Meet the Tutors

Adrian started his life in London where he discovered a keen interest in computers. Upon completing his tertiary education in Information Technology, Adrian worked for various jobs specialising in Unix Systems, Database Administration and Core System Programming. Deciding that he wanted to travel while building his IT skillset, Adrian set off to travel and work through Europe. After meeting his Italian wife and settling in an idyllic small town outside of Rome Italy, Adrian now brings his knowledge of computers and the IT industry to tutoring at Courses Direct.

A Message from Adrian
"I now work as a Freelance trainer, tutor and IT advisor. Keeping a foot in the industry allows my skillset to remain current and give my students the best insight not only into working in an IT environment but the continuous problem solving nature of Information Technology."

After taking a career break to raise her three children, Aisha returned to University and gained her second degree, a Bachelor of Arts. Following the completion of her studies, Aisha worked as a counselling facilitator, working primarily with abused women. Aisha is a published writer both online and in print, and has been the Editor of a National newspaper. Aisha is currently studying a Master of Arts in Writing and enjoys helping other students achieve their study goals.

A Message from Aisha
"I live a quiet life on the Gold Coast and love that through tutoring I have been able to achieve my own work, life, balance goal. I hope to be able to bring that balance to my students study experience while guiding them through their coursework."

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

Akhil currently works for Burbank Homes as an analyst programmer. Prior to his current position, Akhil had been working in both software and web development in the tourism industry. Akhil has a Masters of Applied Science (Information Technology) and brings a decade of industry experience and knowledge to Courses Direct.

A Message from Akhil
"I really enjoy tutoring at Courses Direct. Bringing what I use in my daily work to my students is very rewarding."

Over the last 20 years Bianca has successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts in English (UWA), Masters coursework - Creative Writing (UNSW), English Language Teaching Certificate (CELTA), Psychology units, Reiki I, Anatomy and Physiology and Swedish Massage.

During her studies Bianca has worked in various areas of Allied Health, with a focus on the Elderly, and people with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities. Bianca has also taught English Language (RMIT), and a Creative Writing course at a Community House. Bianca has written and designed a number of curriculums from industry-based English/Nursing programs, Creative course curriculums and Freelance Editing and Writing. Bianca is well versed in many subjects including; History, Politics, Psychology, Literature and New Age. Bianca has also published some poetry and been involved in many volunteer projects specifically focused on the disadvantaged.

A Message from Bianca
"I am dedicated to inspiring students to find their voice and achieve understanding in whichever field they may choose. I look forward to working with you to help make your goals, plans and dreams realised."

Claire has been working with children with disabilities from 2001. Claire's work has ranged from transporting students from home to school as a Special Transport Driver through to assisting students in the classroom undertake one on one activities, group activities, reading recovery, bench marking and whole class activities. Claire's practical knowledge and skills complement the theoretical component of the courses that Claire teaches and adds an invaluable element to her student's experience.

A Message from Claire
"The best part of tutoring at Courses Direct is being able to share my practical knowledge of working with children with disabilities with my students. It is really satisfying to be a part of the learning experience and welcome so many new people into the industry, whether they are wanting the knowledge to use in a professional, a voluntary or a carer situation."

Daniel started his professional career with Price Waterhouse Coopers as a Chartered Accountant. Discovering that he loves learning, Daniel has undertaken continuous study over the years, recently deciding to become a tutor. Daniel owns his own Accounting practice and enjoys combining his interests in business, accounting and education.

A Message from Daniel
"Education is definitely something that I am committed to. It doesn't matter what job you do, there is always something new to learn. Tutoring not only allows me to share my experience but to be continually learning as I keep up with industry standards and new practices."

Deanna has degrees in Biology, Plant Science, Micro and Molecular Science and Engineering . Deanna also holds a Masters degree in Sustainable Development and a Masters degree in Economics and is in the middle of completing a Doctorate of Science. Putting all of this theoretical experience into practice, Deanna has fifteen years combined business and scientific experience which has included owning and operating her own companies. Amazingly, Deanna has still found time to study Photography, Counselling, Management and languages.

A Message from Deanna
"Over the last seven years I have concentrated on Corporate Development, building viable sustainable systems within Asia, Europe, America and Australia. I am really excited to be able to bring this knowledge to Courses Direct, and meet so many students with the same interests and desire to learn."

