new RE curriculum, James draws upon experiences teaching Religious Education within three Catholic secondary schools across co-ed, girls, and boys school contexts. James is passionate about preparing an RE curriculum which commends faith credibly and thoughtfully engages student questions. James sees each unit providing opportunities to invite connections to God’s presence with us in everyday life. From 2021-2023 James served on the World Executive Council of the Christian Life Community, an Ignatian lay
community grounded in small local groups of faith and life.
Workshop topic: The Year 7 and 8 RE Curriculum as an invitation to trace salvation history and meet the person of Jesus Christ:
Elyse McHardy
Religious Education, Curriculum, and Community Engagement Leader
Elyse McHardy graduated with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Melbourne and has worked in education for the past eighteen years, spending the majority of her teaching career in a Prep classroom. Her passion for Religious Education leadership was sparked when she completed a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education in 2018. She later undertook a Master of Education and Theology in 2024, both at Catholic Theological College (CTC). Elyse is enthusiastic about providing formation opportunities that enable all members of the school community to encounter the Catholic faith in ways that invite authentic and personal response at each stage of their faith journey. Elyse is currently the Religious Education, Curriculum, and Community Engagement Leader at St Peter’s Primary School in Epping. Her role is enriched by strong partnerships with the St Peter’s Parish community and local partner schools.
Marsha Van Cuylenburg
Curriculum Writer, Religious Education (Primary), Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
Marsha Van Cuylenburg is the Lead Primary Curriculum Writer in the RE Excellence Team at MACS. She is an experienced primary school teacher and leader who designs the knowledge rich, coherent Primary RE curriculum that invites students into meaningful engagement with religious education. Marsha is committed to strengthening teacher practice and student engagement across all year levels in the RE curriculum and values teacher and student voice within the curriculum design. Marsha is also a doctoral candidate at the University of Notre Dame Australia, where her research explores teachers' perspectives on effective pedagogies in Religious Education, with a particular focus on students in Years 5 and 6.
Workshop topic:
- Fostering Engagement in Years 1 & 2 RE
Bronwyn Ryrie Jones
Teacher educator, instructional coach and professional learning designer
Bronwyn Ryrie Jones works with teachers, schools and systems to develop expertise in explicit and responsive teaching. With a background in classroom teaching and graduate education (University of Melbourne), Bron is renowned for her deep and practical expertise in high quality instruction. Bron has worked directly with over 40,000 teachers in Australia and abroad, developing explicit and responsive teaching practices on the ground.
Bron has long-standing partnerships with several systems and educational leadership institutes in Australia; she has designed and delivered large-scale professional learning programs, and is at her happiest when talking about teaching with the people who do it everyday.
Professor Kath Engebretson
Lead RE Curriculum Writer, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
Professor Kath Engebretson is an academic and religious educator, known to many through her years educating religious education teachers at pre-service and postgraduate levels. She is the author of many academic books and papers on religious education. A particular service has been Kath’s contribution to
the development of student resources especially the acclaimed To Know, Worship and Love series.
In her role as lead curriculum writer of the forthcoming religious education curriculum for the archdiocese of Melbourne, Professor Engebretson brings deep knowledge and wide experience, and a commitment to excellence in religious education.
Alison Stone
Animator of Franciscan Schools Australia, experienced facilitator, educator, retreat and pilgrimage leader.
Alison brings deep wisdom about the Franciscan tradition. She serves with the OFM Friars, Missionary Franciscan Sisters and the Franciscan Family in Australia and globally. Alison works across Australia empowering schools to enliven the Franciscan charism in their unique educational context. She has a Franciscan heart that is connected to peace, justice, beauty, the earth and all of creation. Her embrace of charism, identity and mission breaths creative life into the very heart of the educational experience.
Workshop topic: "Servant Hearts. Bold Leadership." - Lessons from Francis and Clare of Assisi for today's schools.
Fr Paul Rout, OFM
Distinguished member of the Holy Spirit Province and a leading voice in Franciscan spirituality.
A former teacher at Padua College in Brisbane, Fr. Paul has lectured extensively at the Yarra
Theological Union and Heythrop College, University of London. He is the author of Francis and Bonaventure and specialises in making the Franciscan tradition relevant for the contemporary world. A frequent leader of pilgrimages and retreats, Fr. Paul is deeply committed to supporting everyone inspired by Franciscan spirituality.
