Our programs are designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, confidence and connection through real experiences. Whether students are creating a theatre performance, exploring a coastline, designing a costume, growing food, or contributing to a community project, they are developing the same essential skills: observing, listening, collaborating, reflecting and creating.
Rather than separating learning into subjects, we bring together the arts, nature, culture and community to create experiences that are hands-on, purposeful and deeply memorable.
Our educational philosophy is grounded in embodied learning—the understanding that young people learn best when they are actively involved in the process. We encourage learners to ask questions, solve problems, work together, take creative risks and develop meaningful relationships with people and place.
Our programs are organised into four interconnected learning pathways:
Performance
Building confidence, communication and collaboration through musical theatre, drama and performance.
Creative Arts
Developing imagination, craftsmanship and creative thinking through visual arts, costume design, making and exhibitions.
Blue Space Learning
Exploring the ocean as a place of inquiry through surfing, environmental observation, storytelling, field journaling and coastal ecology.
Land-Based Learning
Connecting with gardens, food systems, biodiversity and regenerative practices through permaculture and nature-based experiences.
Although each pathway offers different experiences, they all share the same purpose: to help young people become curious thinkers, capable creators and engaged members of their communities.
Contact us
Would you like to hear about events and programs? Sign up to our monthly newsletter.
Team
Hayley Davis
Parados Education was founded by Hayley Davis, an educator, artist and creative practitioner with over twenty years of experience designing learning environments for children and young people across the arts, education and outdoor learning.
Her work sits at the intersection of creative practice, pedagogy, environmental learning and community engagement. Across her career, she has developed programs that use performance, visual arts, design, storytelling and place-based learning to support young people in building confidence, creativity, collaboration and a strong sense of belonging.
Hayley’s approach is grounded in the belief that meaningful learning happens through experience—when young people are actively engaged with the world around them through making, doing, observing and reflecting.
Educational Background
Hayley’s formal qualifications span creative arts and education, reflecting a multidisciplinary practice that bridges design, visual culture and teaching.
She holds a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) from RMIT University, where she developed expertise in design thinking, garment construction, visual communication and creative production. This training established a strong foundation in material practice, conceptual design and creative problem-solving.
She later completed a Diploma of Education (Visual Arts) at Southern Cross University, gaining formal teaching qualifications and grounding her practice in contemporary educational theory, curriculum design and classroom pedagogy.
She also studied Design and Composition at Victoria University of Wellington, further extending her interdisciplinary creative practice.
Hayley holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE), providing nationally recognised qualifications in adult education, facilitation and competency-based training design. This underpins her ability to design structured, outcomes-focused learning experiences across diverse age groups and contexts.
Hayley is currently developing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) research project exploring Blue Space Learning, an emerging educational framework that investigates how young people learn through embodied relationships with coastal environments, creativity and community..
Maddie Arnold
Outdoor Educator, Creative Facilitator, Artist and Yoga Teacher.
Maddie has over 9 years of experience leading outdoor experiences for people of all ages and abilities. With a deep love for nature and the mentality that 'everything is art', she blends creativity and purpose together to deepen awareness and connection — to self, others, and the world around us.
Matt Witney
Vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, producer and educator, Matty holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Music and brings over 23 years of professional experience in performance, recording and music education across Australia and the United States, with a deep commitment to vocal practice, expression and artistry.
Grace Blake
Grace has been a competitive dancer for over 5 years and has been involved with musical theatre productions since she was 7 years of age. She has played various leading, ensemble, and supporting roles through her 5 years of training with the FAME Musical Theatre Company in Brisbane. She has since trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and lyrical syllabus with Maleny Performing Arts, competing in various national/regional Eisteddfods and dance competitions. In the last year alone, Grace has won the 2025 Dance Step finalist, 2025 Dance X creative choreographer finalist, and received the MPAC Senior of the Year award.
Lily-Rose Bubke
Lily-Rose is a musician and songwriter based in the Gympie Region. She is currently volunteering as an assistant teacher at Parados.
Hayley Davis - Chair
Jessica Hawkins - Treasurer
Jutta Gehrmann - Secretary
Estefania Nurit - General member
Fred Branger - General member
Joanne Leonard - General member
Agustina Cora - General member