Enlighten’s Founders and National Directors
(contact Enlighten Education Head Office on 1300 735 997)
(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 one Emerging Leader in Learning whilst (the) Sydney Magazine (Sydney Morning Herald) also named her as one of Sydney's Top 100 Influential People.
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.
Victorian 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 a part of the transformation process in the following Victorian schools:
Ballarat Grammar
Beaconhills College
Bolwarra Primary School
Catholic Regional College North Keilor
Dartmoor Primary School
Donvale Christian College
Firbank Grammar
Girton Grammar School
Good Shepherd College
Heywood Consolidated School
Ivanhoe Grammar School
Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School
Kilvington Girls' Grammar
Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School
Marian College
Mater Christi College
Melbourne Girls College
Mount Saint Joseph Girls' College
Mount Lilydale Mercy College
Narrawong District Primary School
Portland South Primary School
Portland North Primary School
Sacre Coeur College
Sacred Heart College Geelong
St Margaret's
The King David School
The Knox School
Tintern Girls Grammar School
Victory Christian College
Testimonials
“Thank you so much Sonia for an absolutely fantastic workshop and day with the girls. I was very apprehensive about the day and how it would go; there was a lot to organise and some schools were less receptive than others about the whole girls' thing'. Had they been there on Thursday they would have changed their opinions. To see the girls so receptive and willing to listen and share their thoughts was so brilliant. The quiet girls bonded with the more confident girls. The girls who are less accepted by the so called ‘more popular’ girls shone out as they shared their feelings. Girls who are often pushed aside by the ‘popular’ girls felt confident enough to express their feelings in front of others and the other girls saw this as very brave.
For me personally, it helped reinforce the need for such programs for girls. Girls are special and do need to be nurtured along life’s journey. All the work Mary and I have done with the girls was further reinforced by your workshops, Sonia. Thank you. You were/are a breath of fresh air. The girls loved that about you. Your honesty, your enthusiasm and your love for your job was refreshing and it made the girls more willing to listen and respond. The evaluation comments from the girls are really important and worthwhile to read. I read them and it made my heart flutter. You should have been on the bus on the way home, which was awesome too.
Best wishes to you Sonia and the Enlighten Education group. The work you are doing is worthwhile and motivating. It would be a pleasure to pass the good word around.”
Fiona Isles, Wellbeing Officer, Portland Education Network Office
"Sonia was bright, bubbly and energetic; it was hard for the girls not to love her! You could tell she was so passionate about sharing the information with the students. Great workshops with some practical activities to mix things up a bit. Well worth incorporating into our program - we look forward to it again next year. Thanks so much!"
Karen Bryce, Health and Human Development Teacher, Kilvington Girls' Grammar
"Now! This was a hugely successful event. The girls were tentative to their approach as they walked in but Sonia had them eating out of her hands the minute she greeted them. A lovely, soft, gentle yet powerful facilitator - a role model for girls. Our group of girls are still absolutely buzzing. They really do feel empowered and loved Sonia's enthusiasm and positive approach. We (the staff) appreciated being able to participate without having to worry about doing anything. Everything was taken care of."
Bronwyn Heath, Year 8 Coordinator, Ballarat Grammar
"I read the girls' responses from the day with great delight, Sonia. You have done well. I don't think I can remember such an overwhelmingly positive response to a workshop before! Congratulations."
Renata Rowe, Head of Secondary (Plenty Campus), Ivanhoe Grammar School
"The workshops provided where delivered with professionalism and passion. Sonia demonstrated the traits she was encouraging within her own story and in her dealings with the girls at all times. Sonia’s group management was a credit to her experience but also to her genuine appreciation for young girls and their value and uniqueness. This group of girls arrived very skeptical and somewhat reluctantly and left buzzing, enthusiastic and pleasantly surprised and encouraged, as was very evident in the feedback forms. The content of the workshops was up-to-date, relevant and fun as well as informative."
Analy Alfonso, Welfare Officer, Heritage College – Narre Warren Campus
"I think the day was fantastic! It was very valuable to the girls who gained so much from the day. Sonia’s energy and enthusiasm really hit a cord with the group. They leant some vital skills and information about body image, self confidence and valuing who you are. Excellent!! Even the following week, some of the students were saying that they were still on a high and others were saying that they do the affirmations and positive self talk."
Donna Taylor, B UR Best Coordinator, St Joseph’s College Echuca
"I thought the day was a wonderful experience for our year 9 girls. They were interested in each workshop and Sonia’s positive demeanor had a huge impact on the girls. They learnt important information about staying safe, standing up for themselves and how to further appreciate / value who they are. Even now, the girls are still talking about their experience from the day, showing that they really valued those workshops. Sonia was able to very quickly gain the trust of the girls and they just loved her!! They also provided ample detail on their self reflections which were all very positive. I can not speak highly enough about the program. Thank you so much."
Kristen Watson, Year 9 Focus Day Coordinator, St Joseph’s College Echuca
"The girls from Year 8 loved 'The Butterfly Effect' and it has definitely had a lasting impact on them. Our school has had feedback from the parents to say what a difference it has made to their daughter’s attitude to things at home and teachers were positive about the program.I would definitely be interested in running a program for our girls in the future. Thank you."
Belinda Frew, Year 8 Coordinator, Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School