Our Team
President - Linda Drenkhahn
Linda is currently the Careers Adviser at Bulahdelah Central School. Her original CA’s training was in 1994 through the Department when she was a general secondary teacher at Trundle Central School. She spent 5 years at Broken Hill High School as full-time CA before moving to Great Lakes College in 2003 and to her current position in 2017. Linda upgraded her Careers qualification through ACU in 2011 to further develop her knowledge and skills. As a professional Careers Adviser with many years of experience, she enjoys a high level of respect from her peers. She has assisted and mentored fellow Careers Advisers many times also giving freely of resources and programs that she has developed for the benefit and use of others. Linda has held active voluntary executive roles both within her local careers network as Secretary and President, and at the NSW CAA level where she held the Secretary position for 2012-14. Linda stepped up in 2020 to fill a casual vacancy on the CAA Executive Committee and was appointed President of CAA in November 2024.
Vice President, Government Schools - Mick Lee
Mick has been a Careers Adviser in the Hunter Valley for more than 20 years. He has been an active member of his local Careers Adviser network and has previously been a member of the CAA Executive Committee as Membership & Awards Officer in 2009 after being co-opted to the committee in 2008. Mick is currently undertaking the role of Head Teacher Careers in the Educational Pathways Program. He was a member of the CAA Advocacy Committee where he promoted and supported the role of Careers Advisers in Government, Independent and Catholic Schools. Mick has presented at several CAA New Careers Advisers Days, providing education and support to new Careers Advisers. Mick has also delivered exciting and valuable workshops at Conference many times. In 2019, he was recognised by his peers by being awarded the Hilary Bolin Award. He has joined the CAA Executive Committee to ensure regional Careers Advisers continue to have a voice at the state level.
Vice President, Non-Government Schools - Jo Pilgrim
Jo is a distinguished educator and leader of Careers Transitions and Pathways at MacKillop College Port Macquarie, bringing 32 years of comprehensive experience to her role. Her career began in science education at Irrawang High School under the Targeted Graduate Scheme, where she built a strong foundation over ten years before transitioning to the Catholic system on the North Coast.
Jo holds a career qualification from ACU and has been instrumental in transforming career guidance at MacKillop College. She has successfully introduced high-impact initiatives focused on forging strong connections between the school, students, and parents, driving greater student accountability and preparation for post-school life. Her dedication was formally recognised with a National Teachers Award for her exceptional work with students facing mental health and behavioural challenges.
In addition to her school leadership of careers, Jo is the Vice President of her local career's association, underscoring her commitment to the broader educational community. Known for her humour, exceptional people skills, and powerful networking ability, Jo operates with a strategic, big-picture mindset while ensuring success through meticulous focus on the finer details. She enjoys being part of the CAA big picture and thrives on collaboration, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the team.
Secretary - Glenys Lawson
Glenys served on the CAA Executive Committee from 2014 to 2018 as the Association’s Treasurer and again in 2024. She was appointed Vice President in November 2024 and Secretary in 2025. Glenys is an advocate for regional area members and continues to ensure our members in regional areas are supported in their roles as Careers Advisers. Glenys has been a mentor and support for colleagues across the state, especially those in the Far North Coast (Tweed/Byron) network and across all educational sectors. Glenys developed the concept of an online Work Studies course to help her students under threat of disengaging which has become a 120-hour course on Google classrooms that helps bring the HSC back into reality for those students becoming disengaged from their learning. Her Curriculum knowledge is encyclopedic, and she always has awesome insight and breadth of knowledge.
Treasurer - Nathan Cassilles
Nathan is in his 13th year as Careers Adviser and VET Coordinator at Yanco Agricultural High School, a fully residential public school located in the Western Riverina. He originally trained as a PDHPE teacher at the University of Wollongong and later completed a Graduate Certificate in Careers Education through RMIT. Nathan served as president of the Western Riverina Careers Adviser Network for 7 years before shifting his focus to supporting Careers Advisers on a statewide level through the Careers Advisers Association (CAA). He is also an executive board member with a local group training provider and employment centre, as well as part of the steering committee for the "Grow Our Own" program, an initiative connecting business, industry, and education to inspire young people to live, work, and learn in the Riverina. With two years of experience as an executive member of the NSW CAA, Nathan remains passionate about Career Education and creating opportunities for rural and remote students.
