Who We Are

At Mater Dei we work together with families and carers to provide innovative and contemporary education and therapy services to babies, children and young adults with an Intellectual Disability or developmental delay.

Mater Dei School is the oldest and original educational offering of Mater Dei, which began as an orphanage by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan Order in 1910.

More recently, Mater Dei’s offerings have expanded to include: Mater Dei Early Childhood EducationNextPath Continuous Learning and NextPath Assessment & Therapy.

You can explore the Mater Dei community by clicking on each logo below.

Mater Dei is a registered charity and tax deductible gift recipient. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Your generosity ensures we can continue to provide groundbreaking, Research and Evidence-based education and support to our school students, as well as high-quality, innovative services and resources across all programs.

Message From Our CEO

Mater Dei was founded by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, initially as an orphanage, in 1910. We have inherited their Benedictine spirituality and commitment to serving others with compassion and inclusion. It is a beautiful tradition which lives out every day in the way we do things here.

As you explore Mater Dei through this website, or in person through engagement in one of our many programs, I am confident that you will quickly get a taste of the Benedictine spirit of Welcome and Hospitality that Mater Dei is renowned for.

Today Mater Dei is a place of excellence in delivering educational and support services to children, students and young adults with intellectual disability and/or developmental delay. We are a much-loved service in the region and beyond. We thank the community for their on-going support, assistance and respect.

For those currently part of our Mater Dei community, we thank you for your confidence in us, and for those thinking of being part of our future I say come, say hello and see how we can tailor support matching your needs and your goals.

We endeavour to make a difference in the world by helping to release the potential in every person in a safe and supportive community. 

Welcome to Mater Dei.

Matthew Cleary
CEO

Our Impact

50+

Young Adults enrolled in NextPath Continuous Learning, and counting. Up from just 6 Young Adults when it launched in 2018.

Leaders

in educational innovation and Universal Design for Learning.

60+

years experience providing services to children and young people with intellectual disability.

Organisational Leadership Team

Photo of Matthew Cleary

Matthew Cleary

CEO

Photo of Melissa Eather

Melissa Eather

CFO/Business Manager

Photo of Jennifer Foldes

Jennifer Foldes

Principal of Mater Dei School

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Pamela Templeton

Director of Mater Dei Early Childhood Education

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Sarah Ryan

Director of Development

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Vanessa Black

Manager of NextPath Assessment & Therapy

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Alycia O'Neill

Manager of NextPath Continuous Learning

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Tony Lehner

Head of HR (Interim)

Mater Dei Board

Photo of Michael Lavorato

Michael Lavorato

Chair of Board

Michael has been a member of the Board since 2014, Deputy Chair since 2015 and in 2020 was announced as the new Chair of Board. Michael is the General Manager of the Campbelltown Catholic Club. Member of the Development Committee. Member of the Governance, Risk and Compliance Committee.

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Richard Drinnan

Deputy Chair of Board and Company Secretary

Richard joined the board in May 2018. Richard is a partner at KPMG Wollongong and brings experience of finance, organisational risk and governance to the Mater Dei Board. Richard has also held positions on other school boards and finance committees. Member of the Finance & Audit Committee. Member of the Governance, Risk and Compliance Committee.

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Sherie Avalos

Director

Sherie has been a member of the Board since 2016. Sherie has 23 years experience in the Disability Sector as Executive Management. Chair of the Early Childhood Education Committee. Chair of the NextPath Committee.

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Krystle Wolthers

Director

Krystle joined the board in May 2020. Krystle is a Partner at Marsdens Law Group, having joined the firm shortly after admission as a Lawyer in 2012. Marsdens Law Group have always been a proud supporter of Mater Dei and Krystle has worked closely with the past Chair, John Adam for many years. Krystle has a keen interest in social justice and enjoys working with a number of pro-bono programs. Chair of the Governance, Risk and Compliance sub Committee.

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Alan Ibbett

Director

Alan joined the Board in June 2021 and is an Electrical Engineer. He comes to the Board with a wealth of experience – specialising in IT. Alan has taken up a new role at CE Net (Catholic Education Network) and has previously held the roles of Chief Information Officer for Eurobodalla Shire Council and Chief Information Officer for the Diocese of Wollongong. Alan has also assisted Mater Dei with IT over many years in these capacities. Member of the Foundation committee and the Building and Property sub committee.

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Paul Burgess

Director

Paul joined the Mater Dei Board in May 2023. Paul is a CPA-qualified Accountant and since 2002 has been a Shareholder and Group Financial Director of Paul Wakeling Motor Group. Member of the Early Childhood Education Committee.

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Adam Quinn

Director

Adam joined the Mater Dei Board in May 2023. Adam is a Senior Partner of the firm Kelly Partners, Chartered Accountants and brings a wealth of experience to the Board. Member of the Audit & Finance Committee.