Meet our Tutors

Daniel Hunt, New Zealand Tutor for bookkeeping and financial services

CA, CPP, CPA, MBus(tax), BBus, Grad Dip Bus, Nat Cert adult education & training

Daniel Hunt is a highly qualified chartered accountant who has dedicated his professional efforts to the field of business, accounting and education.

Daniel started his career with the world’s largest accounting firm, Pricewaterhouse Coopers and now lectures part time and runs his own accounting practice.  He has a genuine interest in continuing education.

Lawrence Battridge

Lawrence has 20 years of varied and practical experience working within the Hospitality, Tourism and Events industry.  Working as a senior teacher for the last six years, Lawrence has been able to hone his assessment and validation skills as a senior teacher, teaching Advanced Diploma of Hospitality to International students for Carrick Institute of Education in Sydney. Previous to teaching Lawrence’s practical and theory was built up over 16 years of working as a Chef and Food and Beverage Manager throughout Australia.

Lawrence’s career began as a Baker/ Pastry chef in Western Australia. After several years Lawrence was enticed to join the Royal Australian Air Force where he learned his trade of cooking from 1985 to 1991. Once being trained Lawrence worked as a chef until 1996 when he accepted a position as Food and Beverage Manager. In 2000 the move was made from Perth to Sydney to further a career in to Hospitality, Tourism and the Events industry and in 2004 was employed by Carrick Institute of Education as a teacher/trainer for commercial cookery and after a short period of time into a position of senior teacher in Hospitality Management. In 2010 Lawrence has engaged in working on the Central Coast/ Hunter region to focus on employment based training and assessment.

Having worked across a broad range of industry sectors, in small to large companies, Lawrence is equally at ease working alongside shop-floor personnel as he is with main board directors.  His relaxed, highly practical approach to project work is reflected in his training, coaching and mentoring style.

Lawrence works closely with businesses through out the Central Coast and Hunter region specialising in the design and delivery of custom-built learning and assessment material in line with clients' business needs. The majority of this work concentrates on Retail, Hospitality and Event Management. With a strong importance on organisational background, following specific guidelines set by AQF, STS, VETAB, and Education Department, as well as the specific requirements of individual team members, the correct balance of people skills development, individual creativity and technical know-how is achieved.

Industry specific experience includes RAAF, Starwood (Sheraton), Hilton, NSW Parliament House, Oliver’s Momentum, Hooked on Fish, Chubb security.

Maria Lupu, BSc. Biology, BSc. Math

Maria is currently completing her Masters in Forensic Science and a Masters in Criminology.

She is from Canada where she has worked in the veterinary industry for 8 years, with the last 3 in the Oncology and ICU department as a veterinary assistant in a well respected, emergency and referral aminal hospital. Maria loves learning and has tutored math for a number of years trying to pass on her love of education.

Keith Power, Australia.   Tutor for business management and writing

Keith Power is an award winning freelance writer whose features, news stories and columns have appeared in a wide range of business and general interest publications both in Australia and overseas.

In addition, Keith has written and edited guide books, white papers and research reports, corporate profiles and case studies for many leading organisations. These include Capgemini, Deloitte,
Ernst & Young, Getronics and IBM.

Keith was formerly editor of Informatics magazine. During his two-year tenure he took Informatics effectively from scratch to become Australia’s best read corporate IT publication. Other roles he has held include editor-in-chief of Managing Information Systems, Asia Pacific correspondent for Software and Teradata magazines in the USA, Australasian correspondent for Computer Business Review in the UK and lead commentator on IT Report.

Keith holds the Diploma of The Writing School. His accolades include:

* Best Feature Writer - 1998 IT Writers Awards
* Best Analytical Writing of the Year – 1999 Australian Business Publishers (ABP) Bell Awards
* Best Editorial Issues Campaign of the Year - 1999 ABP Bell Awards
* Best Analytical Writing of the Year – 2000 ABP Bell Awards
* Best Analytical Writing of the Year – 2002 ABP Bell Awards
* Best Feature Writer - 2003 IT Writers Awards
* Numerous other commendations.

