Principal
John L. Mason Dip.Hort.Sc., Sup'n Cert., FIOH, FPLA, MAIH, MACHPER, MASA
Mr Mason has had over 38 years experience in the fields of Horticulture, Recreation, Education and Journalism. He has extensive experience both as a public servant, and as a small business owner. He has held positions ranging from Director of Parks and Recreation (City of Essendon) to magazine editor.
John is a well respected member of many professional associations, and author of over thirty five books and of over two thousand magazine articles. Even today, John continues to write books for various publishers including Simon and Shuster, and Landlinks Press (CSIRO Publishing).
Tutors & Academic Staff
Jemima Beaumont B.A.; Adv.Dip Photog (part)
Jemima has a diverse background, in retailing, administration, counselling and photography; including Optical Dispenser (OPSM), Student Guidence Mentor (ANU) and Office Manager (People with Disabilities)
Rosemary Brown B.Business
15 years experience in the stock market, international trading and small business. 8 years with ACS, in our Melbourne office administration, and as a tutor and course writer.
Maggi Brown Cert.Ed.(Environment)
Maggi is regarded as an expert in Organic Growing throughout the UK, having worked for two decades as Education Officer at the world renowned Henry Doubleday Research Association (now Garden Organic). She has been active in education, environmental management and horticulture across the UK for more them three decades.
Emina Cerimagic Dip.Counselling & Communicaions, B.Health Sc., B.Soc.Sc., M.Business, M. Communications Emina has ar diverse background in marketing, communication, counselling and PR. She has travelled widely to Europe, Middle East and Asia and now tutors for ACS.
Gavin Cole B.Sc., Psych.Cert., Cert.Garden Design, MACA
Gavin has over 20 years of industry experience in Psychology, Landscaping, Publishing and Education. He was operations manager for a highly reputable British Landscape firm (The Chelsea Gardener) before starting up his own firm. He spent the best part of three years working in our Gold Coast office, partly as a writer for Your Backyard (gardening magazine), and partly as a tutor in both psychology and horticulture.
Jennifer McAnany B.HSc (Nursing), B.Naturopathy
We are very pleased to welcome Jennifer to our team of Academics. Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge to ACS. A Registered Nurse with 15 years experience to her name, Jennifer is also a registered Naturopath, specialising in Herbal Medicine. She is also a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS). Jennifer has a special interest in children’s health.
June Colbert B.A., Dip.Ed., Dip.TESOL, Dip Bus.Mgt, Cert. June is a well published author and teacher, with extensive experience in childrens writing and community education. She has, amongst other things, published two childrens novels with Lothian/Time Warner Books. She also has an extensive background in writing tenders, contracts, quality procedures and other technical documentation. June was contract manager for 10 years in Network Design and Construct at Telstra, and a quality auditor.
Michele Cullen B.Teaching/B.General Studies (Linguistics), Golden Key International Honours society, Dip. Landcare, Cert. III Landcare & Natural Resouces, Assoc. Dip. Stock & Meat Inspection
Michele has over 20 years experience in the rural sector, working as a Stock Inspector (first female) with the Qld. Department of Primary Industries, Stock Inspector (QRSPCA), Management Trainee (Australian Meat Holdings/Conagra) and as co-owner of a Quarter Horse Breeding enterprise. Michele is also a qualified teacher with an keen interest in students with special needs. Enjoys fishing, reading, horses, rudgby league.
Peter Douglas Dip Animal Husbandry
Peter has over 45 years of experience in Agriculture and resources management. He is a former lecturer with the University of Queensland (Gatton), and manager of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. He also established and managed the wildlife park for Dreamworld, one of Australia's largest theme parks. Peter has both wide ranging experience in farming and wildlife management, and continues to apply that knowledge both through his work with ACS, and helping his adult children who have pursued careers of their own in similar areas.
James Reeves PGCert Education, MSc Sport and Exercise Science
James has multiple professional qualifications and associations, and has worked as a Lecturer adn associate lecturer in Sport and Exercise Sciences, a Course Leader, and an IT Supervisor, as well as an Instructor and Coach at a Leisure Centre.
Dawn McCormack HND Animal Science, Bsc Animal Science, NVQ Assessor Award in Animal & Equine Care
Dawn has worked as a Science Teacher, an NVQ Assessor in Animal Care, a Vet Nurse, and a Groom / Stable Hand.
