(02) 4023 5552

Our Staff

Our staff are highly trained and experienced to provide you and your child with an outstanding learning experience. For us, the best element of our job is that we get to play a special part in your child’s development and watch them learn, grow and create.

Vanessa Lynch

Hive Founder & Director

Bach. Education (hons) Major in Music

Vanessa has a B.Ed (hons) – Bachelor of Education with a major in Music and has spent several years teaching classroom music in high schools and primary schools in London. Vanessa is an accomplished pianist and flute player and has achieved an ATCL level in performance.

While studying an honours degree in Music Education, with a focus on neural research on children’s intellect and cognitive function, she discovered that music is especially powerful in shaping a child’s interests and abilities in the preschool years. Opening Hive, a creative learning studio for local families, was a natural step in her desire to give children the opportunity to develop the cognitive and musical skills that early childhood music training offers.

When she’s not buzzing at Hive, Vanessa spends her spare time being creative with cooking, baking, sewing and playing music with her kids Zara, Jayden and Brianna – they even have their own little family band!

Jessica Gavin

Customer Care

Jess is the friendly voice of Hive and answers your calls. She is available to chat with on reception Monday, Thursday and Friday. A mother to two beautiful boys, she has been a long-term client before joining the Hive team and her sons still love coming to Hive each week. 

Attending the Hunter School of Performing Arts, Jess completed 6th grade level AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) in Trumpet and played in concert, marching and stage bands. From there she has achieved a Bachelor of Sience (Biotechnology) (Hons) and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from the University of Newcastle. After working as a Research Scientist and Laboratory Manager at Westmead Hospital, she relocated back to Newcastle and is now enjoying a child-friendly position, being surrounded by Creative People.  

Lauren Turner

Customer Care

Lauren is the fresh new voice at Hive on the phone and happy to have a chat at reception on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays.

A mum of a two beautiful young sons, Lauren’s passion for all things creative and imagination in little minds has come to life. Lauren has always loved being creative with dancing from a young age until she was 24. Her background is in hairdressing- hence loving to have a chat- and since having her son in 2020 decided a career change was in order.

Working at Hive is the perfect fit and loves being surrounded by such talented and creative people. She is currently studying her certificate III in business and looks forward to furthering her skills at The Hive.

Beth Aubrey

Drama Teacher

Bach. Acting, NIDA

Beth graduated from NIDA’s Acting course in 2006 and has worked extensively in all areas of the professional industry. Some of her television credits include Rake, Home and Away, Janet King and East west 101.

She has been lucky enough to tour nationally for two years with The Bell Shakespeare company performing various roles.
Since 2018 she has been the brand voice over artist for Foxtel and has voiced many other campaigns such as The Sunday Telegraph, Weight Watchers, Bankwest, Pork and Maggie. She has also narrated corporate videos, Audio books and starred in many TVC’s.
Beth has been a regular tutor for NIDA’s Open Program since 2010 teaching The craft of Acting to all age groups in sydney and Australia wide. She specialises in Improvisation giving her classes a fun blend of comedy and creativity. She has two beautiful children and believes strongly in power of creativity and community.

Beth Peach-Steer

Musical Theatre Program Manager

Bach. Music

Beth is a singer and actress with a passion for Creative Education.  Originally from the UK, Beth began her training at Cardiff University, obtaining a Degree in Music. She then went on to study Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music in London. After graduating she went on to tour the UK and Internationally with multiple musicals.

She has previously taught Musical Theatre for the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, where she realised the joy in sharing her skills and love for music and performing with children.

Since moving to Australia Beth has fronted a local function band performing at weddings and music venues across the Hunter.

Beth has two beautiful children who are her inspiration, and further sparked her love for music education. Beth feels so lucky to be a part of the Hive team, getting to do what she loves everyday with such a wonderful community of families.

Francesco Bertoni

Musical Theatre

Francesco started performing at the age of 12 in Italy. He studied throughout the years singing, acting, dancing, piano and drums.
He successfully graduated in musical theatre at the Bernstein School of Musical Theatre (Bologna, Italy). He then performed in a range of shows on national tours for 2 years before moving to Paris to become a parade character performer in Disneyland Paris for 4 years.