Committee Member - Sarah Greenwood
Sarah is in her 12th year as Careers Adviser at William Clarke College, Kellyville and has been an active member of the NSW CAA since 2013. She originally trained as teacher of Geography, History and Society and Culture at Macquarie University, then completed postgraduate Careers Education qualifications at Australian Catholic University. Sarah has introduced many initiatives in her role, with a special focus on school-based apprenticeships and traineeships as well as community and industry engagement. She is passionate about guiding students into meaningful post-school pathways and connecting students to the world outside of school through work experience, community mentoring programs and industry expos. Sarah enjoys mentoring new Careers Advisers, recognising the tremendous support she has received from association members in the past. She was appointed executive committee member in November 2024.
Committee Member - Mick McKinley
Mick is a dedicated and highly experienced educator with over 30 years of teaching experience in both Australia and overseas, including the past 19 years devoted to Careers Education. Throughout his career, Mick has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, professional development, and the advancement of Careers Education as a vital component of schooling. He is an active and long-standing member of both the Newcastle Hunter Valley Careers Adviser Association and the NSW/ACT Careers Advisers Association. In these roles, Mick has not only contributed to the profession through active participation but has also played a key role in mentoring newly appointed Careers Advisers. His guidance and support have helped shape the practice of early-career professionals, fostering a strong sense of collegiality and professionalism within the field.
Mick is known for his approachable and supportive nature, maintaining an open-door policy and ensuring he is readily available to students and parents via email and mobile communication. His commitment to accessibility and care has been a cornerstone of his practice. Currently serving at Lambton High School, where he will remain until his retirement, Mick is proud to contribute to the continued success and reputation of one of the region's leading educational institutions. His wealth of experience, mentorship, and dedication to continuous improvement make him a valuable committee member.
Committee Member - Johanna Barker
Johanna has been part of the Norwest Christian College for five years and is now in her third year as Careers Adviser and VET Coordinator. Drawing on more than 20 years experience across the not-for-profit and professional sectors - including youth work, leadership coaching, and career development training through QUT - she brings a depth of expertise to guiding students as they navigate their pathways into the world of work.
In her time as Careers Adviser, Johanna has developed and implemented a comprehensive Careers Education Program for Years 10-12, expanded Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways, and built stronger communication channels and resources for the senior school community. She is deeply passionate about designing flexible, personalised pathway options that honour each student's unique strengths and purpose. With a particular commitment to students who are not traditionally academically inclined and to neurodiverse learners, she strives to help every young person find their place and fit in the world of work.
Having benefited greatly from the mentorship of other CAA members, Johanna is equally committed to supporting her peers. She shares practical resources and industry partnerships with her fellow Careers Advisers to equip them to thrive in their roles as they aim to tailor programs that reflect the specific needs of their school communities and student cohorts.
Committee Member - Kath Hayward
Kath Hayward is the Careers Adviser and Head Teacher Learning Support at The Jannali High School, leading a dedicated team to support students with diverse needs in a mainstream setting. With over a decade of experience as a Careers Adviser, Kath values strong relationships with students, families, colleagues and the community. Kath convenes the Sutherland Shire Careers Adviser Network, forging partnerships with all school sectors leading collaboration and professional learning opportunities.
Commencing her career as a PDHPE Teacher, Kath went on to spend ten years at QANTAS, before returning to public education and retraining in Careers Education & Development at RMIT. Kath connects students to real-world opportunities through personalised career planning, employer engagement, and meaningful work experience programs, empowering students to explore their future pathways with confidence.
Kath was a finalist in the CAA Careers Adviser of the Year Awards in 2024. She recognises the enormous support and development opportunities provided to Careers Advisers by the Careers Advisers Association. Appointed a CAA Committee Member in 2025, Kath stands to be a voice for her colleagues and to contribute her experience to help shape the future direction of the association, ensuring it reflects the needs and aspirations of its members.
Chief Executive Officer - Alison M
Alison has a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She is a corporate law specialist as in-house legal counsel in the corporate sector. Alison commenced as external legal counsel for CAA before extending her responsibilities to running CAA.
Finance & Administration Officer - Rebekah Cook
Rebekah is an experienced School Support Officer, having worked in high schools to support Careers Advisers with NESA and curriculum administration. She has also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) at Western Sydney University. Rebekah is CAA’s Administration and Finance Officer and is enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with and support Careers Advisers to deliver quality Career Education Programs and opportunities to students throughout NSW and ACT.
Administration Officer - Ashley Lennon
With extensive experience in administration and account keeping and a Certificate IV in Business Administration, Ashley brings a strong skill set in communication, organisation, problem-solving and client support. Known for her reliability and adaptability, Ashley is passionate about contributing to a collaborative team environment and supporting the great work of Careers Advisers in our schools.