Our Team.

Teffany TheidemanFounder & Programming Director
Teffany is a founding member of Aeon Academy and co-founder of Aeon Arts. An award-winning artist, she holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the ANU School of Art & Design.
As Program & Artistic Director, she designs Aeon Academy’s Creative Catalyst Visual Arts.
As an award-winning artist, Teffany is an active exhibitor, both in her annual home studio exhibition and interstate. She’s passionate about community art and hand’s on participation in the arts.
As Program & Artistic Director, she designs Aeon Academy’s Creative Catalyst Visual Arts.
As an award-winning artist, Teffany is an active exhibitor, both in her annual home studio exhibition and interstate. She’s passionate about community art and hand’s on participation in the arts.

Mathew LongFounder & Executive Director
Mathew is a founding member of Aeon Academy and co-founder of Aeon Arts. He graduated from the Australian National University in Canberra, majoring in Anthropology, Archaeology and History.
Mathew is the Creative Director and Program Director of Aeon Academy’s Vala Adventures program and the author of many of its immersive adventure modules. His philosophy and passion is ‘education through creativity’. He is equally passionate about cultural enrichment, including through the ancient methods of storytelling.
Mathew is the Creative Director and Program Director of Aeon Academy’s Vala Adventures program and the author of many of its immersive adventure modules. His philosophy and passion is ‘education through creativity’. He is equally passionate about cultural enrichment, including through the ancient methods of storytelling.

DoraCentre Director (Currently on Parental Leave)
Dora is the Centre Director, onsite at Aeon Academy’s Yarraluma Primary School Service every day. She values authentic and warm relationships with all the students and leads a team of Educators in delivering meaningful programming in an inclusive and welcoming environment. She hails from Brazil, is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and Italian and holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Mariana Office Manager
Mariana joined the Aeon team in 2024. She has a background in Education Administration.
Contact Mariana for any queries you have regarding bookings and payments.
Contact Mariana for any queries you have regarding bookings and payments.

LucyOrana Co-ordinater & Lead Educator - Vala & Creative Play
Lucy holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has worked in children’s education and care for over a decade. She brings her warmth, thoughtful and enthusiastic attentiveness to her work with all the children.
Lucy has always been passionate about the creative arts and live action role play and loves playing out a good story in Vala.
Lucy has always been passionate about the creative arts and live action role play and loves playing out a good story in Vala.

Rai Assistant Educator - Creative Play

Enki Vala Manager & Lead Educator
Enki has been an Educator in Aeon Academy’s Vala program for 7 years. He attended programs at Aeon Academy since the age of 5 and has become an adept storyteller.
As a former Australian judo representative, Enki has a strong background in the martial arts and an interest in the historical authenticity of the boffer weapon play.
As a former Australian judo representative, Enki has a strong background in the martial arts and an interest in the historical authenticity of the boffer weapon play.

OchreCreative Catalyst Assistant Manager & Lead Educator
Ochre holds a Bachelor of Arts at ANU with a focus on Anthropology and Environmental Studies.
Ochre attended Vala and Creative Catalyst programs from the age of 5 and started working at Aeon Academy at age 16.
Based in Tasmania now, Ochre runs a ceramic studio – Red Ochre Studio, located in the Southern Beaches area where she teaches clay classes for both adults and children and continues her ceramic practise.
Ochre attended Vala and Creative Catalyst programs from the age of 5 and started working at Aeon Academy at age 16.
Based in Tasmania now, Ochre runs a ceramic studio – Red Ochre Studio, located in the Southern Beaches area where she teaches clay classes for both adults and children and continues her ceramic practise.
Zia VickersEducator - Creative Catalyst
ElwynAssistant Educator - Creative Play

KiranLead Educator - Vala Adventures

PhoebeLead Educator - Sparks
Tom Wagoner Educator - Sparks
Erica Berardo Educator - Creative Play
Erica Berardo Educator - Creative Play
Tyler FoxEducator - Creative Play
Carmen Rosa RaveloEducator - Creative Play
Louise Simpson Educator - Creative Play
Lilly Wagoner Educator - Creative Play
Stephanie Pieroni Educator - Creative Play
Peter Herbst Educator - Creative Play

SophiaLead Educator - Creative Catalyst (guest appearance these Spring Holidays!)