Our Team for 2025!
Giant Steps Tasmania has a fantastic team of professionals dedicated to supporting our students.
Leadership Team
Striving for excellence!
Our Leadership Team was created in 2021 to meet the developing needs of our growing school.
In 2025 our Leadership Team is comprised of our Principal Kimberly Trebilco, our Occupational Therapist Siaren Lacangan, our Head of Learning and Development Angela Karpeles and our Lead Teacher Irene Singleton. This group meets regularly to discuss school issues and manage all aspects of Giant Steps. Our team are a valuable resource that our staff and families can call on for advice and assistance.
Occupational Therapist
Siaren Lacangan
Siaren works in individual and small group sessions with the students. She provides a variety of services for our children which support the many sensory, physical, social and proprioceptive issues they face.
As a member of our Leadership Team Siaren provides valuable advice to staff on the various sensory, behavioural and physical needs of our students.
Siaren is always available to talk to parents and other stakeholders about the progress of our students.
Head of Learning and Development
Angela Karpeles
Angela supports staff across the school with all things teaching and learning including assessment, planning and curriculum development as well as with the development of student Individual Education Plans.
Angela also supports the principal with a range of tasks including staff rostering, staff mentoring and staff professional development.
As a member of our Leadership Team Angela is always available to talk to staff, and support staff with conversations with parents or other key stakeholders about our students.
Lead Teacher
Irene Singleton
Irene works between all of our class groups with a focus on particular subjects and programs. This role has added some extra flexibility for our teachers and extra value for our students.
As a member of our Leadership Team, Irene supports with a range of activities across our school including whole school wellbeing, safeguarding, sporting schools applications and organisation of our technology.
Teachers
Our teaching team consists of four qualified classroom
teachers: Michael Bissell in Green Room, Jenna Wallace in Red Room, Antonio Zanchetta in Orange
Room, and Danielle Whatley in Blue Room. Our
teachers manage the individual education and support plans for
each child. It is a role that requires a great deal of skill and an
ability to multitask and differentiate every lesson.
Teacher Assistants
Our school has a large team of dedicated and passionate teacher assistants who work across each of the four classrooms. Our teacher assistants are an essential component of the smooth and effective functioning of our school. They are an important part of our teaching teams, and work collaboratively with the classroom teachers to implement programs to support our students’ learning and development. Our teacher assistants work hard every day to support the curricular and learning needs of our students. Additionally, they offer a range of support and assistance to our students from personal care support, social skills, emotional regulation and behavioural support, to playing games and having fun!
Business Manager
Karina Johnstone
Karina’s role encompasses managing all financial aspects of the school including budgeting, operational finances and procurement. As a valued member of the school’s management team, Karina also supports the principal in financial and strategic planning, and overseeing works, repairs, and master planning.
Ancillary Staff
Our school is also supported by a small yet invaluable team of ancillary staff.Our administration team is comprised of Leanne Osmond, administration officer, and Susan Drake, administration and finance officer. Between them they look after administration and operational tasks including general student and staff administration, ordering and maintaining resources, and archiving.
Our faculty attendant is Jed Kelly, who works tirelessly around the school ensuring the grounds are safe and tidy, and carrying out general maintenance and repairs.
Our bus drivers are Sam Kelly, Jon Cracknell and Larisa Shaw, who ensure our students arrive at school on time and return them home safe and happy