Anna Hannouche is the Education Manager for the School of Childhood Education and has been with Open Colleges since 2014. In 2021, Anna was admitted to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) as a Certified Education Manager (CEM), and to the Institute of Managers and Leaders as an Associate Fellow.
Anna holds a Bachelor of Education/Arts majoring in Theology and History and also a Diploma in Leadership and Management. Before Open Colleges, Anna was casual teaching at a VET school where her love for VET courses grew as she witnessed students develop practical skills to assist them in the workplace. Anna is passionate about Education and finds it rewarding to pass on her extensive knowledge to her team to support students in an Education Support and Early Childhood setting.
Lucas is the Education Manager for the School of Health (Online) and has been a part of the Education team since 2015. In 2021, Lucas was admitted to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia as a Certified Education Manager, and to the Institute of Managers and Leaders as an Associate Fellow. Lucas holds a Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Training Design & Development, Diploma of Vocational Education & Training, Diploma in Leadership and Management, along with a Diploma in Quality Auditing.
Lucas’ pathway through Open Colleges has seen him move from a Trainer/Assessor to Education Manager for the School of Trades & Design, and recently moving into the role of Education Manager for the School of Health (Online). Working with a dedicated team in the School of Health (Online), Lucas is passionate about supporting students to achieve their educational goals.
Ruchi Makkar is the Education Manager for the School of Business. Ruchi is a driven and passionate individual with over 12 years of professional experience in the Vocational, Education and Training (VET) Sector. In 2021, Ruchi was admitted to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) as a Certified Education Manager, and to the Institute of Managers and Leaders as an Associate Fellow Member. She has come from an Accounting Industry background and had completed her master's in Finance. In VET sector she holds a Diploma of Training Design & Development, Diploma of Vocational Education & Training, Diploma of Quality Auditing along with Advanced Diploma of Accounting and Diploma in Leadership and Management.
Ruchi's pathway through Open colleges has seen her move from a Trainer/Assessor to Education Manager for School of Business. Ruchi is passionate about students and their learning outcomes. She believes that there is nothing better than seeing students both grow and succeed from our training.
Michelle has worked as a Registered Nurse for over 25 years and specialises in the field of Aged Care. Michelle has also worked as a Director of Nursing for part of her career.
After numerous years in industry Michelle decided to follow her other passion, education. She obtained her training qualifications, TAE and has been training students for most of the last 5 years.
Michelle loves working with students and wants to see students reach their full potential to be industry ready and obtain employment from their study.
Rosalie Pellew has over 30 years' experience in customer engagement; workplace training and assessment; facilitating adult education; leading and coaching customer contact teams; and supporting on-line learning students.
Rosalie’s experience spans various industries from retail and telecommunications to food production. Rosalie has been in Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector for over 14 years.
Pursuing her passion for adult education, Rosalie refocused into student services to assist students through their learning journey and beyond to training and assessing. She holds a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, Diplomas in Teaching, Adult Education, Business Administration, Business and Leadership & Management.
Amanda has been a Veterinary Nursing and Animal Studies Trainer/Assessor at Open Colleges for the last five years.
With over 15 years’ experience as a Veterinary Nurse, Amanda also manages her own Grooming Salon. She enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge with students, supporting them throughout their stages of enrolment & work placement.
She holds a Diploma in Emergency & Critical Care (Veterinary Nursing) & is a member of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia.
Amy is a qualified Horticulturalist certified by the Australian Institute of Horticulture. Amy holds her Chemical Application licence as well as the Certificate IV in Training & Assessment. She is fascinated with all the industry has to offer and is consistently expanding on her skills, knowledge & experience. Amy joined the Horticultural team in 2020 and has experience in the Nursery retail sector, along with experience in a wholesale production nursery.
Anthony is a licensed real estate agent with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry. He has also worked as a sales agent, buyers’ agent and property manager. His love for retail sector motivates him to work in retail industry. He has gathered a vast array of skills, experience and knowledge.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Financial Services, and Certificate IV in Property Services, Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking, CIV in Business Administration and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
As an educator Anthony has over 5 years’ experience in a range of face to face and online courses across Real Estate, Business and Retail management. Anthony is passionate about training and assisting students to achieve their goals to build opportunities for their future.
Catherine has been a veterinary nurse for over 30 years and has been involved in many areas of the industry and worked with many different species. Her first position in the industry was working with the Animal Welfare League as an animal attendant, where she enrolled in a course called Animal Care, today known as Animal Studies, and Veterinary Nursing.
Catherine’s career has included working at a variety of specialist hospitals, as well as Waratah Park, Abbott Animal Health and TAFE. She is also involved in the Greyhound Adoption Program.