Workshop topic: Prayer, Presence and Peace: Franciscan Pathways
Fr Stephen Bliss
Provincial Minister of the Order of Friars Minor in Australia and New Zealand.
A key leader within the Franciscan Schools Australia executive, he has wisdom and leadership expertise in parish ministry and school identity. Known for his committed, practical witness, Fr. Stephen is dedicated to nurturing the Franciscan charism by joyfully encouraging others to live the Gospel with the simplicity and authenticity of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.
Workshop topic: Creating Spaces of Hope: A Franciscan Lens on Catholic Identity in Schools Today
Dr Daniel Groenewald
Manager, Leadership Development Programs, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
Daniel Groenewald is Manager, Leadership Development Programs. He works with school and system leaders who want to lead better, build stronger teams, and leave their organisations in better shape than they found them. He has spent a decade inside two of Australia's largest Catholic school systems, designing the frameworks, programs, and capability infrastructure that help leaders at every level do their jobs well. His doctoral research examined the conditions that allow senior leadership teams to function at their best. That work has reached more than a thousand leaders across schools, regions, and central offices. The programs he designs are grounded in evidence, built for the reality of school leadership, and designed to maximise engagement with adult learners beyond the day of delivery.
Workshop topic: Unpacking the MACS Vision for Leadership
Joe Capuana
Curriculum Renewal Officer, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts (Music), a Graduate Diploma in Education, a Bachelor of Theology (Honours), and a Master of Philosophy. He has been involved in the Australian classical education movement for several years. Drawing on his experience in music, theology, and teaching, Joe is passionate about leading students into an encounter with truth, goodness, and beauty. For him, the classical liberal arts offer an approach designed to achieve this.
Workshop topic: An Introduction to Classical Catholic Education
Marisa Patton
Religious Education Leader
Marisa is an REL in Melbourne’s Southern Region with thirty years of experience in Catholic Education. A mother of three and a passionate mental health advocate, having recently presented at Victorian Parliament House, she is dedicated to creating spaces where students, staff, and parents can encounter God wherever they are in their own faith journey. Inspired by her time at the REcongress in California, Marisa seeks to share new insights to build and support Catholic Identity within the Archdiocese of Melbourne. She finds purpose and joy in exploring God’s presence in every season of life.
Cathy Jenkins
Program Lead: Melbourne Synod 2026
Cathy is the Program Lead for the Archdiocese of Melbourne Synod. She has served in diverse roles that reflect her commitment to ongoing learning, forming communities of faith, synodal leadership, and supporting leaders in mission. She has held senior leadership positions within the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sandhurst, working in system level educational leadership and earlier as a publisher and editor, shaping resources that support schools, parishes, and diocesan ministries. Cathy is a member of Catholic education boards where she contributes her expertise in governance, formation, and strategic planning. She was a Member of the Australian Catholic Church Plenary Council, participating in the ongoing discernment shaping the future of the Church in Australia and. Her academic background includes qualifications in Arts, Theology, and post graduate studies in Religious Education and Leadership.
Workshop topic: The Synodal Way
Karen Doyle
Founding director, Choicez Media
Karen Doyle is a leading voice in values and faith-based education across Australia. With over two decades of experience, Karen has worked extensively with schools and Catholic Education Systems to support a whole-school approach to respectful relationships and consent education. She consults for Catholic Education Offices as a subject matter expert and is the author of the Live Life To The Full program, a comprehensive platform for human sexuality, consent, and respectful relationships in Catholic schools. Karen trained as a Registered Nurse and was the director of a large student health clinic for many years. She is an accredited Family Life Educator and has done postgraduate study in Theology. Karen has authored several books and speaks extensively. She is passionate about building teacher confidence and capacity and bringing a Catholic perspective to CRRE.
Workshop topic: Bringing the Christian Vision for the Human Person to Life in Our Schools: How We Can Support You
Ria Greene
Director of Faith and Mission at St John’s Regional College, Dandenong
Ria has over 30 years’ experience in Catholic education across primary and secondary settings. She has held leadership roles and previously worked with the Catholic Education Office Melbourne as a Religious Education Adviser and Team Leader. Ria has undertaken postgraduate studies in theology and education, along with international studies in Europe and the US. She is passionate about faith formation, leading immersions and pilgrimages, and facilitating retreats and professional learning across Australia and overseas. Ria is committed to creating meaningful Religious Education experiences that nurture faith, service, and Gospel-centred leadership.
Workshop topic: Spirit in Action: Charism, Identity and Mission in Catholic Schools