Sue den Besten
Founder and Principal

I have been involved in Music Education for the past 30 years, having taught in a variety of school settings: secondary, primary, early childhood, large and also relatively small schools, independent, public and private school systems, as a Consultant in the Arts for Qld Ed., overseas exchange postings and most recently in an International school in China, where I was in charge of a thriving music department and Head of the Senior School. I am passionate about teaching and I believe that is evidenced through my teaching of music. I have always provided opportunities for all students to access the joys of music, dance and drama, regardless of their individual musical ability!

I am excited that Athena College, a lifelong dream is being realised and is on the Gold Coast, providing quality education in the arts. Please feel free to call in and see our school in progress: we are all very proud of this new direction in arts education and look forward to sharing it with you.

Email: sdenbesten@athenacollege.com.au

Stewart Kelly
Teacher of Piano

Stewart is a respected performer, associate artist, pedagogue and conductor. He holds a Bachelor of Music Performance (Distinction) from the Queensland University of Technology where he studied under former Victorian College of the Arts Dean of Music Gillian Wills. He has also been taught by respected Brisbane pianists Mitchell Leigh and Mark Gibson and is currently completing a Master of Music Studies at the Queensland Conservatorium, studying under Diane Selmon. As a chamber musician, Stewart performs as pianist in ‘Refraction’ one of Australia's most dynamic emerging chamber music ensembles as well as performing in a new piano trio, a two piano duo and with a number of singers with whom he regularly collaborates.

Stewart is artistic director of the “Sunday Sessions” concert series. Stewart has performed in masterclasses with pianists such as Michael Kieran Harvey, Piers Lane, Kathryn Stott and Hamish Milne and recorded for 4MBS radio. He is also a passionate teacher and was a foundation member of staff at Athena College. His teaching experience also includes work with St. Michaels Catholic School and St. Andrews Lutheran College.

Saraya Beric
Teacher of Violin

Saraya began violin lessons at the age of 5 and now holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the Queensland Conservatorium where she studied under Michele Walsh (Head of Strings) and Alan Smith (Co-Concertmaster of The Queensland Orchestra).
Saraya started performing on the Gold Coast and has since, performed throughout Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe. She has also performed as a soloist with the Gold Coast Youth Symphony (2002), has been a recitalist in the Gold Coast’s Four Season Soirees and has successfully auditioned for other shows including the Arena Spectacular at the Gold Coast show.
Saraya has also been a member of the Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra, which toured throughout Europe in 2004, and the following year completed a traineeship with The Queensland Orchestra. Most recently she was part of The Deep Blue Orchestra in the 2006 Brisbane Festival.
On the corporate entertainment front, Saraya has been a member of an electric string trio which became the first female group to be signed by Yamaha Music Australia. Currently, she is performing as a Hip Hop Violinist and with some of the countries top Hip Hop acts.
Saraya has had the pleasure of performing with and supporting well known artists such as the acclaimed Australian rock/pop band The Whitlam’s, James Morrison, Jimmy Barnes, Anthony Callea, Shannon Noll, Cheryl Lynn, Tom Thum, Joel Turner and Illzilla.
Saraya is also a co-founder and managing director of Australia’s first all female string orchestra - ‘The String Selection.’

George Carpenter
Teacher of Percussion and Drum Kit

Hi, my name’s George Carpenter and I have been passionately involved with music my whole life. Initially playing woodwinds, I later found myself behind the snare at concert band. At age 9, I began learning drum kit and that has been my life ever since. I have taken tuition from renowned Australian teachers such as Mark Charters, Todd Byrnes, Kerry Jacobson and Darren Farrugia. In my senior year of schooling I was presented with a significant award given to a student who inspires and mentors positively within the performing arts. My playing experience includes percussion in both the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra and the Queensland State Honours Wind Ensembles. As well, in a jazz role with my school’s regional champion Big Band and as drummer/writer/producer in my own professional rock band ‘The Flash’. Aside from teaching, I am currently finishing work on a debut album for ‘The Flash’ as well several other performance projects and a Bachelor of Popular Music at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.


Email: gcarpenter@athenacollege.com.au

Steffanie Kriz
Teacher of Voice & Drama

Steffanie Kriz has joined the staff of Athena College as a singing and theatre arts teacher. She has studied both speech and drama and singing from a very young age. Steffanie’s main passion is musical theatre and she has been a prominent member of the Gold Coast theatre scene for many years. She has been involved in productions including The Sound of Music, Funny Girl, Little Shop of Horrors, A Chorus Line and Into the Woods. She has performed along side Peter Cousins, Stewart Wagstaff and Julie Anthony. Steffanie spent last year working in an English Prep School where she assisted with the choral direction of the choir and with the schools music program. Whilst she was there she co-directed the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Currently Steffanie is Studying Psychology and Education at Griffith University.

