ABOUT ASPIRE2
Aspire2 is built for the appointments that hold.
Aspire2 supports leaders and the teams they lead. Our work spans recruitment, development and advisory, integrated as one practice in education. Across schools, systems and continents.
OUR STORY
Why Aspire2?
Most leadership appointments in education are made on a fraction of the evidence available. A CV. An interview. A reference call. The appointments that hold are built on more.
Aspire2 was founded to do that more substantial work. To assess across three dimensions of evidence rather than one. To begin every engagement with a diagnostic of the institution before the brief is written. To stay through the eighteen months past appointment, where most appointments succeed or fail.
The practice has grown beyond recruitment into integrated capability across three areas. Education advisory. Leadership and team development. Executive search. The integration is the offering.
OUR APPROACH
Three commitments that shape every engagement.
The commitments Aspire2 holds to in every piece of work.
Diagnostic before brief
Every engagement begins with the institution in front of us. The diagnostic shapes the brief, not the other way around.
Three dimensions of evidence
Organisational, behavioural and cognitive. Brought together on every senior appointment. The integration is the Aspire2’s distinctive practice.
Specific to education
Built for schools and systems, not adapted from corporate. Every tool is calibrated for education. Every team member has lived inside it.
OUR PEOPLE
A small team. A national network.
Every team member has served inside schools, systems, or directly alongside them. The advisor network extends that experience across Australia and the world.
Leadership Team
Tara is the CEO and Founder of Switch Education and Aspire2, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience across education, recruitment and human resources. Her career began as an educator, giving her a deep understanding of school communities and the realities of leadership in education, before transitioning into the recruitment and workforce sector to support education organisations at scale.
Her work is driven by a strong commitment to strengthening and future-proofing the education workforce by keeping talented educators and leaders within the system and guiding them into roles where they can thrive and make meaningful impact. Tara is particularly passionate about supporting women in leadership and creating pathways for the next generation of education leaders through evidence-based recruitment, leadership development and strategic workforce solutions.
She has extensive experience working with schools, education systems and government departments across Australia and internationally, delivering people-centred and sustainable talent strategies. Her leadership is grounded in both practical school experience and professional expertise in human resources and organisational development.
She is also the Managing Partner of ialign, providing leadership insight and development through scientifically validated tools that enhance self-awareness, resilience and leadership capability. Tara has been recognised by the Australian Business Journal among Australia’s Top 10 HR and Recruitment Innovators for her contribution to the sector.
Rowena Helps is an experienced education workforce strategist and leadership specialist with over 13 years at Switch Education.
As General Manager of both Switch Education and Aspire2 Edu, she leads operations across early years, primary, secondary and executive leadership recruitment, supporting schools and organisations through complex workforce, compliance and staffing challenges.
Rowena partners closely with education communities to identify and support aligned, values-driven educators and leaders, with a strong focus on long-term fit, sustainability and impact. Her expertise spans workforce strategy, recruitment, operational leadership and sector partnerships, and she is deeply committed to strengthening education through people, relationships and purposeful leadership.
Dr Michael Boots is a seasoned educational leader with over 25 years of experience leading schools across Brazil, Indonesia, Kuwait, and Australia. From 2021 to 2024, Michael served as the Assistant Principal (Deputy) of Learning and Innovation at Loreto College. Prior to that, he was the School Principal at the International School of Curitiba in Brazil from 2014 to 2020 and the Associate Principal of Middle School at Jakarta International School from 2007 to 2014.
Michael is passionate about finding the right fit for organisations through a collaborative approach, offering inspirational leadership, and supporting the ongoing growth of both himself and others. He believes in contemporary and innovative educational practices and has a strong track record of developing professional relationships. His extensive international network and board governance experience, including his role as a board member for AMISA, highlight his commitment to strategic planning and leadership in education.
Matt is an experienced education leader and Executive Consultant at Aspire2 Education.
With a career spanning school leadership, system consulting, and global education strategy, Matt brings a deep understanding of what it takes to lead effectively across diverse contexts. As Head of Global Assessment at Janison, he led K-12 assessment programs across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, India, Europe, and the Americas, working closely with ministries, school systems, and education partners to deliver meaningful assessment and school improvement at scale.
Prior to this, Matt served as Principal Consultant with the SA Department for Education, supporting school leaders across South Australia to strengthen strategy, capability, and culture. He was also Head of Campus at Kangaroo Island Community Education, Australia’s Regional School of the Year for three consecutive years.
Matt holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of South Australia. He is also the founder of Wadmore, a cognitive assessment platform designed to give schools meaningful insight into how students think and learn.
As the Client Liaison Officer at Aspire2 and Switch Education, Yvette plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient consultant team operations and maintaining strong client relationships with school leadership and administrative staff, underpinned by her versatile skills and unwavering dedication.
She maintains accurate databases and records of applicants interested in joining the Aspire2 Leadership Collective, while maintaining ongoing communication with site and applicants to ensure timely and effective coordination.
Yvette maintains a consistently positive attitude and shows genuine kindness and willingness to help, making her a great asset to the team.
Expert Education Advisors
Aspire2’s advisor network. Each is an experienced education leader with deep understanding of the school context.
