The HWLLEN is supported by the Victorian Government
Meet the Team ......
Kim Stadtmiller - Executive Officer
I have had the privilege of working with the HWLLEN since 2006 and thoroughly enjoy working with this fantastic team of people. Over the years, I have steadily progressed through the various roles to my current position of EO-Whittlesea and value the support of my co-EO, Nicky, as we juggle the demands of the position we share.
My professional background is in education having taught in secondary schools in Sydney, Melbourne and Geelong and held several leadership roles including the coordination of various year levels and arts faculties, as well as spending time as a public relations officer. My passion for supporting young people in education, their pursuit for engaging in the arts, and in their search for meaningful pathways, extends to the work I am doing now.
During my many years with the HWLLEN, I have found the work engaging and challenging due to the ever-changing environment in which we work and the varied and emerging needs of young people as they progress to life beyond compulsory schooling. I value the opportunity to facilitate the Whittlesea Youth Commitment (WYC) and to continue its long tradition of brokering partnerships with amazing people from a diverse range of organisations, and I have gained much satisfaction from seeing the synergies of purpose come together to create new connections and exciting outcomes for young people in Whittlesea.
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I tend to think my creative approach to my current work stems from my passion for the arts, history and cultural studies. As a Visual Arts teacher, I was always looking for new and exciting ways of engaging students and providing the scaffold to encourage their growth and understanding of self. My adventurous spirit has led to a strong desire to travel and explore various regions across Australia and overseas – something I hope to continue doing for many years to come.
Christine Panagiotou - Structured Workplace Learning Coordinator
I have been working at the HWLLEN since 2017 as a Structured Workplace Learning Coordinator. I am very passionate about the projects and the programs that our LLEN offers. My role in providing opportunities for young people to explore the world of work through their SWL placements is extremely rewarding. There is great satisfaction in seeing a student begin an SWL placement that leads to an SBAT or permanent employment. The role is interesting and diverse, allowing connections to be made with industry, students, educators, and the community.
In my spare time, I enjoy practicing mindfulness and meditation and have an overall interest in Wellness and Wellbeing. I have a passion for traveling and often dream about revisiting the beautiful turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. I am looking forward to ticking off many more destinations that are on my bucket list. Long walks in National Parks or being surrounded by nature is my medicine and downtime, it’s my time for grounding, pausing, and sensing all of nature’s glory.
Constantine (Kostas) Tsingas - Structured Workplace Learning Officer
I joined the HWLLEN in February 2019 to work in the Structured Workplace Learning program three days per week. A year later, I took on the responsibility of editing our LLEN’s newsletter.
I fondly remember my childhood years, especially the sheer beauty of the landscape, the twinkling of the milky way at night and been woken up by the chirping of the birds, the buzzing of the bees, the warmth of the sun and being lost in the wonders of our extraordinary planet.
While I’m pretty good at doing many things, one thing I wished my brain could be better at, is reading and writing music as well as playing musical instruments so I can compose rousing music that can talk to people.
Jenny Bazzano - Office & Events Administrator
I have been with HWLLEN since March 2010, starting out just a few hours a week to now working 4 days a week.
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I have been working in administration fields for many years, from an Office Junior to Executive Assistant for a varied range of industry sectors - Event Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Government Agencies and since 2010 Community.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time and travelling with my family and friends. When not rushing children around I enjoy binge watching any great series or movies.
Helen Mecozzi - Events & Project Officer-Whittlesea
I have been working for the HWLLEN for 9 years, prior to this I was working in Administration at a university for 16 years. I love working on events and giving young people the opportunity to see all the different options and support available to them.
I have three teenage children which keep me extremely busy. When I am not ubering my children around I do love to go to the NBL basketball and binge-watch football all weekend!
Fiona O'Grady - Inclusivity & Diversity Project Officer
I joined the HWLLEN Team in early 2019 on a nine-month contract to deliver the Imagineering project. Having completed that project, I have since developed the School Industry Guest Speaker program, coordinated the DRUMBEAT program and is currently working on the Neurodiverse Young People’s project. I have worked closely with, Primary and Secondary schools, community organisations, Local government, Universities and TAFE’s and numerous key project stakeholders. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Latrobe University and a Certificate 4 in Disability from RMIT. Over the past 25 years I have worked in Film and Education, Arts and Culture, and in Community and Disability. I love film and TV, my friends and family, holidaying, and my cat Hud.
Cynthia Petridis - TAC L2P Coordinator
I joined the HWLLEN team in 2019 and what a wonderful opportunity I was given to step into the Community Services and Education sector, a refreshing change from the corporate world I had worked in for 14 years. I was on a contract to deliver DRUMBEAT a behavioural therapeutic program incorporating hand drumming with the African Djembe Drums. The program was delivered to Middle Years students and gave me a sense of satisfaction to see the positive outcomes it delivered in young people. Since then, I have supported other HWLLEN projects most recently the Imagineering Plus program and L2P. I love working at the HWLLEN and the diversity it offers me to expand my skill set in this new sector…. As well as the wonderful team I have come to know so well.
On a personal note, I have a passion for all things health and wellbeing, spending my spare time outdoors, exercising and eating my way through the weekly farmers markets in our local area. I live my life to provide the most for my three children and love spending time with my husband and kids travelling and filling our weekends with new adventures.
Sofie Cross - Project Officer
I commenced working with the HWLLEN in 2022 and lead the Imagineering Plus program. I have worked in the disability sector for over 20 years and have worked as a Lead Teacher in a tertiary setting for over 4 years. I have worked closely with schools, service providers and community agencies over her career and is passionate about empowering young people.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and enjoy trips away, walking, and spending time outdoors.