In local theatre he appeared as Tyler in “Merrily we roll along”, Paul in “Company” and Lewis in “Pippin”. He is also a member of the Newcastle Chamber Choir since June 2022.

Shuna Mackay

Drama Teacher & Program Manager

Bach. Community Drama (hons)

Shuna was born in the UK and studied at the Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts, where she completed a degree in Community Drama (BAHons) and proudly shook Sir Paul McCartneys hand to receive her degree! After graduation Shuna worked in London, teaching performing arts within Pre schools, and enjoyed seeing shows regularly in the West End.
Shuna moved to Australia in 2014 and after traveling worked for several schools and companies in Melbourne teaching Drama and Music in education.
Shuna has always had a passion and interest in performing arts from a young age, now as a mother of two young boys the passion has grown deeper understanding the positive effect performing arts can have in young minds and in their development from a young age.
Shuna and her family recently relocated to Newcastle and love their new city and all it has to offer.
Shuna loves working at The Hive surrounded by creative people and watching children grow in their confidence and growth through the arts.

 

Bridget Ponman

Musical Theatre Teacher

Bridget is a graduate of Hunter School of Performing Arts and is studying towards a Bachelor of Teaching in High School Drama.  She has spent 10 years developing talent in drama, musical theatre, and classical singing and is a frequent performer in many local productions as well as a CONDA youth ambassador. Bridget has earned multiple nominations and won the CONDA “Excellence by a Performer 18 and Under in a Musical” award. Her notable roles include Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde The Musical’, SpongeBob in ‘The SpongeBob Musical’, The Baroness in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, and Ursula in ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’ A talented visual artist, Bridget ranked in the Top 100 for the Young Archie’s 2021. At Hive, she passionately shares her arts expertise with young enthusiasts.

 

Olivia Harrington

Musical Theatre Asssitant

Olivia is a current HSC Music and Drama Student. Olivia has training in both Musical Theatre and Classical singing, completing up to Grade 6 and undergoing her 7th grade AMEB exams. Olivia is also a frequent chorister, performing with choirs like the Waratah Girls Choir, the Newcastle Music Festival Choir and the Starstruck Core Choir. Olivia is also a frequent performer, most notably for shows such as Frozen Jr, Into the Woods, The Wolves, Puffs, Noah’s Flood and most recently Newsies Jr as ‘Katherine’. Olivia also has experience backstage and on the directing team as a Production Assistant with Young People’s Theatre for ‘Honk Jr’, and an Assistant Director for Lambton High’s Production of ‘Dags’.

Olivia loves working with the Hive team and to see the creativity from young performers blossom through music, drama and dance.

 

Lucy Wallace

Voice Teacher

Lucy is a passionate vocalist who has been performing onstage since the age of 8. She attended singing lessons at The Voice Studio Newcastle for 10 years, and performed in many concerts at Lizzote’s during her time here.
Lucy enjoys singing folk, contemporary, country, pop and many other genres of music as well as writing her own original songs. She achieved a 95 in the HSC music 1 course in 2023 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Music with a major in Performance at the University of Newcastle.
Lucy’s love for musical theatre emerged during her 5 years being apart of the vocal ensemble in CSO’s ASPIRE productions where she developed drama and dance skills that she can apply in musical theatre classes.
As a vocal teacher, Lucy strives to pass on her wisdom and knowledge to inspire young singers to discover their voice and artistically express themselves with confidence.

Amelia Accardi

Piano

Amelia has been learning piano since 5 years of age. Completing all grades of piano AMEB with high distinctions and currently working on her AMUS (Associate in music, Australia). Amelia has a focus on classical piano, however loves all styles including Jazz, Pop and Musical Theatre. Additionally, Amelia’s compositional work (songwriting) has been acknowledged in Star Struck where she performed her original song, and her songwriting is further being developed at the Talent Development Project in Sydney. Recently, Amelia has been nominated to perform at ENCORE (‘outstanding’ music performances in HSC music at the Sydney Opera House). Amelia hopes to pursue Music after school in university.
Amelia has experience working with Children at Young Peoples Theatre as a production assistant and assistant tutor as well as being an assistant musical theatre teacher at HIVE. She’s very passionate about teaching kids and has a focus on nurturing children’s creativity and passion for music; always bringing her enthusiasm, skill and passion to the classroom.