Catherine Tumelty has been working in the Digital Marketing space for over 6 years, both in her former marketing role with a National Fitness Company as well as setting up and running many small online businesses of her own. She has a wealth of experience in setting up new businesses and promoting them in a way to ensure that they are a success from day one.
Catherine’s career has spanned many industries including HR, Hospitality, Education and Business Management. Catherine loves to combine her passion for education and the digital space by sharing her knowledge and experience with her students to ensure that they enjoy the Marketing industry as much as she does.
Chantal has worked in the Animal Care Industry since 1997 with experience and qualifications in Animal Studies, Grooming and Veterinary Nursing and continues to work in the industry. Chantal has been sharing her knowledge with students for over 10 years as a Trainer and Assessor, she is passionate about students gaining the fundamental knowledge and skills to set them up for a fulfilling career in the animal care field of their dreams and being advocates for the well-being of the animals in their care.
Chantal has worked in the Animal Care Industry since 1997 with experience and qualifications in Animal Studies, Grooming and Veterinary Nursing and continues to work in the industry. Chantal has been sharing her knowledge with students for over 10 years as a Trainer and Assessor, she is passionate about students gaining the fundamental knowledge and skills to set them up for a fulfilling career in the animal care field of their dreams and being advocates for the well-being of the animals in their care.
Charmaine has worked in early childhood education and care settings for 10 years with children from aged 0-5 years. Whilst working as an Early Childhood Teacher, she completed a Certificate III and Diploma in Children’s Services, and went on to complete a Bachelor of Education (Birth to 5 years).
Charmaine also gained a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to allow her to share her passion for early childhood education and care with others.
Claire began her career in Education in 2002 by working as a volunteer tutor with adult Literacy and Numeracy students, igniting a passion and a quest for deeper understanding. This led to completion of studies in Education Support and then a Bachelor of Learning Management with a specialisation in Early Childhood. Since 2008, Claire has worked as a Teacher in both Primary and Secondary Education including Early Childhood Development Programs and delivering VET programs in schools. Claire has completed a Master of Education (Guidance and Counselling) and has a passion for inclusive education and supporting students and families who have recently arrived in Australia.
Damian has worked in the IT industry for over eight years in many different roles. Starting from desktop support, he progressed to network and systems engineering, software development and IT project management. He has worked for international organisations in both Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea, while learning to fluently speak Tetun. His most recent position was IT Manager for a large multinational corporation. Damian’s qualifications include the Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology (Networks & Systems), TAE40110 Certificate IV Training and Assessment and Certificate II in Information Technology.
Debra has been involved in the Early Childhood Education and Care in various forms for more than 20 years. She has completed her Nursing Diploma and begun her career as a Mothercraft Nurse, caring for babies, toddlers and young children.
Debra then took a position as a School Services Officer before she moved on to working as a Fieldworker for Family Day Care for 4 years. During this time she completed a Diploma in Children’s Services with TAFESA and a degree in Children’s Services with Charles Darwin University.
An opportunity arose to work with TAFESA where she remained until December 2019, having been with them for almost 20 years. Debra is a passionate trainer and assessor and has worked across Certificate III and the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Dorina has almost 20 years experience as a dental assistant, working in busy private clinics in the Perth area. Professional but sympathetic approach when providing dental care to her patients, Dorina is passionate about educating everyone on the importance of oral hygiene. She is devoted to remaining up to date on the latest dental techniques to provide the highest level of patient care possible. Having such a solid background in dentistry she felt compelled to pursue the teaching career, sharing her extensive knowledge with her students. In the last 5 years, Dorina was training both face to face and online dental assistant courses for a couple of RTO-s around the country and feels excited to pass the baton to the next generation of future dental nurses.
Ellena has over 15 years' experience in the beauty and cosmetic industry, which started after achieving a Diploma of Beauty Therapy, working in salons, cosmetic clinics, running her own beauty business (specialising in brow-shaping, nails and tanning), supervising work placement students, as well as lecturing experience. Ellena is motivated by helping others to feel better about themselves, being able to pass on her knowledge to students (and seeing them develop and enhance their confidence and skills), and being part of an industry that is continuing to grow and allow therapists to have flexible work arrangements.
Her favourite treatments to teach includes stone therapy massage, nail treatments, brow shaping, lash treatments (including extensions), and tanning.
Erika has worked in the education industry for over 15 years in a wide range of areas including early childhood education, primary and secondary schooling. She has taught in both remote and metropolitan schools, even teaching abroad for several years.
