Dr. Christine Armatas – Academic Lead 

Christine joined ACU after returning from working overseas as the Associate Director, Educational Development at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She has a background in educational development and curriculum design, particularly in the area of online learning. Her research interests include the use of technology to enhance learning outcomes for students and the application of learning analytics for unit and course quality assurance and enhancement.

Dr. Vikki Pollard – Academic 

With a PhD in Education, Master of Education and Diploma in TESOL, Vikki’s consultative and curriculum history includes roles of Lecturer in Learning Environments (Deakin Uni) and lecturing (Monash Uni), curriculum consulting (Holmesglen Institute), project management (Melbourne Uni) and Manager of Quality for ACU. Vikki works on the connection between teaching and the student experience. Vikki is a passionate lifelong learner and in her spare time is a student at the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies.

Kym Fizzell – Project and Systems Project Manager

With a background in e-learning, literature and IT, Kym holds graduate certificates in e-learning and IT as well as a Master of English. For more than 17 years, her career in the higher education sector has seen her involved in various communications, systems development and project roles across large NSW institutions (University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney). Combining her solutions analyst, business management, student systems and project manager experience, she oversees the systems solutions and IT requirements in the Digital Education directorate.

In her spare time, Kym cares for her horses and sometimes competes with her horse Jack.

Kerrie Stubblety – Learning Architect

Kerrie is a Learning Designer and Education Technologist who has worked in the Vocational Education and Training (VET), Higher Education (HE), and Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) sectors previously. Kerrie is skilled in web design, e-learning, course development, adult education and working with subject matter experts. Kerrie combines her passion for technology and coding solutions with her approach to bring people along on the journey of learning in the technological space.  Kerrie is also undertaking a Master of Digital Education Leadership.

Thea Bui – Learning Architect

Thea is an EdTech and multimedia design specialist who develops effective and engaging digitally enhanced learning solutions. Thea has experience managing and maintaining learning management systems such as Canvas. She has extensive, applied knowledge of web programming languages, multimedia design and authoring tools. Her interests and further education are in innovation (largely AI and machine learning), its impact on society and how it can be used for the good of everyone.

Irene Esquivel – Project Coordinator

Irene has a background in IT/Service Management and a reputation for end-to-end ownership with a strong customer focus. She enjoys achieving and applying technical knowledge in problem-solving. Irene’s focus is on the successful coordination and delivery of Digital Education projects and she is proud of her involvement in the creation of ACU Online. When not working, Irene enjoys movies, audiobooks, travel and a good cup of coffee with something delicious. 

Kirstin Donaldson – Online Student Experience and Retention Senior Manager

Kirstin has 15-years’ experience in database marketing consultancies and the education sector as an analytics professional. Passionate about team collaboration, Kirstin works across the Digital Education directorate to deliver timely quality results and communicates effectively with all stakeholders.

Naturally curious, when it comes to data, Kirstin loves the challenge of translating complex data into evidence-based insights that allow organisations to make better-informed decisions. After work, she can be found at St Kilda Beach or Albert Park running with her very energetic Koolie, Buddy.

• Data & Analytics: Digital Education has a commitment to evidence-based decision making. Our analysts crunch the numbers and interrogate the data to allow us to reach out to students when it matters most. The team works with other streams within the directorate to understand their data requirements and deliver data in a digestible format to support our commitment to continual improvement.

Esther Li – Analytics Lead

Esther is a highly analytical and meticulous analyst with a track record of interpreting data in order to drive business solutions. Possessing in-depth knowledge in an array of database types and research methodologies, Esther has been instrumental in curating data as a means for process re-engineering and operational growth. She is a creative thinker with the ability to find suitable solutions and utilise a pragmatic approach in her work. Esther is also equipped with data extract, transformation, loading analysis and visualization skills.

• Student Success: Student success coaches assist online students to overcome difficulties they may be experiencing that impact their ability to succeed in their studies. This team will drive retention by guiding and supporting students in areas such as positive study habits, self-motivation, and time management.

Michala Stenzel – Student Success Coach

Michala is passionate about supporting pathways to equity and equality through education. She has worked in the education and training space for more than 10 years as an ESL teacher, social worker, and wellbeing and inclusion coordinator. Michala has a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Science (Psychology), and a Graduate Certificate in Education Design. All of this has led to a specific focus on the development of learning experiences which are engaging, authentic and inclusive. In her spare time, you’re likely to find Michala in the outdoors - either on the trails or in the water.

