Meet Our Staff

Colin Carpenter, Founder and Managing Director
A former teacher, Colin founded Antipodeans Abroad over 20 years ago and has worked in the field of educational travel ever since. He organised and led his first school-based Himalayan expedition in 1980, and has seen interest in this area grow significantly over the past 30 years. He is aware of the power of education for local communities in developing countries and the personal development gains through travel.

Danielle Bukovinsky, DIrector of Operations
With a background in Outdoor Education and Leisure Management, as well love of adventure travel, we knew that Danielle would be perfectly suited to the team at Antipodeans Abroad. Danielle headed the Operations for our expedition groups from 1999 to 2007 and is one of our most experienced staff members. After a period of several years where she applied her skills to managing three young kids Danielle has returned to the position of Director of Operations where she oversees the operations of all our programs.

Lucy Watson, GapBreak Operations Manager
Lucy is a very experienced manager of our volunteer program for young people - GapBreak - which places young people in developing countries volunteering for up to three months. She also works with the UniBreak program and brings knowledge and enthusiasm to our team of experienced managers. Lucy has travelled widely in South America, Asia and Africa.

Joe Lodge, Business Development Manager
Joe has a wealth of experience leading and organising trekking and mountain biking charity fundraising challenges to destinations in South and Central America, Asia, Europe and NZ. When not in sales mode, he leads our personal development expedition teams of students to Asia, Africa and South America.

Maureen Carpenter, Language Immersion Program Manager
Maureen is responsible for the day-to-day operations of our popular Language Immersion program, which places students in years 9-11 in a homestay in either France or Germany over the Christmas holidays. She travels to France or Germany each year to oversee the program and has an intimate knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a young student on a homestay program far from home.

Fiona Reeves, Western Australia UniBreak Operations Manager
After spending several years working in Asia, Fiona, originally from the UK, now calls Sydney her home. She manages operations of the UniBreak program working closely with universities and individuals across Australia. With a passion for responsible travel, Fiona ensures that all travellers receive thorough pre-departure preparation and professional support during their placement.

Ebony Holmberg, Digital Marketing Manager
Originally from Melbourne, Ebony completed a degree in communication and advertising at RMIT. With a strong eye for design and a swag of marketing skills, Ebony handles all digital, marketing, design and web content for Antipodeans Abroad. An avid traveller, Ebony has spent time in North & Central America, South East Asia, Africa and Europe.

Lucy Carpenter, UniBreak Sales Manager
Before completing a Bachelor of Arts in Organisational Learning at UTS, Lucy discovered a passion for travel in her gap year, spending time in Africa, America and Europe. Joining Antipodeans as Sales Coordinator, she works closely with both the GapBreak and UniBreak programs, combining her love for travel and volunteering.

Michelle Desmarchelier, Expeditions Operations Assistant
Michelle comes from a background in adventure travel operations and over 20 years experience in the travel & tourism industry. She has a passion for Africa and has spent months trekking though various countries. Michelle claims one of her greatest achievements (prior to surviving life with 2 kids under 3) was trekking to Everest Base Camp with her husband.

June Yue, China Specialist & Accountant
Originally from China, June moved to Sydney to study a Master degree in Cross-Cultural Communication at the University of Sydney. With the understanding of both Chinese culture and western culture, she helps Antipodeans in developing different programs related to China. June also works as a member of the accounts department in the Antips office.

Kia Langmead, Expedition Manager
With nine years experience in outdoor and experiential education, Kia has facilitated and managed many personal development programs, both in Australia and overseas. Kia first joined the team at Antipodeans six years ago as a leader, and has since travelled extensively around the world. Kia recently joined the Operations and Business Development team at Antipodeans, keeping alive her passion for facilitating young people's experiences.

Kathryn Kirk, UniBreak Operations Manager
Kathryn's wealth of experience volunteering and traveling throughout the developing world guarantees that students get the most out of their overseas placement. As a student, Kathryn spent time volunteering in India, the Philippines and Kenya, and since then has worked closely with volunteers in a number of different countries around the world. She uses her first-hand knowledge of living and working in the developing world to prepare students for their trip.

Anne Done, Expedition Manager
With over 10 years travel industry, leadership, project management and outdoor education experience Anne adds considerable knowledge and skills to the expedition operations team. With a strong focus on education she is perfect for preparing students for the experiential learning that will occur. Having guided and lived overseas for numerous years she knows what happens in developing countries and has extensive experience of community projects.

Ellaina Speziale, GapBreak Coordinator
Ellaina is currently completing her Masters of International Social Development at UNSW, and brings her experience in international travel and volunteering to the GapBreak Program. With a background in community health, development, and human rights projects in Ghana, the Philippines and Kenya, Ellaina is passionate about ethical travel for young Australians, and believes in the transformation these experiences can provide.

Alison Cullen, UniBreak Program Manager
Born in Japan and educated in the UK, Alison inherited her wanderlust from her parents. With a strong belief in finding mutual benefits for skilled volunteers to contribute to developing communities, Alison organises overseas healthcare electives and projects for undergraduate University students. Involved in all areas of the UniBreak program, she is responsible for advising and preparing students fully for their placements.

Ryan Teasel, Sales Coordinator
Having work across a number of industries involving educating campers and students alike, Ryan has developed a passion for facilitating experiential learning opportunities for youth. With a bachelor degree in Outdoor Education Ryan has worked as a group leader for various schools in Victoria and as an instructor at Monash University. Ryan has worked as an Expedition leader for Antipodeans since 2011 and now joins the team in the Sydney office.