.png)
Our Team
At HIS (Heritage International School), our foundation is built on a shared vision of inspiring minds and transforming lives through faith-driven, globally accessible education. Though HIS is in its establishment phase, we are blessed with the dedication of experienced educators and leaders who are deeply committed to shaping this initiative.
Our current founding team consists of three brethren with extensive backgrounds in education. Each brings a wealth of experience in teaching, leadership, curriculum development, and faith-based learning, ensuring that HIS is built on strong educational and spiritual foundations.
Stephen Hughes
Stephen Hughes is the secretary of the North Brisbane Ecclesia, Queensland, Australia. He has 16 years experience as a medical physicist in London, UK and 28 years experience as a university academic (physics) in Brisbane.
Sally Spaarkogel
Sally Spaarkogel is a member of Seaton Christadelphian Ecclesia (GB). She has many years’ experience of teaching and supporting children and young people in roles such as Youth Worker, Foster Carer, School Teaching Assistant and running a School Garden Project. As well as being an Accredited Professional Coach for the British Horse Society for over 40 years.
Linda Jele
Linda Jele is a member of Candu Christadelphian Ecclesia in EC, South Africa.
She has a decade and a half of QC laboratory experience in various sectors as an analyst and reviewer.
She is a trained Governance professional and a registered Assessment practitioner with SETA.
Josh Lagasse
Josh Lagasse is a well-rounded ecclesial administrator in the Norfolk Ecclesia in Virginia, United States. He has a wide array of experience and a strong passion for investing in the spiritual wellbeing of our youth. As well as having taught Sunday School and Bible classes for over 25 years, Josh has 12 years of experience as a Sunday School Superintendent, where he worked to standardize the curriculum used by teachers to improve the ecclesia's upbringing of its children with spiritual admonition in an engaging and fun learning environment. He has also been the recorder of the Norfolk Ecclesia for the past six years.
Ruth Walker
Ruth Walker belongs to the Norwich ecclesia (UK). She has twelve years of experience in customer service and office management, though these days she's developing expertise in home education. She believes that every child has an innate desire to learn, and is passionate about children developing their particular interests and fulfilling their potential. She's excited to be a part of the Heritage International School project.
Thomas (TJ) Reding
- Chair of Curriculum
TJ Reding is a highly experienced educator with over 25 years in education, including 16 years at Christadelphian Heritage College Sydney, where he was instrumental in establishing the school from the ground up.
Educated in the United States, he has taught in multiple countries, working across primary and secondary education in both public and private sectors, gaining expertise in various national curricula.
As the Welfare Coordinator at Heritage Sydney, TJ championed student wellbeing, creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment. Now working in New Zealand, he has been actively involved in innovative educational initiatives, guiding students through real-world problem-solving projects and leading them in addressing community issues, exemplifying his commitment to experiential learning (Education Gazette).
Beyond the classroom, TJ has contributed to mission work in regions such as the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Asia-Pacific, supporting educational and faith-based initiatives. He has also been instrumental in organizing Online Bible Seminars across New Zealand, leveraging technology to make biblical education more accessible. His experience in online learning environments has further shaped his vision for globally connected, faith-driven education.
In addition to his professional work, TJ and his wife Lyntte homeschool their two daughters Mavis and Edith, fostering a love for learning within their family and integrating faith-based education into their daily lives.
His passion for inspiring minds and transforming lives through education continues to drive his work, making him a visionary behind the Heritage International School initiative.
Paul Rushforth
- Board of Trustees & Chair of Trustees
Paul Rushforth is a seasoned educational leader with a distinguished career in the UK education sector. As the former CEO of the West Somerset Academies Trust (WSAT) and school inspector, he was responsible for a network of ten schools and pre-schools, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and strong leadership across the trust. His expertise in school governance, student welfare, and educational excellence played a pivotal role in enhancing the learning experience for countless students.
Throughout his career, Paul has been a strong advocate for student-centered education, fostering environments where learners thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. His leadership in managing school networks and educational initiatives has provided him with invaluable experience in strategic planning and curriculum development.
Now retired, Paul has the opportunity to dedicate his time and expertise to Heritage International School, where his knowledge and leadership will be instrumental in laying the foundations for a faith-driven, globally accessible educational model.
Simon Palmer
Simon, Gorseinon ecclesia in the UK, teaches in Sunday School, and is helps out at the Christadelphian youth clubs in the Swansea area. He works in education, and has a background in IT services, and is keen to support the school with his experience, and help young people thrive and learn around others with Christ-like principles.
Nathan MacLeod
- IT Consultant
Nathan is a freelance UX & Web Designer with over three years of experience helping a range of clients create professional, user-friendly websites. As a previously home educated student, Nathan brings a unique perspective to HIS Online School and is excited to contribute his skills to a project that makes online learning more accessible and engaging for students like himself.
Join Us!
As HIS continues to grow, we welcome those who share our passion for faith-driven education to join our team. Whether through teaching, administration, curriculum development, or support roles, there is space for more to contribute to this transformative initiative.
If you are interested in being part of Heritage International School, please follow the link to our Help Out Form below: