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Our Team

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Specialists in Educational Leadership Recruitment and Consultancy

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Work with the best

Our Leadership Team

Our professionals are dedicated to finding the perfect leadership talent for your site. With their experienced backgrounds and education industry knowledge, they’re ready to help you reach new heights.  

Tara Staritski

Tara Staritski

Company CEO

Rowena Helps

Rowena Helps

General Manager

Dr Michael Boots

Executive Education Consultant

Yvette

Yvette Windsor

Client Liaison Officer

Expert Education Advisors

Aspire2 takes pride in its extended procurement and leadership development team. Each Expert Advisor is an experienced educational leader with a unique and deep understanding of the school context. 

Peter Daw

SA Expert Education Advisor

Pam Ronan

SA Expert Education Advisor

Dr Paul Rijken

SA Expert Education Advisor

Kath McGuigan

SA Expert Education Advisor

John Mula OAM

QLD Expert Education Advisor

David Adams-Jones

QLD and Regional/ Indigenous Communities Expert Education Advisor

Naomi Noble​

WA Expert ​Education Advisor

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Tara Staritski

Tara Staritski  LinkedIn Logo

CEO and Founder

Tara is an experienced Managing Director and Business Operations Advisor with over 20 years of expertise in recruitment, human resources, and education. She has a proven track record in leading recruitment services that connect top talent with both private and government educational organisations, focusing on developing and implementing strategic, growth-oriented, and people-centred business solutions. Tara’s work spans the education sector, ensuring that schools and organisations have access to the right leaders and educators to drive their organisational growth.

Tara currently serves on the SA Council and as a Board Director for the RCSA, the peak body for the recruitment and staffing industry in Australia and New Zealand. In this role, she represents South Australian members on key industry issues, providing policy guidance, strategic advice, and stakeholder engagement.

As Managing Partner of ialign, Tara specialises in leadership development within the education sector. ialign creates scientifically validated, evidence-based tools to help educators understand their strengths, challenges, and leadership drivers. The company works with large educational organisations and government departments to support leadership pipeline development and future-ready leadership initiatives through tailored programs and system leader projects.

Rowena Helps

Rowena Helps  LinkedIn Logo

General Manager

Rowena is an experienced Education Talent Acquisition Consultant and the General Manager of Operations at Switch Education and Aspire2.

With over 20 years of experience working in the education sector, Rowena is a highly skilled teacher and consultant. In 2010 she seamlessly transitioned from teaching in schools and operating a personal development business to become a recruitment consultant at SWITCH Education, combining her love for education with her passion for personal development.  

Her most recent roles included Organisational Development Consultant with the Department for Education and Human Resources Manager for EREA Oscar Romero Schools Network, along with 9 years at SWITCH Education as the Lead Talent Acquisition Consultant. She has a demonstrated ability for strategic thinking and a strong desire to assist school communities reach their full potential.   

Rowena is recognised as a passionate advocate for the personal and professional development of the education workforce, bringing self-awareness, mindfulness, emotional intelligence and adaptability to her role. An education expert with resilience, a “no task too tall” attitude, flows into project management and mentoring of staff within the specific industry of education. Acknowledged by others as having the drive and desire to see others succeed within the industry by supporting and mentoring their growth.  

Rowena is highly regarded and recognised for her ability to establish warm and effective working relationships with stakeholders at every level.  

Dr Michael Boots

Dr. Michael Boots LinkedIn Logo

Executive Education Consultant

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. With K-12 teaching and leadership experience across four continents, Michael is dedicated to creating strong, supportive, and innovative learning environments. 

Yvette

Yvette Windsor LinkedIn Logo

Client Liaison Officer

Yvette has a multifaceted career spanning education, administration, and project management. With a foundation as a dedicated primary school teacher in the ACT, Yvette brought her classroom expertise to higher education as a Work Integrated Learning Officer at Flinders University, skillfully placing pre-service teachers and engaging in educational technology projects. Her collaborative spirit and adaptability shone through as she coordinated events and projects, including the Mobile Learning Project and MOOC.  

Yvette’s transition to roles at Trades Recognition Australia and ACH Group demonstrated her prowess in data management and client support, offering advice and assistance to clients. Her positive and enthusiastic approach to work, coupled with a strong work ethic, reinforces her commitment to continual professional growth.  

As the Client Liaison Officer at Aspire2, Yvette plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient consultant team operations and maintaining client relationships, underpinned by her versatile skills and unwavering dedication. 

Peter Daw LinkedIn Logo

SA Expert Education Advisor

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 Ronan LinkedIn Logo

SA Expert Education Advisor

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 LinkedIn Logo

SA Expert Education Advisor

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. Dr. Rijken’s leadership legacy spans education and military sectors, earning him recognition from various institutions. 

Kath McGuigan LinkedIn Logo

SA Expert Education Advisor

Kath boasts a distinguished 40-year career in education, beginning in Glasgow before moving to Australia in 1985. She holds a Science degree from the University of Glasgow, a teaching Diploma from Notre Dame College of Education, and a Master of Education from Flinders University. In Adelaide, Kath served as a Senior Education Adviser and contributed to the SACE Board’s Accreditation Committee.

She chaired the Association of Heads of Independent Schools (SA and NT) and remains an Honorary member of AHISA. Recently concluding her principalship at Mary MacKillop College, Kath is a firm believer in the transformative power of education. As a certified organisational coach, she is eager to share her leadership experience, mentoring the next generation of educational leaders and continuing her executive coaching for senior professionals. 

John Mula OAM LinkedIn Logo

QLD Expert Education Advisor

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. He continues to champion Catholic education, embodying leadership in mission and learning, and is renowned for his strategic vision and alignment with system priorities. 

David Adams-Jones LinkedIn Logo

QLD and Regional/ Indigineous Communities Expert Education Advisor

David is a highly experienced educational leader with a focus on impactful leadership, change management, and in 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 /partnership cultivation. His dedication to educational improvement and collaboration makes him a respected leader in the field. 

Naomi Noble LinkedIn Logo

WA Expert Education Advisor

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.  

Naomi’s wealth of experience, coupled with her dedication to leadership development and employee engagement, positions her as a highly valuable resource in business and education. Her commitment to enhancing the employee experience and driving organisational success through effective leadership is evident in her extensive track record and qualifications.