Our Teachers

ELICOS Teacher Profiles

Matt Spaulding

I have been teaching English for almost 10 years now. My career started off volunteer tutoring a migrant in Australia who was struggling with English. I then gained my CELTA and went abroad to teach in places such as Uzbekistan, China, Laos, and Ukraine.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Sydney. In my free time I like to attend cultural events, spend time in nature, and watch movies. I’m also a bit of a foodie and love Asian cuisine.

I am now the Academic Manager of English here at Victory, I really love my job and we look forward to guiding you through your English learning adventure here in Sydney!

Adeline Yan

I currently teach Elementary, but I have previously taught all levels and IELTS.  I have a Master of TESOL qualification and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116).   I started teaching ESL in 2011.  I have been teaching at Victory Institute Since June 2015.  I love teaching at Victory Institute because of its relaxed and friendly ambience.

I am a dedicated ESL teacher focused on providing an innovative, fun, and inspiring classroom.  I have a track record of encouraging students to master English while also nurturing their love of the language.  I am committed to finding new methods to get better results and enhance student outcomes. Outside the classroom, I enjoy outdoor activities and love travelling!

Silvia Ferrufino

I currently teach Pre-Intermediate English. I have a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education and a Master of Arts in TESOL. Outside the classroom I enjoy pilates, and aerobics. I love movies: action, drama, sci-fiction, rom-coms, and thrillers. I enjoy music and going out to dinner with friends. Lastly, when it comes to food, if it’s a choice between sweet and savoury, I prefer savoury.

Tui Tuckwell

I have been teaching English for 4 years, including both college classes and private tutoring. I have a degree in finance, a CELTA, and am currently also studying physiotherapy. My passions in my free time include art and surfing.

I love students who ask questions and have fun, and feel extremely proud watching students develop both their ability and confidence when speaking English.

Cherlyn Nathungkham

I am currently teaching at the Elementary level.

I’ve been an English tutor and college teacher for almost four years. I have a bachelor’s degree in business English as well as a master’s degree in Linguistics and TESOL. Outside of the classroom, I am into outdoor activities such as exercise, traveling, taking photos and exploring new cafes.

I enjoy teaching at Victory Institute because of the variety of students, the mix of cultures, and the relaxed atmosphere. I love to share my experiences living in Sydney with students and get excited when I can help them in improving their English skills and having fun in the classroom.

Jiabei Zuo

I am currently teaching Intermediate and Upper-intermediate
English. I have a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics and Tesol
from Macquarie University. Over the course of my career, I have
had the privilege of working with a diverse range of learners, both
in group settings and one-on-one. With four years of experience as
a private tutor, I have built my skills in tailoring lessons to meet
individual needs and helping students achieve their language
goals.

Outside of the classroom, I am passionate about erhu and
mahjong. These activities not only enrich my personal life but also
contribute to my teaching approach by helping me connect with
students on a broader level.

Karolina Cepicova

Languages have always been my passion. I studied Czech, German, and English, and then became a teacher. After moving to Australia, I began to focus on the topic of teaching Czech and English as a second language.

I have a CELTA qualification and I now teach English at Victory Institute where I enjoy helping people learn a new language.

I love coffee and I am a bookworm.

So if you decide to study at Victory Institute, I would be happy to show you that learning English can be an adventure and fun!

Anna Stenson

I currently teach Upper Intermediate here at Victory Institute. I have a Bachelor of Education from Dublin City University and a certificate in TEFL. I worked as a primary school teacher in Ireland for 3 years before making the big move to Australia. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge and excitement of teaching and I look forward to exploring the new dynamic of teaching English. I like to make lessons fun and interactive so that the students are actively learning in a positive atmosphere.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy going for coffee, pilates, reading and exploring Sydney!

Ciara Drumgoole

I am a qualified and experienced teacher from Dublin, Ireland. I completed a Bachelor of Education in Dublin City University and then taught in a primary school for three years before moving to Australia. I have also completed a certificate in TEFL which I put to use when I taught English in Spain for a number of summers. I currently teach Intermediate and Upper-Intermediate/ IELTS classes at Victory Institute.

Outside of teaching, I am also studying a Degree in Counselling. I love exploring all of Sydney’s beautiful coastal walks as well as playing Oztag and being a part of Irish sports teams. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone at Victory Institute!