Our Clunes team of 40+ staff has extensive experience in meeting the learning and developmental needs of adolescent students in a residential setting.
Meet the Clunes leadership team
Tara was appointed Head of Clunes in 2023. Tara has an extensive professional history in education, wellbeing and leadership having held roles as a teacher, Head of House, Head of English and as Curriculum Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) from Deakin University, as well as a Diploma of Management and a Cert IV in Training & Assessment from the Gordon Institute of TAFE and a Diploma of Positive Psychology from the Langley Institute.
Tara is a passionate educator who values the way education can empower an individual, organisation or community to be the best they can be.
Zoe Schneider
Zoe Schneider is an experienced educator with a tenure of 23 years at Wesley College. For the past 20 years, she has been teaching at the Clunes campus, where she has covered a wide range of subjects. Throughout her career, Zoe has taken on various leadership roles, including Head of House (at GW), Head of Curriculum Clunes, Acting Head of Programs and Staffing, and Community Engagement Coordinator. Currently, she serves as Co-Head of Programs and Staffing.
Zoe is an advocate for experiential education and finds great satisfaction in the diverse learning opportunities provided by the residential learning environment at Clunes. Throughout her time at Wesley College, she has demonstrated a commitment to fostering engaging and transformative learning experiences for her students.
Ben Hobbs
Ben is an experienced educator with an extensive history of educational Leadership in both the public and independent school systems, previously holding roles as an Assistant Principal and Leading Teacher. Ben has a Bachelor of Physical Education from Federation University and currently serves as Co-Head of Programs and Staffing, joining Wesley College in 2024. Ben has also been a House Leader at Clunes and has held several professional positions amongst the Physical Education and Outdoor Education communities.
Ben is passionate about experiential learning and giving back to the community through a myriad of opportunities that a residential program presents. Ben has high expectations for his students and always encourages individuals to inspire others, as they pursue their educational goals.
Maddi Hobbs
Maddi has been a committed and valued staff member of Wesley College since 2020 and was appointed to the Head of Wellbeing at Clunes in 2024. With an unwavering passion for well-being, inclusivity, and empowering young people, Maddi takes great joy in supporting students to flourish in the Clunes Experience.
Maddi’s professional history in education, well-being and leadership has seen her hold roles as a teacher, House Leader, Writer for Outdoors Victoria/ACHPER, Student Leadership Coordinator, Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator and Curriculum Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Physical Education, Health and Outdoor Education from Federation University and a Diploma in Health Sciences from Deakin University. Her compassionate and proactive approach creates a positive, nurturing environment where every student feels valued and supported. Maddi is deeply committed to fostering a culture of resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being, and her efforts continue to inspire students to thrive and reach their full potential.