About

After completing a Graduate Certificate in Career Counselling in 2008, Jo has been employed as a teacher career practitioner in ACT schools, CIT and the ACT Education Directorate. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Career Education and Development in 2011. Now retired, Jo continues to volunteer in the ACT career community.

Andrew is the career practitioner at Calwell High School and delivers career development services primarily to years 9 and 10 students. His career in education began at Karabar High School in 2011, supporting students with disabilities, before moving to Calwell High School in 2019. He completed a Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice in 2022. Andrew brings a range of real-world experiences to this role on the committee, having previously owned and managed his own business in Sydney and worked as a professional golfer. Andrew was the recipient of the ACTCA’s Innovation in Career Development award in 2024.

Traci’s is a qualified Youth Support Worker and Career Development Practitioner. While employed at Calwell High School (2013) Traci was motivated her to study her Certificate IV in Career Development through the Canberra Institute of Technology. She has since completed her Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice at CEAV Institute in 2020. In 2019 Traci was employed as the career practitioner at Calwell High School. She has also worked in the Careers and Vocational Pathways section in the ACT Education Directorate (2022). In 2023 Traci transferred to Mount Stromlo High School as a full-time career development practitioner. Traci is passionate about building school – industry engagement and supporting students to explore and experience vocational pathways during high school

Livia has been teaching since 1983, in ACT secondary schools, the CIT and Germany. She has provided career development support to young people in the Tuggeranong valley, combined with teaching and supporting students with disabilities since 1990. Believing that everyone wants to experience career success, Livia supports and encourages youth to make well informed decisions about their post school options. Livia has found that collaboration with colleagues, a broad range of organisations and family members provides the best outcomes so contributes to the school’s Case Management and Wellbeing teams and also the Tuggeranong Secondary School Transition group. She looks forward to working with the ACTCA membership to strengthen the profile of Career Development in the ACT.

Chontel has completed her Graduate Certificate in Career Development and Education in 2013 and is currently employed as the teacher career practitioner at Hawker College. She has teaching and career practitioner experience in both ACT high school and colleges. Chontel’s special interest is improving the career development outcomes for students who have a disability, mental health barriers, or those who require additional help engaging with education.

Shannon had a variety of jobs before gaining his Masters of Secondary Education and becoming a teacher. These included communications officer in private industry, learning support assistant (LSA), and hospitality worker in a night club. He completed his Graduate Certificate in Career Development in 2024 and used his new knowledge to support students at The Woden School with their career development. At the end of 2025, Shannon transferred to the Flexible Education section of the ACT Education Directorate and now works across different settings, supporting young people on their career journey. Shannon has a holistic approach to career development and enjoys helping young people build their self-confidence and self-understanding as a critical first step in their career development.

Ben has been supporting students in career pathways in many roles at high schools, colleges and CIT. Ben completed his Graduate Certificate of Career Development at ACU in 2020. Ben has supported many students in career pathways through CIT in the AMEP, LLNP, SEE and Year 12 programs, as well as supporting the co-delivery of a Certificate II in Pathways to Work and Learning with CIT and the ACT Education Directorate. Ben transferred to Galilee School and had a variety of responsibilities including teacher, AST and VET Coordinator, Pastoral Care officer and Career Development Practitioner. In 2025 Ben was employed at University of NSW (Canberra) as the Pathways and Access Program Coordinator and launched his own business: Locus Education and Career Consulting.