Staff

Principal

John L. Mason Dip.Hort.Sc., Sup'n Cert., FIOH, FPLA, FAIH, MACHPER, MASA
Mr Mason has had over 41 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 rite books for various publishers including Simon and Shuster, and Landlinks Press (CSIRO Publishing). Amongst other bodies, he is a Fellow of the Institute of HorticultureUK), Member of the Garden Media Guild and of the British institute of Learning and Development, Fellow of Parks and Leisure Australia and of Institute of Horticulture (Australia).

Tutors & Academic Staff

  Thady Barrett M.Hort (RHS). Thady is a consultant to the horticulture industry in the UK, with particular interest in the ornamental plant sector. Previously a senior lecturer at Writtle College for 20 years which included being course tutor for RHS qualifications. Wide ranging practical horticultural experience but with specific interest in propagation techniques and plant production technologies. Member of the International Plant Propagators Society (IPPS) and awarded the Rose Bowl Award in 2009 in recognition of his contribution to the society

  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.

Previously Outdoor Pursuits Instructor, Youth Worker, Surfing College Program Coordinator, Massage Therapist, Business Owner/Manager.
  Diana Cole, B.A. (Hons), RHS Diploma in Horticulture, BTEC Higher Diploma in Garden Design, Diploma Chartered of Personnel & Development, PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector.
In addition to the qualifications listed above, Diana holds City & Guild construction qualifications and an NPTC pesticide spraying licence (PA1/PA6). Diana runs her own landscape gardening business (Arbella Gardens). She also has skills gained through leading a group of volunteers renovating a local park on behalf of a local council and has been a volunteer leader with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. She continues to teach the Royal Horticultural Society qualifications (Levels 2 and 3) at her local college. She is a member of The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd.

  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.

John Edwards  BA(Hons) Photography, BSc (Hons) Env.Mgt, PGCE

   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.

 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.

 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. 

 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.

  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.'

 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.

  Anna Jones  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.

  Josiane  Joubran B.Eng., Grad.Dip. I.T., Master Info.Tech., MCP, MCSE

 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

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

  Liz McDonald – G. Diploma Teaching and Learning, B. Applied Science Agronomy, Associate Diploma in Animal Production, Certificate in Rural Science Cotton Production. Liz was has worked as a commercial broadacre agronomist for over 13 years in northwest NSW. She has extensive practical experience in dryland cereal, oilseed and pulse crop production as well as dryland and irrigated cotton. She has a long term commitment to agriculture.

 Alison Pearce - PG Cert Ed (Primary), M.Ecotourism, PGCert Ed., BSc (Hon) Animal Science. Alison is a former ACS student and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to ACS Agriculture, Wildlife and Ecotourism students. he has worked as a University Lecturer, a Quality Assurance Manager, a Research echnician, and has also run a veterinary operating theatre; responsible for animal anaesthesia, instrument preparation, and assistance with surgical techniques and procedures.  She has extensive experience of handling, husbandry, and management of a wide range of both small and large animals.

 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.

   Dr. Gareth Pearce BSc(Hons), BVSc, MA, MVetS, PhD, GradCertEd(HE), PGCertAqVetS, PGCertWLBio&Cons, DiplECPHM, MRCVS.
Gareth has over 25 years of experience in teaching and research in agriculture, veterinary medicine, wildlife ecology and conservation in a variety of colleges and universities in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. He qualified as a veterinary surgeon at the Universities of Melbourne and Bristol, having previously graduated in Agricultural Science and gained a PhD in Livestock Behaviour and Production. He also has post-graduate qualifications in Education, Wildlife Conservation Medicine, Aquatic Veterinary Studies and Wildlife Biology & Conservation.

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)

 Martin Powdrill, Bsc (Hons) Applied Science (Resources Option), MSc Computer Studies, Permaculture Design Certificate.
Martin’s has worked for the past few years, full time in permaculture and relaited areas of sustainability and environmental management. Martin worked in Telecommunications, IT, Organisational Development, and Energy Conservation and Efficiency, for 25 years, prior to setting up his own Permaculture consulting business. His aim today is to make a real difference to people and the planet, by actively bringing new perspectives to current challenges and exciting opportunities. To realise this, he enables diverse groups of people to flourish and release their untapped potential, by re-igniting their passion and creativity. Additionally, Martin volunteers with many local environmental and community groups, and facilitates discussions on climate change, peak oil, and transition towns. 

 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.

Yvonne Sharpe RHS Cert.Hort, Dip.Hort, M.Hort, Cert.Ed., Dip.Mgt. . MNSALG
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.

Philip Shepherd B.SC., M.Sc.
Phil has 24 years experience as a software engineer, primarily in commercial Research and Development. He has a wealth of experience in a variety of programming languages/environments, and the techniques required to deliver stable software within tight deadlines. He is primarily interested in the use of Object Origientated languages in an Open Source environment.

Rachel Syers B.Journalism
Rachel has worked as a professional newspaper journalist for over 20 years, co -authored a successful biography and tutored for ACS for more than 10 years

.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.

Karin von Behrens - M. Arts and Media, Grad Cert Communication and PR, Hons. Screen Studies and B. Creative Arts.        

Karin has an extensive background in Creative Arts and Media including animation, film production, radio, journalism, visual arts and creative writing.  Having attended six different universities, Karin has a diverse knowledge of the arts both nationally and internationally and has spent a number of years travelling the globe. Her undergraduate degree included a year of exchange studies at the Universityof California Santa Cruz. Karin has worked on feature films, short films, festivals and spent four years with the City of Sydney Council doing everything from teaching creative writing to the elderly to event management and administration.

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

Kerri Smith - General Administration

Lyndal Harness - General Administration

Natalie Irving - General Administration 

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