College Board
College board
Melbourne Montessori College is a not-for-profit, independent school and an incorporated entity under the Corporations Act 2001.
The MMC Board is responsible for the governance, vision and strategic direction of the school. The Board determines and implements the school’s key values and principles, appoints and works closely with the Principal, reviews MMC’s financial performance, ensures our school complies with legal obligations, and approves school policies.
The MMC Constitution, the Corporations Act and state and federal regulations for early childhood education and schools determine our governance structure.
How the Board works
The Board meets monthly with our school community electing Board members for a three-year term. The Board appoints a Chair, Deputy Chair, Finance Director and Company Secretary. Board members also sit on various working groups and each member volunteers their time and expertise.
Much of the Board’s work is done through committees and working groups made up of parent representatives and at least one Board member. Working groups include:
- Finance & Audit
- Buildings and Grounds
- MMC Foundation
- Risk and Governance
- Care
The Principal is the school’s Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the day-to-day management of MMC, implementing the Board’s strategic plan and effectively managing the school’s resources.
Meet Our Board Members
Julian Isaacs Board Chair
Qualifications:
B Business (Accounting) Swinburne University of Technology, CPA, Registered BAS Agent
Experience:
Julian was appointed to the MMC Board in 2020 and brings more than 25 years of experience in SMEs as Head Accountant and/or Financial Controller across industries with intrastate, interstate and overseas subsidiaries. For the past 11 years, Julian has run his own bookkeeping business. He has been involved in many committees and boards, mostly community-based and not-for-profit. He is also a director of the charity, Impact For Women.
Connection to MMC:
“I chose MMC because it fitted my child’s learning style and they also wanted to complete the IB. The MMC community is one of warmth, friendliness and inclusiveness. I would not have volunteered for a seat on the Board if I didn’t feel it matched my personal values and I could do something to improve the school’s future.”
LJ Ryan Deputy Chair
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Business (Marketing), MAICD
Experience:
LJ brings 40 years’ experience as an executive, business owner, and mentor/advisor, with a strong background in strategic leadership and governance.
She has held a range of board and advisory roles across both private enterprise and the not-for-profit sector, including service on education and philanthropic boards.
Connection to MMC:
LJ has a long-standing connection to Melbourne Montessori College, having served on the School Board 2012 – 2019 and as the founding Chair of the College Foundation Board 2014 – 2024. All four of her children were educated at MMC, giving her deep insight into the College community, its values, and its long-term vision.
Court Haas Treasurer
Qualifications:
BBA (Finance and Accounting) and United States Certified Public Accountant
Experience:
Court was appointed to the MMC Board in December 2020 and brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and accounting. Court is part-time CFO of communications agency Think-HQ and an independent CFO advisory consultant. He has held senior finance roles with ASX- listed businesses and with chartered accounting firm, EY, in Australia and the United States.
Connection to MMC:
Court has two children at MMC.
Sascha McGregor Board Member
Qualifications:
Sascha brings more than 15 years of international experience in strategy consulting, corporate management, start-ups and philanthropy. He has held senior leadership roles including Director at Ernst & Young, COO of an energy trading start-up, and Founder of a UK-based philanthropic initiative advancing human rights abroad. With a strong background in strategy, finance and management, together with his experience at Deutsche Schule Melbourne (DSM), a primary school expanding into secondary education, Sascha is well placed to contribute to the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the MMC Board.
Experience:
Sascha has lived and worked across London, Munich and wider Europe before dedicating himself to his family as a full-time stay-at-home father. His professional journey includes leadership roles in global consulting, operational management in fast-growth environments, and philanthropic initiatives with international impact.
Connection to MMC:
Since joining MMC, Sascha has been an active contributor to school life. He has volunteered in his children’s classrooms, served as Balam-Balam, Banksia and Grevillea room representative, participated in the Parents’ Association leadership team, and acted as a director on the board of the MMC Foundation.
Hali Halphen Board Member
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Master of Public Health (MPH), Graduate Diploma of Education (Montessori)
Experience:
Hali brings a unique combination of medical, educational and governance experience. She has a strong background in Montessori education, having previously served as Junior School Curriculum Coordinator at Melbourne Montessori College.
She is currently involved in the training and professional development of Montessori teachers, contributing to the strength and sustainability of Montessori practice more broadly.
Connection to MMC:
Hali has a long-standing relationship with Melbourne Montessori College through her leadership, educational and governance roles. She is a current member of the College Foundation Board and brings deep understanding of Montessori pedagogy, curriculum and the MMC community.
Samantha Stevens Board Member
Qualifications:
Samantha holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Experience:
Samantha Stevens was elected to the MMC Board in 2026. She is the Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs at Origin, where she leads external affairs, government engagement, regulatory affairs, employee communications, and the Origin Foundation. Samantha brings almost 30 years of experience in corporate affairs across the resources, industrials and financial services sectors.
Connection:
Samantha joined the MMC community in 2025, with her child currently attending the Senior School.
James Murray-Beckman Board Member
Qualifications:
James holds an MBA and a Master of Management (International Management) and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Experience:
James Murray-Beckman brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across technology, education and Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), including roles as Chief Operating Officer, Company Secretary and General Manager.
Connection:
James joined the MMC community in 2025, with his child attending the Senior School.
Connie Zhao Board Member
Qualifications:
Connie holds a Masters of Human Resource Management (MHRM), Monash University
Experience:
Connie Zhao was elected to the MMC Board in 2026. Connie is a Master’s-qualified, bilingual Human Resources professional with over 25 years of experience across multinational organisations in industries including Professional Services, Pharmaceuticals, Retail and Telecommunications. She currently serves as Senior Human Resources Director for APAC at a global organisation, leading strategic people and organisational initiatives.
Connection:
Connie joined the MMC community in 2017 with her children attending the Junior School.