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

Denise is a highly qualified and experienced practicing clinical counselor. Delivering Personal & Professional Workshops for over twenty years, Denise is regularly invited to speak at private and public events. As a guest of the Italian High Court last November, Denise was invited to speak about Instilling a Coaching Culture in the Judiciary. Previous to that invitation, Denise had been invited to speak at Rome City Council Hall about the importance of Assertiveness. Denise is also an accredited profiler of StrengthScope.

A Message from Denise
"Being given the opportunity to tutor students who are interested in the field of psychology is particularly rewarding and it is exciting to be a part of the learning process at Courses Direct."

Joining the CSIRO with a degree in Rural Science, Frank spent the first ten years of his working life in what he describes as "the ivory towers of research and academia". After leaving the CSIRO, Frank's first role was helping Victorian farmers tackle livestock health issues and fickle markets. Frank's next adventure took him to Asia where he discovered that often the farmer's health was more challenged than that of their livestock so undertook a Masters Degree in Public Health. In the ensuing years, Frank has continued to work on projects throughout India, Malaysia, China, Japan and Australia not only in farming but the emerging fields of biotechnology and environmental science.

A Message from Frank
"Many of the varied farm production systems that I have been exposed to through my work throughout Asia , have led me to realise are in many ways more appropriate for use in our world of rising energy prices and global warming than the systems we currently use in Australia. Teaching at Courses Direct gives me the opportunity to share what I have learned and hopefully duplicate those systems in Australia and in the long term effect some positive change."

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. Gail 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. Gail is an accredited marker of the Australian NAPLAN school (LITERACY) test.

A Message from Gail
"One of the great advantages of teaching literacy is that I can teach across a broad range of age groups and in a number of different learning environments. Tutoring at Courses Direct allow me to tutor adults who may not have the time to study in a traditional face to face environment."

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. Completing a Diploma in Professional Photography and then working as a freelance photographer, lecturer and tutor, Gerry set up his own business Sciencelens Ltd. Specialising in science photography, Sciencelens Ltd strives to promote the visual communication of science via the photographic medium. When Gerry is not photographing science, Gerry enjoys art photography, street photography and photojournalism.

A Message from Gerry
"I have been lucky to combine my interest in science with my passion for photography. Tutoring at Courses Direct allows me to pursue both theses interests and help other people learn about something they are passionate about."

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. Hayley has also volunteered to work with perpetrators in order to get the whole picture of the dynamics of abusive relationships. Prior to Hayley's work in Family and Child Support, Hayley worked with children in a variety of fields including as a foster carer, a nanny and early years education. She wrote 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.

A Message from Hayley
"Tutoring at Courses Direct enables me to prepare and educate people to work in the field of Family and Child Support. It is a very rewarding job and I look forward to meeting new students and helping students graduate."

Interested in fashion and sewing, Helen undertook an apprenticeship at sixteen and has been working in Fashion ever since. Working for a range of popular and well know labels on the Gold Coast, for the last four years Helen has been working in the area of Bridal wear. Helen currently tutors while running her own casual make and trim business.

A Message from Helen
"My recent experience beading and helping make and design wedding dresses has allowed me to continue learning new techniques. This experience allows me to teach my students the fundamentals of sewing and design as well as share the latest trends in Wedding Fashion."

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. Ian lectures at a TAFE College within the Myotherapy and Health department and 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.

A Message from Ian
"I really enjoy both teaching and working within the healthcare industry and look forward to sharing my knowledge with my Courses Direct students."

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.

Jessica's work experience includes running a health food shop, teaching young people theatre skills, solo art exhibitions in Melbourne, delivering workshops to community groups on Healthy Homes, Writing/Publishing, coordinating 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.

A Message from Jessica
"I bring a broad range of experience to Courses Direct and particularly like to draw on my Celtic history and heritage in both my work and interests. I enjoy tutoring and look forward to meeting the many new students that come through Courses Direct."

Julia's 21 years' experience in the hospitality industry has been extensive and varied, and has included owning and operating an award-winning restaurant in Melbourne for seven years. Julie has worked both front and back-of-house in various roles, including management, waiting, cooking, staff training, event management and catering.