Marius Erasmus B.Sc.Agric., B.Sc.(Wildlife), M.Sc.Agric.
Subsequent to completing a BSc (agric) degree in animal science, he completed an honours degree in wildlife management, and a masters degree in production animal physiology. Following the Masters degree, he has worked for 9 years in the UK, and South Africa; in wildlife management, dairy, beef and poultry farming.
Dr James Euclid B.Vsc.(Hons), B.VBiol (Hons), PhD.
Dr James Euclid graduated with honours in Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland , Australia in 1985. After 5 years in mixed practise, he undertook a PhD in Veterinary Parasitology at James Cook University in Queensland . Upon completion, he tutored at the University of Melbourne . After a year, he returned to general practise. He has since written two books on veterinary clinical practise and runs his own practise in Melbourne.
Linda Main Bachelor I.T (Software Engineering) - Completing
Trained as a traditional typesetter, Linda has 20 years experience in publishing and typesetting, graphic design, and multimedia and animation. She has worked for major newspapers, run training courses, and more recently has worked in technical support for a major technology provider.
Adriana Fraser Cert.Hort., Cert.Child Care., Adv.Cert.App.Mgt., Cert 1V Assessment and Training., Adv.Dip.Hort.
Adriana has over 25 years of experience in horticulture and organic growing, business, project management and writing. She has worked extensively in the nursery and garden design industry, as a TAFE teacher and in community education. She also operated a display herb garden at her home for students interested in herb identification and propagation. She also worked as a project manager for Community Jobs Programs - developing public parks and gardens. Adriana has written regularly for a range of publications (including Australia's national Grass Roots Magazine) since the early 1980's. She continues to be actively involved in writing, gardening and organic growing - in addition to her work for ACS as tutor, course counsellor and course writer.
Kate Gibson B.Soc.Sc, PostGrad Dip Org
Kate has over 6 years experience in marketing, and has worked as a project manager. Kate has traveled and worked in a variety of locations including London, N.Z and Australia.
Elizabeth Graves B.Sc.Hons.
After graduating from Oxford Brookes University, Liz worked between 1997 to 2007 in the UK, in the medical industry (incl Medical Representative, Medical Advisor, Medical Information Manager). She is now studying a Masters Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Griffith University in Australia.
Denise Hodges Adv.Dip.Bus., Dip Clothing Design, Adv.Dip.Naturopathy (part completed) formerly Promotions Manager ABC retail, Fitness Programmer/Instructor, Small Business Owner, Marketing Coordinator (Laserpoint). 'After trying out a number of career directions Denise studied Marketing, and honed her skills by working in promotions for the ABC for 10 years. However, Naturopathy studies have allowed her to share and further indulge her real passion, which lies in health and fitness. Denise continues to enjoy learning and sharing her interests with others.'
Shane Holborn Dip.Hort; Dip.Perm.Design.
With 23 years experience in horticulture and permaculture; Shane offers our students a wealth of practical and down to earth experience. He was one of the first people to become involved in Permaculture (in the late 1970's).
For more than a decade he managed and developed the grounds of Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, the National Trust Owned wildlife park and tourist attraction on the Gold Coast. In the late 90's he established a commercial mushroom farm, built it into a thriving enterprise and then sold it; moving on to take charge of landscaping a new 8 lane freeway development between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.Shane continues to pursue a variety of roles, largely as a consultant, in addition to his work with ACS as a tutor and course counsellor.
Bob James M.Env., Sc., Dip.Animal Husb, B.App.Sc., Grad.Dip.Mgt, PDC
40 years experience in industry, having held a wide variety of senior positions in both government and private enterprise.
Bob's experience and knowledge is diverse, encompassing fields of Horticulture, Agriculture, Environmental Management, Business and professional writing.
Tracey Jones - Academic Officer & Tutor (U.K.)
B.Sc. (Hons) (Psychology), M.Soc.Sc (social work), DipSW (social work), PGCE (Education), PGD (Learning Disability Studies)
Tracey has around 15 years experience within the psychology and social work field, particularly working with people with learning disabilities. She is also qualified as a teacher and now teaches psychology and social work related subjects.
