College Leadership
Laurelle Coto
College Principal
M.Ed (Sp. Ed). Post Grad. Gifted Ed., B.Ed., B.A. (Ed), Cert. Coaching Leadership
With more than 30 years of experience in education, Laurelle is a highly respected leader in Christian schooling. Her educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that Christian schools should provide exceptional, Christ-centred education where students are inspired, equipped and empowered to flourish academically, spiritually and personally.
She is known for her visionary and relational leadership, her ability to inspire and empower teams, and her strong commitment to excellence in Christian education.
Laurelle holds a Master of Education and is a qualified leader in Coaching in Leadership, combining academic depth with strategic insight to guide and strengthen school communities.
Ashley Freind
Business Manager
BCom, GradDipDiv, CPA, ASA, MIPA, MIFA, MAISA
Ashley Freind is a values-driven executive leader with over 20 years’ experience serving education and community-based organisations. He brings deep expertise across finance, operations, governance and organisational strategy, with executive responsibility for the full range of corporate services functions.
Committed to supporting the holistic development of students, Ashley has led the delivery of high-quality learning environments through strong stewardship of resources, people and infrastructure. He is a trusted adviser to Boards and Principals, known for his integrity, sound judgement and collaborative leadership style.
His Graduate Diploma of Divinity from Vose Seminary reflects his commitment to faith-informed leadership, which underpins his approach to service, community and organisational purpose.
Marilyn Burns
People and Culture Manager
M.International Business, M.Sci. (Business Leadership), B.A., Grad. Dip Divinity (Theology)
Marilyn brings over 16 years of experience helping organisations build thriving workplaces through people, culture, leadership, and capability development. Her career spans Local Government, Health, the NFP sector, major events such as the Melbourne Cup and Australian Grand Prix, and the corporate world. Marilyn is energised by partnering with senior leaders on complex challenges where people, performance, safety, leadership, and culture intersect.
She is passionate about creating environments where risks are well managed, people feel supported, and meaningful outcomes can be achieved. Marilyn brings her experience, heart for people, and commitment to excellence to The King’s College and enjoys making a positive and lasting impact at the College.
Linda Battersby
Director of Mission and Wellbeing
Social Science (Psychology) Degree, Organisational Psychology Degree
Ps Linda Battersby is in her tenth year as Director of Wellbeing & Mission at The King’s College, where she supports the growth and care of the school community.
With more than 25 years of experience as an ordained minister and church leader, she is dedicated to helping people develop their strengths and flourish.
Linda holds degrees in Social Science (Psychology) and Organisational Psychology, along with qualifications in counselling and professional coaching.
She is also currently completing her Master’s in Positive Psychology.
Shane Babcock
Head of Primary
Bachelor of Education Primary
With 18 years of experience in education, Mr Shane Babcock has taught and led across a variety of school settings in South Africa and Australia. His career began in South Africa, where he held key leadership roles, including Head of Year, Head of Department and Head of Cricket. After relocating to Australia, he entered Christian education in Tasmania before joining The King’s College. He later worked at Aquinas College before returning to The King’s College, where he continues to serve with passion and purpose. Shane has worked across all areas of Primary schooling and is committed to building strong foundational skills that prepare students for life.
He believes every child has God-given gifts and encourages a growth mindset, grounded in the belief that attitude and expectation shape achievement. A competitive and energetic educator, he enjoys being actively involved in sport, particularly cricket and rugby.
Christine Clark
Dean of Students - Primary
B.Com (Marketing & Advertising), Dip.Ed.
Christine Clark brings over a decade of experience in education and is deeply committed to fostering a safe, supportive and thriving school environment. With extensive experience working closely with students, families and staff, she is passionate about the wellbeing and mental health of the student body. Christine is dedicated to proactively monitoring student wellbeing, identifying emerging concerns, and implementing timely, positive interventions. Her approach blends evidence-based practice with genuine care, ensuring every child feels seen, understood and supported.
Christine’s leadership is grounded in strong relationships, open communication and a holistic view of each student’s needs. She strives to create a school culture where all children can flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
Daniel O’Malley
Dean of Learning and Teaching - Secondary
M.Ed., B.Com, Dip.Ed.
Daniel has worked in education for over 20 years across a range of pastoral and curriculum roles. Specialising in HASS and Economics he is energised by seeing students deeply engaged in their learning. Since joining The King’s College in 2020, Daniel has served in several leadership positions and remains strongly committed to the College’s vision and community.
In his role as Dean of Learning & Teaching - Secondary, Daniel is dedicated to fostering high-quality teaching practice and supporting an environment in which students can thrive academically, socially and personally. He values the strong sense of community at The King’s College and is passionate about ensuring that every student is known, supported and encouraged to reach their potential.
Sharon Loader
Dean of Students - Secondary
Bachelor of Education: Early Childhood and Primary, Certificate of Advanced Leadership
Sharon is an experienced Christian educator with over a decade of experience spanning both Primary and Secondary settings. She holds a Bachelor of Education and has completed postgraduate studies in leadership. Her professional experience includes leading initiatives in curriculum, wellbeing, and inclusive education, equipping her with a strong foundation for pastoral and strategic leadership.
As Dean of Students, Sharon supports the holistic development of young people in Years 7–12, overseeing pastoral care systems, student wellbeing and programs that promote positive engagement. She works closely with staff and families to strengthen relationships, uphold behavioural expectations, and ensure students feel known, valued and supported. Sharon is deeply committed to nurturing students academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. She has extensive experience supporting young people facing complex challenges and approaches each student with compassion, dignity, and genuine care.
Caroline Parnham
Dean of Administration - Secondary
M.Ed. Leadership, Grad. Cert. Maths, Grad. Cert. RE., B. Ed., Dip.Ed.
As the Dean of Administration - Secondary, Mrs Parnham oversees key operational functions of the College. With extensive qualifications and forty-five years in education she brings a strong academic and professional grounding to her role contributing extensive expertise in teaching, curriculum, leadership, pastoral care, and strategic planning.
Her work is shaped by integrity, professionalism, and a deep faith that guides her service to the College community. She is committed to supporting staff, students, and families through effective decision-making, clear communication, and relational leadership.
Through her dedication and experience, she ensures that the College remains a safe, organised, and thriving environment where every learner is known, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.
Natalie Spears
Dean of 3-6 - Primary
PGCE: Graduate Diploma in Education, Degree in Business & Management
Natalie is a passionate and dedicated educator with extensive experience in both Australian and UK primary education. She is deeply committed to fostering learning environments where every child is encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
As a collaborative team player, Natalie values working closely with teachers to build strong, consistent practice across the Primary School. She is enthusiastic about mentoring staff, strengthening curriculum delivery, and partnering with colleagues to create exceptional learning experiences that reflect Christian values and nurture each student’s God‑given potential.
Known for her positive energy, compassion, and thoughtful leadership, Natalie approaches her role with a servant‑hearted mindset and a genuine love for teaching. She considers it a blessing and a privilege to serve the school community as Dean of Years 3–6 and is committed to helping cultivate a culture of excellence, faith, and flourishing for all students.
Tamaryn Babcock
Dean of K-2 - Primary
National Professional Diploma in Education, National 6 Diploma in Early Learning
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Tamaryn has spent the majority of her career working in the early years of education. She began teaching in South Africa and has always been passionate about helping others learn and grow. Tamaryn brings a practical, hands-on approach to teaching and values getting to know both her students and colleagues well.
As a faith-based educator, Tamaryn believes education is about nurturing the whole child. In her role, she is passionate about helping to build and develop curriculum that supports meaningful learning and encourages students to thrive.