Matt Dunne – Student Success Coach

Matt is a Student Success Coach. He has worked at the Department of Education, Swinburne University and as a high school teacher for eight years, often in rural and low socioeconomic status (SES) areas. He lacks a gall bladder, once ran out of drinkable water while hiking in the Amazon, knows a lot about eagles and landed a backflip once.

Ryan Collins – Student Success Coach 

Ryan has a background in education, equity and inclusion and is passionate about supporting students in experiencing success and feeling connected during their online studies. Ryan brings with him several years of association with the ACU community – most recently with the Equity Pathways Unit, working to widen the participation of students from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education.

Ryan loves exploring Sydney’s beaches and national parks, creating music, and learning useless facts about songs and movies.

Yayoi Wai – Digital Learning Design Senior Manager

Yayoi has a PhD in marketing and two bachelor degrees, one in arts (media communications) and in business (with honours). Her roles have included product development, project management, learning design, leadership and change management. Yayoi is passionate about people management and driving high functioning teams. She spent time in the corporate sector before expanding her skills in online education.

When she is not working, Yayoi enjoys travel and shares her experiences with her colleagues through her virtual backgrounds in meetings.

• Learning Design: The Learning Design stream has expertise in digital andragogy (teaching adult learners). Collaborating with academic partners, Digital Learning Concepts and Content Quality and Editorial, the team produces engaging online education underpinned by sound learning design principles and frameworks.

David Hall – Lead Digital Learning Designer

Dave’s interest and lifetime association with technology means that he not only feels comfortable in an online environment, but he is also able to identify and use tools particular to online education which are not available for face-to-face teaching. Dave is a keen innovator and has a natural curiosity for workflow models which he has championed in a variety of roles at RMIT, Swinburne and now ACU. He has worked on gamification of units in areas such as accounting and sociology. A passionate musician who has a talent for Brazilian percussion, he has been practicing for several years.

Neil Grant – Lead Digital Learning Designer

Words, learning and creativity are the three elements that occupy Neil’s working life. Neil has a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) and a Graduate Diploma in Education which he utilises in both his life as an author and his extensive learning design career. Working in various senior and leadership roles, Neil has contributed to learning design for universities such as RMIT, Swinburne and Western Sydney University.  

Neil believes empathy is the basis of good writing and education. He is an award-winning author of young adult fiction. 

Breanna Percy – Senior Digital Learning Designer

Breanna has held several teaching and development roles at institutions including Swinburne University, Western Sydney University, and Monash University. Breanna holds a Bachelor of Teaching (primary and secondary English) and a Master of Education. She brings an analytical focus to her approach to work with highly developed project management and process improvement skills. Her niche area of interest is backward design, assessment and upholding standards of pedagogy and quality. When not working, she loves cooking, going to the footy (AFL), travelling and is busy with her family including toddler son Anderson and cavoodle Benson.

Gilbert Walker – Digital Learning Designer

Gil is a Digital Learning Designer. His mission is to make learning that is engaging and meaningful for students. With a background in teaching, writing and game-design, Gil loves making game-based learning resources. He has experimented with digital escape rooms and interactive fiction and loves the challenge of making learning as experiential as possible. In his free time, you'll find him playing Duplo with his two daughters, drinking coffee, making board games, or fiddling with Vue JS/CSS - sometimes at the same time.

Steve Joyce – Digital Learning Designer

Previously, Steve was a Learning Adviser at Monash University, specialising in both face-to-face learning skills advice and digital learning design. His interest in learning and learning design is informed by his previous experiences teaching at Monash University and a career in the performing arts industry. Steve is also an academic specialist in early medieval history, with a PhD in religion and theology focussing on the ‘dark ages’. In his spare time, he can be found looking for traces of the legendary figure of King Arthur, especially at the bottom of a pint glass and he loves all things rock and roll.