Julia has two writing and editing diplomas. She has published a large folio of works, many of which are food-related and some appear in renowned literary journals (Overland) and culinary publications (Slow Food Press). Julie has been Senior Editor of two books: Tasting and Feasting Excellence, a 130-page dining guide endorsed by Stephanie Alexander; 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.

A Message from Julia
"I grew up in an Italian family where food had huge social, cultural, and even healing, functions. I enjoy spending hours in my own kitchen, whipping up endless culinary delights for my family and friends."

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

June is a teacher and published author of four books and a short story. June's fourth novel, What Willow Knew, was shortlisted for a Davitt Sisters In Crime award, and is to be translated into German for European release. June 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. June also created and taught a Community College course called 'Writing for Children' and assesses picture books for publication.

A Message from June
"I am passionate about both reading and writing in my personal and professional life. I continue to tutor children in reading and English, while teaching writing to adults at Courses Direct. I feel very fortunate that I can continue to write while teaching as I get enormous satisfaction from doing both."

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.

Mitch discovered an interest in computers from a very young age and so it seemed only natural that he take that interest into adulthood and pursue a career in Software Engineering. As his skillset grew and he learned more about computers, Mitch's interests diversified into physics, astronomy, software programming, web hosting and Linux systems. Still working in the industry, Mitch is able to keep his knowledge current and share his workplace knowledge with the students he tutors.

A Message from Mitch
"What I enjoy about tutoring is the ability to share what I've learned with other people. Tutoring is not only fun, but sometimes a learning experience for me as well."

Natalie was awarded a Bachelor of Science First Class Honours degree and specialised in mental health nursing. She continued her studies and has a commitment to lifelong learning. Natalie has worked in a variety of community and hospital settings in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, engaging with individuals of all ages and empowering people to become independent in their own community. She has a passion for tutoring individuals to succeed in their studies and achieve their objective for change.p>

A Message from Natalie
"Natalie was awarded a Bachelor of Science First Class Honours degree and specialised in mental health nursing. She continued her studies and has a commitment to lifelong learning. Natalie has worked in a variety of community and hospital settings in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, engaging with individuals of all ages and empowering people to become independent in their own community. She has a passion for tutoring individuals to succeed in their studies and achieve their objective for change."

Sonia has worked in the Finance industry for over fifteen years. With extensive experience in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance and Administration, Sonia is a Registered ATO BAS agent and operates her own business assisting small to medium businesses manage their day to day operational accounts, payroll and cash flow.

A Message from Sonia
"I really enjoy training and tutoring students within the MYOB and Accounting sectors and look forward to helping the many students coming through Courses Direct undertstand the concepts and be able to either enter a career in Accounting or manage their own small business."

After finishing her HSC, Susan continued her studies and completed a Certificate III and Diploma in Children's Services. She then went on to study a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Teaching double degree at University, majoring in Primary Teaching and History, Philosophy & Psychology. Always looking to further her studies and broaden her knowledge on Education and Psychology, Susan is currently studying a Diploma in Community Services, majoring in Case Management, and a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment.

A Message from Susan
"It's very rewarding to allow people of all ages to have easy, supported access to education and inspire them to pursue careers in the field of their desire!"

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marine Biology (University of West Florida) Masters of Education (M.Ed) Comprehensive Secondary/Tertiary Education specialising 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. Tracy also founded and supported "UWF Peer Support Tutor Group" at the University. Tracy is currently working and teaching within the NSW Catholic school system and Public school system in NSW, Australia.

A Message from Tracey
"Working with Courses Direct allows me the opportunity to continue sharing my knowledge and the experience I have gained through my work with a varied group of students keen to learn more about the fields of science and research."

Over the years, Wendy's passion for her own adopted brood of horses and rescue dogs has overflowed into her work life. Having earned a degree in psychology and qualifications in Animal Care, Wendy has spent her recent working life teaching Animal Care to adults with disabilities and working in the field of animal quarantine. Wendy brings a unique skillset to the courses she tutors and gets enormous satisfaction from teaching students how to care for animals.

A Message from Wendy
"The greatest pleasure I get is from working with people and their animals whether the animals are companion pets or farm animals. My experience is not limited to horses and rescue dogs, but includes, small companion animals, cats, dairy and beef cattle. I love that tutoring allow me to combine all my interests and share my knowledge with others."