Our Staff
Alana Anderson
Chief Executive Officer
Alana Anderson, the visionary force behind Alana Kaye College, is a dynamic educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for transformative education. With a passion for empowering individuals through knowledge and skills, Alana has dedicated her career to redefining the landscape of education.
Alana’s educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that education should be a transformative experience, empowering individuals to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society. With this vision in mind, she founded Alana Kaye College, an institution committed to providing innovative, personalised, and industry-relevant education to students from diverse backgrounds both onshore and offshore.
Under Alana’s leadership, Alana Kaye College has become a beacon of excellence in the field of education, known for its unwavering commitment to student success. Through a combination of hands-on learning experiences, interdisciplinary approaches, and close mentorship, the college equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Beyond her role as the founder of Alana Kaye College, Alana is a tireless advocate for educational equity and access. She works tirelessly to break down barriers to education, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and unlock their potential.
With her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, Alana continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers through education.
Alana’s experience includes being a former Director on the National Board of the Independent Tertiary Education Council of Australia (ITECA) the peak body for independent private providers in Australia and the former Chair of the Northern Territory ITECA Committee. Her experience is supported by her Master of Education (Leadership and Management), Med (L’ship@M’ment) and her Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Education (B.AVE)
Marcus Thomson
General Manager
Marcus Thomson is the General Manager of Alana Kaye College and is responsible for the overall daily operations of the College across all campuses and business functions. A founding member of the organisation, Marcus has been with Alana Kaye College since its inception in 2011 and has played a pivotal role in its steady growth and national reputation for excellence in vocational education and training.
Prior to his current position, Marcus served as the College’s National Training Manager for more than six years, where he was instrumental in developing high-quality training programs and leading teams of trainers and assessors to deliver outstanding learning outcomes.
Marcus began his career in training many years ago, undertaking his first work experience placement supporting corporate groups in team training initiatives focused on Total Quality Management philosophies. His passion for training and development deepened when he joined a corporate training company in South Australia, working closely with schools and underprivileged children to deliver experiential learning programs that included abseiling, navigational exercises, canoeing, and rafting.
With a career spanning over two decades, Marcus brings extensive experience in training, leadership, operations, and risk management. He holds formal qualifications in Training and Assessment, Leadership and Management, Work Health and Safety, and Security and Risk Management, as well as a Diploma of Vocational Education and Training, Diploma of Training Design and Development, and an Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management.
Marcus is recognised for his commitment to continuous improvement, practical leadership, and his enduring dedication to empowering others through education.
David Thomson
Manager International Operations
David joined us as our Operations Manager, initially responsible for implementing our capability in the security field and associated advanced technologies. David has since moved into the role of Manager International Operations, responsible for building relationships in all areas of International associations and business growth.
His background is extensive with over 20 years policing experience with both the Northern Territory Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). In his position with the AFP he held the dual rank of Federal Agent and Detective Leading Senior Constable and has experience both nationally and internationally.
David has a significant background in investigations, along with experience in both overt and covert methodologies. He has been the recipient of numerous medals and awards for his service, including Australia Day Achievement Medallion, Australian Federal Police Service Medal, National Police Service Medal, Commissioners Certificate, National Medal and AFP Operations Medal with several bars. David is a skilled communicator with extensive experience in management and leadership, training, coaching and mentoring. He is also skilled in the production and dissemination of intelligence and evidence and conducting high-level investigations across various crime types.
This vast experience is supported by his qualifications and training in Security Operations, Leadership and Management (Advanced Diploma), Diploma of Public Safety (Policing), Advanced Human Source Management, Counter Surveillance, National Surveillance and Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) qualified and licensed. David is a champion of learning and empowerment of team members through leadership, management, motivation and mentoring in both high stress and challenging scenarios.
Catherine Beagley
National Training Manager
Catherine Beagley, an esteemed figure within the halls of Alana Kaye College, is a dedicated educator, mentor, and innovator in the field of VET education. With a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering students, Catherine has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic and cultural landscape of the institution.
