Board Members 2008-2009
Sylvia Habel (President)
Sylvia is well versed in mental health, wellbeing and human behaviour issues. Her senior leadership experience in schools and at system level has put her in a position where she is widely consulted about complex problems needing immediate resolution and insight. Sylvia supports others to build the capacity to develop their own situation specific solutions.
Sylvia's professional study in Masters of Educational Leadership & Basic Week Instructor traiing with the William Glasser Institute has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the human psyche. With this knowledge she has the capacity to understand others' behaviour about unlocking their innate potential.
Sylvia believes....
"The world in general is viewed from an external control paradigm. If we continue that thinking, the problems that exist will continue to be present. Through adopting an internal control view of the world, we can approach our dilemas and challenges in a more effective way. The personal freedom that can be had through living by the principles of Choice Theory will permit us and enable us to break free of the entrapment of external control.
I dream of a world where everyone is given the opportunity to learn about true personal freedom through Choice Theory; the freedom to become who you want to be. Only then can we co-exist as partners, teams, families and organisations that behave responsibly, considerately and remain connected".
Jeff Steedman (Honorary Secretary)
Sheryl Matwijkiw (Treasurer)
Sheryl is a bookkeeper and currently working for a road construction company. Her roles include PA to the MD, completing all tax related requirements (payroll tax, IAS and SAS), work cover claims, accounts receivable, superannuation and managing a number of small subcontract businesses related to the company. Sheryl has been involved and continues to learn and practice Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management, since 1999. She continues to enjoy her role as Victorian Regional Rep for WGIA (4 years). She has completed Basic Week, Basic Practicum and Advanced Week Training. Sheryl attended the Australian International Conference in Sydney 2001, co-ordinated Dr Glasser's visit to Warragul in 2001 and Nancy Buck's workshop in 2002.
Susan Fleming (Training Officer)
Susan has worked in education for 25 years as a Special Education Teacher, Behaviour Management Teacher and is Principal of Tennyson Special School - a position she has held for the last six years. Susan is also a trained family therapist and counsellor. She is also the Regional Representative for South East Queensland. Susan has completed her Basic Practicum Supervisor Training and is currently working towards Advanced Practicum Supervisor. She has a strong commitment to promoting Reality Therapy / Choice Theory not only in the educational settings, but as a way of life.
Peter Lacey (Fifth Director)
Peter Lacey is a Basic Week Instructor who has twice previously served on the Board as a Regional Representative and Honorary Secretary. He was a Teacher and Administrator in the New South Wales Department of Education and Training for 34 years with a deep interest in students with behaviour disorders. This interest led him to the belief that Choice Theory is the most effective explanation of human behaviour and Reality Therapy is the most practical means of assisting oneself and others in constructing and implementing responsible, needs-satisfying strategies for living a productive life. During his teaching career, Peter taught in one teacher schools and rural and urban primary schools before moving into special education teaching students with intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, and behaviour disorders. For 10 years Peter was the manager of student services for Lake Macquarie District with responsibility for the student welfare, special education and equity programs for 71 schools. Among other qualifications, Peter holds a Master in Special Education awarded by Newcastle University. Prematurely retiring from teaching in 2005 after falling off his bike, Peter is currently working for Mission Australia as the coordinator and caseworker of a program for young offenders under supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice. He is committed to promoting the ideas and practices incorporated in Choice Theory and Reality Therapy as universally as possible and to serving the members of the WGI-A to the best of his ability.
Lois Anderson (Immediate Past President)
Lois Anderson has served in a voluntary capacity as chair, member, treasurer and executive officer in various organizations including educational authorities, a school council and a service organization. She is strongly committed to working together creatively and productively with all members of the Institute to achieve shared goals and to improve systems and programs. She realises that this is an on-going challenge where members undertake many of the operational tasks on a voluntary basis. She strives for continual improvement by listening, seeking feedback and self-evaluation. She is an Advanced Practicum Supervisor and has just completed Stage 2 training for Basic Intensive Week Instructor. She regularly attends and contributes to the local and national activities of the Institute. She holds a Master of Literary Studies (UQ). She began as a bank clerk and then became a primary teacher. Next she worked in socio-economically and geographically diverse secondary schools in Queensland as teacher, Head of Department (English), Deputy Principal and Principal. She has shared with staff, national, state, and local recognition for publications and quality programs including bullying reduction, giftedness and literacy. She has also worked in a family business. Currently, she is working part-time as an educational consultant and trainer. Lois has strong verbal, analytic and conceptual skills, which she has applied as Newsletter Editor. For the last three years, she has demonstrated her commitment to promoting Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and other ideas of Dr William Glasser to enable people to improve the quality of their personal and professional lives.
Bette Blance (News Letter Editor)
Bette is an Advanced Practicum Supervisor and a member of the William Glasser Institute Australia and The William Glasser Institute New Zealand.
Bette was the guest editor of the Reality Therapy News in 2005, and found it a stimulating experience.