Before becoming a full time writer and editor, Keith held management roles in a diverse range of organisations, large and small.

Keith’s work has been reproduced in MBA courses and other training programs.

Jessica Blythe, Australia.  Tutor for writing, business, marketing and tourism

Jessica’s experience comes from a combination of academic study (university and TAFE, distance education and in house workshops), private projects, self funded businesses, administration of community organisations and extensive government policy and program employment.

She also draws experience from her Celtic history and heritage, visual art, illustration for publication, small business, practical self sufficiency and social issues among other interests. 

Achievements include running a health food shop, teaching young people theatre skills, solo art exhibition in Melbourne, delivering workshops to community groups on Healthy Homes and Writing/Publishing, co-ordinating community groups, running arts and heritage projects for ACT government, writing speeches for the Prime Minister, researching government reports and running successful National Youth Week program and State Youth Advisory Forums.

Helen Mcrae, Australia.

Helen Starded apprenticeship at 16 and become a senior at the age of 18. She worked for Helenes of Surfers Paradise and  Paula Stafford . Worked for various labels on Gold Coast which are now obsolete. Worked for 4 years in a wedding shop beading and making up new flower designs plus making of wedding dresses( we supplied Abbey Bridal plus other wedding shops as well as our own clientel).

She is currently tutoring and still owns her own casual make and trim business.

Gerry le Roux, Member of the Science Communicators Association of New Zealand (SCANZ)

After a 10 year career as a scientist, Gerry decided to pursue his passion for photography.  He completed a Diploma in Professional Photography and has since been working as a freelance photographer, lecturer and tutor.  He is owner/photographer for Sciencelens Ltd, a company specialising in science photography, through which he strives to promote the visual communication of science via the photographic medium.  When he is not photographing science, Gerry enjoys art photography, street photography and photojournalism.

Julia Hebaiter

Julia's 21 years' experience in the hospitality industry has been extensive and varied, and she owned and operated an award-winning restaurant in Melbourne for seven years. Throughout her time in an industry she is passionate about, she's worked both front and back-of-house in various roles, including management, waiting, cooking, staff training, event management, and organising and executing catering functions, both big and small. Being the scenes, she has managed all the business aspects - legal, marketing, finances, menu planning, staff recruitment, etc - that set the all-important foundations for any successful business. She has worked in food businesses ranging from cafés and bistros to silver service establishments - and everything in between. She has catered for parties, weddings, corporate functions, fashion shows, awards nights and other events.

Julia's extensive experience has given her all-round knowledge of cooking, catering, and the delights of sharing food with others. She grew up in an Italian family where food had huge social, cultural, and even healing, functions. She enjoys spending hours in her own kitchen, whipping up endless culinary delights for her family and friends.

Julia has two writing and editing diplomas. She has published a large folio of works. Many are food-related and some appear in renowned literary journals (Overland) and culinary publications (Slow Food Press). She is Senior Editor of two books: Tasting and Feasting Excellence, a 130-page dining guide endorsed by Stephanie Alexander (that's Julia, pictured above at the book launch); and Chef Michel Bonnet's food memoirs, A Boy from Burgundy: a Million Meals, a Million Miles. She also runs a freelance writing business specialising in creative food, travel and lifestyle writing and is in the process of completing her first food book.

Deanna Gough

Deanna has over 15 years combined business and scientific professional experience within the international  domain owning and operating her own companies. Over the last 7 years she has concentrated on Corporate Development, building viable sustainable  systems within Asia, Europe, America and Australia.

She has degrees in Biology, Plant Science, Micro and Molecular Science and Engineering, with Masters Degrees in Sustainable Development and Economics and is currently complete a Doctorate of Science. Additionally she has completed Photographic, Counselling, Management and language courses.

Matthew Worthington

Matthew Worthington is a entrepreneur, adventurer and psychologist. BA (Hons) Business Studies, MSc Psychology (Commendation), his disseration explored the cognitive flexibility of smokers and non smokers aswell as habitual tendedncies. He is  due to complete his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in February 2012, area of specialisation is addiction.