As a long standing member of the Alana Kaye team, Catherine has distinguished herself through her unwavering dedication to student success and her innovative approach to training and learning. Her dynamic teaching style, characterised by a blend of passion, rigor, and creativity, has earned her the admiration and respect of both colleagues and students alike.
Beyond the classroom, Catherine is a mentor and leader, offering invaluable support and guidance to students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. Her genuine care for the well-being and development of her students has made her a trusted confidante and role model, inspiring countless individuals to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams.
In addition to her role as an educator and mentor, Catherine is also a trailblazer in the field of educational innovation, constantly seeking out new ways to enhance the student experience and promote academic excellence. Whether through the implementation of cutting-edge teaching methodologies or the development of innovative curriculum initiatives, she remains at the forefront of educational advancement, shaping the future of learning at Alana Kaye College and beyond.
With her unwavering commitment to excellence, her passion for learning, and her dedication to empowering students, Catherine embodies the values and ideals of Alana Kaye College, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who have the privilege of learning from her.
Catherine has numerous vocational qualifications including the Diploma of Training Design and Development, Diploma of Quality Auditing and the Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management and is currently undertaking the Graduate Diploma of Management.
Kirsty Henderson
Discipline Lead - Training and Assessment Programs
With over 20 years of experience in the training and education sector, Kirsty Henderson brings a wealth of expertise, leadership, and passion to her role as Team Lead for Training and Assessment at Alana Kaye College. In this capacity, Kirsty oversees the design, delivery, and quality of the College’s Training and Assessment (TAE) programs, ensuring they continue to meet the highest standards of excellence and industry relevance.
Kirsty’s extensive professional background is supported by an impressive portfolio of qualifications, including the Diploma of Vocational Education and Training, Diploma of Training Design and Development, Diploma of Quality Auditing, and Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management. These credentials underpin her strong practical knowledge and commitment to continuous improvement in vocational education.
Before stepping into her current leadership role, Kirsty served as International Manager at Alana Kaye College, where she gained deep insight into the needs of both domestic and international students. Her ability to design inclusive learning experiences and support diverse learner cohorts reflects her genuine commitment to equitable and learner-centred education.
Highly respected by both colleagues and students, Kirsty is recognised for her down-to-earth approach, relaxed facilitation style, and strong ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. Her approachable nature and unwavering dedication to educational quality make her an invaluable leader, mentor, and educator within the Alana Kaye College community.
Arvin Alcantara
Country Manager - Philippines
Arvin is the Country Manager of Alana Kaye International, based in Makati City, Philippines. He brings over 20 years of professional experience in the education sector, spanning both government and private schools in the Philippines in various capacities. Prior to joining Alana Kaye International, he served as the Country Manager of a private school group in the Philippines that focuses on the K–12 curriculum.
His extensive knowledge of the education sector, combined with strong leadership and management experience, makes him an ideal Country Manager for the Philippines. In this role, he leads operations toward continuous and sustainable growth, spearheads transnational education partnership efforts in the country, and contributes to Alana Kaye College’s mission to expand its reach among international students from around the globe.
Arvin’s qualifications include years of teaching experience across primary, secondary (domestic and international), undergraduate, and graduate levels, as well as managing both public and private schools as School Principal and Country Manager. He holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching, a Graduate Diploma in Management (Learning), and is a Licensed Professional Teacher and a QEAC-certified Education Agent Counsellor. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education with a specialisation in Educational Management, as well as the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Edward Angstrong, Ph.D
Country Manager - Indonesia
With over 25 years of global experience in education, Edward is a valuable asset to Alana Kaye College (AKC). As an accomplished educator and education leader, he has held diverse roles including EdTech Consultant—supporting institutions in leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning—and “English Language Ambassador” working to improve English proficiency among Indonesian teachers and students. Edward also brings with him an extensive professional network within the education sector.
