Meet our regional conference presenters!
Kate Doepel – Mathematical Association of Western Australia
Kate Doepel comes to MAWA with a wealth of experience teaching mathematics in the primary school setting and is keen to further expand the Association’s reach and influence in this area. She has spent the last ten years building her reputation and experience as a School Numeracy Leader, Professional Learning Presenter, Mentor Teacher and Instructional Coach. Kate is passionate about designing and delivering engaging professional learning to build teacher capacity in mathematics. She will also be promoting and supporting MAWA’s Maths Talent Quest program to further improve the association’s professional and community profile.
Kate will be presenting workshops mathematics daily reviews and teaching and assessing using rich tasks.
Rachael Whitney-Smith – Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority
Rachael Whitney-Smith, ACARA Curriculum Specialist: Mathematics responsible for the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics F-12. Rachael led the review of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics F-10, the refinement of the National Numeracy Learning Progressions and is currently leading the review for Australian Curriculum: Senior Secondary Mathematics. She has previously been on the boards and worked for AAMT, MAWA and as a secondary mathematics teacher in NSW and WA government schools. Rachael is currently a sessional lecturer and PhD candidate at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, studying the factors that afford or constrain secondary mathematics teachers adopting pedagogical approaches that support students STEM and 21st century capabilities.
Rachael will be presenting on ways of integrating First Nations Knowledges, Histories and Cultures into Mathematics Education.
Sheila Griffin – Sheila Griffin Maths
Sheila has a passion for improving the teaching of mathematics by supporting schools and teachers through targeted professional learning and practical differentiated classroom ideas. Sheila is co-author of Teaching Mathematics Through Story Books 1,2 and 3 with Dr Paul Swan, Linda Marshall and Kristin Humphreys which was shortlisted at the national publication awards in 2022. She was co-author of Mathematics and Picture Books in Early Childhood and Learning Mathematics Through Picture Books in Kindergarten in 2023.
Sheila will be presenting ideas about teaching place value in the multiage classroom. She will also be sharing her love of child’s literature and how to connect the story to mathematical concepts and language.
Julie Richards – Independent Education and Training
Julie is the Director of IET, the publisher of Numero. As the creator’s daughter, she has been involved with Numero since its inception. She is a primary trained teacher, with many years prior as a special needs education assistant. Julie works with staff, students and families teaching the benefits and skills involved with Numero, including running the annual Interschool Numero Challenges (primary and secondary).
Julie will be sharing her passion and love of Numero and how it builds problem solving, reasoning and fluency from the early years to secondary. If you have never played Numero don’t worry as you will have the opportunity to learn to play and teach the game at all levels!
Paula McMahon – Mathematical Association of Western Australia
Paula is a primary-trained educator with over 25 years of experience in both primary and secondary schools, having held several leadership roles, including Head of Learning Area Mathematics and Arts! In 2019, she became the Executive Officer at The Mathematical Association of Western Australia (MAWA), where she delivers professional learning to teachers, education assistants, parents, and pre-service teachers at the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle). Paula has authored several books, including There’s a Problem to Solve, Essential Mathematics Unit 3 and 4, and Maths for WA Books 1, 2, and 3.
She is passionate about ensuring students develop a deep understanding of mathematics rather than simply learning ‘maths tricks or rules.’
Paula will be presenting on teaching and assessment ideas for the Mathematics Foundations and Mathematics Essential courses.
Nadene Coupar – School Curriculum and Standards Authority (Primary Representative)
Nadene joins the Authority as a highly experienced primary educator with over 24 years of expertise in teaching Mathematics. She has served as a Getting it Right Numeracy Specialist across numerous schools throughout the state, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering strong mathematical understanding. Throughout her career, Nadene has held several leadership roles, including Mathematics Curriculum Leader, Mentor Teacher, and Deputy Principal. She has played a key role in the Teacher Development School initiative, delivering professional learning to enhance curriculum expertise and promote innovative practices within the Goldfields network. Nadene is passionate about the development of robust curricula that empower teachers to deliver engaging and effective mathematics instruction, ensuring all students achieve success.
Nadene will guide teachers and educators in familiarisation of the curriculum content for the 2026 WA Curriculum: Mathematics. The workshop will provide attendees with an understanding of the revisions to the learning area structure and content and include support materials to assist with planning and teaching the new curriculum in Pre-primary to Year 6
Lisa Griffin – School Curriculum and Standards Authority (Secondary Representative)
Lisa comes to the Authority with a wealth of experience. She is a dedicated secondary mathematics teacher with over 25 years of experience in schools. Throughout her career, Lisa has held several leadership roles, including Getting it Right Numeracy Leader and Head of the Learning Area Mathematics. Lisa has a strong passion for helping students develop a deep understanding of mathematics, ensuring they experience both success and enjoyment. Her involvement in the Reframing Mathematical Futures II project contributed to the development of evidence-based resources to support mathematical reasoning for Years 7 to 10.
Lisa will guide teachers and educators in familiarisation of the curriculum content for the 2026 WA Curriculum: Mathematics. The workshop will provide attendees with an understanding of the revisions to the learning area structure and content and include support materials to assist with planning and teaching the new curriculum in Year 7 to Year 10.
