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 - 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 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."
Jessica Wells - RTO Manager
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!"
Zoe Ayton - Trainer
With eight years of experience in training and assessment, specialising in Leadership and Management and WHS procedures, Zoe brings a diverse skill set to our team. She has worked in a variety of fields and workplace settings, demonstrating her adaptability and passion for sharing her knowledge and experience.
Garry Patten - Compliance Officer
Garry left the Air Force after 25 years service, and chose to settle in Newcastle with his wife and two sons. In the Air Force Garry worked mainly in Logistics, however spent eight years conducting Leadership & Management training for senior airmen/women, as well as running ‘Train the Trainer’ and ‘Advanced Instructional Technique (facilitation) courses. He also completed his Bachelor of Education in Adult Education, majoring in Human Resources Development while serving. As a civilian, Garry has worked for several RTOs, and brings a broad range of knowledge, skills and experience to the Transformational Team.
Garry lists his passions as: family, his motorbike and the Wests Tigers NRL team.
Alan Rae - Student Management
Hailing from London, Alan brings extensive experience as a printer by trade. Having embraced family life in Newcastle, Alan is also an avid sports fan. His professional skills, passion for sports, and commitment to his family make him a valuable asset to our team, offering a unique blend of practical expertise and personal dedication.
Alanah McBean - Administration
With over 10 years of frontline customer service and more than 5 years in student administration and support, Alanah McBean brings a wealth of experience to our team. Her background includes working with disadvantaged youth, helping to engage them in education through her previous roles in employment services. Alanah is passionate about giving back to the community she lives in and finds great joy in being part of a student’s journey from start to finish.
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".
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.
Kathleen Howard - Product and Resource Development
Kate Howard is the second half of our dynamic product development duo. With a background in business and a primary focus on marketing, Kate combines her creativity, business acumen, attention to detail, and organisational skills to create engaging and innovative content for our online learning platforms.
Teresa Conicella - Product and Resource Development
Teresa Conicella is a member of the dynamic duo leading our product development.
Teresa has over 20 years of experience in vocational training and is a writer, producer, content creator, and educator.
Her creativity and understanding of the training landscape results in the development of engaging and innovative vocational training products.
Ria Olivier - Overseas Consultant
I have a background in Accounting, management, healthcare and more. I see each day as a new challenge, setting goals and I believe in life long commitment. As we are never to old to start a new journey. Furthermore I am passionate about my work. Because I love what I do, I have a steady source of motivation that drives me to do my best.
"Having an education is more than obtaining a qualification. It proves that you are dedicated to complete a task successfully, you are passionate about being skilled and trust worthy. Education changes thinking, perception and goals."
