Industry Experts

We don’t use the term ‘expert’ lightly. As Australia's first distance education provider, we back it up with 125 years of experience, a rock-solid reputation and thousands of successful graduates. Our proficient team consists of experts in their fields, boasting several years of invaluable experience. This ensures that the advice they impart is not only industry-relevant but also thoroughly up-to-date.

Trainers

Accounting & Finance

Kimberly Kim

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.

Beauty & Retail

Ellena Frisina

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.

Kasey Card

Kasey holds several certifications, including Certificate II and III in Retail, Certificate IV in Retail Management, a Diploma in Case Management, and a Dual Diploma in Vocational Education, Training, and Design.

Business & Leadership

Holly Radford

Holly is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in business administration, account management, marketing and print.

Rosalie Pellew

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.

Katherine Lord

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.

Catherine Tumelty

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.

Michelle Badato

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.

Tanya Galey

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.

Design & Technology

MD Faridul Islam

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.

Zaid Kilani

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.

Melissa Neumann

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.

Education

Erika Russell

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.

Debra Hine

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

Charmaine Debono

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).

Environment & Animal Studies

Chantal McKinlay

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.

Leigh Rogers

Health & Community

Michelle Hay Chapman

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.

Zinna Nesa

Zinna has over 15 years of experience working within the healthcare industry. She has worked with people in mental health, young children with a significant trauma background, different community programs, and within aged care industries (including palliative care and dementia-specific units).

Eve Czerniak

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.

Maryanne Roland

Maryanne is a registered Occupational Therapist with over 35 years of clinical experience. She has worked in a variety of settings as an occupational therapist (hospital inpatient and outpatient, community health and school-based therapy). Her current clinical workload is community-based occupational therapy in a private-practice setting.

Natalie Albores

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.

Nicola Robey

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.

Cass Harper

Cass has been working in the aged care industry across Australia for the past 23 years.
Her hands-on experience within the Industry is extensive, having started out as a Care Worker before working her way up. Cass keeps updated with the changes that occur within the aged care sector by undertaking a range of study.

Kelly Merchant

Kelly has worked at Open Colleges for the past 5 years as a Trainer & Assessor and has worked within the industry of counselling for the past 15 years. Along with her Bachelor of Behavioural Science (psyc) Degree and Post Graduate 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.

Dorina Iancu

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.

Trade

Jeffrey Halpin

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.

Student Success Specialists

Ada

Daniel

Jennifer

Ke

Kosta

Murry

Ola

Ratna

Phyllis

Samantha

Russell

Sandra

Sarah

Sela

Sharan

Trainers

Accounting & Finance

Kimberly Kim

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.

Beauty & Retail

Ellena Frisina

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.

Kasey Card

Kasey holds several certifications, including Certificate II and III in Retail, Certificate IV in Retail Management, a Diploma in Case Management, and a Dual Diploma in Vocational Education, Training, and Design.

Business & Leadership

Holly Radford

Holly is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in business administration, account management, marketing and print.

Rosalie Pellew

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.

Katherine Lord

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.

Catherine Tumelty

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.

Michelle Badato

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.

Tanya Galey

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.

Design & Technology

MD Faridul Islam

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.

Zaid Kilani

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.

Melissa Neumann

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.

Education

Erika Russell

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.

Debra Hine

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

Charmaine Debono

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).

Environment & Animal Studies

Chantal McKinlay

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.

Leigh Rogers

Health & Community

Michelle Hay Chapman

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.

Zinna Nesa

Zinna has over 15 years of experience working within the healthcare industry. She has worked with people in mental health, young children with a significant trauma background, different community programs, and within aged care industries (including palliative care and dementia-specific units).

Eve Czerniak

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.

Maryanne Roland

Maryanne is a registered Occupational Therapist with over 35 years of clinical experience. She has worked in a variety of settings as an occupational therapist (hospital inpatient and outpatient, community health and school-based therapy). Her current clinical workload is community-based occupational therapy in a private-practice setting.

Natalie Albores

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.

Nicola Robey

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.

Cass Harper

Cass has been working in the aged care industry across Australia for the past 23 years.
Her hands-on experience within the Industry is extensive, having started out as a Care Worker before working her way up. Cass keeps updated with the changes that occur within the aged care sector by undertaking a range of study.

Kelly Merchant

Kelly has worked at Open Colleges for the past 5 years as a Trainer & Assessor and has worked within the industry of counselling for the past 15 years. Along with her Bachelor of Behavioural Science (psyc) Degree and Post Graduate 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.

Dorina Iancu

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.

Trade

Jeffrey Halpin

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.

Student Success Specialists

Ada

Daniel

Jennifer

Ke

Kosta

Murry

Ola

Ratna

Phyllis

Samantha

Russell

Sandra

Sarah

Sela

Sharan

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Kimberly Kim

Trainers | Accounting & Finance
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 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.
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Ellena Frisina

Trainers | Beauty & Retail
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 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.
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Kasey Card

Trainers | Beauty & Retail
Kasey holds several certifications, including Certificate II and III in Retail, Certificate IV in Retail Management, a Diploma in Case Management, and a Dual Diploma in Vocational Education, Training, and Design.
Kasey has over 25 years' experience within the Retail industry, starting as a Sales assistant then progressing into Store Manager and then finally finding a passion for the Training and Development of those working within the Retail sector. She is very passionate about sharing her skills and knowledge with others wishing to pursue a career in the sector.

Kasey holds Certificate II, and III in Retail, Certificate IV in Retail Management, a Diploma in Case Management, Dual Diploma in Vocational Education, Training and Design.

