Our Staff

Richard Stokes is the current Chief Executive Officer of ABSA.

He first worked in boarding in 1980 in Adelaide at Immanuel College as a full-time supervisor, and upon completing his BA and Dip Ed he moved to Brisbane in 1982. At St Peters Lutheran College he took on the role of Assistant Senior Boarding Master, and in subsequent years become co-ordinator of boarding at St Peters.

In 1996 he took on the new challenge of Dean of Residential Care at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, a boarding school of nearly 600 boys, and held that role until he retired from a direct boarding role at the end of 2005.

Richard has been involved in ABSA or its previous versions since 1985, holding positions including Treasurer, Secretary and President, and was appointed the first part-time Executive Director for the newly formed Australian Boarding Schools Association in 2007. The role became a full-time one in 2011.

Richard became a Certified Association Executive (CAE) in June 2024.

Richard is happily married to Karen, and has two adult children who both enjoyed growing up in the boarding environment!

After relocating from Sydney to Brisbane in 2002 with my wife, Lisa, and our twin boys, Tristan and Caleb, I spent my first five years working in business before an opportunity arose that would shape the next chapter of my professional life. In 2007, I joined St Peter Lutheran College as the Head of Boys’ Boarding, a role that marked the beginning of an incredibly rewarding journey in boarding education.

Over the following 18 years, I had the privilege of working closely with countless boarders and their families, supporting young people through some of the most formative years of their lives. Alongside my work in boarding, I became deeply involved in the broader College community. This included serving as an assistant coach of the 1st XV, culminating in a premiership win in 2012, as well as coordinating the College’s tennis program. These roles reinforced my belief in the power of co-curricular experiences to build character, resilience, and connection.

As with any long period of service, the boarding landscape evolved significantly over those 18 years. Major events such as floods and the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped not only our practices, but also our collective outlook on wellbeing, care, and community. In 2022, following the retirement of a colleague, I stepped into the role of Director of Boarding, providing an opportunity to lead through change while continuing to advocate for best practice in boarding environments.

ABSA has been a constant presence throughout my boarding career, beginning with my first conference in Canberra in 2008. Since then, I have been fortunate to contribute through service on the Queensland Committee, most recently completing my term as Vice Chairperson. These experiences strengthened my connection to the broader boarding community and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, professional learning, and shared purpose.

Ongoing study has always been an important part of my professional growth. In recent years, I have completed a Global MBA and a Graduate Certificate in Trauma Aware Education, driven by my desire to better support the boarders entrusted to our care and to lead with greater insight, empathy, and intentionality.

Taking on a role with ABSA has long been an aspiration of mine. Being part of an organisation committed to supporting others to be the best they can be aligns strongly with my own values and experiences. I am grateful that the opportunity arose, and the chance to work alongside Richard, Caitlin, and the wider ABSA team made the decision an easy one. I am thankful that the door was open and excited to contribute to the ongoing work of strengthening boarding across Australia.

Caitlin is the Training and Communications Coordinator at ABSA.

After Caitlin graduated high school, she went on to study a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland. 

Since being out of high school, Caitlin has learnt a variety of different skills and brings a wide range of value to our team here at ABSA. 

Caitlin grew up in Brisbane, and spent most of her life surrounded by schools as both of her parents worked as school teachers which has given her the passion and love for a successful and safe education for each and every student. 

Caitlin enjoys spending her free time travelling or spending time with her loved ones. 

Dee Guillemot-Rodgerson is a highly respected leader in boarding, with nearly 30 years of experience dedicated to the care and development of young people in girls’ boarding. After a distinguished career as Director of Boarding at Acland House, Dee is now preparing to embark on a new chapter in co-educational boarding at the highly acclaimed St Andrew’s College.

She served for 13 years as the National Coordinator for the New Zealand Boarding Schools’ Association (NZBSA), advocating for professional excellence and unity across the sector. In her current role as Director of International Strategy for the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA), Dee is driving growth across Aotearoa and leading efforts to build strong connections throughout Asia.

Boarding is not just Dee’s profession—it’s her passion. As the parent of an international boarder, she deeply understands the trust families place in boarding schools. While working full-time in girls’ boarding, Dee also raised two amazing sons who are now thriving in their chosen careers—something she is incredibly proud of.

Her passion for boarding has only grown stronger through her work with ABSA, whose professional environment and commitment to excellence are second to none.

A former provincial representative in hockey, rugby, sevens, softball, and touch, Dee brings the same passion, resilience, and commitment to excellence into every aspect of her work in boarding.