Mrs Robert-Smith began her career as a teacher of French and Indonesian. The majority of her teaching career prior to her appointment as headmistress of Ascham in 2006, was at the academically selective North Sydney Girls’ High School where she was Head Teacher Languages from 1978 to 1989 and Principal from 1997 to 2005. In addition, she was Deputy Principal at Willoughby Girls’ High School from 1989 to 1996.

Mrs Robert-Smith has a reputation for enhancing both the learning and social environments of the schools in which she has taught. Outstanding academic results and increased involvement of parents and the community in school-led initiatives have characterised her leadership.

Throughout her career, Mrs Robert-Smith has been active in professional associations for languages and educational leadership. As well as a Bachelor of Arts, she has a Master of Education from the University of Sydney, focusing on gifted and talented education, student welfare and school administration.

In 2007, Mrs Robert-Smith was appointed by Austcare as its first Ambassador for Indonesia.  She is also on the Dean’s Advisory Board of the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney.