Founder / Director
I’m the founder of Story Squad, mother of 2, pragmatic dreamer, spontaneous planner, realistic idealist, and indecisive decision-maker, and this is the first, and only, time I’ve ever worn sparkles on my face. But I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat.
After 20 years of working in advertising, I realised that my heart was in a different place. So I took a deep breath and set out on a new adventure. I began studying creative writing, and developing my debut novel (which I may actually finish one day).
When I first came up with the idea for Story Squad it was purely nostalgic. As a kid, I loved to imagine. And I loved writing stories. Selfishly, I wanted to un-adult, to escape, and to relive the feeling of freedom and inspiration that comes with being lost in one’s imagination.
Unselfishly, I wanted to capture and share that feeling and experience with the next generation of kids. Because when I see them glued to screens, and growing up in a world defined by AI, automation, social media, and gaming, I know that a lot of them aren’t getting that mental space and time to roam freely in their own thoughts and ideas, or not enough anyway.
Then I started researching. And I was shocked. What became abundantly clear to me very quickly was that the skills and traits that are developed through the process of creative writing and storytelling are the exact same ones that are being eroded in our kids, but that will be the highest in demand when they enter the workforce where, with the rapid adoption of AI, the ability to think with originality and imagination is the most differentiating skill our kids can have.
I knew I wanted to do something to impact, even in some small way, setting our kids up for future success. Hence, Story Squad was born! And here we are. Thank you for being here with me! xx
I’m the founder of Story Squad, mother of 2, pragmatic dreamer, spontaneous planner, realistic idealist, and indecisive decision-maker, and this is the first, and only, time I’ve ever worn sparkles on my face. But I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat.
After 20 years of working in advertising, I realised that my heart was in a different place. So I took a deep breath and set out on a new adventure. I began studying creative writing, and developing my debut novel (which I may actually finish one day).
When I first came up with the idea for Story Squad it was purely nostalgic. As a kid, I loved to imagine. And I loved writing stories. Selfishly, I wanted to un-adult, to escape, and to relive the feeling of freedom and inspiration that comes with being lost in one’s imagination.
Unselfishly, I wanted to capture and share that feeling and experience with the next generation of kids. Because when I see them glued to screens, and growing up in a world defined by AI, automation, social media, and gaming, I know that a lot of them aren’t getting that mental space and time to roam freely in their own thoughts and ideas, or not enough anyway.
Then I started researching. And I was shocked. What became abundantly clear to me very quickly was that the skills and traits that are developed through the process of creative writing and storytelling are the exact same ones that are being eroded in our kids, but that will be the highest in demand when they enter the workforce where, with the rapid adoption of AI, the ability to think with originality and imagination is the most differentiating skill our kids can have.
I knew I wanted to do something to impact, even in some small way, setting our kids up for future success. Hence, Story Squad was born! And here we are. Thank you for being here with me! xx
Squad Leader
Emily brings a rich and diverse background to her work as an educator and wellness advocate. After a decade working in advertising agencies, she completed a Master of Teaching at the University of Sydney and has since spent her time teaching Kindergarten to Year 6 across schools in Sydney.
Recently Emily lived in the UK for two years, where she trained as a children’s breath work coach, via School breath UK. Whilst understanding the scientific side of the breath is crucial she is passionate about supporting students with emotional regulation and helping them navigate the stresses of everyday life through simple, powerful breathing techniques.
Returning to Australia, Emily worked within a NSW public school, embedding wellbeing practices into the curriculum. She developed and implemented a wellness program that integrated breathwork as a practical tool for managing emotions both in and out of the classroom, and helped create space for wellbeing within the PDHPE curriculum. Her work focused on giving students lifelong strategies to feel calm, confident and emotionally supported.
As a key member of the Story Squad team, and while caring for her three beautiful children, Emily feels incredibly grateful to combine all of her passions in one role.
A devoted and nurturing educator, Emily thrives on helping students build confidence and become enthusiastic, curious learners. She is passionate about sharing great stories through quality children’s literature, using drama to bring imaginations to life, fostering strong communication through public speaking, and immersing students in rich learning experiences that empower them to become proud curators of their own imaginations.
With her bright, warm and infectious energy, Emily has a natural ability to motivate, excite and inspire every child she meets — both inside and beyond the classroom.
Squad Leader
Emily brings a rich and diverse background to her work as an educator and wellness advocate. After a decade working in advertising agencies, she completed a Master of Teaching at the University of Sydney and has since spent her time teaching Kindergarten to Year 6 across schools in Sydney.
A devoted and nurturing educator, Emily thrives on helping students build confidence and become enthusiastic, curious learners. She is passionate about sharing great stories through quality children’s literature, using drama to bring imaginations to life, fostering strong communication through public speaking, and immersing students in rich learning experiences that empower them to become proud curators of their own imaginations.
Recently Emily lived in the UK for two years, where she trained as a children’s breath work coach, via School breath UK. Whilst understanding the scientific side of the breath is crucial she is passionate about supporting students with emotional regulation and helping them navigate the stresses of everyday life through simple, powerful breathing techniques.
Returning to Australia, Emily worked within a NSW public school, embedding wellbeing practices into the curriculum. She developed and implemented a wellness program that integrated breathwork as a practical tool for managing emotions both in and out of the classroom, and helped create space for wellbeing within the PDHPE curriculum. Her work focused on giving students lifelong strategies to feel calm, confident and emotionally supported.
As a key member of the Story Squad team, and while caring for her three beautiful children, Emily feels incredibly grateful to combine all of her passions in one role.
With her bright, warm and infectious energy, Emily has a natural ability to motivate, excite and inspire every child she meets — both inside and beyond the classroom.
