Our Boarding Team

Kristen Armitage

Deputy Principal - Students (Day & Boarding)

Kristen joins our College community as the new Director of Students, bringing extensive leadership experience and a passion for student wellbeing. With a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling and a strong pastoral leadership background since 2016, Kristen excels in creating supportive environments for students. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and recently received the 2024 Professor Gerry Tehan Psychology Teaching Award for Excellence.

As part of the College Leadership Team, Kristen will oversee Pastoral Care and Wellbeing, collaborating with key staff to ensure all students thrive. Outside of work, she has coached athletics for 20 years and supports the creative industries. Kristen is also a proud mother of two daughters in creative fields and shares her home with two Labradors. We are excited to welcome Kristen in 2025 and look forward to the positive impact she will bring.

Paula Henderson

Dean of Boarding

Jo Gilmore

Assistant Dean of Boarding - Academic

Joanne Gilmore is an experienced educational leader with more than 30 years of teaching and leadership experience across Australia and the United Kingdom. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Special Honours) in History and Economic and Social History and a Master of Educational Leadership, with extensive expertise in literacy, curriculum development, academic achievement, and middle years education.

Joanne currently serves as Assistant Director of Boarding - Academics, where she supports the academic progress, wellbeing, and personal growth of boarding students. Working closely with students, families, and staff, she helps create a structured and supportive boarding environment that promotes resilience, independence, strong study habits, and academic success.

Previously working as a Literacy Coach and Director of Teaching and Learning, Joanne has led whole-school literacy and curriculum initiatives designed to improve student outcomes and build confident, capable learners. She understands the importance families place on educational excellence and values strong partnerships between home and school.

Known for her caring and approachable nature, Joanne believes literacy is the foundation of success and that every student’s pathway is unique. She is passionate about helping young people grow in confidence, character, and achievement as they prepare for life beyond school.

Gemma Stevens

Assistant Dean of Boarding - Formation & Wellbeing

Gemma's journey through education has been a global adventure, driven by her passion for fostering learning and growth in young minds. With a wealth of experience spanning state, private, and independent schools across the UK, South Korea, and Australia, she brings a unique perspective shaped by diverse cultural landscapes. Gemma has a Bachelor in Sport and Physical Education and having held leadership roles including Head of Year, Second in Department, Director of Boarding, and Housemistress, Gemma's commitment to student welfare and development is at the core of her professional ethos.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Gemma's interests are as varied as the countries she's called home. She loves all sport, travelling, cooking, volunteering, reading, and gardening.

Sarah Silinju

Coordinator of Logistics, Activities & Administration - Boarding

Ella Brereton

College Nurse

Ella joined St Patrick’s College Townsville in 2025 and is passionate about supporting students to thrive in all aspects of their health and wellbeing. She completed a Bachelor of Nursing at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane in 2024 before moving to Townsville to begin her career as a Registered Nurse at Townsville University Hospital. In 2025, she furthered her expertise by completing a Graduate Certificate in Child Health.

Prior to joining the College, Ella worked as a medical receptionist while completing her studies and gained nursing experience in the Intensive Care Unit. She brings a strong clinical foundation and a genuine passion for working with young people.

As College Nurse, Ella values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and provide support for both their physical and emotional wellbeing. She is committed to creating a safe, caring environment where students feel heard, valued and empowered to be their best.

Ella particularly enjoys learning from the diverse experiences, cultures and perspectives of the students she works with each day. Through a person-centred approach, she strives to ensure every student feels supported, confident and connected throughout their journey at St Patrick’s College Townsville.

Alex O'Neil

Years 7 - 9 Residential Leader

Alex has been a part of St Patrick’s College Townsville for over 10 years through boarding and is excited to continue supporting the students and community she knows so well.

Alex was inspired to work in boarding because of the opportunity to support students beyond the classroom, build meaningful relationships and help young people thrive during such an important stage of their lives. This year, she is looking forward to welcoming the Year 7 boarders, supporting their transition into boarding life and enjoying the many activities that bring the boarding community together.

Born and raised in Townsville, Alex values the strong sense of connection and belonging that comes from being part of a close community. In her spare time, she enjoys walking along The Strand, spending time with her nieces and nephews, travelling, cooking for family and catching up with friends.

Nicole Brady

Years 10 - 12 Residential Leader

Nicole brings more than 20 years of experience in education to her role as a Residential Leader. Having taught across primary schools in New South Wales and served in a range of leadership positions, including Acting Principal, she is passionate about creating safe, supportive and inclusive environments where young people can thrive.

Nicole values building positive relationships with students and believes that boarding offers a unique opportunity to support personal growth, independence and wellbeing. She enjoys encouraging students to embrace new experiences, develop confidence and feel a strong sense of belonging within the College community.

Outside of the College, Nicole is an active volunteer rescue operator with the NSW State Emergency Service, where she has served for more than five years in specialist rescue roles including Vertical Rescue, Swift Water In-Water Rescue and Road Crash Rescue. Nicole enjoys walking, spending time outdoors, travelling, skiing and giving back to the community through volunteering. Nicole is committed to helping every boarder feel welcomed, supported and at home.

Talitha Smith

Years 10 - 12 Residential Leader

Talitha brings extensive experience in boarding and pastoral care, having worked with young people in both independent schools and government-supported residential programs. Most recently, she served as Head of House at Ascham School in Sydney, where she led a team of staff and oversaw the wellbeing, safety and daily life of almost 50 senior boarders.

Passionate about creating a supportive and welcoming home away from home, Talitha has also worked with students at McDonald College and as a House Parent with Wunan, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote communities. She holds qualifications in Advanced First Aid, Mental Health First Aid and Child Protection, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Ministry. Talitha is committed to fostering a caring, inclusive environment where every boarder feels valued, supported and encouraged to thrive.