Meet the Team
Christine Chittenden - CEO
Christine Chittenden is our CEO, overseeing the day-to-day running of the RTO and leading a passionate, motivated team committed to doing things the right way. She joined Transformational Institute in 2016 as Operations Manager and became CEO in 2018, bringing 30 years’ experience in education and 15 years in VET across roles from administration and student support to trainer, compliance, and leadership.
Holding TAE, Leadership and Management, Business, and Auditing diplomas, Christine is dedicated to compliance, continuous improvement, and accessible education for all. She is passionate about providing training opportunities for a diverse range of learners, including those with disabilities, helping them gain qualifications in areas such as business, leadership, individual support, disability, and horticulture. Under her leadership, we continue to deliver high-quality, people-centred learning both face-to-face and online, equipping students with the skills and knowledge industry demands.
Favourite quote:
“Good things don’t come to those who wait. They come to those who work their butt off and never give up.”
Ross Chittenden - Business Coordinator
Ross is our Business Coordinator, instrumental in welcoming prospective students to information sessions. He specialises in traineeships and serves as our trainee mentor. With 12 years’ experience in workers’ compensation as a senior case manager and a background in helping unemployed candidates find work, Ross brings exceptional customer service skills.
He says, “It’s such a rewarding role where you can make a real difference in people’s lives and stand beside them on their journey to a new career. Our team shares a purpose to empower and transform the lives of our learners, delivering optimal outcomes for both learners and employers.”
Empathetic and passionate, Ross is committed to high-level customer care and approaches every challenge with a solutions mindset to achieve positive results.
Ryan Chittenden - Contract Manager
Ryan has spent many years working in the mining/manufacturing industry predominantly Coal Mining related.
With the decline in global mining and a shift towards green energy he wanted to make a difference by helping people from all walks of life to transition into a growth industry.
Having a desire to change direction, he is now focused on bringing his leadership skills to Transformational Institute. His goal is to lead the team in our mission to educate, enrich and empower all our current and future learners.
Natarsha Stone - Operations Manager
Natarsha plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our RTO, bringing a strong background in administration and over three and a half years of dedicated service to the company. As a vital member of our team, she is often the first point of contact for learners, providing guidance, support, and information that sets them up for success.
Her attention to detail, organisational skills, and commitment to excellence help keep our processes running efficiently and our students well-supported.
She thrives in a collaborative environment and takes pride in delivering outstanding customer service. “I enjoy helping people and guiding them through their learning journey — it gives me a great sense of accomplishment,” she says.
Sandra Knight - Office Manager
Sandra is our Office Manager and has been an integral part of Transformational Institute for the past three years. Known for her warmth and professionalism, she is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, taking the time to understand each person’s needs, and ensuring every student feels valued and welcome.
Before joining our team, Sandra was employed in Workers’ Compensation and the disability sector, developing strong skills in empathy, problem-solving, and client support.
“I’m always extremely happy helping students obtain the outcomes they seek,” she says — a philosophy that underpins everything she does.
Alanah McBean - Administration & Student Support
With over a decade of frontline customer service experience and more than six years in student administration and support, Alanah brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and dedication to our team. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with disadvantaged youth in education and employment services, helping them overcome barriers, re-engage with education, and build pathways to brighter futures.
Alanah is deeply passionate about giving back to the community she lives within. She thrives on building genuine connections with students, providing guidance, encouragement, and support from their very first enquiry through to completion.
For Alanah, there’s no greater reward than witnessing a student’s growth, achievements, and confidence flourish along their learning journey.
Alan Rae - Administration & Student Support
Hailing from London, Alan brings a wealth of expertise as a highly skilled printer by trade, with years of hands-on experience and a strong work ethic built through his professional career. After relocating to Newcastle, he embraced family life and has become an integral part of the local community.
Beyond his professional skills, Alan is an avid sports fan, with a love for teamwork, discipline, and the energy that sport brings — qualities he also applies to his role with us.
