People powered education
We believe in a future where compassion thrives; where people support each other to connect, belong and to feel valued at every stage of their lives.
The Catalyst Education team brings a wealth of experience and know-how in their areas of expertise. The team’s primary focus is to empower staff to deliver a unique, human-centered education and training approach that delivers future-ready professionals, armed with the knowledge, skills and capabilities needed to create a compassionate society.
Meet our leadership team
Jo Asquith
Chief Executive Officer
Jo’s deep knowledge, experience and purposeful leadership in the education sector focuses on supporting learners to realise their education and career ambitions.
With over 20 years’ experience in Australian schools and tertiary education, Jo has held a variety of roles from primary school teacher, University lecturer to Indigenous support teacher. Jo also has 15 years’ experience in international education and has held the position as Director and Principal of University of Canberra College (UCC); a Joint Venture between the University of Canberra and Navitas.
Holding a Master of Arts (outdoor education) and a Bachelor of Teaching, Jo from 2010-2015 also chaired the Australian Universities International Directors’ Forum. In October 2015 Jo was elected onto the Board of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA).
Kristen Clarke
Head of Learning & Teaching
With more than 12 years of leadership experience in the education sector, Kristen has a track record of design, implementation and evaluation of tertiary programs to facilitate quality learning and teaching to domestic and international students.
She has extensive experience in strategic academic and operational development gained within three large dual sector education providers in multi-discipline and multi-campus education environments. These roles have enabled Kristen to develop strong and effective teams and a passion for continuous improvement and professional development.
Sarah Collisson
General Manager – Operations
Sarah has worked in the VET sector since 2007, beginning her career as a trainer and assessor. Moving through the many different areas of the business has seen her develop skills in resource development, learner recruitment, account management, compliance and leading the training team.
Sarah’s passion lies in empowering both learners and colleagues to thrive within whatever their chosen field may be. Her current role allows her to combine her passions of education, leading teams and personal development.
Julie van Belkom
Head of Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Julie is an experienced training and quality manager with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry.
As a strong quality assurance professional graduated from Swinburne University of Technology, she is skilled in coaching, government, team building, training delivery, and management.
Salil Gupta
Chief Financial Officer
Salil brings to Catalyst Education strong commercial acumen with over 13 years experience in commercial finance and business reporting, holding several senior roles across a various of industry sectors including BPO, sales and education.
Salil has a Masters in Commerce, Master of Business Administration and is a Member of Chartered Accountants in Australia.
Ryan Christie
Head of Marketing
Ryan has over 15 years’ marketing experience working across a variety of industries including insurance, law, standards and marketing solutions.
Ryan’s expertise includes developing holistic strategic and tactical planned marketing to build brands, while empowering the people within them. Supported by skills in both above and below the line marketing channels, including systems and platforms, Ryan specialises in content that engages, informs and inspires throughout the entire customer journey.
Vaishali Kapoor
People & Culture Manager
Vaishali is passionate for creating positive change and enhancing employee experience within the organisation. Having worked in diverse industries ranging from education, banking, healthcare and professional services she brings comprehensive experience in employee lifecycle management.
Vaishali holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management and has vast knowledge in people management, aspiring to nurture a culture of collaboration, trust and accountability within an organisation.
Syachfri Tjhia
Head of Information, Communications & Technology
Syachfri has over 12 years’ experience in technology infrastructure, support, development, implementation and project management.
Syachfri holds a Bachelor of Business (Business Information Technology). This qualification and the variety of different positions Syachfri has held, have exposed him to the many different aspects of operating a quality Registered Training Organisation.
Meet our board
Our Board of Directors comprise highly-skilled individuals with specific industry knowledge and experience in building and growing successful businesses.
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David Allman
Non- Executive Chairman
David was appointed Non-Executive Chair of Catalyst in October 2015. He is a member of the Anacacia Business Advisory Council, and previously served as Non-Executive Director of Lomb Scientific and Non-Executive Chair of Muir Engineering.
David is also currently Non-Executive Chair of ASX listed Gale Pacific Limited. David was Chief Executive Officer of ASX listed McPherson’s Limited from 1994 until 2009. Prior to joining McPherson’s, he was Managing Director of Cascade Group Limited and before this held senior positions with Elders IXL Limited and Castlemaine Tooheys Limited. David holds a degree in engineering and prior to obtaining general management positions held managerial roles in production management, finance and marketing.
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Helen Zimmerman
Non-Executive Director
Helen has worked in leadership roles in Australian education for over thirty years.
She was formerly a senior executive at Navitas, an Australian global education provider. Prior to joining Navitas Helen was Managing Director of ACL, Australia’s largest private provider of English language education.
Helen is an experienced board member. She is the current Chair of the Tuition Protection Service, VSL Tuition Protection Fund and HELP Tuition Protection Fund Advisory Boards, and a member of the NSW Skills Board, having previously served on the Jobs for NSW Board.
From 2011 to late 2017 Helen was a director, and then Chair of the Australian Business and Community Network, a not-for-profit organisation that connects business with high need schools and learners through mentoring and partnership programs.
Helen was a foundation board member of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), serving as President from 2012-2014. In 2017 Helen was awarded the International Education Association of Australia’s Distinguished Contribution Award for a colleague who has led ground breaking initiatives to improve international education in Australia.
Helen is an Honorary Senior Fellow of the LH Martin Institute of the University of Melbourne and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Dr Sarah Azzi
Non-Executive Director
Dr Sarah Azzi is an Associate Director with Anacacia Capital where she is responsible for a range of activities including originating and assessing prospective investments, supporting portfolio companies and assisting with exit opportunities. Prior to joining Anacacia, Sarah was a Principal in Mercer Investments’ Private Markets Group where her role encompassed researching private markets products and assisting clients with the construction and monitoring of their private markets portfolios.
Previously, Sarah was a Senior Investment Consultant at Sovereign Investment Research, a boutique alternatives investment advisory firm. Sarah was also a Research Analyst at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Sarah holds a PhD in Banking and Finance from the Australian School of Business at the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Business (Honours) from UTS.
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Marcus Sellen
Non-Executive Director
Marcus is an experienced entrepreneur with over 10 years leadership experience in education and training, specifically within the vocational education sector. Marcus is the founder of Selmar Institute of Education and has produced year on year sales growth since its establishment.
Marcus is well recognised for his wealth of experience and innovation in the education environment and has won numerous awards including finalist in the Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” awards, winner of the 2007 Enterprise (Education Sector) at the Australian Business Awards and in 2011 was recognised in BRW’s Fast 100 list. Marcus is a Fellow of Australian Institute of Management and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.