Meet the U3A Redlands Tutors

Heather Heron - U3AR Scottish Dancing Tutor

Heather Heron first discovered a passion for dancing in her teens when her mother encouraged her to debut at a Scottish ball. This led her to Scottish Country Dancing, when she began taking lessons at the Clan McKenzie classes. She was captivated by the music, the intricate steps, and the formations, feeling as though she could fly without ever leaving the ground. The music transported her to another world, and she quickly fell in love with the art form.

Heather has continued to dance several times a week since those early days. She became fully certified as a dance teacher and has held significant roles within the Scottish dance community. She served as Chairman of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) Queensland Branch and is currently the Treasurer for the RSCDS Australian Teachers’ Alliance. Additionally, she coordinates the Queensland Teachers Support Group.

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Cheryl Christie - U3AR Singing Tutor

Wellington Point resident Cheryl Christie is a highly qualified professional in Music, Teaching, Education, Administration, and Business Management. She has had a diverse career, working as a teacher in Music and the Performing Arts, managing secondary and TAFE education, and handling Federal and State Government business projects. Cheryl has also managed small business workshops and various business management roles.
For over 50 years, Cheryl has been a music director and tutor for community choirs and performance groups. More recently, she leads the U3A Singers (Redlands), welcoming individuals who love to sing, move, and perform.
Cheryl is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and resonates with Richard Wagner's sentiment: “During all the highs and lows of life, we can sing songs to express every aspect of the human experience. If singing is your passion, then pursue that happiness without hesitation!”

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Nicole West - U3AR Jazz & Tap Dance Tutor

Nicole West's love for dance began early, studying ballet, jazz, and tap throughout her school years. She was part of the inaugural class when dance was introduced as a senior school curriculum subject in Queensland.
During her 25-year Naval career, Nicole performed as a dancer in local theatre productions whenever her postings permitted. She also taught aerobics classes as a way to stay connected to dance.

Upon returning to the Redlands, Nicole joined the U3A Redlands Starlite Dancers in 2020, where she soon became involved in teaching and choreography. Initially supporting Mary Mullins and Terri Story, who had carried the program for several years, Nicole now leads both jazz and tap classes.

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Sue Willingham - U3AR Theatre Tutor

After a 25-year career in banking and finance, Sue Willingham transitioned to the arts, studying theatre craft with Martin Overson. Her interest in combining live theatre direction with film and TV direction led her to formalise her training with an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts from Southbank TAFE in 2001, where she was mentored by Norman Price. She continued her education with a Graduate Certificate (Arts) from USQ in 2004.
Sue's professional acting work in film and television is complemented by her extensive involvement with community theatre, holding various roles backstage, on stage, and in management. She contributed to the early formation of Community Radio Station BAY FM and was a founding member of the Wynnum Manly Arts Council Inc., serving as its President and Production/Artistic Manager.
Volunteering is a significant part of Sue's life. She was Treasurer for the Wynnum Manly Jazz Festival Inc., funded by Brisbane City Council, and helped establish the Wynnum Manly Regional Development Partnership Inc.
Sue has been tutoring U3A theatre classes for five years and has no plans to retire anytime soon. The reason, Sue states, “It's such fun. Everybody's learning so much and they're all working together so well and contributing in their own way to the content and the presentation of the product that we're giving to an audience.”

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Nahn Shimmons - U3AR Qigong & Tai Chi Tutor

Nahn Shimmons journey into Qigong & Tai Chi and began when a physiotherapist recommended the activity as an effective way to improve balance, sparking her curiosity and passion for these ancient practices. She decided to explore further by enrolling in lessons at a local tai chi school, where her dedication and enthusiasm quickly grew. As she deepened her practice, Nahn began assisting in teaching classes, sharing her newfound knowledge and experience with others. This natural progression eventually led her to become a certified Tai Chi Instructor.

Nahn's professional background is rooted in education, having dedicated 30 years to teaching at the high school level. Her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment culminated in her role as Deputy Principal before her retirement. After stepping away from her formal teaching career, Nahn continued her passion for education and community involvement by joining U3A Redlands. There, she found a fulfilling opportunity to volunteer as a Tutor for Tai Chi and Qigong, blending her expertise in teaching with her love for these mindful practices.