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Winner - Queensland Education and Training International "Outstanding Work Placement Program" 2009.

Home > About Us > Staff Profiles


Staff Profiles

 

Operations and Management:

Diana Pilling

Managing Director


Marketing:

Rebekah Gilchrist

Marketing Executive (Team Leader)

Julia Kaestner

Marketing Executive & Australians Abroad

Natalia Piedrahita

Public Relations & Marketing Executive

Ania Ciesla

Marketing Officer

Adam Sharah

Volunteer Project Coordinator

 

Business Development:

Heike Maetz

Business Development Executive & Team Leader Recruitment

Sarah Smith

Business Development Executive; Hospitality Program Manager

Marion Gazzard

Business Development Executive

Karin Bruton

Business Development Executive

Megan Offord

Business Development Executive

Jody Gilchrist

Business Development Executive

Naomi Wood

Business Development Executive - Hospitality

 

Internship Program Supervisors:

Lu Yung Lay

Program Admissions Manager & Team Leader - Internship Program Supervisor

Izumi Davis

Internship Program Supervisor

Natalie Fraser

Australians Abroad and Internship Program Supervisor

Alejandra Collado

Internship Program Supervisor

Kate Tucker

Internship Program Supervisor

 

Finance:

Pauline Draheim

Personal Assistant to Managing Director / Accounts Officer

 

Reception:

Georgie Baumann

Administrative Assistant

 

   

Diana

 

Diana Pilling

Managing Director

Diana Pilling established Australian Internships after many years in education and training with Queensland Government. Diana started her teaching career in Hervey Bay with a new concept in education that recognised the value of both the academic and technical/vocational development of students. She eventually moved into the role of Director of Business Development where much of the training was developed to respond to industry demands. Diana was actively involved international education and this served as a catalyst for the establishment of her own business Australian Internships – the first company in Australia to welcome and support students from over 45 countries. Diana was a founding member of the Australian Internships Industry Association and is an active member. Diana still enjoys meeting the many students and young professionals each year from countries all over the world. 

   

Rebekah Gilchrist

Rebekah Gilchrist

Marketing Executive – Team Leader 

Rebekah joined Australian Internships in 2003. Throughout her time with Australian Internships Rebekah has gained an in-depth understanding of the business, working across a range of departments including Administration, Client Service and Marketing. Rebekah spent two years living and travelling through Latin America and is fluent in Portuguese. Her experience helps her understand the cultural and personal barriers faced by internationals travelling to Australia. Currently pursuing studies in International Business and Management at QUT, Rebekah has a strong passion for the industry and believes that the internship program is a magnificent contribution to an international-oriented career. 

   

Julia

Julia Kaestner

Marketing Executive & Australians Abroad

Julia is part of the Marketing Team at Australian Internships. She has an MA in Business and Business Economics and is originally from Germany. Julia’s background in Marketing and interest in travelling and languages helps her with both the Australian Internships and Australians Abroad programs. Julia has an in-depth knowledge of the European cultures and lifestyles and is fluent in German, English and Russian.

   

Natalia Piedrahita

Public Relations & Marketing Executive

Natalia has a Bachelor in Mass Communication and Journalism from her home country Colombia. She then relocated to Australia to complete a Master in Business majoring Public Relations. Natalia has seven years of experience in international education, with three years focussing on internships. Passionate about her work Natalia strives for constant improvement of the Australian Internships programs and enjoys seeing the wonderful benefits the programs bring to candidates from around the globe. Natalia speaks Spanish and English, loves travelling, social work, playing guitar and singing.

   

Ania Ciesla

Marketing Officer

Originally from Poland, Ania is fluent in both Polish and English. Ania has a strong and extensive business background, with a BA in Business English, Advanced Certificate in Public Relations and 10 years of experience in the International Education industry. Having worked in London for 5 years Ania has a great knowledge of the European market and a high sensitivity for other cultures' needs. Passionate about travel and language, Ania enjoys assisting international students achieve their professional and personal goals through the internship program.

   

Adam Sharah

Volunteer Project Coordinator

After 20 years in the Fashion and Day Spa industry Adam was drawn to studying Indigenous Arts and Culture to find out more about his cultural background. Adam has a strong passion for Indigenous art and culture and is a practicing Contemporary Indigenous Artist. Prior to joining Australian Internships Adam developed and taught Ochre workshops for international students at the Department of Education. Adam's commitment to the Indigenous community has led him to his role as Volunteer Project Coordinator at Australian Internships. Adam is committed to the restoration and ongoing documentation of Indigenous arts and culture and looks forward to seeing successful outcomes with the Australian Internships Indigenous Volunteer Programs.

 

   

Heike

Heike Maetz

Business Development Executive & Team Leader Recruitment

Heike has completed two Masters Degrees in Human Resources Management and Business Management. Heike has been working and studying in Australia, Germany and the United States. She has a very strong HR background, especially in the fields of Executive Search, Recruiting, Organisational Development and Business Development. Originally from Germany, Heike is fluent in German and English.

