Meet the Team
Christine Chittenden - CEO
Christine Chittenden is our CEO and is responsible for the day-to-day decisions involved in the running of the RTO and is excited about working with such a highly motivated and committed team who are passionate about doing things the right way and the best way.
Christine joined Transformational Institute in 2016 as the operations manager and became the CEO in late 2018. She has been working in the education sector for 30 years and in the VET sector for 15 years working in many departments from administration, student support, trainer, compliance, operations manager and now CEO. She has completed both TAE diplomas as well as Leadership and Management,
Business and Auditing Diplomas.
Christine is committed to compliance and continuous improvement. She has a passion for education for everyone no matter what their circumstance. “Our focus is to provide training opportunities for a diverse range of people including those with a disability, helping them achieve qualifications in areas such as business, leadership and management, individual support, disability and horticulture.” We will continue to successfully deliver premium quality, people-centered learning programs, delivered face to face and online to all of our students, no matter if they are working or looking for a career so that they acquire all the skills and knowledge that industry are looking for.
Favorite 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 and has been instrumental in enabling prospective students into the institute for information sessions. Ross specialises in traineeships and is our trainee mentor. Ross has 12 years experience in workers compensation as a senior case manager and previous experience helping unemployed candidates find employment
His customer service expertise is second to none.
He says “it is such a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to the lives of people and stand beside them on their journey to a new career.”
“Our team has a shared purpose to deliver an experience, that empowers and transforms the lives of our learners. It is a model that delivers the most optimal outcome for learners and employers alike.”
Ross is empathetic and passionate about providing a high level of customer care and he has a solution mindset, when it comes to achieving positive outcomes.
Ryan Chittenden - General 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 - Enrolment Team Manager
Natarsha has a background in RTO administration and has been with the company for three and a half years. She loves working in a team environment and always aims to deliver outstanding customer service.
“I enjoy helping people and guiding them through their learning journey, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment."
Jess Wells - Student Management Team Leader
Jess has over 15 years of experience in administration and customer service-related industries, working with people from diverse backgrounds. Jess is passionate about building positive experiences and promoting individual growth.
Her favourite quote is: "Don't limit your challenges. Challenge your limits!"
Jess Anderson - Student Management Team
Jess joined us after more than a decade spent in nursing. Dedicated to learning, she is currently studying medicine at the University of Newcastle. In her spare time, Jess runs a dance and drama school for local differently-abled children. Jess is passionate about enabling every individual to overcome their barriers and reach their full potential.
Sandra Knight - Operations Manager
Sandra is the Operations Manager and has been with Transformational Insitute for the past three years. Sandra is passionate and enthusiastic about customer service and prides herself in understanding others' needs and making them feel welcome.
Prior to joining us, Sandra spent many years of employment in Workers Compensation, along with the disability sector.
"I’m always extremely happy helping students obtain the outcomes they seek".
Renee Pedemont - Relationships and Engagement Coordinator
Renee has a background in account and relationship management, with the last six years spent in the disability sector assisting people with training and employment goals.
Renee is very passionate about everyone having the opportunity to access education and training as this can open doors to employment opportunities that can assist people to live their best lives. At Transformational she is working with individuals and organisations to create opportunities for people to improve their skills and increase productivity, efficiency and value.
" I have seen first-hand the way that training, and employment can change lives, some of my greatest moments have been when I have caught up with a person I coached and mentored through training that has led to employment and hearing their story on how their life has changed and where they are now"
Renee’s favourite saying is "you can't go back and change the beginning... but you can start where you are and change the ending" ~ C.S Lewis
Carlie Black - Aged Care & Disability Trainer
Carlie is our Disability/Aged Care Trainer and is also responsible for mentoring our trainees. “Carlie's philosophy focuses on continual lifelong learning as she work towards enhancing the well-being of the learners by empowering them with the knowledge, skills, support, guidance and resources to assist while inspire them on their journey to a career in either the disability or aged care sectors”.
Carlie joined Transformational Institute in 2016 as a trainer assessor after completing her Certificate IV TAE.She has been working in the aged care sector for 8 years and in the VET sector for 4 years. She has completed both Disability and Aged Care qualifications and is passionate about this industry.
Carlie says she wants her learners to have the very best skills and knowledge so that they are equipped for the industry and will be able to provide their clients with excellence in care.
Zoe Ayton - Trainer
Zoe has over five years of experience training students in a variety of different fields including Leadership and Management, Warehousing, and Emergency Medical Services. She is highly adaptable and loves teaching people new skills.
In her free time, Zoe loves taking her son on park picnics and exploring the beautiful beaches of her home, Port Stephens. 
Cassie Beattie
Lynette Blayney - Trainer
Lynette has been with Transformational Insitute for around a year and is a favourite with students and staff alike. The lovely Lynette has over 30 years of experience in community services, disability and aged care, along with an array of qualifications including a Bachelor of Social Work, a Bachelor of Social Science, and an Associates Degree in Social Science. Lynette is also heavily involved with charity work, helping to assist vulnerable children and families. When she does find spare time, Lynette has a passion for steampunk, historical literature, and golfing. 