She is a book reviewer for the British Journal of Social Work and has also written a text book on Psychology and has had several short stories published.
Ian Kerr Dip.Photog, ABIPP
Freelance photographer based in Coventry (UK). Photographer of the year in 1982 for Commercial Sector within Midlands Region of UK from BIPP. Recently was awarded 3 merits in the architectural Sector within Midlands Region of UK from BIPP
Carmen Locke B.App.Sc. (Environmental Resource Mgt), Hons (Waste/Wastewater Management)
Carmen has a broad range of experience in the environmental sector working for government and private industry in the waste, water and environmental education fields.
Karen Lee BSc. Hons Biological Sciences, Postgraduate Diploma Nutrition and Dietetics
Karen graduated with a first class degree in Biological Sciences from Lancaster University and subsequently completed a Postgraduate diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics from Leeds Metropolitan University. Karen is a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience of working in the NHS. Karen has undertaken a number of research projects and has lectured to undergraduate university students.
Simon Lennard M.Hort.Sc
Over 20 years experience in commercial horticulture and research. Simon has a Bachelors Degree in Horticultural Science and a Masterate in Horticultural Science from Massey University New Zealand
David Mason Dip.Comp.Prog., AACS
20 years experience in the I.T. industry. David has held major positions over the years such as Head Technical Support Analyst for Pacific Access (Yellow & White Pages) Queensland, software and hardware technician for Data#3, S.T.O. and programmer for Coles Myer Ltd, head technician for Corporate Clones (Melbourne) and primary web developer for QLDNET, Technet 2000 and Acenet. David is an IT consultant for ACS, and has his own very successful Web Site Development business.
Honor McGregor B.Sc., Grad.Dip.Ed.
A background working with National Parks (NSW) and in web development with Macquarie University; Honor has also travelled widely, climbed major peaks in the Himalayas and New Zealand; and worked in the employmant industry assisting unemployed moving back to the workforce.
Dr. Lynette Morgan B. Hort. Tech., Ph.D. in Horticultural Science
Dr Morgan has a broad expertise in horticulture and crop production, and a keen appreciation of the global scene. She travels widely as a partner in Suntec Horticultural Consultants, and has clients in central America, the USA, Caribbean, South East Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming
Tracey has worked in the horticulture industry for 14 years, in Sydney, Northern NSW and Qld; across a range of industry sectors from nut farming to indoor plantscaping and plant nurseries to garden maintenance and landscaping.
Jade Pollock B.Sc.Biol, Dip.Professional Education, Cert Food Hygiene
Former Business Coordinator, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Secondary School teacher (Biology); Administrator (Recruitment), Senior Supervisor (Youth Welfare)
Lyn Quirk M.Prof.Ed.; Adv.Dip.Compl.Med (Naturopathy); Adv.Dip.Sports Therapy
Lyn has 25 years of experience in the Fitness, Health and Leisure Industries. She has a string of qualifications that are far too long to list here; being qualified and registered to teach, coach or instruct a wide range of different sports and other skills.
Lyn established and managed Health clubs at three major five star resorts on Queensland's Gold Coast, including the Marriot. She was a department head for a large government vocational college (TAFE), and has conducted her own aquafitness business for many years. Lyn has amongst her other commitments worked as a tutor for ACS for almost 10 years, and over that time, participated in the development or upgrading of most courses in her fields of expertise.
Spencer Scriven B.Sc., H.N.C. (Building), Cert. Electric.
Over 15 years of industry experience in electrical and construction industries. Spencer has a particular interest and expertise in alternative energy.
Yvonne Sharpe RHS Cert.Hort, Dip.Hort, M.Hort, Cert.Ed., Dip.Mgt.
Over 30 years of experience in horticulture, education and management, Yvonne hastravelled widely within and beyond Europe, and has worked in many areas of horticulture from garden centres to horticultural therapy. She has served on industry committees and been actively involved with amateur garden clubs for decades.
Angie Stokes B.Sc.Hons, HND, TMB, RGN, ENB Angie has 25years of industry experience covering both nursing and Information Technology; and today operates her own I.T. business while also tutoring for ACS.
