AHN Brisbane Team
AHN Brisbane is located in Landmark Place in Spring Hill. Please feel free to call in and say Hi to the team. Its always great to put a face to name!
Chris Bycroft - National Operations Manager
Chris first began work with AHN in 2006 doing market research into the national homestay industry in Australia, which would eventually lead to the design of the AHN System.
He oversaw the development of AHN through its initial phases through to its official launch in 2008, taking the position of National Operations Manager in 2009, where he continues to work closely with developers in the design and testing of new upgrades and key system features.
In early 2010 Chris took on an additional role managing AHN Brisbane, and has found it an insightful and rewarding experience working locally with the Brisbane team.
Tina Yao - Homestay Placement Manager
Tina came to Australia in 2006 as a migrant. She started working in homestay industry in early 2007.
Tina is currently working in AHN Brisbane office to look after student placements.
From her previous experience working in this industry, Tina is able to find suitable homestays for international students and can provide necessary support when students need her assistance.
Ryan Svarc - Homestay Administrator
Ryan has worked within international education since 2005. Working initially at English Colleges has provided Ryan with strong understanding of how to communicate with international students. It also gave Ryan insight into the immigration and education requirements of student visa holders.
From 2008, Ryan worked as International Programs Unit Manager at Australia's largest vocational trade course provider. This position consolidated the administrative, financial and business development aspects of the training provider. In this role, Ryan was required to communicate on many levels of international education, from students and agents, to the Department of Immigration and The Australian High Commissions around the world. Ryan has promoted Australian education in India, Nepal, Peru, Colombia, Brazil and China.
Ryan has joined the AHN team in Brisbane and looks forward to helping both students and hosts find a rewarding homestay experience.
Stacey Parker - Systems Operations
Stacey has been working in the International and Domestic Education Industry since 2002. Her previous roles have been Administration, Homestay Coordinator and Event Manager for various organisations.
Having worked with Students, Hosts, Education Providers and Agents on several different levels; Stacey has a good understanding of the situations that can arise before, during and after a students arrival and does her best to keep everything running smooth.
Stacey has a supportive role with AHN Brisbane; assisting behind the scenes with system operations. Stacey also helps Tina and Ryan with placements, host enquiries and study tours.
Kelsie Brown - Junior Office Administrator
Kelsie has been working with the Australian Homestay Network since the beginning of 2011. Originally starting off in real estate, Kelsie decided a change into a different career path was in order.
At the moment Kelsie is currently managing ending and continuing placements, invoicing of students, as well as helping out Ryan and Tina when needed. Although only having limited experience in this industry before Kelsie is looking forward to learning new skills and dealing with different nationalities and backgrounds of students. While working here she hopes she will be able to help students and homestay families have an enjoyable and insightful experience together.
Pinki Lal - Homestay Coordinator (Host Interviews)
Prior to her commencement in the area of Homestay, Pinki worked with the Human Rights Commission and the Queensland Housing Commission.
As a result of having worked for over 25 years with Homestay students Pinki has built up a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise that is helpful in dealing with both families and students.
Having had homestay students herself over many years, Pinki is aware of many of the issues that can arise and tries to resolve these issues so there is a positive outcome for students, their families as well as the host families.
At present Pinki works as our Homestay Coordinator and completes a Host Interview and Inspection of the home environment to ensure that all homes meet the criteria established by AHN.