 

Renee Edmonds

Voice

Bach. Music

Renee’s deep-seated passion for music led her to pursue a Bachelor of Music (BMus.), which she completed in 2021 with a major in classical voice. Renee’s research during her music studies focused on children’s singing pedagogy, specifically examining how music positively influences mood and mental health.

Renee’s love for singing started at a young age. She was a member of the Waratah Girls Choir for a decade, where she honed her vocal skills and earned a scholarship to study classical voice with Susan Hart. She toured to Canada, competing in an International Choral Festival, where she performed both as a soloist and as part of the ensemble.
At the University of Newcastle, Renee studied with Dr Sue Carson. During this time Renee completed group work, band and orchestra performances, individual vocal tuition, Masterclasses with Chris Allen and recitals Lisa Kinna.
In addition to her formal studies, Renee has performed extensively in musicals, choirs, and operas. Her recent roles with Opera Hunter include performances in The Sound of Music, Don Giovanni, and Pirates of Penzance. Of all her roles, Renee cherishes her performance as a cigarette girl and gypsy in Carmen the most.
As a Voice Instructor, Renee is dedicated to nurturing her students’ vocal development through a structured yet engaging approach. Her teaching emphasizes the development of correct breathing techniques, interactive activities to foster musical growth, and improvements in vocal range, diction, pitch, tone, and posture.
Renee has achieved up to Grade 8 in vocal examinations from both Trinity College of London and the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB), underscoring her commitment to excellence in her field.
Renee Edmonds brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and expertise to our team.

Grace Lickley

Art

Bach. Natural History Illustration

Grace is a passionate writer and artist and is a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Natural History Illustration. Grace specialises in both digital and traditional drawing methods and has a profound love for watercolour. She also works with acrylic, polymer clay and fine liner. She has been recognised by the National Art School in Sydney where she was accepted into their Intensive Studio Program specialising in Life Drawing and has participated in multiple exhibitions. 

For 8 years Grace attended a Steiner school and grew up surrounded by eclectic and colourful people. From age 6 her creative endeavours included painting, needle felting, knitting and candle making all of which she still enjoys and works at today. 

Grace has extensive experience working with children and has taught at both primary and high school levels. She is incredibly passionate about encouraging kids to discover their creativity and develop their artistic skills.

 

 

Charli Walker

Art

Charli is a singer and practicing artist. Having grown up in a musical and artistic family, it was a natural progression for her to study music and fine art.  Specialising in drawing and watercolour painting, Charli enjoys being part of our art program planning team alongside teaching in our art classes for preschoolers and school age children. 

Charli has a natural affinity for working with children and enjoys connecting with each child in her classes and helping them to develop their interest, skill and passion in art. 

Rosie Wilkie

Art Teacher

Rosie is a dedicated student, art teacher and emerging creative professional. She is studying a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design, majoring in Creative Arts at the University of Newcastle. Through this study, she has developed a strong technical and conceptual understanding of visual art principles, transferring these skills into her teaching practice. Attending Newtown High School of the Performing Arts in Sydney, Rosie has a broad background in performing and creative arts. She has abundant experience working with various artistic mediums, including drawing, painting and sculpture, with a special interest in print-making and fibre arts.
Nurturing her student’s artistic skills, Rosie is passionate about inspiring young minds to unlock their creative potential. By consistently seeking new ways to educate and inspire young creatives, she works to ensure art is accessible to everyone. Her extensive experience working with children of various ages and abilities allows Rosie to adjust her teaching methods, accommodating the unique learning styles of her individual students. She strives to create an inclusive and encouraging environment to support her students develop fundamental artistic skills.

 

 

Lee Seaman

Bee-School

Diploma in Graphic Design

Hello! My name is Lee and you could say I wear many pants. Wife, mum, Artist, Graphic Designer / Art Director and published Children’s interior stylist.

I find inspiration for my art/design from all facets of life but mostly from the sheer beauty of kids and my fondness for all things that are colourful, fresh and fun. I am beyond passionate in helping the next generation of little humans find their creative spark by providing them the tools to create projects that push their capabilities so they are continually growing and developing.

Professionally, I have worked as an art director for over 9 years, and hold qualifications in graphic design and fashion design.

