I’m Elise, a qualified teacher with over a decade of experience working with young people across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

From early on, it was clear the usual approach wasn’t going to work for everyone. Many young people were showing up to school, but not really connecting with it. The system is complex, and there isn’t always space for curiosity, creativity, or genuine connection.

My work has focused on those students. The ones who feel stuck, disconnected, or just not themselves in a traditional setting. I’ve supported young people experiencing anxiety, ASD, ADHD, complex mental health challenges, involvement with the juvenile justice system, and disengagement from learning, using a relationship-first approach.

Spare Seat came from that.

It’s a way to bring wellbeing and time outdoors together, done with intention. Small groups. Thoughtful structure. Experiences that respond to the young person in front of you, not a rigid plan.

This isn’t about big expeditions or ticking boxes. It’s about movement, fresh air, conversation, and creating the conditions where confidence and engagement can build again.

Through this work, I’ve led award-winning outdoor programs and partnered with schools to support students back into learning in ways that feel achievable and meaningful.

I’m here to create spaces where young people can reset, feel capable, and find their way back in.