Leadership Team
On any given day this team will emerge from meeting rooms having had faith-led conversations and enter the playground where they’ll hi-five kids, play down ball and help a student who has forgotten their lunch.
Our Leadership Team is united by a shared vision — they are committed to empowering students to make a positive impact, embodying core values of faith, integrity and excellence. They have a bit of fun while they’re at it, too.
Michelle Dempsey
Principal
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 had been so since 2015.
Emma Allison
Head of Secondary
Emma has been teaching and leading in various Christian Secondary schools for almost 25 years. Her experience extends across the country, having spent 5 years living and working in the Northern Territory. 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 is now joyfully serving as the Head of Secondary, having previously led as Science Faculty Coordinator and Teaching and Learning Leader. In these roles, she has been instrumental in shaping the transformational education framework launched in 2024 and embedding the MECS threads throughout school life. Her ongoing leadership continues to ensure 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 feels deeply called to serve the MECS community in this leadership role, bringing together her passions for rich, vibrant classrooms, strong community links, and the pursuit of excellence.
When Emma is not at school, she enjoys reading, creating, playing board games with her family, and going on beach or bush holidays.
Malcolm Pirie
Head of Primary
Malcolm has worked and led in four different Christian schools across four countries. This has included serving for over a decade in senior leadership roles at HOPE International School in Cambodia and Bingham Academy in Ethiopia. Malcolm understands the challenges and aspirations of Christian education, loves mentoring staff and helping them integrate their faith with teaching. He strives to develop a sense of team that supports, encourages and challenges each member to play to their strengths and to maintain a willingness to take growth risks.
As an educator with over 20 years of experience, Malcolm believes in striving for excellence in the classroom. Excellence in academic results, teaching practices, and the overall learning environment reflects our commitment to doing everything to the glory of God. The school should be a place where care, compassion, and excellence coexist, with every aspect of our work honouring God.
He believes that a Christian school’s purpose extends beyond preparing students to contribute to society. It is about helping them discover and fulfil their God-given calling—using their unique gifts to love God and serve others. Malcolm looks forward to continuing his involvement with MECS and the broader Mount Evelyn community, nurturing young people who are committed to living out their faith and calling.
Ric Thorpe
Director of Ranges TEC
"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 and 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 and 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 know that they have purpose, that they belong, and to see them grow into who God has made them to be.
Karissa Esselbrugge
Head of Student Services
Karissa has been part of the MECS community since 2004, serving in a variety of teaching and leadership roles before stepping into her current position as Head of Student Services.
She loves her Lord Jesus and marvels daily at the peace, joy, and hope that come from a relationship with Him. Karissa is deeply committed to nurturing the wellbeing and learning needs of every student, and is passionate about helping young people discover their God-given identity and purpose.
With a heart for empowering students, Karissa works closely with students, staff, and families to ensure each learner feels valued, supported, and equipped to grow in their strengths. She finds great joy in walking alongside young people as they explore who they are in Christ and begin to shape meaningful pathways for their future.
Karissa loves that MECS is nestled in natural bushland, offering a peaceful and reflective environment for learning. Outside of school, she enjoys being creative - whether it’s making jewellery, sewing, or building Lego - and treasures beachside caravan holidays, fishing from a kayak on gentle waterways, and spending ‘down time’ with her husband and daughter.
Gill Birkett
Kindergarten Director
Gill has been teaching in Kindergartens for almost 30 years. She brings 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 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.
Rob Lichtendonk
Business Manager
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 since 2020. 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.