As an educator Kasey has over 20 years combined delivering face-to-face training and online training methods, delivering courses such as Retail, Retail Management, Business, and Community Services. Kasey's aim is to inspire the learner to be their best self and achieve their desired goals.
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Holly Radford

Trainers | Business & Leadership
Holly is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in business administration, account management, marketing and print.
Holly is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 20 years of 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.
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Rosalie Pellew

Trainers | Business & Leadership
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 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.
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Katherine Lord

Trainers | Business & Leadership
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.
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.
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Catherine Tumelty

Trainers | Business & Leadership
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 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.
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Michelle Badato

Trainers | Business & Leadership
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 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.
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Tanya Galey

Trainers | Business & Leadership
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.
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.
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MD Faridul Islam

Trainers | Design & Technology
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 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
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Zaid Kilani

Trainers | Design & Technology
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.
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.
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Melissa Neumann

Trainers | Design & Technology
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 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.
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Erika Russell

Trainers | Education
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 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.
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Debra Hine

Trainers | Education
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 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.
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Charmaine Debono

Trainers | Education
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 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.
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Chantal McKinlay

Trainers | Environment & Animal Studies
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 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.
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Leigh Rogers

Trainers | Environment & Animal Studies
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Michelle Hay Chapman

Trainers | Health & Community
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.
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
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Zinna Nesa

Trainers | Health & Community
Zinna has over 15 years of experience working within the healthcare industry. She has worked with people in mental health, young children with a significant trauma background, different community programs, and within aged care industries (including palliative care and dementia-specific units).
Zinna has over 15 years of experience working within the healthcare industry. She has worked with people in mental health, young children with a significant trauma background, different community programs, and within aged care industries (including palliative care and dementia-specific units).

She also has 2 years of experience with children and families as a therapeutic case worker, a field professional who works to integrate clients into their relationships and create positive living situations. Her primary responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing service plans, coordinating services, and providing advocacy and support. She also works closely with clients and their families to identify needs and help them access services, including counseling, financial assistance, and housing. She is experienced in crisis intervention, patient care, de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and document proficiency, and possesses strong communication skills.

Zinna has been a Trainer and Assessor for over 1 year, working in classrooms, workplaces, and online. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Science, an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management, a Diploma of Community Services, a Diploma of Mental Health, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40116, a Certificate IV in Community Services, a Certificate IV in Ageing and Disability Support, and a Certificate III in Health Service Assistance.

Teaching means that she has an emotional investment in making our world better, feels that she is making a positive contribution to society, never stops learning, gains satisfaction from seeing people learn, and is well respected.

Working as a community worker, she believes it is an opportunity for her to provide care and support to vulnerable clients. She wants to support and treat vulnerable clients with kindness and respectful behavior so that they feel secure, safe, and can become more independent in their lives. She loves both of her professions
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Eve Czerniak

Trainers | Health & Community
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.
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.
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Maryanne Roland

Trainers | Health & Community
Maryanne is a registered Occupational Therapist with over 35 years of clinical experience. She has worked in a variety of settings as an occupational therapist (hospital inpatient and outpatient, community health and school-based therapy). Her current clinical workload is community-based occupational therapy in a private-practice setting.
Maryanne is a registered Occupational Therapist with over 35 years of clinical experience. She has worked in a variety of settings as an occupational therapist (hospital inpatient and outpatient, community health and school-based therapy). Her current clinical workload is community-based occupational therapy in a private-practice setting.

Maryanne is also an experienced educator having worked as a casual academic at the University of Newcastle and as a Trainer and Assessor in RTOs. She enjoys her work with students in Allied Health Assistance. She sees the quickly expanding need for more qualified AHAs to be working in community based therapy.
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Natalie Albores

Trainers | Health & Community
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 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.
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Nicola Robey

Trainers | Health & Community
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 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.
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Cass Harper

Trainers | Health & Community
Cass has been working in the aged care industry across Australia for the past 23 years.
Her hands-on experience within the Industry is extensive, having started out as a Care Worker before working her way up. Cass keeps updated with the changes that occur within the aged care sector by undertaking a range of study.
Cass has been working in the aged care industry across Australia for the past 23 years.

Her hands-on experience within the Industry is extensive, having started out as a Care Worker before working her way up. Cass keeps updated with the changes that occur within the aged care sector by undertaking a range of study. At the moment she is working as a Trainer/Educator in Queensland. She teaches Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate II in Health Support Services, and is an online Assessor for Open Colleges.
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Kelly Merchant

Trainers | Health & Community
Kelly has worked at Open Colleges for the past 5 years as a Trainer & Assessor and has worked within the industry of counselling for the past 15 years. Along with her Bachelor of Behavioural Science (psyc) Degree and Post Graduate 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.
Kelly has worked at Open Colleges for the past 5 years as a Trainer & Assessor and has worked within the industry of counselling for the past 15 years. Along with her Bachelor of Behavioural Science (psyc) Degree and Post Graduate 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.

Kelly runs her own private counselling practice with a special interest in working within trauma, grief, loss and relationship issues as well as working for the charity Bears of Hope where the focus is on pregnancy and child loss support. Currently, Kelly is furthering her own education through studies in crisis counselling.
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Dorina Iancu

Trainers | Health & Community
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.
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.
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Jeffrey Halpin

Trainers | Trade
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.
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.
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Ada

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Daniel

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Jennifer

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Ke

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Kosta

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Murry

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Ola

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Ratna

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Phyllis

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Samantha

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Russell

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Sandra

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Sarah

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Sela

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Sharan

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