Rebecca Hrobat

Bee-School

Diploma in Performing Arts Major in Acting

Bec has spent much of her life in performing arts. She started dancing at a young age and went on to perform interstate and internationally, singing and dancing professionally.
After completing her full time diploma in performing arts at The Australian College Of Entertainment as an acting major, she worked as an actor in the television and film industry for many years.
Bec has always related and connected to children, during this time she also worked as a Fairy for kids party’s, taught tiny tots (2-5yrs) singing classes and worked as a children’s nanny. She later went on to work behind the scenes in the television industry as a full time producer and supervising producer for fifteen years.
Bec was involved in Murmuration, an integrated performing company working with a collective of multi-disciplinary artists. She has a young family and recently moved to Newcastle to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and natural environment that it has on offer. As a mum of a two young children, Bec is made aware on a daily basis, of the different ways children learn and how that changes as they grow.
Bec loves being a part of the Hive community and enjoys watching little beings explore their potential through creativity, music and the arts.

 

Eloise Sheean

Bee-School, Baby & Toddler Music

Bach. Music

Eloise was born into a musical family. Both her grandparents and mother were singers and teachers at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music.
She completed her Bachelor of Music degree through the University of Newcastle and had many performance opportunities, including being a member of University of Newcastle Chamber Choir.
She has performed in numerous concerts as lead soprano such as Mozarts Requiem & Vespers and performed in opera and theatre productions of The Magic Flute, La Bohème, Wicked, Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast and many more. Eloise has also performed with Sydney based choral group Cantillation on the soundtrack for Happy Feet 2 and Nigel Westlake’s premiere of Requiem for Eli at the Sydney Opera House with Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
She has previously taught private singing tuition from home and Newcastle Grammar School with a variety of students ranging in age, skill level and vocal style.
After taking a break from performing to start a family, Eloise is excited to help children explore their creativity through their love of singing and music making.

 

Summer Visocchi

Bee-School Teacher & Play Room 

Summer teaches in our Bee-school program, co-teaches in our Play Room program, and is the organizational expert behind our incredible Play Room program.  Working at Hive since 2019 “I was gifted with the chance to make my dream come true with an amazing opportunity to do what I have always loved to do, which is working with kids”. 

Summer has always loved building and forming relationships with children and her work is always rewarded by getting to watch them thrive, grow and develop their creativity. She has always had a passion for both dance and art, and to be able to combine her interests she believes, is the best combination ever!

Melissa Saunders

Program Director for 0-5 Yrs
Baby & Toddler Music

Diploma of Early Education & Care

Melissa has a background and qualifications in early childhood teaching and music education – giving you and your child a complete educational and creative experience. Before joining the Hive, Melissa worked as an Early Childhood Teacher and Director and also as a Voice Teacher and Choir Director. Melissa’s skills extend to the stage as well, where she has many years of experience in writing, directing and producing musicals and dramatic theatre productions.

She’s also a singer and songwriter – you might just see her wowing audiences at live performances in local venues around Newcastle.

Melissa is a proud mum to Natasha and Daniel, who share her passion for beautiful music and performance.

Emily Kingsmill

Baby & Toddler Music

Bach. Psychology in Education

Emily is a pianist, singer and teacher. She grew up playing the piano then completed her Psychology in Education degree back in England. She qualified as a Primary School teacher, then as an Early Childhood educator here in Australia. She is passionate about children learning through the joy of music and is delighted to be putting both her love of music and education together at Hive.

Her two little boys share her love of music, and together they like to spend time exploring and adventuring outdoors, going to the beach, sailing, crafting, baking, plus singing, dancing and making music!

Kirsty Venables

Play Room

Bach. Education (Primary)

Kirsty completed her primary teaching degree in 2009 and has been teaching for 12 years. Nurturing young little minds is her life goal. Working with children has been a dream of mine since I was one myself. There was never any other career path for me. It truly is my ‘dream job’ to have recently joined The Hive team; as it allows me to combine my passion for engaging with children as well as my love for The Arts.

Performing has always been a big part of my life; singing and dancing all through primary as well as high school, and also majoring in Drama for my HSC and at uni. I have had the privilege of performing at many friends’ and families’ weddings as well as few informal social and charity events.
I have a 4 year old little boy, Finn, who is the love of my life. He has loved music, dancing and imaginative play from the very beginning and hopefully he is following in Mummy’s footsteps.

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