Currently, he leads AKC’s Indonesian operations, with an initial focus on developing Transnational Education (TNE) programs in collaboration with colleges, universities, and vocational education providers. Under his leadership, AKC Indonesia is poised for strong and sustainable growth, contributing to the upskilling of the future workforce in Indonesia and across ASEAN nations.
Maria Cowell
International Partnerships Administrator
Maria is our International Partnerships Administrator located in our Gold Coast Campus and we are very happy to have her on board. She comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the international student space and is an experienced customer service and public relations operator.
She has over 10 years experience in client services roles in a range of industries including academia, communications, student support and hospitality and holds a Bachelor in Journalism, a Diploma of Business and she is currently enrolled in TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Maria started her journey in Australia on a working holiday from Chile in South America and then commenced as an international student in the Gold Coast in Queensland. She is now a proud Australian Citizen and, as a consequence of this, has an excellent understanding of the Australian student journey. Outside of her work Maria also loves reading, travelling and engaging in the many outdoor activities that Australia has to offer.
She has come on board at an exciting time in both the vocational industry in Australia, the international student space and Alana Kaye College and is looking forward to providing advice to potential and existing students throughout their journeys and to liaise with our key partners.
Julia Ribera
ELICOS Coordinator
Julia specialises in the ELICOS method and English language teaching, which she has truly enjoyed over the years. Originally from Spain, she was raised trilingual, speaking Catalan, Spanish, and English. She has had the pleasure of teaching both children and adults from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, and she considers it a true privilege to teach language at any level. Her experience in Australia as a trainer, teacher, and facilitator has been deeply rewarding, especially when helping students reach their goals.
She holds a Certificate IV in TESOL and a Bachelor’s degree in English Studies from the University of Lleida (UdL), where she developed a strong foundation in linguistics, literature, and the history and culture of English-speaking countries, including Australia. In her current role, she teaches English to international students across all levels and coordinates the ELICOS department across both campuses, in the Gold Coast and Darwin. She works closely with the trainers to ensure that the teaching aligns with the school’s values and delivers the highest-quality learning experience for the students.
MK Oh
Senior Training Coordinator - Gold Coast
MK has joined our Gold Coast team as a Training Coordinator and comes to us with over five years in the International Education industry in roles covering course coordination and compliance.
MK originally came to Australia on a working holiday from Korea in 2012 and then became an international student herself. She has studied Certificate IV in TESOL, Diploma of Business, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics. After completing her studies in Australia, MK moved to China for work before once again returning to Australia. As a previous international student and having worked in many different countries, she is well suited to support our student base as well as speaking Korean, English and Japanese.
Melgie Atis
Senior Training Coordinator - Darwin
Melgie recently joined the Alana Kaye College team at the Darwin Campus as Course Coordinator/Fieldwork Placement Coordinator. A highly motivated and results-driven professional, she brings over 6 years of project management expertise from the Philippines, where she led strategic initiatives and optimized operational efficiency across diverse organisations. Melgie excels in data analysis, effective communication, and leading cross-functional teams to drive impactful results within multinational environments.
Melgie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from the Philippines and has completed the BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice at Alana Kaye College. Currently, she is advancing her expertise by pursuing a BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management as an International Student.
In her current role, Melgie coordinates student work placements, ensuring qualification requirements are met. She is responsible for actively promoting Alana Kaye College to businesses, focusing on Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Part of her role is building relationships and utilising industry networks to drive business growth, develop partnerships, and secure placement opportunities for students.
Gwen Nguyen
Admissions Officer
Gwen has worked in the education industry for over 8 years, with more than 6 years of experience navigating the Australian education system. Having lived and studied as an international student in countries such as Singapore, the UAE, and the USA, she brings a global perspective and a deep understanding of international student needs, education regulations, and admission requirements.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Education. In addition to her work in admissions and student support, Gwen is also a qualified ELICOS trainer, specialising in IELTS and PTE preparation. This role has brought her into close contact with students enrolled in or interested in pursuing VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses, giving her valuable insight into their goals and challenges.
Gwen has supported students in her previous employments, where she was known for her approachable nature and strong commitment to student success. Her international background, student-focused mindset, and dual expertise in language and academic pathways make her a trusted guide for students at every stage of their journey.
