The Therapeutic Engagement Support Services Association Incorporated (TESSA Inc.) is a not for profit organisation established on 12 April 2013, with a Board composition of seven Directors.
The TESSA Inc. Constitution, 13 October 2023, specifies the Board composition as one founding partner nominee, and seven elected member representatives.
Click here to download TESSA Inc. Constitution
The TESSA Inc. Strategic Plan 2024 to 2027 sets the direction for achievement of our Vision, Mission and Purposes., in accordance with our Values.
NATALIE DEACON
Chairperson
Natalie had a successful career as an interior decorator with over 20 years of experience. In 2017 Natalie became a qualified Community Service worker and has enjoyed supporting at risk children in an educational setting.
Natalie is currently the Engagement Support Services Manager for TESSA Inc. Natalie supports adult learners completing Youth Work, Community Services and Social Work, who are required to complete placement hours. This is a part time role, Natalie is also employed by the Department of Education and Training.
Natalie has worked extensively with tertiary students and facilitates their training while on placement with TESSA Inc. Natalie delivers the Managing Challenging Behaviour training to all adult learners.
Additionally, Natalie manages the Engagement Support Officer program (ESO). A program which supports schools directly with the short term availability of trained ESOs. These skilled support staff work with mainstream schools to better cope with and manage students presenting high level behaviours of concern.
Natalie is currently the Chairperson for the TESSA Inc Board of Directors.
Qualifications:
Certificate IV in Community Services
Diploma of Community Services
Jane Weston
Company Secretary
Jane Weston is an experienced educator, writer and project manager. Jane’s 35 year education career includes work as a teacher, policy maker, manager and resource developer. Jane has managed a range of national and international education initiatives, and has extensive experience in developing resources for teachers and school leaders in areas of considerable educational significance, including Indigenous education, Studies of Society and Environment, body image, values, conflict resolution and peace.
Jane is currently an education consultant and writer. Jane co-wrote the 2018 publication, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and complex trauma – A resource for educators.
Qualifications:
Most Significant Change evaluation methodology – Accredited Facilitator
Graduate Diploma in Education (University of Melbourne)
Graduate Diploma in Librarianship (University of NSW)
Bachelor of Arts, Hons (La Trobe University)
Rodrigo Castellanos
Treasurer
Rodrigo has over 15 years’ experience in project management, sustainability and environmental markets. In 2010 Rodrigo cofounded RAMP Carbon Pty Ltd while leading the development of a series of major environmental and social programs in Latin America and Africa such as distribution off-grid lighting technologies, avoided deforestation and ecological restoration projects and energy efficiency solutions for commercial buildings.
Prior to founding RAMP, Rodrigo worked as the Head of Latin America for Cool nrg, developing a successful carbon finance business model in Mexico, and overseeing the development and implementation of 10 the world’s largest energy efficient programs for households.
In 2005 Rodrigo joined as Director of Research the corporate social responsibility ratings agency RepuTex in Melbourne, Australia focusing on Risk Assessment and Carbon Finance. Prior to this he worked in the Citigroup Private Bank in New York and Mexico City.
Rodrigo has been training in the Japanese martial art of Aikido for 20 years and is currently the head instructor at SANGEN Melbourne Aikikai.
In February 2017 Rodrigo was employed as the inaugural MAT Life Skills Program Manager for TESSA Inc.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Economics (BEc), Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City
Darek Lebek
Child Safe Officer
Darek has extensive teaching and coaching experience with men, women and children of all ages in a variety of settings, including designing and teaching self-defence in a professional basis in South Africa. He has also run his own businesses for a number of years and has been involved in delivering projects around the world.
Darek has been involved with the MAT program since 2013. He was introduced to meditation and personal development in his early teenage years and the exploration of mind and personal development quickly became one of his passions.
Darek began studying martial arts in 1986 and has been running a karate school for the last 15 years. He currently he holds the rank of 6th degree Black Belt in Karate and has taken part in many national and international tournaments. Some of the highlights of his martial art include:
winning team in the World Seido Karate tournaments in New York in 2006
winning first place in Kata competition in the world tournament in New Zealand in 1998
winning the Australian SOGO Title in the Overall Australian Seido Championship in 2013.
His life mottos are ‘Life is a path of continuous learning’ and ‘If you fall down 7 times, get up 8 times.’
Qualifications:
Diploma in Building and Construction and Project Management
Peter paffenholz
Director
Peter Paffenholz is an accomplished CIO and Project professional with 25 years of experience developing and delivering medium to large programs and strategies across the Retail, Utilities and Education industries. He has spent the last 6 years developing his knowledge and skills in the highly regulated Financial Services Industry in the areas of IT, Program Management and Governance, Risk and Compliance.
As an all-rounder, Peter has had success in roles ranging from Chief Information Officer, Program Manager, Project Director, IT Operations, Service Delivery and Senior Consultant. Peter specializes in IT Operations, IT Strategy and Program Management. He is passionate about being able to make a difference to an organisation, its customers, staff, and culture.
Victoria Triggs
Executive Director
Victoria is an educational and leadership consultant, engaging in pro-bono and paid employment to support school and community leaders in leadership development, governance and strategic planning.
She is an accredited school reviewer, assisting primary, secondary and specialist schools to examine student outcomes and develop directions for improvement. She conducts School Council training and induction programs. She is an appointed lay member of the Ethics Committee of the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Victoria undertook the role of Company Secretary of TESSA Inc. from 2016 until the end of 2018.
She is a regular presenter to Leadership Victoria Board Leadership programs, for business and community leaders. Victoria held key educational leadership roles as a secondary school principal and as a Regional Director of Education.
Qualifications:
Accidental Company Secretary, Governance Institute of Australia
Corporate Governance Course, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Graduate Diploma Educational Administration, University of Melbourne
Leadership Victoria Fellow
Bachelor Science Education, University of Melbourne