Enlighten’s Founders and National Directors
(contact Enlighten Education Head Office on 1300 735 997)
Dannielle Miller, CEO, Enlighten Education
Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Graduate Certificate in Management (Professional Practice), Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training
“When working with teenagers, it is important to engage them emotionally; if you can capture their hearts, their minds will follow. I am incredibly proud of the work we do and passionate about acting as a catalyst for change.”
Dannielle is a highly respected and experienced educator, author and media commentator on issues affecting teenage girls.
Beginning her career as a high school teacher, she was soon on the path to becoming a major innovator and expert in the field of education. As English Coordinator at a dual campus high school, she was responsible for the curriculum, staffing and quality of learning of the English faculty. Her commitment to student welfare was clear, and she was then commissioned by the Federal Government to be the Full Service Schools Coordinator for high schools - public, Catholic and independent - in the Western Sydney region. In this role, she assessed and advised on programs aimed at keeping in school those students who were at risk of dropping out before completing their education; her advice formed the basis for government funding decisions.
Having gained unique insight into how best to help at-risk students meet their full potential, she was inspired to start up a new program fusing the most effective strategies. The Lighthouse Project was born: mentors give at-risk students workplace responsibilities, which helps the students develop employment skills and allows them to discover the real-world relevance of what they learn at school. This immensely successful program continues in Western Sydney, assuring a bright future for students who may otherwise drop out.
Another of Dannielle’s innovations was a Higher School Certificate (HSC) course she developed in the field of service learning. This type of learning develops students’ entrepreneurial skills while at the same time involving them in meaningful volunteer work that benefits the community. Their work received NSW Board of Studies approval and brought a whole new level of interest to this positive and forward-thinking approach to education.
Her achievements in student welfare and curriculum development, plus long-held concerns about girls’ struggles with body image and self-esteem, came together in 2003, when Dannielle joined with fellow educator Francesca Kaoutal to found their own company, Enlighten Education. The company is based on the belief that by entering into, and engaging with, the world of teenage girls, they can encourage meaningful and constructive conversations about gender, identity, education, careers and girls’ futures.
Enlighten Education won the 2007 Australian Small Business Champion award for Children’s Services and is now a national network of passionate, talented women. In 2007 Dannielle was named the NSW /ACT Small Business Champion Entrepreneur.
In 2009, The Weekend Australian newspaper named Dannielle Australia’s number 1 Emerging Leader in Learning.
Dannielle delights in working with thousands of teenage girls across Australia and New Zealand each year, and she is regularly called upon by the media for her expertise on teen issues. She is an avid blogger (http://enlighteneducation.edublogs.org) and the author of The Butterfly Effect (Random House Australia, September 2009), a book on raising happy, confident teenage girls by forging deeply connected and loving mother-daughter relationships. Her achievements are featured in education journals, her articles have appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, and she is a popular speaker at youth and education conferences and forums.
Dannielle offers parent and teacher information sessions and is available to speak at seminars and conferences: Parent Information Sessions - run by Enlighten's CEO Dannielle Miller
She can be contacted by the media on 0412 097 977 and has her own web site: www.danniellemiller.com.au
Francesca Kaoutal
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
"My greatest achievements include having a wonderful family and a satisfying career. My aim has always been to inspire in young people a belief in their own potential and a belief that learning can be fun and relevant to their world.”
Francesca has also brought her creativity and her desire to empower students to her role as a costume designer for the annual Rock Eisteddfod. Francesca particularly enjoys sharing her passion and flair for creating and designing in the “Style File” component of our programs. In our “Get It Together” workshops, she specialises in helping young women learn to prioritise, become organised and maximise their potential.
NSW Team Members
Kellie Mackereth
Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Education (Drama Studies), Graduate Diploma in Directing (NIDA), Graduate Diploma in Dance Instruction, Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training
“I love working with young people because I find I am constantly challenged by them to confront my own prejudices about the world and look at life from new perspectives. For me, learning is about sharing knowledge, telling stories and gaining new understandings from both our shared and diverse experiences.“
A respected teacher, director, choreographer and performer, Kellie has taught drama, English and dance in public and private schools in South Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales. Kellie has worked in school-based leadership positions as both a Performing Arts Coordinator and Years 9 and 10 Curriculum Coordinator. In 2003 and 2004, Kellie was the recipient of an Australia Council mentorship, during which she trained in aerial skills and choreography. She was also employed as a Stage 2 Drama Moderator for the Northern Territory before moving to Sydney in 2006. She has directed a variety of performances for schools, private studios and theatre companies throughout the Northern Territory and New South Wales.
Nicola Dingle
"I have come to believe that all young people have special gifts particular to them; they just need help in fully recognising this in their formative years. I find immense satisfaction in helping girls to discover their true potential and many gifts. "
Nicola worked in schools in the United Kingdom for 12 years as a Principal Presenter for Learning Performance, a role dedicated to empowering students to become successful, independent learners. Since moving to Australia in 2007 and extending her qualifications, she has devoted her enthusiasm and experience to working with teenage girls through Enlighten and to helping students with learning difficulties.
Nicola is a highly engaging, experienced presenter who manages to combine deep learning with a sense of fun and good humour.
Nikki Davis
Bachelor of Arts (Communications)
“I get the most amazing reaction from people when I tell them about Enlighten and what we do. I believe that many people – both genders, all ages and walks of life – are becoming more and more aware of the need for the work Enlighten does with today’s girls. I have never been more proud to talk about my work and the fact that I get to remind all these gorgeous girls just how special they are.”
A trained dancer and former dance teacher, Nikki spent a number of years performing as a dancer and modelling professionally after completing her Communications degree. Her passion for writing led to a position as the editor of a magazine for young dancers, and a scriptwriting role with a production company followed. Then she moved into a producer role, working on the creation of videos and special events, and often appearing on camera as host.
Training to be a volunteer telephone counsellor with Lifeline gave Nikki the opportunity to explore her interest in counselling and psychotherapy, which she continues to study. It quickly became clear to Nikki during her time at Lifeline that she was particularly interested in social issues related to girls and women.
A former high school student of Enlighten’s CEO, Dannielle Miller, Nikki wanted to be involved the moment she saw the work Enlighten was doing in the community. Experienced in front of a crowd, with lots of stories to tell and a special interest in young women, Nikki has a proven rapport with school-aged girls and offers a unique insight into the worlds of fashion, entertainment and the arts.
Monica Lamata
Yoga and Chiropractic Assistance - may be offered as part of the practical versions of our "Chill Out" and "Stop, Revive, Survive" workshops.
“I believe that yoga can benefit not only your physical wellbeing but your mind and spirit as well, and then you begin to notice that everything else connected to you finds tranquility and balance”.
Monica Lamata has been practicing various styles of yoga for the last 7 years and has a Teachers Training Diploma recognised by the International Yoga Teachers Association. Her teaching style mixes challenging and meditative sequences, always with an awareness of the breath.
Enlighten Education is proud to be part of the transformation process in the following New South Wales schools:
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