First and foremost, Michelle introduces herself as a follower of Jesus. She says, “I’m in awe of His saving grace and generous love for me. I choose to serve Him in all things, to the best of my ability and thoroughly enjoy celebrating His love through the enjoyment of His creation, in particular through the people around me. I am passionate about education and in particular, assisting schools in growing leaders, teachers, ancillary staff and students in a distinctively different approach to learning. A learning that reflects the love of the Father and points to His ability to transform all aspects of life.”

Michelle Dempsey has had a long-term involvement in Christian Education, and in CEN schools. Starting out as a teacher, Michelle has taught all ages and has served as a Coordinator, Deputy and Principal. In fact, Michelle did a short teaching stint here at MECS in 2004 and 2005. Michelle comes to MECS having recently served as the CEO of Christian Education National, and has been so since 2015.

Emma has been teaching and leading in various Christian Secondary schools for almost 25 years. She has a wealth of experience teaching Maths and Science with a creative twist. She is passionate about students digging deep in their learning and growing in their understanding of the creation and their creator whilst having immense amounts of fun!

Her experience extends across the country having spent 5 years living and working in the Northern Territory. Here she implemented a range of innovative Maths, and Science programs renewing students love for learning. She is passionate about each child discovering their place in God’s story and using their unique array of gifts for the kingdom.

At MECS, Emma has served as the Science faculty coordinator and Teaching and Learning leader where she has been instrumental in the development of the new transformational education framework launched in 2024. She is excited about serving in the role of Head of Secondary and embedding this new framework through every area of school life so that each student who graduates from MECS has a deep understanding of what it means to be made in, and live in, the image of Christ.

Emma has sensed God’s call to serve the MECS community in this new leadership role, bringing together her passions for rich, vibrant classrooms and strong community links as well as the pursuit of excellence.

When Emma is not at school, she enjoys spending time creating with fabric or card, playing board games with her family and going on beach or bush holidays.

“Life is a journey and not a destination” is so true for Ric. He is a Tradie at heart with his first career starting as an Apprentice Horticulturist leading managing a Wholesale Nursery, leading production, sales and staff, which included hiring (and firing) apprentices. This led to University, where Ric studied Theology and Teaching. His intention was to go into Chaplaincy, but providence had another direction. His next career was Youth Pastoring where he built up a vibrant Youth Group that ran student services at local High Schools and a Sunday Youth Service that raised leaders. In 2012, he began teaching at Ranges TEC; an innovative school who were looking for a teacher, horticulturist, with a pastor’s heart. Along with a skilled team of Tradies, Ric pioneered the Year 10 Taster program at Ranges TEC as well as designing and teaching the Certificate II in Horticulture. It was in 2017 when all of Ric’s careers truly converged when he took on the Directorship of Ranges TEC. Since then, Ranges TEC has grown in every way. Ric is passionate about seeing students knowing that they have purpose, that they belong, and to see them grow into who God has made them to be.

Karissa has served MECS for more than 19 years in various teaching and leadership capacities before stepping into the role as the secondary assistant principal. She is passionate about her staff and her students. She particularly loves that MECS has the natural bushland lapping at its boundaries.  What excites her the most is educating and empowering young people to grow in their knowledge of God and His world, and their place within it. “The best part about Christian education is being able to actively teach and encourage our young people in their God given identity, through the work of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. I love that we can open up the eyes of our young people to a world that reflects our Creator.” When Karissa is not leading at school, she enjoys being creative with her hands – jewellery making, sewing or building Lego. She also loves nothing more than a beach side holiday in the caravan with her husband.

Rob started as the Business Manager at MECS and Range TEC in 2025 after 18 years in senior leadership, strategy and governance roles across the corporate banking and non-profit sectors.

Rob has a long-term involvement and investment in MECS, both as a father to four boys at the school and also serving on the Risk and Finance committee and Board for the prior 5 years.  Rob is passionate about leadership, building strong culture and community and establishing sustainable business practices that enable Christian Education to flourish.

Rob holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and is an associate of CPA Australia.

Gill has been teaching in Kindergartens for almost 30 years. She bring a broad range of teaching experience that includes local government, community and Christian school Kindergartens. She is passionate about each child experiencing the best possible start to their formal education and seeing meaningful connections built between school and families so children children can thrive. Gill has also had extensive experience in a range of leadership contexts where she developed a passion for working in teams. Gill is excited by God’s call to serve the MECS community as it brings her passion for early childhood education, leadership experience and desire to see children know God’s deep love for them together as she leads the MECS Kindergarten. When Gill is not at school she enjoys spending time in her garden, cooking and playing board games with her family.