   

Sarah

Sarah Smith

Business Development Executive; Hospitality Program Manager

Sarah has a strong background with a degree in Hotel Management and 10 years experience in the International Hospitality industry. Sarah’s good networking skills and dedication to her role as Hospitality Program Manager ensures that all interns are placed in 4 and 5 star properties.

   

Marrion

Marion Gazzard

Business Development Executive

Marion is bringing strong skills from her previous roles in Customer Service to the Australian Internships team. She worked for Ansett Airlines for 23 years, spending 5 years in Sales and Promotions and then moved into a Customer Service Manager role for 18 years. Marion has also spent 4 years as a Personal Assistant to a senior retired partner at KPMG. She is an avid sports lover – played competitively in squash, softball, swimming and golf. German born, Marion is fluent in German and has travelled extensively over the past 25 years.

 
   
Karin

Karin Bruton

Business Development Executive

Karin has been working in the education industry for more than 20 years teaching English and developing Australian art and culture programs for international school and university students. Her expertise in this area combined with her ability to build strong business relationships make her an invaluable member of the BDE team.

 
   

Megan Offord

Business Development Executive

Megan joined Australian Internships in 2007 bringing strong skills from her previous role as a training and placement officer for a Government Organisation. Megan has studied a Bachelor of Psychology along with a Bachelor of Human Services. Megan has a strong Client Service and networking background and is extremely dedicated to her role as Business Development Executive. Her program development skills hail from previous employment as Program Developer for the YMCA Brisbane. Megan's vision is to ensure that all interns have the most suitable training positions arranged for them.

 
   

Jody Gilchrist

Business Development Executive

As a young entrepreneur Jody established two successful Galleries in Queensland, prior to managing a function centre and restaurant. A passion for business, commerce and people lead Jody into a recruitment industry career, from where she joined the Australian Internships team. Bringing with her a strong knowledge of the employment and training industry, Jody believes that international experience and cultural exchange are both relevant and valuable for young professionals and host organisations alike, particularly in an increasingly global marketplace.

 
   

Naomi Wood

Business Development Executive - Hospitality

Naomi has over 15 years experience as a small business owner / operator. Her skill base includes networking, project planning and management as well as customer relations. She understands the importance of developing strong relationships in any business environment. Naomi is committed to ensuring the relationships between intern and the Host is mutually fulfilling, respectful and beneficial.

   

   

Lu

 

Lu Yung Lay

Program Admissions Manager & Team Leader - Internship Program Supervisor

Prior to joining Australian Internships Lu successfully completed an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management and gained 3 years experience in HR Management which gives her the edge to advise and help interns throughout their internships. Responsible for the Programs and Admissions at Australian Internships Lu is dedicated to ensuring that all interns accepted into the program are of a high standard and have realistic objectives for their internships.

   

Izumi

 

Izumi Davis

Internship Program Supervisor

Japanese born and educated, Izumi joined Australian Internships in 2006. Izumi has a strong background in Sales and Marketing. Previously she has spent many years living and working abroad with her family in Japan and Bali. Prior to moving to Australia in 2006 Izumi was working as Sales Manager for a Tourism Operations Firm in Bali. Izumi is fluent in English, Japanese and conversational Indonesian. Izumi has a strong understanding of many different cultures and is extremely conscientious about her role and the internship opportunities provided to her interns. 

   

 

Natalie Fraser

Australians Abroad and Internship Program Supervisor

Natalie joined Australian Internships as an Internship Program Supervisor. Her degree in Psychology and 8 years experience in working with children and young people enables her to offer expert advice and supervision to interns during their internships. Her special focus is on the Australians Abroad program.

   

 

Alejandra Collado

Internship Program Supervisor

Alejandra joined Australian Internships as a Marketing Intern, after four months of hard work and dedication she was successfully selected for the role of Internship Program Supervisor. She is currently pursuing a Master of Marketing at QUT. Originally from Argentina, Alejandra lived in Brazil for 12 years and is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English. Alejandra is passionate about the program offered at Australian Internships and enjoys the opportunity of combining knowledge of cultures and languages in the workplace.

 
   

Kate Tucker

Internship Program Supervisor

Kate is responsible for a portfolio of interns in conjunction with running the office administration at Australian Internships. She has a Diploma of Tourism Operations Management, has previously worked in Administration and has lived overseas for two years in Abu Dhabi working as cabin crew member for Etihad Airways.

   

Pauline

Pauline Draheim

Personal Assistant to Managing Director / Accounts Officer

Pauline is the Accounts Officer at Australian Internships. With over 20 years experience in Administration covering bookkeeping, payroll and personal assistant duties Pauline has strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

   

Georgie Baumann

Administrative Assistant

Georgie joined us after completing High School. Operating the front desk she performs a wide range of office duties, greets visitors at the reception and answers incoming calls.