Patricia Ciafardini
Teacher of Visual Art

Athena College is proud to have one of the Gold Coast's most revered and loved art specialists working with us. Pat has two decades experience working as a primary art specialist and her genuine love for every child and passion she has for every project is infectious.

In addition to her role at Athena, Pat continues to work full time in a leading Gold Coast private school, making her commitment to work with us even more special and exciting.

Lucy Taylor
Teacher of Ballet and Jazz

I have been a dancer myself since I was four and started teaching as a student teacher when I was 14. I spent 2 years part-time teaching ballet, jazz, tap, cabaret and drama at a Performing Arts School in Tamworth NSW.
I choreographed a musical at my high school in 2006 and really enjoyed working with all types of performers. I have received my Advanced 1 certificate in ballet (RAD) and Bronze star certs in Jazz and Tap (FATD). I’ve also completed a Diploma in Speech and Drama and am currently studying the Diploma in Performance (musical theatre).
I believe dancing should be a time where we can truly be ourselves and feel confident to be in an environment that has no judgement so we can relax and have fun. God’s given us the gift and love of dance and its my passion to teach and use this gift and encourage everyone to follow their dreams.

Janette Sheehan
Teacher of Yoga

Hi my name is Janette. I enjoy teaching Hatha Yoga, especially to beginners, which I have been doing for twelve years. Throughout the year I attend workshops to continue learning. We have a great class on Thursdays, each person working at their own level and modifying the postures as needed. In the class we also do breathing exercises and a guided relaxation to finish off. Classes can be taken on a casual basis or 8 week term.

Sophie Forbes
Teacher of Piano

Hi, my name is Sophie Forbes. I started playing the piano when I was 6 years old and have loved being involved in music ever since. I have played in big bands and accompanied orchestras and soloists throughout middle and high school, as well as the lessons and those dreaded exams!!

I just started my first year at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) studying Industrial Design (which is product design) and I also work in an Architectural Firm in Brisbane.

I hope to be a successful designer while keeping up music and piano for the rest of my life!

Melissa Dorge
Teacher of Drama

Melissa is in her third and final year of a Bachelor of Creative Industries Drama with a minor in Screen Studies at QUT. Mel’s stage experience includes performances in Spotlight’s production of Still Standing (lead female), Rizzo, in Grease, Away, Back to the 80s and The Wiz., She was also an ensemble member in Like Sand, one of the shows from the Brisbane Festival Under the Radar in 2008.This year Melissa is also involved with QUT’s student theatre company, Vena Cava, and is currently coordinating their Fusion Festival.
Melissa has studied Speech and Drama for 12 years and has completed her Trinity College of London exams up to Grade 8 exams and topped the state in her Advanced Performers Certificate in 2006. She is currently completing her ATCL exams.
Mel’s passion lies within the performing arts, predominantly drama and music. She has been involved in the dramatic arts since she was 4 and has participated in a number of theatre, audition skills and acting workshops from NIDA and industry professionals. Mel also continues her voice training with Sue den Besten at Athena College.

While Melissa continues to enjoy her university studies in the area of film, contemporary and traditional performance, she is very excited about becoming a part of the wonderful team at Athena College.

Brittany McCormack
Teacher of Piano & Violin

Hi,my name is Brittany McCormack. My passion for music has become a major part of my life. I began learning classical piano when I was 5, and have been playing and performing ever since. I have also been playing the violin since I was 8, participated in various ensembles, and picked up the flute when I was 10. I have studied Musicianship Theory, and have written my own compositions which have claimed prizes in competitions.

I have experience in teaching and tutoring students in music, and in 2008, I participated in a program where I taught in one of England’s biggest private boarding schools as an assistant teacher for the year. While there, a large portion of my time was spent assisting the Music Department. I was given the responsibility of teaching classroom music, helping out with the school ensembles, assisting in the preparation of concerts involving singing, dancing and music ensembles, and privately tutoring students in piano, violin & theory, in which I prepared and successfully saw them through their examinations.

I am currently attending Griffith University where I am studying Primary Education, later specialising in Music. It has been a dream of mine for many years to become a music teacher, and I hope to encourage this love of music in my students.