Matthew Ryan – Digital Learning Designer

With strong diplomacy skills and a quiet achiever approach, Matt likes to learn more than he knows, establish strong honest relationships and achieve goals in a vibrant team environment. Matt has worked in the online space for several years and has specialist knowledge of design, online resource development and digital learning technologies as a way to engage students in their online programs. When Matt is not working, you can find him walking on the beach or outdoors in his hometown Port Macquarie, helping at his wife’s Japanese restaurant or ferrying his family of small people around town to their activities.

Karissa Taylor – Digital Learning Designer

Karissa has extensive experience in education and learning design. Her career in both sectors spans 20 years. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts, two Graduate Diplomas (in psychology and education respectively) and a Master of Education Information Technology. She has been in the university sector for the past six years, and with a background in education and student welfare, Karissa enjoys the challenge of creating online learning experiences that are positive for students. Moving to Port Macquarie three years ago, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and very energetic dog.

Ali Shahsavand – Digital Learning Designer

Ali has a Master of Applied Linguistics and has worked for over twenty years in the education sector as an ESL teacher, teacher trainer, academic advisor, academic manager and learning designer. Ali has always been keen on fostering autonomy and collaboration through the utilisation of existing and emerging technologies. A broad range of skills along with a lifetime association with the use of technology in education has enabled him to create engaging activities for learners online and in face-to-face scenarios. Ali is a keen kiteboarder and loves the outdoors especially camping.

Kristina Pinti – Digital Learning Designer

Kristina is an experienced ESL teacher with a history of working in the civic and social organisation industry. Kristina is skilled in curriculum assessment, lesson planning, volunteer management, report writing, and time management. Holding a bachelor's degree (education), she is now expanding her career into the field of learning design in the Digital Education directorate. Kristina blends her knowledge of pedagogy and curriculum design with online learning principles as well as an impeccable attention to detail for web design elements. Out of the office Kristina is an avid traveller and dabbles in painting in her spare time.

Emily Marsh - Assistant Digital Learning Designer 

Emily has more than 20 years’ experience in the university sector in a variety of roles supporting the development of high-quality learning and teaching resources. She recently completed a Bachelor of Information Studies online because she couldn’t decide what she wanted to be when she grew up. Through this Emily gained insight into the challenges and benefits of asynchronous delivery. Emily is keen to continue to develop skills in learning design and is nearly ready to go back to a work full-time/study part-time slog. 

After hours, Emily enjoys walking along Newcastle beaches, reading and watching the odd bit of low-brow commercial TV. 

• Digital Learning Concepts: The Digital Learning Concepts stream is responsible for the design, development and deployment of all multimedia assets found in ACU Online units. Their developmental remit includes interactivity, videography and graphic design. The DLC team is also responsible for the oversight of media quality in all ACU Online offerings, including audits of images, videos and kinesthetic learning objects.

Dr David Elliott – Senior Interactive Manager

David asks: What does it mean to 'innovate' in a digital learning design space? David is passionate about education, technology and innovative and transformative thinking around digital pedagogies. David holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Education and a PhD. In his role at ACU, David continues to merge progressive infrastructure design, creative thinking informed by the new media era, high level digital design and development skills, and a love of techno-pedagogies designed to explore, extend, and enhance formal learning spaces.

Russell Pritchard – Videographer

Russell is a highly experienced multimedia professional who has worked as a photographer, filmmaker and specialist development officer. A keen collaborator, Russell enjoys seeing people achieve things they did not think were possible through the form of media production. His easy-going nature means he is able to bring out the best in our people and make them feel truly comfortable while working with him. If Russell has any spare time, it is worth hitting him up for a yarn as he has seen many corners of the world and found himself in many (questionable) situations and lived to tell the tale.

Chad Lockwood – Graphic Designer 

Chad has more than 20 years of design and production experience, bringing creativity and innovative thinking to the table in his position at ACU. He possesses creative ideation and graphic design expertise, a little video production prowess and enjoys the challenge of bringing all of these together in his role with the Digital Education directorate. In his work, he always looks for the novel approach, the smart solution, and the next challenge. In his spare time, he has been known to cook an amazing lasagna.

Agnes Au – Interactive Developer

Agnes comes to ACU from her role as a Lecturer in Audiology as well as a designer for online materials in audiology. Agnes is a passionate researcher and gets joy from bringing complex concepts and theories to audiences in a way that helps them to understand these concepts. Agnes has provided expert consultation on a specific learning tool to assist with paediatric hearing assessment. In her spare time, you can find Agnes sourcing the best filter brew known in Melbourne or tending to her whippet, cat or very vintage car, Margie.