Alan’s reliability, attention to detail, and warm, approachable nature make him not just a valued colleague, but a trusted and respected member of the organisation.
Kathleen Howard - Product and Resource Development
Kate is part of our dynamic product development duo, bringing creativity, business acumen, and marketing expertise to every project. With a background in business and a strong focus on marketing, she combines strategic thinking, attention to detail, and organisational skills to produce engaging, innovative content for our online learning platforms.
Kate thrives on turning ideas into impactful digital learning experiences that are both visually appealing and aligned with industry needs. Passionate about continuous improvement, she keeps up with emerging trends in marketing, design, and e-learning technology to ensure our courses remain fresh, relevant, and effective.
Her dedication and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable part of our mission to deliver exceptional education.
Teresa Conicella - Product and Resource Development
Teresa is one half of the talented team leading our product development, bringing unmatched expertise and creativity to the team. With over 20 years of experience in vocational training, she has worn many hats — writer, producer, content creator, and educator — each adding depth to her skillset and perspective.
Her extensive knowledge of the training landscape, paired with her imaginative approach, allows Teresa to design and develop innovative vocational training products that truly resonate with learners and meet industry needs. She has a talent for transforming complex concepts into clear, engaging, and accessible learning experiences that empower students to succeed.
Passionate about quality education, Teresa ensures every product she develops is not only informative but also interactive, inspiring, and impactful. Her dedication and forward-thinking mindset make her an invaluable driver of our mission to deliver cutting-edge vocational training solutions.
Christine Shelly - Traineeship Coordinator
Ayush Gupta - General Manager
As General Manager of Transformational Institute, Ayush Gupta brings over 19 years of strategic leadership experience, guiding the organisation with vision, integrity, and a focus on results. He has a proven track record in driving business growth, streamlining operations, and fostering high-performing teams, ensuring that both staff and students are set up for long-term success.
Throughout his career, Ayush has led the transformation of vocational education programs and overseen significant organisational change initiatives, always with a steadfast belief that investing in people is the key to sustainable success. His leadership style blends strategic foresight with a hands-on approach, enabling him to connect with teams at every level and inspire a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Under Ayush’s leadership, the Institute continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in quality training, empowering learners and supporting industry growth.
Carlie Black - Trainer & Assessor
Carlie is one of our Disability and Aged Care Trainers, also mentoring trainees. Her philosophy centres on lifelong learning, empowering learners with the skills, knowledge, and support to build careers in disability or aged care.
Carlie joined Transformational Institute in 2016 after completing her Certificate IV TAE, bringing 8 years of aged care experience and 4 years in the VET sector.
Qualified in both Disability and Aged Care, she is passionate about equipping learners to provide excellence in care.
Shane Shelly - Trainer & Assessor
Charles Williams - Trainer & Assessor
Adelle Le Cussan - Trainer & Assessor
Kylie Weatherall - Trainer & Assessor
Kylie is one of our dedicated trainers and assessors, bringing over 15 years of nursing experience to her role. She began her career as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN), working for three years before graduating as a Registered Nurse in 2011. Since then, she has gained extensive experience working full time across Newcastle, Perth, and Central Queensland, with a strong focus in Trauma and ENT.
In 2024, Kylie completed her Master’s in Acute Care Nursing, adding to her wealth of knowledge built across diverse clinical settings including trauma, surgical, medical, mental health, and community care.
Kylie is highly adaptable, with strong clinical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. She is passionate about both learning and teaching in nursing, finding a strong sense of purpose in sharing her knowledge with others. For Kylie, nursing provides the perfect balance of challenge, growth, and the opportunity to make a real difference.
Tracey Mulhearn - Trainer & Assessor
With a background in Disability Support and Training & Assessment, Tracey brings lived experience, industry insight, and a passion for raising standards in care.
Currently delivering training in Individual Support and Mental Health at Transformational Institute, she is committed to shaping well-trained, compassionate support professionals.
Her leadership also earned her a place on the MABLE Sole Trader Advisory Council — a testament to her impact in the sector. She provides individualised, one-on-one support to help students succeed in their learning journey.
