Meet the team

Professor Chris Matthews is from the Quandamooka people of Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) in Queensland, Australia. Chris received a PhD in applied mathematics from Griffith University and was a Senior Lecturer in applied mathematics at the Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University. Over the last ten years, Chris has developed a deeper interest in mathematics education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners and exploring the connections between mathematics and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge. 

Chris can be contacted on chrismatthews@atsima.org.

Dr Caty Morris was the Curriculum Specialist, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Education at ACARA. In 2017, she received a doctorate for her research in responsive mathematics pedagogy with Aboriginal learners. Her work in both mathematics education and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education has been at school, regional, state and national levels in various teaching and leadership positions from remote to inner city settings.

During 2009-2014, Caty managed a Closing the Gap project for the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT) to improve mathematics and numeracy learning outcomes of urban and regional Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in seven clusters of schools across Australia.

Caty can be contacted at catymorris@atsima.org.

Melinda Pearson manages the day-to-day operations of ATSIMA, playing a key role in ensuring the organisation runs effectively and continues to grow its impact. Her responsibilities span partnerships, events, and organisational management, supporting the delivery of initiatives that strengthen mathematics education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.

Melinda joined ATSIMA in a full-time capacity in 2018, following several years of involvement as a dedicated volunteer since 2015. This long-standing connection reflects her strong commitment to ATSIMA’s vision and the communities it serves.

Prior to joining ATSIMA, Melinda spent seven years with the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT). During this time, she worked closely with Prof. Chris Matthews and Dr Caty Morris on the Make it Count project: Maths and Indigenous Learners, a national Closing the Gap initiative focused on improving outcomes and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in mathematics education.

Melinda brings extensive experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and program delivery, along with a passion for supporting culturally responsive approaches to education. She values collaboration and works closely with educators, partners, and communities to help create meaningful and sustainable change.

Melinda works and lives on Kaurna Country with her husband and two young adult children.

Melinda can be contacted on melindapearson@atsima.org.

Kym Oakley is a proud Malgana woman from Gathaagudu (Shark Bay, WA) and educator specialising in Aboriginal education, with over 20 years of experience across the sector. She holds a Master of Indigenous Languages Education and a Bachelor of Education (Primary), and is the only speaker of her language. She is passionate about teaching Aboriginal culture and knowledges, and creating learning environments that foster respect, understanding and meaningful engagement. Her work centres on culturally informed practice and the authentic inclusion of Aboriginal perspectives in education, drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience to support truth-telling and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.

Kym can be contacted at kymoakley@atsima.org.

Louise McGeorge joined ATSIMA in May 2023 in a part-time capacity as Finance and Membership Manager. In this role, she oversees the organisation’s financial operations and manages membership processes, ensuring systems run smoothly and members are well supported.

Louise brings over 10 years of experience in finance, with a strong background in bookkeeping and organisational financial management. She previously worked with the Mathematical Association of South Australia (MASA) as Office and Finance Manager from 2013 to 2016, where she developed extensive experience supporting professional associations and education-focused organisations.

In addition to her role at ATSIMA, Louise runs her own bookkeeping business, working from home and supporting a range of clients with their financial needs.

Louise lives and works on Kaurna Country with her husband Simon and is a proud parent of three adult children.

Louise can be contacted on louisemcgeorge@atsima.org.

Brock Pearson is the Head of PR and Communications at ATSIMA. Brock brings six years of experience in the IT industry, along with a Certificate IV in Networking, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Media and Communications.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Brock also works as a photographer in his spare time, a creative pursuit that complements his communications work and love of capturing meaningful moments.

Brock can be contacted on media@atsima.org.