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Sara Francolini. Tutor of WEA Sydney

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Michael Gal is Professor Emeritus at the School of Physics of the University of NSW. He has been involved in research and teaching at UNSW for over 30 years. Prior to the UNSW, he worked at various universities and research institutions in the US and in Europe.

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Thilaga Ganapathy is an experienced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tutor with a long-standing background in IT, CRM/ERP systems, and technical writing. She has been teaching since 1988, helping students build practical digital skills in areas like MS Office, email management, online tools, and beginner-friendly tech applications. In her classes, students can expect patient guidance, clear demonstrations, and hands‑on learning to build confidence with technology. Thilaga has a strong passion for lifelong learning, public speaking, and exploring the evolving world of IT. Outside of teaching, she enjoys travelling, photography, and discovering arts and antiques.

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Matthew Gibbs - BEcon, GCertPubAff - has worked as a speaker, writer, adviser and teacher in the financial services, education and cultural industries for over 30 years. He was the General Manager of Media and Communications at the Australian Securities Exchange, serving six CEOs and four Chairs, and held similar roles at the Sydney Futures Exchange and at Axiss Australia, a public agency created to promote Australia as a financial services centre. He is a regular speaker, panellist and moderator for industry forums, training courses and cultural events. Matthew was the President of the Friends of the Nicholson Museum of Antiquities (now part of the Chau Chak Wing Museum) at the University of Sydney and presents programs on the enduring value of William Shakespeare, including touring NSW high schools with his theatre-in-education show A Bit of Bard. Matthew believes in the power of education to realise the poetic advice that it is never too late to seek a newer world.

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Matthew Gibson. Tutor of WEA Sydney

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Christine Gietz (BA Dip Ed, Grad. Cert. in University Teaching) is the Education Manager at WEA Sydney and has held this position since 2021 and has tutored at WEA Sydney since 2012.  She also tutored and lectured in education and academic writing at The University of Notre Dame Australia for several years.  She is currently completing her PhD in Philosophy of Education with a view to graduating in 2025.  In October 2024 she was awarded as Highly Commended Trainer of the Year from Community Colleges Australia.  As a tutor, Christine has a passion for teaching poetry, Shakespeare, the English novel and Journal and Memoir Writing.  She brings an engaging and personal style to her teaching that stimulates topic engagement, student interaction and enduring learning.  She believes that teaching is both a privilege and a joy and it is this sense of joy in discovery and learning which she endeavours to convey to her students.

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Carolina Gonzalez, MCom, Adv.Cert (Mindfulness & Meditation), is a mindfulness and meditation teacher who has been facilitating sessions for women since 2022. Carolina holds an Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Guiding Mindfulness and Meditation with specialised training in Buddhist psychology, meditation for grief, pain, and dying, and Mental Health First Aid. Her work has been featured in Tiny Buddha and Wellbeing Magazine. She is a warm and nurturing teacher who specialises in guiding women to move beyond living in their thoughts and reconnect with their body and emotions, experiencing themselves as whole.

Carolina helps women give themselves permission to put their needs first, drop the guilt, and reclaim the parts of themselves they thought were gone. Through guided meditation, reflective exercises, and accessible mindfulness practices, she supports women to rewire conditioned patterns and access their inner wisdom. Carolina believes mindfulness should be integrated into everyday life, as it is essential for living fully, being present, and cultivating the clarity needed for intentional living.

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Christine has taught French in the UK, the US and Australia at secondary and tertiary levels. She has continued to teach and train adults through her professional life (WEA and Alliance from Beginners to Advanced). She strongly believes in active participation and interactive learning. Christine is passionate about current affairs and the evolution of the French language. Christine travels to France regularly and students enjoy sharing their food and travel experiences during practice conversations. Overall Christine’s classes are relaxed and fun whilst covering language fundamentals.

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Isabel Graham. Tutor of WEA Sydney

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Joakim Groesvik, ADMus (Guitar), has been teaching guitar since 2013 and has over ten years of experience helping students achieve fast results using the structured and proven G4 Guitar Method. Joakim focuses on keeping students motivated and engaged by breaking down concepts in practical ways tailored to individual learning styles. He believes that consistent progress and enjoyment are key to long-term success. Joakim’s teaching approach is clear, goal-oriented, and supportive, ensuring that students not only improve quickly but also stay inspired to keep practicing and developing their skills.