Our Team

Our Team

At Switch Education, our strength lies in our specialist teams who understand the unique needs of every learning environment. Our Early Childhood team partners with centres to provide high-quality educators who nurture and support children in their formative years. Our schools team works closely with primary and secondary schools to source reliable, skilled teachers and leaders who keep learning on track.

Through Aspire2, our dedicated educational leadership division, we connect schools and systems with exceptional executive and leadership talent across Australia and internationally. Together, our teams deliver tailored workforce solutions that support education at every stage.

Tara Staritski

Company CEO

Rowena Helps

General Manager

Mark Bollinger

Mark Bollinger

National Senior Consultant
(Senior Years - Schools Division)

Sandra Barratt

National Senior Consultant
(Primary Years - Schools Division)

Michael Boots

International Executive Search Consultant

Matt Linn

National Executive Education Consultant

Katherine Todd

Education Administration & Support Coordinator

Chrissy Keddie

Administration & Allocations Lead

Yvette Windsor

Client Liaison

Allie Hambleton

HR, People, Talent & Workforce Strategy

Maxine Ross

Accounts & Finance

Kylie Higgs

Digital Marketing and Brand Consultant

Ann-Marie

Anne Marie O’Grady

Industry Partnerships & Education Consultant
(Early Years Division)

Leanne De Young

Education Officer & Support Coordinator

Claire Willers

Candidate & Staff Liaison

Justin S

Justin Staritski

Technology, Digital Strategy & Finance

Tara Staritski

CEO & Founder

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

General Manager

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. 

Mark Bollinger

Mark Bollinger

National Senior Consultant
(Senior Years - School Division)

Mark brings over 14 years of teaching expertise from Australia and overseas. He has a strong passion for education. From teaching English to diverse age groups, including 2-year-olds, to excelling in multifaceted roles like General English Teacher, Coordinator for General English, and Director of Studies, Mark’s experience is versatile. In his role as the Coordinator for General English, he provided invaluable support to fellow teachers, offering resources, curriculum guidance, intervention plans, and academic counselling. Moreover, Mark managed daily TRT organisation, ensuring a smooth educational process.  

Mark’s role as Director of Studies elevated his responsibilities, overseeing the teaching staff, managing class rescheduling, organising professional development, developing curriculum, and orchestrating assessment moderation. He played a pivotal role in policy development, recruitment, student recommendations, and safety as a WHS representative and fire warden. 

Today, Mark’s role at Switch Education focuses on supporting candidates through the recruitment process, working with contracts for sites, WHS Risk assessments, and building strong client relationships, reflecting his commitment to education’s growth and success. 

Sandra Barratt

National Senior Consultant
(Primary Years - Schools Division)

Sandra is a versatile professional with a multifaceted career journey, seamlessly weaving expertise in education and customer service.  

Sandra’s commitment to education is evident through her academic achievements at the University of South Australia, where she proudly earned a Master’s in Teaching and a Bachelor’s in Applied Science in Human Movement. Currently serving as an Education Support Officer in a primary school, Sandra actively contributes to curriculum development, engaging with students in small group settings, and efficiently managing administrative tasks while collaborating closely with educators. 

However, it is her pivotal role as an Education Officer at SWITCH Education that truly showcases her diverse skill set, impeccable organisational acumen, and adept problem-solving abilities. In this capacity, Sandra efficiently manages bookings, addresses issues promptly, and supports a myriad of education-related tasks, making her a vital asset to the team. Her journey is a testament to her adaptability and her ability to excel in various professional roles, especially at SWITCH Education, where her dedication and versatile skill set shine most brightly. 

Michael Boots

International Executive Search 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.

Matt Linn

National Executive Education Consultant

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.

At Aspire2, Matt partners with schools and boards globally to find and develop exceptional leaders – not through traditional recruitment, but through a deeper understanding of context, culture, and fit. He is recognised for his strategic thinking, his genuine care for people, and his ability to align leadership to the needs of each school context.

Katherine Todd

Education Officer & Support Coordinator

Katherine Todd is the Education Officer and Support Coordinator at Switch Education, where she supports educators throughout their journey with Switch while helping maintain strong relationships with schools and early learning centres.

With a background in education and a strong commitment to supporting educators, Katherine works closely with the Switch team to assist with educator onboarding, professional support, and day-to-day coordination. She plays an important role in ensuring educators feel confident, prepared, and well supported when working across partner sites.

Katherine is passionate about helping educators succeed in their roles and contributing to positive learning environments for students and education communities across South Australia.

Chrissy Keddie

Administration & Allocations Lead

Chrissy Keddie is the Administration and Allocations Lead at Switch Education, where she oversees the coordination of educator placements and supports the smooth delivery of staffing services across schools and early learning settings.

With a strong focus on organisation, responsiveness, and team support, Chrissy works closely with educators, schools, and the Switch team to manage bookings, allocations, and daily operational processes. She plays an important role in ensuring that schools and centres receive timely, reliable staffing support while maintaining strong relationships with educators across the Switch network.

Chrissy is known for her practical approach, attention to detail, and commitment to supporting both educators and education partners across the sector.

Yvette Windsor

Client Liaison

Yvette has a multifaceted career spanning education, administration, and project management. With a foundation as a dedicated primary school teacher in NSW and the ACT for over 10 years, Yvette brought her classroom expertise to higher education as a Work Integrated Learning Officer at Flinders University, skillfully placing pre-service teachers and engaging with school leadership teams.