Ricsha Peralta
Administration Officer
Ricsha is our Administration Officer who handles education agent partnerships, general inquiries, and other administrative tasks. She has sales experience and is a former brand ambassador as her first full-time job for international charities namely UNICEF Philippines and Operation Smile Philippines for more than a year. She also worked in a franchising company wherein she was under the Franchise Relations Department monitoring the sales and performance of outlets and process price increase requests. Her role before joining Alana Kaye was working with a global NGO that is providing programs to learners from primary to college level about Financial Literacy, Work-readiness, and Entrepreneurship.
In her previous job, Ricsha was the former Chairperson of the Secondary level and handles work immersion of their partner schools.
Sandra Esteban
Training Coordinator - Darwin Campus (Domestic)
Sandy is our Training Coordinator for Domestic programs in ECEC, CHC, and HLT at the Darwin campus. With a decade of experience in the education sector, she has a strong background in teaching primary students.
Before joining Alana Kaye, Sandy spent three years as a Subject Coordinator, where she was responsible for developing assessment materials and managing both digital and traditional learning resources for classroom delivery.
Kristal Formanes
Administrative Assistant
Kristal is multi-disciplined, specialising in visual identity design, marketing and editorial design, and digital illustrations. She started professionally designing in 2010, while working as a civil engineer. She has then further mastered the craft, and has been helping Alana Kaye College achieve marketing success by providing effective graphic design solutions. She is responsible for our branding and material design and helps and supports with administrative tasks as required.
Laura Ortiz
Trainer and Assessor (Individual Support, Ageing Support and Community Services)
Laura Ortiz is an experienced Collage Trainer who specialises in Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Ageing Support and Diploma of Community Services. Originally from Colombia, Laura graduated from medical school in 2013 and has more than five years of experience working as a GP before moving to Australia in 2018. Since then, Laura has been actively involved in the Australian health sector with a focus on Aged Care and Community Services.
With Laura’s extensive background in medicine and healthcare, they bring a unique perspective to her role as a Trainer and Assessor. She has a passion for helping students gain practical skills and knowledge they can apply in real-world situations. Her goal is to provide a supportive learning environment that encourages growth and success for all students.
If you are willing to start your carrier in Australian’s health sector, Laura is an excellent resource for your training needs. She is dedicated to helping students achieve their professional goals and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
Rhea Eugene
Trainer and Assessor (Community Services)
Rhea has been working in the Community care sector for many years and has worked closely with people in need for over 15 years. She has extensive experience working with the assessment of mental illness, ageing support, Alcohol and Other Drugs and has provided counselling, emotional support, referrals and case management throughout her working career. Rhea’s feedback from her students is excellent and she supports her students through their learning experience with sound advice and practical applications wherever possible.
Rhea’s experience in this sector is supported by her Master of Social Work with specialisation in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work and her Bachelors in Rehabilitation Science gained overseas at the Stella Maris College and the Holy Cross College.
Anjalin Anthony
Trainer and Assessor (Diploma of Community Services and Individual Support)
Anjalin Anthony is an experienced and dedicated trainer specialising in the Diploma of Community Services and Certificate III in Individual Support. Passionate about working with learners and contributing to their professional development, Anjalin is committed to helping students enhance their career pathways and achieve their goals.
With over a decade of experience in teaching and training, Anjalin excels in developing dynamic lesson plans and delivering impactful training sessions. Her approach centres on creating a supportive and stimulating learning environment that empowers individuals to thrive both academically and professionally. She is dedicated to maintaining high educational standards and fostering long-term student success.
Anjalin’s training expertise focuses on person-centred care, dementia care, manual handling, and safeguarding practices. She has played an integral role in coordinating student work placements and building strong industry partnerships to ensure training remains practical, relevant, and aligned with employer needs.