Nicole Steel B.Env.Sc., Post Grad Dip.Ed., B.A.(completing) Over 13 years of diverse industry experience in jobs as varied as Chef to travel consultant and radio announcer. Experienced environmental scientist (co founder of Marine Biology Assoc. Flinders Uni)
Alison Sweet BBioMedSc (Hon)
Alison has 5 years experience as a medical research scientist with her work included in two publications in the American Journal of Medical Genetics. A member of the ESA, ASMR and Nutrition Australia she has given presentations at a number of professional conferences around Australia. A trained phlebotomist, Alison is currently completing her PhD thesis in Molecular Biology.
Rachel Syers B.Journalism
Rachel has worked as a professional newspaper journalist for over 15 years, co -authored a successful biography and tutored for ACS for more than 10 years.
Robert Smith B.A.(Hons), ACCA Certified Diploma, M.A. (Education)
Peter Swaile M.Sc.(Sport & exercise Nutrition), B.Sc.(Environment) Managing Director, Fitstar Coaching, National master trainer (Virgin Atlantic), Procurement Engineer (Rolls Ryce), Writer (Fit Pro magazine)
Anna Sylvester B.Sc.Hons.(Human Biology), M.Sc.Equine
Anna graduated with a degree in Human Biology from Loughborough University and then went on to complete an MSc in Equine Science at The University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and has a high level of expertise in equine science. She has since spent time in managerial, research and lecturing positions. She also has practical equine experience, and still competes nationally whenever the opportunity arises.
Jane Thompson B.App.Sc (Natural Systems & Wildlife Management)
With 12 years experience working in the field of wildlife conservation and management, Jane has expertise in planning for wildlife, habitat mapping and fauna surveying. Jane has also prepared many reports and co-authored papers on wildlife conservation for conferences and publication.
Angus Thomson
Develops and maintains the ACS websites. He is an experienced .Net programmer and is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Avionics)
Christine Williams BSc (hons), PGCE (Education)
Christine Williams graduated with honours in Environmental Management and is also qualified as a teacher. She has gained relevant experience working in education, hospitality and tourism sectors and now teaches Travel and Tourism and Business Studies related subjects. Christine is currently studying a PhD research programme in 14-19 Vocational Education Studies, where she plans to expand her career in the education sector by working alongside with the government to help to improve issues that are related to 14-19 Vocational Education.
Kevin Wilton BIPP PQE
Over 25 years experience in professional photography in Australia and the UK. Over 27 years experience in professional photography in Australia and the UK. Specialising in the Industrial and Commercial areas of the market, where clients were design groups, the UK Government, all aspects of the electrical generating industry, transport, steel production and coal mining. Extensive experience in the use of all film formats; from 35mm to 4x5” and 8x10”, and also capture and use of digital media, as well as Photoshop, ACR, Lightroom and Bridge for image correction and manipulation. Kevin has a wealth of lighting experience both in the studio and out on location, in factories, offices, nuclear power stations, location landscapes, industrial landscapes and the like – all of which were lit.
Tracey Winning B.Bus (Acc.), Adv.Dip. Arts(Media), Cert. Mort. Lend.
12 years experience as an accountant, financial manager, marketing, running a small business. Also 4 years experience in script writing/editing/evaluating.
Kevin Wong Cert PC Assembly, B.Info.Tech.
8 years experience in the I.T. industry in Mauritius and Australia.
Tosca Zraikat B.A. (Writing); B.Teaching
Over 35 years of industry experience in writing, education, management and welfare. Tosca is completing the final stages of a Masters Degree in writing she also works as a tutor and writer for ACS, and runs a small editing business.
Dr. Mark L. Berman Ph.D.
Dr.Berman is a psychological consultant who operates out of Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Prior to that he was on the faculty of The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Washington for a number of years.
He has been a member of the American Psychological Association for thirty-two years, and the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology for nearly twenty-six years. Dr. Berman has served as a Contributing Editor to Educational Technology, as a Field Reader for the U.S. Office of Education, and as a Manuscript Reviewer for Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, as well as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. His professional interests and experiences are widespreead, and include comprehensive psychotherapy, evaluations of persons from ages four through ninety, and personal energy management.
ADMINISTRATION STAFF
Leonie Mason - Administration Director
Elaine Wilson - UK Administration Manager
Vanessa Bremer - General Administration
Kerri Smith -General Administration
