Meet our staff

Our College staff

At Taylors College Sydney, you’ll learn from academics who know what it takes to achieve success at the University of Sydney. They’ll support you all the way to your undergraduate degree.

Alison Baines

College Director – Taylors College Sydney

I have a wide range of leadership experience in international schools and pathway colleges, prior to this I taught extensively in Economics and Business.

Taylors is one of the leading international pathway colleges in Sydney offering the opportunity to progress to the highly prestigious University of Sydney. Our experienced, committed and caring teachers and support staff are here to make this possible. Our aim is to provide the best student experience not only through quality education and care but offering a wide range of other experiences to build the academic and interpersonal skills necessary for success at university and beyond.

I look forward to welcoming you as part of the Taylors College community.

Jacquie Hargreaves

Director of Teaching, Taylors College Sydney

I have been Deputy Principal at Taylors College since late 2007, and I have a long career in international education and Mathematics. I have co- authored several Mathematics textbooks and delivered lectures to students and teachers on my favourite subject.

Students often laugh at Orientation when I say “my job is to make you happy”, but I am responsible for ensuring students have a challenging and fulfilling experience at Taylors College. Happy, engaged, curious students are likely to be the most successful. I see Taylors College as encouraging students to try something new, to go beyond their home school experience, in a safe environment.

Hossein Davari

Director of Learning, the University of Sydney Foundation Program 

As Director of Learning, my role is to help you achieve your full potential by supporting both your academic and welfare needs, ensuring your learning experience is an enjoyable and successful one.

Over its rich history as the oldest university in Australia, the University of Sydney alumni have made some significant and enduring contributions to Australia and the world. Studying at Taylors College Sydney not only provides you with a pathway to the University of Sydney, but also puts you on the path to making your own contribution to your field of study and the greater good in the future.

The world of work is now a global one, so studying at Taylors College Sydney will enable you to have contacts all around the world thanks to the 40+ different nationalities of students who study with us. The cross-cultural knowledge that you gain is immeasurable; immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy your learning.

Mona Peters

Associate Director of University of Sydney Preparation Program Students

As Associate Director of USPP Students I am responsible for supporting the students in achieving their academic goals while they meet the challenges of studying online.

The University of Sydney values independent thought, critical thinking skills, information literacy, an understanding of world affairs, and good communication skills. Our University of Sydney Preparation Programs encourage all these attributes in our students.

The world of work is now a global and mostly an online one, so studying at Taylors College Sydney will enable students to have contacts all around the world thanks to the 40+ different nationalities of students who study with us. The cross-cultural knowledge our students gain is immeasurable.

During these trying times of a global pandemic, students’ resilience, and ability to manage a new normal is tested. With the support of experienced academic staff, cutting-edge Library resources, a highly competent Information Technology team and a supportive welfare team, our students have achieved great results and have continued their educational journey to the University of Sydney unperturbed.

Rebecca James

Associate Director of Transition, Taylors College Sydney

I have worked in international education in various countries for over 20 years and am passionate about the opportunities and lifelong learning it facilitates. As Careers Coordinator and HAPP Student Adviser I am responsible for the smooth transition of our students into university. In addition to this, we run Careers workshops, the Career Ahead program and our new Taylors College Volunteer Group. Liaising with the University of Sydney (Usyd) and promoting events which engage the students and expand their knowledge base is also of great importance as they embark on the next stage of their international education journey.

In 2016 the High Achiever’s Preparation Program (HAPP) was introduced at the Sydney Campus. The program has enjoyed excellent results and the students are motivated to succeed. The Student Ambassador Mentoring Program teams HAPP students with USyd mentors and allows students to establish enriching relationships and develop a comprehensive understanding of campus life. All of our students are encouraged to be the very best that they can be – successful, committed, engaged, empathetic and self-aware – in order to meet the challenges they will face in this rapidly globalising and highly competitive world.