Through her ngaangk (mother), Renae is a proud Noongar / Bibbulmun and Yamatji yorga with connections to Countries across both Nations. Through her father she is anglo-European. Renae's identity is complex and rich, and directly influences her anti-colonial approach to education.

Renae's education experience spans all sectors - since the mid 1990s (when she graduated from Curtin), she has taught primary, secondary, vocational education and training (VET) and higher education students across diverse contexts. Her most recent experience is lecturing and unit coordinating Aboriginal Contexts in Education (Initial Teacher Education core units) at Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University's Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research.

Renae is passionate about Aboriginal education and critically questions the adequacy of Australia's colonial education system. Her PhD research, titled "Aboriginal student transition to university - a strengths-based approach," reflects this commitment. Renae is also focused on ways to INFUSE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and perspectives, centred in local Country and place, across all learning areas.

Renae's community involvement includes currently serving as Chair of the South West Community Legal Centre (SWCLC) and Committee Member of the Noongar Boodja Trust Nominations Committee. You will also often find her writing op-ed articles, calling out injustices and holding politicans to account.