Meet Our Staff

Colin Carpenter, Founder and Managing Director
A former teacher, Colin founded Antipodeans Abroad over 20 years ago has worked in the field of educational travel ever since. He organised and lead 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, Schools Co-ordinator
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. As well as managing three young kids Danielle is still actively involved in managing the operations for school expeditions and school group travel.

Lucy Watson, GapBreak Program Manager (on leave)
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, after which she joined the Antipodeans Abroad team. With a strong eye for design, Ebony is involved in all graphic and online content, as well as promotions for the GapBreak Program. An avid traveller, Ebony travelled the world on her gap year before starting University, and has since spent time in South East Asia and Africa.

Josh Owen, Operations Manager
After completing his post graduate studies in teaching in Sydney, Josh set off to experience all that he could. A varied set of opportunities saw him managing a business in Vietnam, teaching in a bilingual school, leading trips throughout Asia and working in an outdoor education camp in North America. Josh recently returned to Australia and is excited to be working in a position that enables young people to gain such a valuable experience at such an important age.

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.

Ben Talbot, UniBreak Operations Manager
Bens’ interest in travel started when he spent the early part of his childhood growing up in PNG. Since then he has travelled through Europe and Asia. He has worked in the outdoor education sector for the past 7 years culminating in co-directing a school based outdoors company.

Michelle Desmarchelier, Administration Manager
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.