Our Team
Leadership Team
David chiem
Founder, CEO & Executive Chairman of MindChamps PreSchool Limited
David moved to Australia at nine, unable to speak English, and later became the first Asian in a lead role on mainstream Australian TV in the drama series Butterfly Island. David has published two novels, Only the Heart and The Full Story, both nominated for Australian literary awards. He co-authored The 3-Mind Revolution with Brian Caswell, presenting a new worldview for leaders and educators. His '3-Mind' philosophy underpins the MindChamps movement, equipping children with the mindset and learning tools to become MindChampions.
Brian Caswell
Dean of Research & Programme Development
Brian Caswell is the Dean of Research & Programme Development at MindChamps. He is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning author, researcher, educator, and songwriter with a focus on early childhood education and the psychology and neuroscience of learning. Brian joined MindChamps in 1998, leading the development of the 'brain-friendly' learning strategies and the S.M.I.L.E.S. Early Learning methodology used in MindChamps centres worldwide. He has spoken to over 300,000 people on creativity, literacy, and education and has written extensively on these subjects.
Neuroscience Advisory
Prof. Allan Snyder
Chancellor & Chair of the MindChamps Global Research, Advisory & Programme Development Team
A Fellow of the Royal Society, which includes esteemed members like Newton and Einstein, Brian Caswell is the Founder of the Centre for the Mind at the University of Sydney. He holds the 150th Anniversary Chair of Science at the same university and won the 2001 Marconi International Prize, the top award in communications and information technology.
Education Advisory
Prof. Steven Schwartz
Senior Fellow
Steven Schwartz was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013. He is a former Chairman of the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority and an international award-winning researcher. Named among the top 100 most cited researchers in his field, he has been a professor at Harvard and Stanford, winning the Brain Research Award from the British Red Cross Society. He has held the Australian Academy of Science – Royal Society (London) Exchange Fellowship and served as Vice-Chancellor at Macquarie University, Brunel University, and Murdoch University.
Steven Andrews
Chief Academic Officer
With a distinguished career in education, Mr. Steven Andrews brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Hailing from the U.K., Steven has served as a Senior Education Advisor to the UK Government during the Tony Blair administration. His leadership experience includes his role as Director of Schools in Greenwich, UK, and as Group Chief Education Officer for Cognita International Schools. Additionally, he has held the position of Group CEO at Tanglin Trust School in Singapore. Steven's extensive background in both government and international education sectors uniquely positions him to drive our academic initiatives forward.
Carmee Lim
Mentor Principal
Mrs. Carmee Lim is a highly esteemed educator from Singapore with a remarkable career in academic leadership. As the former Principal of Raffles Girls’ School, one of Singapore’s top institutions, Carmee has a proven track record of excellence in education. She has also served as a Senior Inspector of Schools with the Ministry of Education in Singapore, ensuring high standards across the nation's schools. Additionally, Carmee was the first Executive Director of the Academy of Principals in Singapore, where she played a pivotal role in shaping future educational leaders. Her extensive experience and dedication to education make her an invaluable mentor to our team.
Louise Mulligan-Andrews
Director General of Education
Mrs. Louise Mulligan-Andrews, from the U.K., brings extensive experience and a proven track record of educational excellence to our team. As the former Director of Schools for the Department for Education, UK, Louise played a pivotal role in enhancing the educational landscape. Her leadership was instrumental in improving student exam performance in Nottingham City at double the national rate, showcasing her commitment to academic achievement and innovation in education. Louise's expertise and dedication make her a vital asset to our organization.
Prof. Trevor H. Cairney, OAM
Fellow
Professor Trevor H. Cairney, OAM, is a distinguished academic and esteemed educator from Australia. Awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2012, Trevor's contributions to education are widely recognized. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New South Wales in the Department of Education and is the President of the New South Wales Business Chamber. With an impressive portfolio of nine books and over 200 reports, articles, and book chapters on early learning, training, language acquisition, and development
Libby Gleeson
Fellow
Libby Gleeson is an acclaimed author of children's books, known for her extensive work in early childhood education and literature. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to children's literature and is celebrated for her ability to engage young readers with compelling storytelling and imaginative themes. Libby has written numerous books and articles, significantly impacting the field of children's literature and education.
Psychology Advisory
Prof. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
Senior Fellow
Professor Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, from the U.S.A., is a highly respected Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute and the Director of the Infant Language Laboratory at Temple University. Renowned for her contributions to developmental psychology and early childhood education, Kathy has received numerous awards for her work. She is the author of 12 influential books, including Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children, Einstein Never Used Flash Cards, and A Mandate for Playful Learning in Preschool. With over 200 published articles and research papers, Kathy's extensive research continues to shape the future of early education and child development.
Prof. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff
Senior Fellow
Professor Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, from the U.S.A., is a distinguished academic and the Director of the Child’s Play, Learning, and Development Laboratory at the University of Delaware. She has received numerous awards for her groundbreaking work in child development and education. Roberta is the author of 14 influential books, including Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children, Einstein Never Used Flash Cards, and A Mandate for Playful Learning in Preschool. Her prolific contributions include over 150 published articles and research papers, making her a leading figure in the field of early learning and development.
Dr. Thalia R. Goldstein
Fellow
Dr. Thalia R. Goldstein, from the U.S.A., is an Assistant Professor of Applied Developmental Psychology at George Mason University. Her research focuses on the development of social and emotional skills in children. Thalia directs The Social Skills, Imagination, and Theatre Lab and co-directs the National Endowment for the Arts Research Lab at the Mason Arts Research Center (MasonARC). Her work combines psychology and the arts to explore how imaginative play and theater can enhance children's social abilities and emotional understanding.
Theatre Advisory
Dr Scott Hicks
Senior Fellow
Scott Hicks is an Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award-winning director and screenwriter. He directed the Academy Award-winning film Shine, as well as Snow Falling on Cedars, No Reservations, and The Lucky One. Hicks is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He was also the recipient of the SA Australian of the Year award in 2008.
Aubrey Mellor
Senior Fellow
Aubrey Mellor was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1992. He is the former Director of the world-renowned National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Australia and is a renowned theatre teacher to a generation of acclaimed Australian Academy Award winners.