Tutors at The Academy of Human Development

Mr. Bill Mooney - Head Tutor Bill is married with 5 grown up children. Bill studied psychology from 1977 until 1981 where he gained experience in group work. From 1981 until 2002 he studied Philosophy. During this time he studied Sanskrit, Economics, Ethics and the works of Plato, Eastern Spirituality, Gurdjieff and Ficino. In 1990 Bill established a school for Philosophy at Croydon. This grew to about 140 students in the 12 years of his leadership. In 2002 he founded the Academy of Human Development. Bill lives in Croydon.
Mr. Peter Gibson - Senior Tutor, Managing Director Retailing Peter has 2 grown up children. He commenced studies in Philosophy in 1990 at Croydon. During the 1990’s he studied extensively in economics, philosophy and ethics. Peter has 9 years experience as a Philosophy tutor and is continuing his economic studies in the area of relating ancient texts to the current day economic system. Peter is a foundation member of AHD, is on the management committee and is instrumental in organizing the retreats at Warburton. Peter kindly provides the building in which classes are held in Boronia. He lives in Montrose.
Mrs. Gabriele Jack - Senior Tutor, Diversional Therapist & Nurse Div. 2. Gabriele is married with 3 grown up children. She is an associate tutor at TAFE and teaches validation therapy as well as being a Diversional Therapist. Gabriele was trained as a psychiatric nurse at Willsmere Psychiatric Hospital after she finished school. Her interest in metaphysics led her to studies in Philosophy in 1991 at Croydon and she studied there for 11 years, the last 5 of those years as a tutor. Gabriele is a foundation member of AHD, is on the management committee and has continued studying and tutoring since AHD was founded. She has been particularly interested in studying the elderly, in her vocation, to see how minor idiosyncrasies develop during a lifetime. Gabriele lives with her husband and family in Mount Evelyn.
Mrs. Debra Ong – Tutor, Registered Nurse Division 1 Debra is married and a mother of two teenage boys. One of Debra’s interests is singing. Early vocal training introduced her to music and one of her favourite styles is Negro spirituals. As an amateur she sang in music eisteddfods, performed in musical comedies, toured with a country rock band for 7 years and currently sings soprano with the Melbourne Women’s Choir. Literature is another of her interests. According to Debra, music like Shakespeare’s words stirs the heart and wakens the sleeping soul. She began her philosophical studies seven years ago and joined AHD at its inception. She has assembled a wonderful collection of quotations from the history of philosophy throughout the ages. Debra lives with her husband and boys in East Seville.
Mr. Michael Guilfoyle – Tutor, Michael Guilfoyle started life in Frankston in 1957 and now lives in the Yarra Valley. “I love the beauty and tranquility of the Upper Yarra Valley that is why I have called it home for the last twenty five years”. Michael is the father to one son of school age; and has also has been involved in the motorcycle industry for over thirty years. Michael started meditation classes in 1994, before studying “Psychology of the self” with Mary King where he helped facilitate presentations. Following this, a period at Landmark education where he assisted the running of seminars. Next there were more advanced meditation classes; he then attended the Australian School of Philosophy for the next seven years. During this period he also studied classical Indian music and the Sitar with Jeff Harrison for four years. Michael joined the AHD at its inception and is now a tutor for AHD as well as presenting at the Philosophy Café. Michael has also worked with youth resource groups for a number of years where he mentored teenagers on weeklong camping and canoeing adventures. He is also a member of the vintage motor cycle club of Victoria with whom, along with son Eli enjoys weekend rallies away. Other interests include playing and listening to music, reading, studying eastern philosophies and restoring motor cycles.
Mrs. June Gibbs– Tutor, June Gibbs .... (In Construction)