Previously, Anjalin worked as a tutor in New Zealand, where she delivered Health and Wellbeing programmes at Levels 2, 3, and 4. Her career in education also includes serving as an Assistant Professor in India, where she taught social work across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
In addition to her academic roles, Anjalin has gained valuable hands-on experience as a Community Support Worker, providing personal care assistance, promoting client wellbeing, and maintaining high standards of healthcare documentation. Her practical experience has further strengthened her ability to prepare students for real-world roles within the care sector.
Anjalin also worked as a Senior Executive and Patient Coordinator in India, where she managed a team of medical social workers and facilitated patient support services within a healthcare setting.
With her diverse background spanning education, community support, healthcare, and advocacy, Anjalin remains passionate about empowering learners, promoting excellence in care, and making a meaningful contribution to the community services sector.
Victor Gazen De Mesquita
Trainer and Assessor (Leadership & Management)
Our teacher for the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Leadership & Management, as well as First Aid, is also a former international student from Brazil with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has been living abroad for almost 15 years.
Victor’s background is in the fitness industry, where he worked as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Center Manager for over 14 years, both in Brazil and Australia. His leadership skills led him to become a Vocational Teacher in 2018, lecturing in Fitness, Sports, and First Aid courses.
Victor loves motivating students to achieve anything they wish and constantly illustrates his lectures with stories of how he became an Australian citizen by studying the courses that he currently teaches.
In his spare time, Victor loves surfing, spending time with his wife and daughter (you might see them around with him on campus) while he studies for a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology.
Jaya Srinivas
Trainer and Assessor (Business)
Jaya Srinivas OAM is experienced in educational leadership and has worked in the education sector in India, US, and Australia for over 30 years. She has a proven record of supporting growth, innovative approaches in education, creating culturally sensitive workplaces and promoting an environment that welcomes diverse perspectives which are in alignment with the organisation’s values and beliefs.
Jaya has a Master in Education from Northern Territory University and a Master of Business Administration from Australian Institute of Business and believes in being a life long learner and is committed to supporting personal and professional growth in her students. A strong believer in individualised learning styles, she prides in supporting students to pursue educational pathways catering to their individual needs.
She has extensive experience recruiting and working with international students over decades and has also served as an advisor to Northern Territory Government on International Education.
Jaya has called Territory her home for over 33 years now and is a well-known community leader with strong connections with the culturally and linguistically diverse communities living right across the Northern Territory. She has been recognised for her contributions to our community and received the prestigious Order of Australia medal in 2018. She is also a proud recipient of Pride of Workmanship award from Rotary.
As a Trainer and Assessor with Alana Kaye, Jaya will deliver courses to international and domestic students in Certificate IV and Diploma of Project Management, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management, Certificate III, IV and Diploma of Business.
Florence Panteli
Trainer and Assessor (Early Childhood Education and Care)
Geoffrey Hickey
Consultant
Geoffrey Hickey has worked in the aviation industry for over 40 years as a pilot and captain of Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft. He has worked extensively in Australia, Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East. He has been a Captain with Emirates Airlines for ten years, Training Captain on B747 aircraft with China Airlines and his most recent position was with Qatar Airways as a Simulator Instructor and Examiner on the B777 aircraft.
Geoff has wide-ranging experience in managing long haul aircraft with a staff of over 20 and full capacity passengers of 400 or more. His leadership experience is extensive and he has managed staff during sometimes difficult situations. Geoff first commenced as a Pilot with Ansett Airways and has also been a flying instructor during his time in Australia.
Geoff comes on board as a consultant working closely with us to increase our capability, particularly in the aviation sector. Along with his experience, Geoff has also completed a Bachelor of Economics from Sydney University and is currently completing his training and assessing qualification.
Consultants
The Alana Kaye team are supported by a number of highly experienced consultants in our Gold Coast and Darwin schools who work closely with us to facilitate the learning process for our students. These include consultants in First Aid, Advanced Business and Leadership and Management, Work Health and Safety and Early Childhood Education and Care. These consultants have extensive industry experience with high level qualifications to support this work experience. They provide training in both qualification and short course requirements for students and corporate clients.