Media

Awards, Published Articles & Guest Podcasts

Published Articles

  • Icon of three black paintbrushes crossed on an orange background.

    Sector Spotlight: Executive Assistants in Education

    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.

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  • A magazine article titled 'The vital role of executive assistants in school settings' by Kristine Niven, with a headshot of the author, discusses her research and experiences as an executive assistant in educational environments.

    The vital role of executive assistants in school settings

    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.

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  • A magazine page featuring a headline about executive assistants and school culture, with photos of two people at the top and a larger photo of a woman with a lanyard at the bottom.

    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS AS LEADERS OF SCHOOL CULTURE

    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. 

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  • Magazine article titled "Leadership lessons as an executive assistant" with an image of a girl from behind, looking at a path through a park during daytime, at the bottom of the page.

    LEADING ALONGSIDE AND OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: LEADERSHIP LESSONS AS AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IN EDUCATION

    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.

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Awards & Nominations

  • A woman in an off-the-shoulder black dress with a geometric pattern is standing in front of a tree beside a swimming pool. She is smiling, wearing glasses, and has red hair. There are potted plants, lounge chairs, and umbrellas in the background.

    2023 Nominee Culture Optimiser (Australian Assembly of Administrators)

    The Culture Optimiser award celebrates the exceptional administrative professionals who have made a tangible impact on the business's people and culture. These individuals have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to supporting the company's success and enhancing employee experience. Through their dedication and innovative approaches, they have helped improve staff engagement and retention, shaped the chosen culture and fostered inclusion within their department or across the entire business

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  • Cover of a magazine or brochure featuring a smiling woman with brown hair, glasses, dressed in black, with text that reads 'EAS IN EDUCATION' and a subtitle 'A community for connection, growth and belonging.'

    Service Provider Award EAs in Education

    EAs in Education earns prestigious recognition in the 2024 the educator service provider awards.

    The Service Provider Awards 2024 - EAs in Education (theeducatorsmag.com)

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Guest Podcast

  • Green book cover titled "Indispensable EA's - The Principal's Right Hand" featuring a smiling woman with short hair, and text mentioning a conversation with Kristine Nivan, and Cheryl Lacey Show.

    Indispensable EA's - The Principal's Right Hand

    The Cheryl Lacey Show, April 2026

    The EA role in a school is unlike any other. Not a teacher, nor a general admin role, but absolutely central to everything.
    In this episode, we explore the unique identity, influence, and professional value of executive assistants in education, and why school leadership simply couldn't function without them. A conversation with Kristine Niven. 

    Listen on Apple Podcasts
  • A woman in a white blazer smiling while sitting at a desk with a laptop, part of a presentation slide about workplace relationships featuring the title 'Episode 3: Why Relationships Are Everything in the Workplace' and the name 'Kristine Niven'.

    EAs in Education: Kristine Niven on Creating Community and Championing Growth in Schools

    Admin Avenues, July 2025

    In this episode, we are joined by Kristine Niven, EA to the Associate Principal at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar and Founder of EAs in Education.

    Kristine shares:
    ✨ What sets school-based EAs apart
    ✨ The power of connection and community
    ✨ How EAs in Education was born, and why it’s thriving

    This episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of purpose.

    Listen on Spotify
  • Podcast cover featuring three speakers with photos and names: Kristine Niven, Dr. Steven Middleton, and Aimee Presnell, with the title "Reflections of School Leaders" and the Well-Nest logo.

    The Power of Partnership: Leading Through Change

    Reflections of School Leaders, November 2024

    In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Dr Steven Middleton and Kristine Niven (our first duo episode on this podcast)!

    Together, they share their unique story of navigating the complexities of school leadership through trust, collaboration and shared purpose as Associate Principal and Executive Assistant.

    This conversations dives into the dynamics of effective Principal-EA partnerships and offers rich insights into:
    ✨ Building trust in leadership relationships
    ✨ Navigating significant organisational change
    ✨ Growing people while growing institutions
    ✨ Finding purpose in educational leadership
    ✨ Creating impact beyond traditional roles

    Listen on Spotify