Meet the Team Behind the PDHPETA
Passionate educators driving PDHPE forward
Pam Findlay, President
Pam is the Head Teacher PDHPE on the Far South Coast of NSW and brings over three decades of experience in Department of Education schools. A long-time HSC Senior Marker and judge, Pam has contributed to NESA projects, including curriculum reform. She has served as a Teacher Quality Adviser and Expert Teacher, and is committed to developing teacher capability while teaching Stage 6 PDHPE. Pam regularly presents for PDHPETA and other professional organisations.
Danielle Simpson, Vice President – Exams
Danielle has over 30 years of experience as a PDHPE teacher, Head Teacher, academic, and textbook co-author. She has presented widely at conferences for Teacher Training Australia and PDHPETA and has supported Stage 6 curriculum development across schools and systems. Danielle is an experienced exam coordinator, writer, and marker. A long-serving PDHPETA member, she joined the Executive to continue advocating for quality teaching in PDHPE.
Shannon Cameron, Vice President - Conference
Shannon is an experienced educator who has taught across various systems and states, as well as internationally, for over 20 years. Passionate about curriculum reform and pedagogy, Shannon has presented at AIS PDHPE Conferences, EDUTech, and ACHPER NSW. She has also consulted with a range of educational and sporting organisations. Shannon is the Central Coast PDHPE Head Teacher Network Convenor and joined the PDHPETA Executive to advocate for the PDHPE teaching profession and to connect with like-minded, passionate educators.
Timmy Bacon, Treasurer
Timmy is accredited as a Highly Accomplished Teacher with over 20 years of experience and currently serves as a PDHPE Middle Leader at Kildare Catholic College. He lectures casually at Charles Sturt University and has assisted with NESA projects in curriculum reform. He has experience in all stages, the HSC, examinations and marking and seeks to use his expertise to enhance student learning. Timmy is passionate about empowering students to become lifelong learners and active, informed citizens who enjoy physical activity.
Josh Barden, Executive Committee Member
Josh is a dedicated PDHPE teacher at Emmaville Central School, a small rural school in the New England region. As a one-person faculty, he designs and delivers curriculum for Years 7–12 PDHPE, teaches Stage 4 English, coordinates sport, and leads a local PDHPE teacher network. Josh is passionate about promoting health and reducing educational inequity in rural communities. He joined the PDHPETA Executive to ensure the unique needs of rural schools are represented and to contribute to the broader teaching community.
Andree Adam-Devilliers, Executive Committee Member
Andree has taught Primary PDHPE for over 10 years and has led departments across both PDHPE and Wellbeing. He designs engaging programs that foster movement, confidence, collaboration, and wellbeing. Committed to purposeful play and relationship-building, Andree ensures every student feels seen and supported. He has presented at multiple conferences and lectures in Curriculum and Assessment at Macquarie University and Australian Catholic University.
Holly Akhurst, Executive Committee Member
With 21 years of experience in both rural and metropolitan schools across NSW and Queensland, Holly has held diverse leadership roles including Head Teacher PDHPE, Head Teacher Teaching and Learning, and Curriculum Implementation Officer. She has led school improvement initiatives, contributed to HSC strategy, and delivered professional learning at school and system levels. As a PDHPETA Executive member, she continues to advocate for the profession and foster meaningful educator connections.
Erinn McMahon, Executive Committee Member
Erinn McMahon brings over 15 years of experience as a PDHPE educator. She currently serves as a PDHPE Teacher and Head of House at Loreto Normanhurst, Sydney. Erinn holds a Bachelor of Health Science (PDHPE) from the University of Western Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) from the Australian Catholic University. Since 2018, she has been a member of the PDHPETA Executive Committee, where she fulfills the role of Secretary. Erinn has contributed to multiple exam writing committees and is an author for the current Stage 4 & 5 PDHPE and Stage 6 HMS textbooks published by Jacaranda Publishing.
John Cunynghame, Administrative Assistant
John is the Head of PDHPE at Xavier Catholic College Ballina and has extensive experience both in Australia and overseas. John is also a Teaching Associate at Southern Cross University and leads the 7–12 PDHPE Collaborative Network for the Diocese of Lismore. He has presented at EDUTech, ACHPER, and PDHPETA conferences and chaired the #PDHPETA24 Conference. John is passionate about professional learning and fostering a love for PDHPE among students and educators