Emma Pointon
Teacher of Music Theatre & Early Childhood Music

From a very early age, Emma discovered the wonders of theatre and achieved her first lead role at the age of twelve. This pastime soon turned into her life’s passion and she has since been involved in over 40 amateur, semi professional and festival productions with musical theatre being her love. Emma has recently become part of our team at Athena College teaching Early Childhood Music class on a Friday and Musical Theatre class on Saturday.

Daniel Tedman
Sound & Lighting Technician

Daniel (Teddy) has recently joined Athena to provide expert support with sound and lighting. He has trained in both areas having completed a Certificate II in Live Production Theatre and Events and has a Diploma in Music Industry from SAE. He enjoys bringing a creative flair to the presentation of the performance. Teddy is also a competent bass player and enjoys making music with his band. We look forward to some great shows with Teddy in control of the technical side of things.

Vashti den Besten
Administration & Human Resources

Vashti has been at Athena from its inception. She is responsible for all administration as well as human resource management. Vashti has a Certificate III in Business Management as well as Diplomas in both Events Management and Hospitality. She often finds herself in the theatre classes painting sets or assisting with choreography or making costumes. Her training in theatre makes her an invaluable asset during shows, as she is as adept at rigging a lighting bar and fine tuning the sound as she is at stage management during run-of-show. Vashti is an integral part of Athena College and always makes everyone feel most welcome to be there.

Paulo Natividad
Teacher of Dance

Paulo has been dancing since he was a teen and is driven by his love of dance and a desire to be the best he can in his craft. He has studied with some of the most exciting choreographers in Sth East Queensland and this is evident in his own routines. He has just secured a highly sought after ensemble place in the Robert Young-directed production of "Cabaret". He has also recently danced in "The Wedding Singer" and as a guest dancer at our very own "You Are A Star" concert, where he wowed the audience with his grace and incredible athleticism. Welcome to Athena Paulo, we are very excited to have you on board!

Bek Hughes
Teacher of Singing and Piano

Hi, my name is Bek Hughes. I have been involved with music my whole life, and it has developed into such a passion of mine. At the age of 8 I began classical piano, which I studied for a further 8 years, and have been playing and enjoying ever since. During my schooling years the arts was a huge part of my education, performing at assemblies and eisteddfods and also competing outside of my school. I have been singing my whole life and I intend continuing for the rest of my life.
Although I have a interest in classical music, I have a real fascination with alternative and pop music. I have recently done a couple of live stage gigs, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and would love to continue doing. Having studied both drama and singing during school, I absolutely love stage work and have performed in many musicals including "Little Shop of Horrors", "High School Musical", "Grease" and "The Wedding Singer". To have such passions and be able to further them even more by being able to teach them to others, is a real blessing that I have been granted.

Tom Moore
Teacher of Drums and Guitar

Tom is an established studio and live drummer having worked with a number of artists nationally and internationally. At a young age he had already begun performing at festivals such as the Broadbeach Blues Festival and with the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra Big Band. Having received endorsements from Yamaha Drums and Paiste Cymbals he is a respected and reputable musician within the music community. If Tom isn’t drumming on-stage its most likely he can be found behind the sound desk or planning lighting designs. As a multi-instrumentalist, Tom enjoys spending time sharing his knowledge to keen musicians and is excited to be a part of the Athena team in 2010!

Morgan Goulding
Teacher of Flute, Piano and Drama

Hi there, my name is Morgan Goulding and I specialise in flute, piano & drama. Music and drama have been a part of my life for over eight years and I enjoy every moment of it. My journey began when I was 7 and was encouraged to start speech and drama. A year later I started learning piano and realised I loved to hear the sound of music emanating from such beautiful instruments. I wanted to learn a second instrument and chose the flute for its mysterious and alluring sound.

I have participated in many school bands and ensembles and was a member of the GCYO (Gold Coast Youth Orchestra) Wind Ensemble for 2 years and Youth Symphony for six months. I have also competed and placed in many eisteddfods and competitions. I am presently a Year 11 student wishing to pursue a career in music.

I hope to share my passion for music and drama with my students, strive for achievement and have fun!

Bosiljka (Ika) Dobrenov
Teacher of Piano

It is with great pleasure that we welcome, Bosiljka(Ika) Dobrenov to Athena College. Ika is a graduate of the University of Belgrade and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and talent with us. Ika has performed on several occasions as a concert pianist and is the author of a number of piano teaching method books. Athena College is fortunate to have this world-class piano teacher on our staff and we are pleased to present her to our students. Dont miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from this wonderful teacher.