Jesse Harrison – Interactive Developer

Jesse brings extensive digital and specialist experience to his role at ACU, particularly in augmented and virtual realities. As an education technologist and web developer, he also specialises in front end development and design. If you would like a movie review, Jesse is our go-to for the latest releases.

• Content Quality and Editorial: The Content Quality and Editorial stream ensures the development and delivery of units are high quality and appropriate for online. This team has a broad skill set in projects, change management, resource management, Australian publishing, accessibility standards and quality framework expertise. They ensure the consistency, quality and usability of ACU Online units and that they adhere to best practice industry principles.

Emmyrose Hobbs – Manager, Content Quality and Editorial

Emmyrose is a passionate quality assurance professional with a background in editing and publishing. Currently working to achieve a Master of Business (Change Management) she also holds a Bachelor of Communication (Professional writing and editing). Emmyrose brings together her enjoyment of process-oriented work, problem solving and people management to ensure products out of Digital Education are presented to audiences in the highest quality possible. She gets excited about team culture and bringing people together. On weekends she loves having people over for dinner or having friends visit her house in regional Victoria.

Jo Gulli – Knowledge and Information Officer

Jo is a qualified information specialist with wide-ranging experience across the tertiary and public health sectors. This includes 13 years at Deakin University. Her work includes electronic resource management, student evaluations, data/information analysis, project administration & change management activities in the ICT space and assisting the academic community with their research and learning and teaching needs. She enjoys knowledge creation, information management, problem solving, and leveraging technology to improve processes. In her spare time, Jo loves crafts and zen time for activities such as knitting, cooking and baking, yoga, and taking long walks by the river track.

Cluny McConville – Content and Quality Editor

Cluny has worked in copyediting and quality assurance in online education since 2018. She previously worked at the University of Melbourne as an editorial production assistant and learning design assistant, providing copyediting, proofreading, accessibility checks, and quality assurance reviews. In these roles, she collaborated with learning designers and education technologists to establish more clearly defined quality assurance processes, editorial guidelines and subject templates. She has a passion for copyediting and is eager to contribute to quality assurance practices at ACU Online. Cluny enjoys riding her bike, baking, binging TV shows, sewing, and attempting to crochet. She loves to chat about pets and sharing knowledge about arts and crafts.

Erin McWhinney – Content and Quality Editor

Erin has a background in editing and quality assurance and is passionate about applying her skills to the education sector. She has previously worked as part of multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality resources for vocational training providers. Erin has a Bachelor of Writing and Publishing and a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing. She also holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science, although she doesn’t get to use it as much as she’d like. In her spare time, Erin enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. She also moonlights as a book editor.

Dayna Boase – National Manager, Digital Education Engagement

Dayna is a highly adaptive, qualified professional with experience delivering end-to-end change management across large-scale, complex transformation projects. Dayna is a specialist in delivering tailored change management solutions that are human-centred, yet delivery focused. She is passionate about cultivating change capability at scale while supporting executive leaders to demonstrate courageous and compassionate leadership. Dayna is collaborative, imaginative, and outcome-orientated. She moonlights as a spoken word poet and has experience in film and acting.

Mauran Sabaratnam – Senior Program Manager

Mauran is an accomplished IT professional with more than 15 years of experience in project delivery and consulting.  Mauran has had end-to-end accountability for the delivery of portfolio, programs, projects and services across a diverse range of industries. His experience has centred on the effective use of technology to drive business value for organisations and he achieves this through the application of targeted project methodologies and processes. When he is not at work, Mauran is a gifted baker.

Jessie Skaftouros – National Manager – Sales and Conversion

Jess has a background in third party online program management sales and domestic student recruitment. She has managed sales and recruitment teams across many universities in Australia, including James Cook University and Edith Cowan University. Jess has a bachelor's degree in legal and dispute studies and a master of criminal justice administration. She is passionate about improving student experience across the student lifecycle. When Jess isn’t in the office you can find her at the MCG cheering on the Richmond Tigers or at the gym.