IE Networking Session - Primary

Maggie Balfe joined the Inclusive Education team at AISWA in January 2015. She has worked in the field of education for many years; starting her career in special education teaching in the 1980s with the Department of Education in Western Australia as a teacher in special schools. During the early 1990’s she worked in the United Kingdom as part of an early intervention team supporting families of children with disabilities. On her return to Western Australia she worked for Catholic Education WA taking on a variety of roles (Consultant for Students with Disabilities, followed by Coordinator of a High Support Needs Centre and finally teaching students with disabilities at secondary level) before joining AISWA. As an Inclusive Education Consultant Maggie supports schools promoting positive inclusive practices for students with disabilities in schools. Maggie has a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Special Education.

Over many years, Lynne has gained extensive experience in both education and small business ownership. Her teaching career in NSW and WA spans early childhood, primary, and lower secondary classrooms, as well as special needs education and music. She has also held school leadership roles, including Principal of an independent school in WA. In addition, Lynne has supported and mentored school leaders and assisted schools through the school registration process.

Since joining AISWA in 2017, Lynne has demonstrated her passion for supporting schools in the areas of special needs education and child protection. Her roles have included Inclusive Education Consultant and Coordinator, and she currently serves as a Child Protection Consultant.

In her current role, Lynne provides guidance and support to all AISWA schools in the areas of child safety and protection. She is the key contact for inquiries related to child abuse, including mandatory reporting, and delivers a variety of training programs focused on preventing and responding to child abuse, ensuring schools meet registration requirements.