Erika holds a Bachelor of Science, Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
Over the past 10 years Erika has worked in the VET sector both in the classroom and online. She enjoys sharing her industry knowledge and experiences with students.
Eve Czerniak is a Registered Nurse who has worked both in Australia and overseas in general nursing, as well as women’s and children’s health. She has experience working in aged care facilities, hospitals and as a school nurse and educator. Eve holds a bachelor degree in nursing, a Cert IV in Training and Assessment and a Cert IV in TESOL.
MD Faridul Islam is the trainer and assessor of Digital Design and Graphic Design. He has been teaching at Open Colleges since April 2018. MD has more than 10 years’ experience in the design industry, including seven years of teaching design in VET. MD has obtained several qualifications from a range of design courses, including; Masters in Digital Design, Graduate Certificate in Design, CIV in Graphic Design, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Diploma of Screen, and Media and Diploma of Multimedia.
MD has solid industry experience in graphic and digital technology-based designs. His areas of expertise are – logo design, illustration, web design, 3D design, UI/UX, branding and identity, digital design including game development. As a designer, MD believes there is no end of learning. Design is his passion. As a trainer, he learns every day and loves to share his skills among keen design cohorts.
Holly is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 20 years experience in business administration, account management, marketing and print. She has also been working within the education and training industry since 2013, in both a face-to-face and online capacity and is passionate about the power of education. Holly runs a small online business and holds a position on the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) WA Division Committee.
Holly holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Business Administration, Diploma of Business, Diploma of Marketing Communication, Diploma of Social Media Marketing, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and a Certificate III in Printing & Graphic Arts.
Jeffrey Halpin has been delivering training and assessment to the construction and WHS industries for over 20 years and been in the construction industry for nearly 45 years. He brings with him a wealth of experience covering all aspects of the construction industry including design, construction, energy rating and building compliance.
As a practising Building Contractor and Consultant, Jeffrey delivers the very highest quality standards to his clientele.
Jeffrey is tremendously honoured to be part of the Open Colleges team as a Trainer and Assessor. He feels privileged to have the opportunity to impart his experience and knowledge to the students.
Katherine has been in management roles for the last 12 years working in both the tourism sector, financial planning and currently she is working in the education sector. As a General Manager of a small travel company, Client Service Manager in Finance, and as Registrar in her current role, Katherine has extensive experience in leading successful teams, supporting the businesses in Human Resource services, working in contract management, performance management, training and development and ensuring high levels of customer service are delivered to a range of stakeholders. Katherine is passionate about supporting the teams in which we work and enjoys watching her colleagues grow in their roles.
Prior to joining Open Colleges, Katherine also held a position as a face-to-face trainer and Assessor where she was responsible for delivering learning to international students.
Katherine holds a Diploma of Leadership and Management, Diploma in Tourism and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Kimberly has over 11 years’ experience in training and assessment in tertiary and vocational education and training institutes. She has also run her own public accounting and tax practice for over two years, after 10 years of working in tax and accounting field. Kimberly holds a Masters of Business Administration majoring in Professional Accounting and is a Certified Professional Accountant with a passion for teaching.
Linda has worked in the Vocational Education and Training and Counselling industry for the past 18 years, where she has worked as a TAFE teacher, Trainer & Assessor, and a Counsellor. Along with her Bachelor of Adult Education and Diploma of Counselling, she has comprehensive experience in training and counselling students through academic and personal challenges, to motivate and empower them to achieve their goals.
Linda runs her own private counselling practice with a special interest in working with people experiencing trauma, grief, loss and relationship issues. Currently, Linda is completing her Master of Counselling with majors in Trauma and Relationships.
Maryanne is a registered Occupational Therapist, with over 30 years’ experience. She has worked in many settings, including hospitals, outpatient departments, schools and community programs.
She now works as a private practitioner as well as an educator. Maryanne contributes to the undergraduate Occupational Therapy program at the University of Newcastle. She is also a Problem Based Learning Facilitator with the School of Medicine.
An experienced Trainer and Assessor, Maryanne enjoys her role as an Assessor with Open Colleges.
Melissa has over ten years experience working within the community services sector as a Case Manager, Counsellor, youth worker and care coordinator. Melissa has completed her Bachelors of Applied Social Science and her Graduates degree in Counselling to accompany her other vocational qualifications within the field of community services, mental health and AOD. Melissa is also currently completing her Masters of Counselling (Advance practices) and working in private practice as a counsellor providing support to clients of all ages. Melissa has over seven years of experience within the VET sector, developing and providing training to future community service workers.
Melissa is a photographer, small business owner and Creative Content Producer. With over 30+ years in the photography industry, she has won many awards for her work including South Australian Portrait Photographer of the Year (2009) and South Australian Family Photographer of the Year (2010). She is known for portraits that capture the personality and beauty of her subjects.