His other interests include the cognitive neuroscience of thought, mindfulness and acceptance based psychotherapies. Matthew has training in hypnotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.  He has a varied life experience, serving as a police officer in England as well as the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Reserve. Before his current studies Matthew travelled extensively around the globe. On one of his adventures, he hitchhiked 10,000 miles around the USA and visited 40 of the United States. On another trip he travelled down the centre of Australia from Darwin to Alice Springs and onto Adelaide. He has also hitchhiked through both islands of New Zealand and travelled the length of India.

Matthew has worked in Thailand as a corporate trainer for the Sofitel Group and a university lecturer. He has been self employed as a successful stress management and smoking cessation therapist. He developed a six week stop smoking programme after he received hypnosis and stress management training at the Holmes Clinic Beverley Hills, California. Matthew has also been employed as a trainee High Intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapist for the British National Health Service which he interrupted to pursue his doctorate in Australia. Matthew's other  entrepreneurial experiences include owning and operating successful mail-order, internet, vending and event management businesses.  One of his business started after a serindiptous moment when he spotted a collectable figurine in a pottery factory which led to the formation of a  mailorder company which sold everything from collectables to sports goods.

Aisha Stacey

Aisha Stacey is the mother of three adult children. After raising her family she returned to university for the second time and completed a Bachelor of Arts at Murdoch University. Between 2004 and 2007 Aisha worked as the counselling facilitator at the Fanar Cultural Centre in Doha Qatar. Her work was mainly with abused women. Aisha is also a published writer in both internet and print media and in 2009 -10 she was the Queensland editor at a national Australian newspaper ~ Crescent Times. Aisha currently lives quietly on the Gold Coast and is studying for her Master of Arts in Writing.

Frank Roseby

With a degree in Rural Science, Frank joined CSIRO. Interesting times followed in the ivory towers of research and academia, then ten years later he was back in the real world helping Victorian farmers tackle livestock health problems and fickle markets. Then his world expanded as he moved to Asia to work with farmers. As the farmers’ own health was often more of a challenge that that of their livestock, he studied part-time for a Masters Degree in Public Health.

Between periods in Asia, Frank held various positions with Australian governments which took him into the newly emerging fields of biotechnology and environmental science.

Living and leading projects in rural areas of India, Malaysia, Laos, China and Japan exposed Frank to the incredible variety of their farm production systems. Some of these systems are quite complex with many different kinds of “livestock” – silkworms, poultry, fish, cats, dogs, pigs, goats, cattle and horses – all helping to sustain the production system. Many of these systems are perhaps more appropriate to our world of rising energy prices and global warming than the systems we use in Australia. This view was reinforced during a year studying Organic Farming on the north coast of NSW.

Katy Gerner

Katy Gerner BA (Journalism) Diploma (Dramatic Art), Graduate Diploma in Adult Education (Basic Education), Certificate in TEASOL, Masters of Education (Support Teaching), Masters of Education (Special Education), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Katy works as a writer and a teacher. She has written 12 text books for Macmillan Education and writes book reviews for Viewpoint and Insights. She also works as a disability support teacher (intellectual / learning), a teacher /consultant for students with physical disabilities and a distance education teacher for TAFE and an IELTS marker in the university system.

Ian Selvarajoo

B.A; Adv.Dip.Myo; Dip.Rem.Mas; Cert IV Training & Assessment; First Aid Level 2; Sports Trainer Level 1

Ian is an experienced healthcare practitioner who works as a clinical Myotherapist in Victoria.  He lectures at a TAFE College within the Myotherapy and Health department.  He also works at a high care facility, helping patients with cerebral palsy to improve their motor function and mobility, and also enhance their overall wellbeing.

