Introducing Our Team at the Eco House and Garden
Rachel Kernaghan – Ecological Education Manager
Rachel leads Kimbriki’s Eco House & Garden Team in the role of Ecological Education Manager.
For the past eleven years Rachel has been actively delivering Kimbriki’s Eco Workshops and Schools Programs to schools and the local community, and contributing to the design and growth of Kimbriki’s thriving onsite permaculture eco garden.
Rachel holds a Double Degree in Education and Geography and is an NSW DET Accredited Teacher. She has completed her Introduction to Permaculture, Master Class in Permaculture and Permaculture Living course training.
Rachel is passionate about sharing her wealth of knowledge to all, and has 25 years’ experience in developing and delivering education to primary and high school students. Specifically, Rachel has been instrumental in rolling out Kitchen Garden Schools Programs, Field Studies and Engagement & Action Programs to Not-for-Profit organisations and Community Gardens.
When Rachel’s not working in the Eco House and Garden, she is busy exploring and supporting many environmentally focused initiatives in our local community and enjoying time in nature.
Rachel is excited to continue providing fun and informative programs educating schools and our local community on all things ecological!
Angie Penn – Ecologist & Educator
Angie joined Kimbriki’s Eco House and Garden in early 2023.
Angie holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and PhD in Fire Ecology both from UNSW and a Diploma of Education from Macquarie University. She has been working in environmental education in schools since 2017.
Currently working as the Garden teacher at Seaforth Public School, Angie previously was the Garden educator at Manly West Public School and worked as a Science Teacher in Primary and High Schools.
Angie is passionate about science, environmental education and sustainability, teaching gardening, composting and worm farming workshops for many years. Angie is keen to share her extensive knowledge and vibrant energy with others.
Katie Meyer – Ecologist & Educator
Katie joined Kimbriki’s Eco House & Garden team in 2025, bringing over 25 years of experience in environmental education, ecology and sustainability.
Katie holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Education, along with additional training in Ecopsychology. She also brings leadership experience as the founder and manager of an environmental education business, with extensive work guiding youth outdoor adventures, conservation initiatives and community-based environmental projects.
Katie has a strong background in designing and delivering engaging, curriculum‑linked environmental education programs for schools and community groups. She has worked across both the private and non‑profit sectors in roles spanning education, program development, project management and creative content, with a consistent focus on connecting people to nature and place.
With extensive experience as an educator and guide, Katie has taught and interpreted environmental, cultural and historical topics through place‑based learning and storytelling, making complex ideas accessible, meaningful and inspiring for diverse audiences.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time in nature and has a long history of volunteering with environmental and community programs.
Katie is deeply passionate about ecological living and sustainability and is excited to share her knowledge, creativity and enthusiasm with schools and the local community through Kimbriki’s Eco House & Garden programs.
Jake Bennett – Ecologist & Educator
Jake joined Kimbriki’s Eco House and Garden in 2022.
Jake has completed study in the field of permaculture and permaculture design, and successfully gained his Permaculture Teacher Trainers Certificate in 2015. He has worked and volunteered for the past 10 years in the fields of permaculture and gardening, and is also currently working at The Beach School alongside staff, students and community group, Bushlink, to create and foster a thriving permaculture environment complete with food forests, compost, aquaculture and animal habitats.
Jake is an enthusiastic participant in sustainable living practices, he is a keen food forest gardener and compost and worm farmer. At home he regularly tends to his own garden in collaboration with the local brush turkey. Jake’s home reflects his love of permaculture with a 23,000L rainwater tank, a two-phase reed bed grey water treatment system, solar hot water, solar power and a waterless composting toilet
Jake is excited to be part of Kimbriki’s Eco House & Garden Team and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and passion for all things ecological with our schools and local community.
Paul Cannings – Ecologist & Educator
Paul joined Kimbriki’s Eco House & Garden team in 2022 and bought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that he is eager to continue sharing with our schools and local community. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biodiversity and Conservation, a Bachelor of Teaching (secondary), is a NSW DET Accredited Teacher and an Accredited Teacher of Permaculture Design Certificate from Milkwood Permaculture. He has 20 years of experience working in environmental education for both Primary and High School, and 10 years’ experience in designing permaculture gardens for schools, private and community gardens.
Paul believes strongly in the importance of educating the community on all things ecological, and has been actively involved in developing and delivering permaculture and sustainable living eco workshops to the Northern Beaches community for Permaculture Northern Beaches and also the Coastal Education Centre.
Paul is as passionate about fauna as he is flora, and has 20 years of experience volunteering with Wildlife Rescue for Sydney the Metropolitan Wildlife Service, and six years’ experience providing Honey Bee Swarm Rescue and rehoming for Northern Beaches Amateur Beekeepers.
Paul is excited to spread his love and knowledge of permaculture and sustainable living practices through Kimbriki’s Eco House & Garden programs and workshops!