Her collaborative spirit and adaptability shone through as she coordinated events and projects. 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 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.

Allie Hambleton

HR Professional

Allie Hambleton is an experienced HR and People & Talent professional who supports Switch Education with practical, commercially focused HR advice and guidance. Working closely with the Switch team and our education partners, Allie helps ensure our people practices, contracts and policies remain compliant, effective and aligned with best practice. 

With experience across Australia, the UK, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Allie brings a global perspective to people and talent management. Her background spans employee relations, performance management, HR systems implementation and organisational change in complex, fast-paced environments. 

At Switch Education, Allie supports both the internal team and our clients with HR advisory matters, employment documentation and workplace guidance. She is passionate about helping organisations build positive, well-supported workplaces where people and teams can thrive.

Maxine Ross

Accounts & Finance

Maxine has been part of Switch Education since its inception, providing steady and trusted financial support for more than 20 years. With early training in banking and accounts administration, she developed strong expertise in reconciliations, financial reporting and compliance, forming the foundation of her career in finance and administration. 

Her experience spans health, education, retail and hospitality, including 16 years as an owner-operator of an accommodation business. In that role, she managed the full scope of operations, from accounts and payroll to marketing and conference coordination, building strong commercial insight and organisational capability. 

At Switch Education, Maxine manages the finance and payroll administration that supports our staffing services. From processing payroll and maintaining accurate financial records to managing invoicing and debtor accounts, she helps ensure the financial side of the business runs smoothly. Her attention to detail, reliability and long-standing dedication make her a valued and integral member of the Switch team. 

Kylie Higgs

Digital Marketing & Brand Consultant

Kylie is Switch Education’s Digital Marketing Consultant, bringing over 20 years of marketing experience across diverse industries. She specialises in aligning clear, purposeful messaging with the right audience, helping to strengthen Switch’s digital presence and brand impact.

Her expertise spans website content management, SEO, email marketing, social media strategy, communications and digital advertising. Kylie combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, using data-driven insights to optimise campaigns and improve engagement.

Passionate about education and communication, Kylie works closely with the Switch team to ensure content is authentic, accessible and results-focused to better support schools, educators and leaders across Australia.

Ann-Marie

Anne-Marie O’Grady

Industry Partnerships & Education Consultant

Anne-Marie O’Grady is the Industry Partnerships and Education Officer at Switch Education, where she works closely with schools, early learning centres, universities, and education partners to strengthen pathways into the profession and support workforce development across the sector. 

Anne-Marie brings extensive experience across the South Australian education landscape, with a strong focus on early years education, vocational pathways, and student engagement. Her work has centred on building connections between education and industry, supporting future educators, and creating meaningful opportunities for students and emerging professionals. 

At Switch Education, Anne-Marie plays a key role in developing partnerships with universities, career hubs, and education organisations, with a particular focus on strengthening early childhood workforce pathways and supporting the growth of the next generation of educators. 

Leanne De Young

Administration and Allocations Officer

Leanne De Young is part of the Administration and Allocations team at Switch Education, supporting the coordination of educator bookings and the day-to-day operations that connect schools and early learning centres with quality staff.

Leanne brings a strong background in secondary education and vocational education and training (VET), with experience supporting student pathways, industry engagement, and program coordination. Her work in education has focused on helping students connect learning with real-world opportunities and supporting positive outcomes for young people.

At Switch Education, Leanne works closely with schools, centres, and educators to manage placements, provide administrative support, and ensure a smooth and responsive service for clients and staff across the Switch network.

Claire Willers

Candidate & Staff Liaison

Claire Willers is the Candidate and Staff Liaison at Switch Education, where she works closely with educators to support them throughout their journey with Switch and ensure they feel connected, informed, and well supported when working across our partner sites.

Claire brings extensive experience in administration, team leadership, and customer-facing roles across education and organisational settings. Her background includes coordinating teams, managing data and systems, and supporting operational processes within large education organisations.

At Switch Education, Claire plays a key role in maintaining strong relationships with educators, assisting with communication, onboarding support, and day-to-day enquiries. She is passionate about providing responsive support and helping create positive experiences for educators and clients across the Switch network.

Justin S

Justin Staritski

Technology, Digital Strategy & Finance

Justin brings more than 20 years of experience across accounting, commercial leadership and technology development, with a strong focus on building scalable digital systems that support organisational growth and operational excellence.

Beginning his career with Ernst & Young, Justin progressed into senior finance and business development roles before founding Expeed Technology in 2005. Under his leadership, the company developed a sector-specific CRM platform now used by leading Australian sporting organisations to manage membership, engagement and data-driven decision-making.

Within Aspire2 and Switch Education, Justin provides strategic oversight across technology, digital infrastructure and financial systems. He leads the design and integration of CRM architecture, app and new tech platforms and reporting frameworks, ensuring secure data governance, streamlined workflows and scalable infrastructure to support national and international growth. His commercial acumen strengthens financial forecasting, risk management and performance analysis, enabling informed decision-making across both divisions.

Through the alignment of digital strategy and financial oversight, Justin plays a critical role in ensuring that Aspire2 and Switch Education operate with strong systems, intelligent automation and sustainable commercial foundations.