Rod See

Rod has recently resigned as Co-ordinator for tourism & Recreation for NSW National Parks. During his 8 years with NPWS he was responsible for introducing the "living Parks" document which prepared the way for future tourism developments and commercial recreation operations in NSW National Parks. While with NPWS Rod was appointed 'Executive Officer' with the Lord Howe Island Board where he worked for 2 1/2 years. Prior to that he was Director of Hunter Recreation Planning Consultants working as a consultant to many Local Government Councils in the Hunter Valley. Rod also worked for Port Stephens Council for 20 years as the Manager of Development Services and Manager of Forward Planning. He has a degree in Town Planning and Outdoor Recreation and a Post Graduate in Ecotourism.

Tracey Curley Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marine Biology (University of West Florida) Master's of Education (M.Ed) Compresensive Secondary/Tertiary Education specialing in Sciences and Mathematics.

Tracy has worked at The University of West Florida as an Associate Professor, Graduate Assistant, and Laboratory Specialist. Tracy has completed several research projects with leading scientists in Florida and has published numerous written publications in science and medical journals. She also founded and supported "UWF Peer Support Tutor Group" at the University. She is currently working and teaching within the NSW Catholic school system and Public school system in NSW, Australia.

Sonia Andrews

Sonia offers over 15 years of industry experience in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance and Administration. Sonia operates her own accounting business working with small to medium business, managing their accounts, cash flow, payroll etc.  She is also a Registered ATO Bas Agent and enjoys training and tutoring students within the myob and accounting sectors. Sonia is based in Queensland on the Gold Coast.

Cintia Mistro

Cintia Mistro have been working in the design industry for more than 6 years. Her experience includes residential, hospitality, retail and commercial projects. It also extends to furniture, product display and graphics.

She recently finished a Master Degree in Design by UTS. Some of the projects she have already worked on can be seem in different places around Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, China and recently also in Taiwan.

Akhil Goyal

Akhil Goyal Masters of Applied Science (Information Systems), MCTS, MCPD(Web Developer)

Akhil has over 5 years of industry experience in software development. He is working as an analyst programmer for a highly reputable construction firm Burbank Homes. After completing his Masters from RMIT (Melbourne), Akhil worked as a .Net Developer for one of the biggest tourism company in Australia (Mantra Group) for about 4 years.

Denise Richardson

MBPsS, BSc. Psych,  Master in International Medicine. A:E:P:H. S:A:C,  CCC – CNCP – AC – MBACP.

Denise has been delivering Personal & Professional Workshops for over twenty years and a clinical counsellor for over ten. She is invited as a speaker at private and public events. In September she is invited to speak at seminars at the Rome City Council Hall on the importance of Assertiveness and at the Italian High Court in November on Instilling a Coaching Culture in the Judiciary . Denise is an accredited  profiler of StrengthScope.

June Colbert

B.A. Dip Ed.; Dip TESOL; Teaching by Distance (TAFE)

June is a teacher and author, with four books and a short story published since 2001. Her fourth novel , What Willow Knew, was shortlisted for a  Davitt Sisters In Crime award,  and is to be translated into German for European release. She has been tutoring for six years across a wide range of written genres including novels, children’s writing, short stories, romance, ESL and technical writing. She has also devised and taught a Community College course called ‘Writing for Children’. She still tutors children in reading  and English and assesses picture books.

Gail little

Gail Little is an accredited Quantum Literacy Tutor who has been a tutor for the Course in Spelling and Reading through Phonics for more than two years.  She holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and is one of the voices on the acclaimed audio recording Pronunciation & Practice in the Sounds of English Phonograms.  Gail has worked for several Federal Government Literacy programs in both primary and secondary schools and has a successful business teaching literacy to young children, teenagers and adults.  She is an accredited marker of the Australian NAPLAN school (LITERACY) test.

Hayley Wheeler

Hayley is a highly skilled and experienced Family and Child Support Worker, working with female and child victims of domestic abuse for over 8 years.  She also volunteered to work with perpetrators in order to get the whole picture of the dynamics of abusive relationships.  Prior to this she worked with children in a variety of fields including as a foster carer, a nanny and early years education.  Shewrot and delivers a successful course for victims of domestic abuse which enables them to move on from the abuse and is currently awaiting for her book to be published.