Peter is a highly accomplished education leader with a distinguished career in South Australia. He served as Principal at three Catholic colleges, including Mercedes College, where he played a key role in education at state, national, and international levels. As an accredited member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), Peter conducted reviews and provided support to school leaders worldwide.
In his roles with Catholic education, he contributed to curriculum development and served as a Principal Consultant, working with 25 schools to enhance professional development and guide senior staff appointments. After retiring, Peter led Adelaide International School for two years, gaining valuable insights into global education. Currently, as an Education Consultant, he conducts principal reviews and serves on two school boards, maintaining a direct involvement in the education sector.
Pam is a seasoned education professional with over 45 years of experience, holding degrees in Arts, Education, and an MBA. She has played key roles as a Principal and in managing learning and wellbeing for Catholic schools and leading School Quality and Performance for Catholic Education SA. As an active member of professional organisations, including the Australian College of Educators and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she has been a member of the SACE Board since 2008, chairing its Accreditation, Recognition, and Certification Committee from 2009.
Her extensive governance experience spans national, state, and regional boards. Currently, she serves as a non-executive Director for EREA College Boards Limited and chairs the Oscar Romero Flexi Schools Network Advisory Council. Actively engaged with UNISA, Pam teaches in the Education Futures team, oversees teaching placements, and provides executive coaching to senior women in educational leadership roles.
Dr. Paul Rijken, RFD, PhD, M Ed Mgmt, M RE, B Ed, Dip T, FACEL, MACE, retired as Principal and CEO of Cardijn College, Adelaide, in July 2022, overseeing 1950 students and 240 staff.
As an Adjunct Research Fellow at Curtin University, he led system-wide educational surveys in South Australia. Dr. Rijken lectures part-time at the University of Adelaide and chairs the “Learning Environments” group in AERA. He holds a PhD in Mathematics and Science Education, alongside master’s degrees in Educational Management and Religious Education. Recognised with prestigious medals, including from ACEL, his military service adds depth to his multifaceted career.
David is a highly experienced educational leader with a focus on impactful leadership, change management, and innovation. With over 20 years as a School Principal, he is known for his evidence-based practices and commitment to improving educational experiences for all.
David has a track record of implementing innovative strategies and fostering positive learning environments. He has published articles, delivered presentations, and built strong professional networks. His qualifications include a Master of Religious Education, a Master of Education Administration, a Bachelor of Education, and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education.
David excels in coaching, curriculum development, strategic planning, data analysis, and community engagement. His dedication to educational improvement and collaboration makes him a respected leader in the field.
John Mula OAM boasts a distinguished 40-year career as an educator and leader, spanning diverse educational settings from Preschool to Year 12 schools across Australia. Notably, he served as Diocesan Director of Schools for the Diocese of Armidale and later as Executive Director of Catholic Education in Tasmania. His accolades include being named a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators and receiving the William Walker Award for Educational Leadership.
In 2021, he was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal for his significant contributions to Australian Catholic Education. John’s expertise, coupled with degrees in Science and Educational Studies, empowers him to navigate educational complexities and provide invaluable support to educators and schools.
Naomi is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, passionate about leadership and leadership development. Her career spans small businesses, international companies, and educational institutions.
She collaborates with senior leaders and potential leaders, focusing on Employee Engagement, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership Development. Naomi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and is certified in Hogan Assessment, MBTI, and DDI’s Leadership and Workforce Development Programs. She has designed and facilitated leadership programs, provided executive coaching, and developed high-performance teams.
David Chehade is an experienced education and organisational leadership advisor, working across independent schools, not-for-profits, local government, and private enterprise. With a background in executive leadership, governance, crisis management, and organisational renewal, he supports boards, principals, and CEOs to stabilise organisations, strengthen leadership, and drive sustainable growth.
David provides CEO/COO support to organisations navigating complexity, rapid change, or post-crisis recovery. He has partnered with schools including Southern Vales Christian College, Dara School, and other independent Christian and community education providers, delivering strategic planning, governance reform, organisational change, leadership coaching, and organisational lifecycle reviews.
OUR PARTNERSHIPS
Three proprietary tools. One integrated model.
The integration of three proprietary capabilities is what makes the Aspire2 assessment model specific to education leadership. Each is available as a standalone engagement.
OutsideIn
Organisational evidence. What the institution needs. Culture, leadership dynamics, organisational readiness. Conducted by registered organisational psychologists.
ialign
Behavioural evidence. How the leader operates. Decision style, interpersonal pattern, response under pressure. Education-specific profiling.
Wadmore
Cognitive evidence. Measured cognitive performance. Reasoning capability, complexity tolerance, adaptive judgement. Education-specific, IRT-calibrated.
Our Trusted Partners
Supporting our clients across the Aspire2 ecosystem
Specialists chosen for the depth they bring.
Beyond the integrated model and core team, Aspire2 works with a small network of specialists across attraction, leadership performance, and strategic operations. Each chosen for depth of expertise and alignment of values.
Attraction & Positioning
Branding, campaign strategy, and storytelling for senior leadership recruitment.
Leadership & Performance
Coaching, wellbeing, and leadership support for individuals and teams.
Strategic & Operational
Financial leadership, governance, and operational advisory for schools.
Contact us for a confidential conversation.
Every engagement begins with a conversation. About a search, about a transition, about a question twelve months out. Aspire2 listens first.
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