Ashmita Poonam - Trainer & Assessor
Ashmita brings over two years of frontline experience in residential aged care to her role as a Trainer & Assessor. She is passionate about delivering practical, person-centred and culturally safe training that helps learners build confidence and workplace readiness.
At Transformational, Ashmita delivers training in Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and Certificate IV in Ageing Support. She leads practical labs and simulations, mentors students through placement, and ensures all assessments meet current industry standards.
Alongside her training role, Ashmita is studying a Bachelor of Management (Human Services) and also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of the South Pacific.
Anthrisa Anthonisamy - Trainer & Assessor
Anthrisa is a dedicated Trainer & Assessor with over six years of experience in the vocational training sector, specialising in hospitality and leadership. Her qualifications span from Certificate III through to Advanced Diplomas in Hospitality Management and Leadership & Management, complemented by extensive in-house and external professional development.
She currently leads the Short Courses Department, an integral part of the Hospitality team, while also supporting the Student Services Department by managing enrolments and certificate issuance.
Throughout her career, Anthrisa has been recognised with awards including Employee of the Month and Favourite Teacher of the Year. She is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences and values the richness of a multicultural teaching environment.
Udisha Shukla - Digital Marketing Officer
Angelica San Andress - Virtual Executive Assistant
Angelica is a skilled Virtual Executive Assistant with a strong background in client experience, administration, and educational coordination. Known for her proactive and detail-oriented approach, she ensures smooth operations while managing high-level executive tasks.
She has worked as a Client Experience Specialist, overseeing HR and administration, including onboarding, performance monitoring, coaching, and client communication. In her current role, she supports executives remotely by managing correspondence, preparing reports and presentations, assisting with projects and marketing, and maintaining key databases. She also contributes to educational content and builds school partnerships.
Adaptable, reliable, and committed to excellence, Angelica brings professionalism, multitasking skills, and a passion for outstanding service—making her an invaluable part of the team.
Nicolette Torika Christiana - Fiji Student Support Officer
Torika is originally from Wainigadru Village on the island of Vanua Levu, with maternal ties to Tabiang, Kiribati. She spent much of her early life in Fiji’s old capital, Ovalau, where she attended Marist Convent School before completing her secondary education as a science student at Saint John’s College, Cawaci.
After high school, Torika began her professional journey as a Law Clerk at O’Driscoll & Co Lawyers, assisting with both legal and office administration. She holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing a Law Degree.
A proud member of the Girl Guide Association, Torika is passionate about community and personal growth. Outside of work, she enjoys gym workouts, reading, and practicing her Christian faith.
With her calm and thoughtful personality style, Torika brings care, dedication, and understanding to her role as Student Support Officer, ensuring learners feel fully supported throughout their studies.
Nhi 'Jenny' Pham - Vietnam Student Support Officer
Nhi holds a Bachelor in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and has experience across industries including retail, fintech, and education. Previously working with another training organisation in Australia, Nhi has experience in working closely with Vietnamese students on enrolments, academic follow-ups, and study challenges.
Based in Vietnam, Jenny is the Student Support Officer for Vietnamese students at Transformational Institute, providing guidance to ensure learners have a smooth and positive experience. She manages enrolments, supports documentation, and collaborates with applicants and partners in Vietnam to help students successfully begin their learning journey.
Passionate about education, Nhi lives by the motto: “If you never try, you will never know.”
Elizabeth George - Legal and Compliance Officer
Elizabeth is our Legal and Compliance Officer, overseeing compliance and managing the Institute’s legal obligations. She ensures that the company operates with integrity, accountability, and in full alignment with Australian and international laws.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Fiji , together with a Graduate Diploma in Management Learning from Ambassador College, Australia. Her career spans from working as a paralegal, to serving as a solicitor for statutory bodies, to being a Quality Assurance Officer and an Assistant Trainer for business courses, and now leading the legal and compliance functions in the education sector.