Melissa has served on the industry related boards and judged photography competitions in Australia and overseas, as well speaking at Stat and National Photography events.
Melissa strongly believes that photography is important in capturing moments and history. With over 15 years’ experience in education and content development focusing in areas such as Information technology, Multimedia, Photography, and Graphic Design.
Melissa holds a Diploma in Information technology and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Michelle is a Social Media Marketing Guru with over 10 years’ experience in Social Media Management, Digital Marketing and Online Communications. She also has a strong background in digital engagement, content creation and creative design. Michelle currently works across a range of industries including sports fitness, not-for-profit, travel, professional services, industrial, construction, agriculture and chemistry.
Michelle completed a Diploma of Social Media Marketing, a Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations) and holds a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
Michelle has over 16 years of experience of working within the healthcare industry working as an Enrolled Nurse and a personal care worker. She has worked with people that have a disability within different community programs and within aged care. Michelle’s specialised skills include infection control, dementia care, palliative care and person-centred care.
Over the years she has also worked in General Practice, different hospitals across Southeast Queensland as an agency nurse working in the areas of mental health, palliative care, and dementia units.
Michelle has been a Trainer in adult education for over 6 years working in classrooms, workplaces, online and in secondary schools.
• Diploma of Nursing
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Diploma of Business
• Diploma of Community Services
• Certificate 3 in Aged Care
Natalie is a Sydney based speech pathologist. She has worked with children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in a number of non-government and government organisations. Natalie is considered one of the few expert adult mental health specialists in Australia and has been fortunate to meet with national leaders to advocate for this area. Natalie is also highly passionate and interested in clinical teaching, and in 2015 will complete her Masters Research in Clinical Education. Natalie is passionate about clinical education and was awarded the title of clinical associate lecturer by the University of Sydney.
Nicola has 5 years experience as a Trainer and Assessor working in the education management industry. Currently, Nicola is working as a Therapy Assistant supporting young people in the NDIS, focusing on supporting participants with mental health issues in achieving their goals. Nicola also has an extensive history of working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander youth, helping young people to overcome many challenges.
Nicola holds a Cert IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention, and a Diploma of Community Services Work and is currently studying a Cert IV in Mental health and Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Sarah has passionately worked in the training and assessment sector for almost 10 years, specialising in adult education for international students, new migrants and refugees. She holds a double degree in Bachelor of Arts (Social & Community Studies) and a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition). She presently delivers programs in the South Australian community as a Learning and Development Consultant, focusing on supporting individuals working through mental ill-health experiences and their recovery.
Sarah also works for ACATA Trust Fiji, as their Senior Community Health Education Officer (Nutritionist). Sarah has experience teaching around the world and has recently returned from living and volunteering in Fiji with the Australian Red Cross for some time.
Tanya has many years of experience working in the Airline Industry through her role at World Aviation Systems who represent various airlines here in Sydney (Air Tahiti Nui and Hawaiian Airlines to name a few). She has extensive knowledge of Sales, marketing, reservations and the general business operations of an Airline. Through her role at World Aviation she travelled extensively and gained knowledge on various destinations first hand. Tanya has been teaching Certificate III and Diploma of Tourism for the past 10 years to pass on her passion/knowledge for the Tourism Industry to her students. Recently Tanya has received her Certificate IV in Business Administration to supplement her current role as Operations Manager of a financial planning firm. While still consulting with the travel industry she has been in the financial Industry for the past 5 years developing relevant policies/procedures and complying with regulatory practices.
Tanya’s qualifications are Diploma of Tourism, Certificate IV in Tourism, Certificate III in Tourism , Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and Certificate IV in Business Administration.
Wendy has worked in tertiary education in the VET sector for over 14 years teaching web design, animation and design. In between teaching she works on a freelance basis.
She is currently studying a Masters in Digital Media and has also studied web technologies, e-Learning, psychology and registered nursing.
Wendy enjoys working with people and is passionate about teaching (and learning).
Zaid started working in the Interior Design field for an elite custom furniture company, focusing on 3D modelling in furniture and interior design for both commercial and residential projects. Zaid holds a Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration, along with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
He followed his passion for interior design and 3D modelling and now has years of experience, having worked on a variety of different interior design and furniture design projects. This experience enabled him to expand his knowledge of a variety of CAD, 3D modelling and rendering software. His passion for design drove him to start his own interior design studio. He loves to share his knowledge and spread his passion of design with students.
Enter your details below to receive a free course guide and a consultation with an Education Advisor.