Media

Executive Support Magazine (online), March 2026

I have now worked in education for 14 years. I still remember my first day walking through the gates of a school community, joining the marketing and events department and thinking, Wow – this is incredible. To be part of an environment where students sat at the centre of every decision felt deeply purposeful. My role in marketing and events placed me at the intersection of culture and community, extending far beyond logistics. I saw how stories were shaped, how tone built trust, and how moments – large and small – influenced the lived experience of a school. It didn’t feel like work; it felt meaningful.

Independence - AHISA, October 2025

Over the past two decades, the role of Executive Assistants in schools has transformed dramatically. No longer just administrative support, EAs are now integral to educational leadership, navigating complex relationships, balancing strategic and operational priorities, and holding together the fabric of school communities.

This publication marks an early milestone in my research journey. I am now extending this work through my graduate study, exploring how Executive Assistants to Principals enact leadership within independent schools. This study aims to shine a light on EA identity, influence, and the ways in which their contributions enhance organisational capacity.

Independence - AHISA, May 2024

In this shared article, Dr Steven Middleton, Associate Principal, and Ms Kristine Niven, Executive Assistant, of St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar explore the vital role of executive assistants in leadership collaboration with principals. The partnership between executive assistant (EA) and principal provides a unique opportunity to shape and transform school culture. The impact of a highly effective and talented EA with proactive capacity to build relationships, communicate purpose and model values to strategically lead others cannot be underestimated. 

Associate - ASBA, June 2025

When I reflect on a fork in the road of my recent leadership journey, I realise what I thought at the time was the worst setback of my professional career was the best thing that ever happened for my personal growth. This article reflects upon lessons drawn from my leadership journey, from being informed that the job I loved was gone, to today, where the organisation I set up has been recognised as a leading national education service provider. This three-year journey, leading alongside a Senior Executive in a complex learning institution whilst setting up a national network for Executive Assistants has been remarkable.