Staff profiles
Diana Rennie
Position:
Programme ManagerPhone:
04 494 6023 / 021 836 870Email:
diana.rennie@afs.org"I was an exchange student for a year to Alberta, Canada (many years ago!). The exchange was a life changing experience for me. I am a host mum and have 2 teenage daughters interested in exchange! I have spent many years working in the travel industry and have been employed with AFS for the past 7 years."
Ask me about:
Sending and Hosting goals and statistics, policies and procedures, support cases, JENESYS Programme, Asia NZL Teacher Exchange, Orientation
Doris Cuthell
Position:
National DirectorPhone:
04 494 6021 / 027 444 5174Email:
doris.cuthell@afs.org"I have worked in education, training and counselling related fields in the public and not-for-profit sectors. I have been an AFS Chapter President and a sending and hosting parent."
Ask me about:
AFS policies, strategies, Board and Management Team issues, and difficult or sensitive issues that you would like me to know about.
Greta Purcell
Position:
Hosting CoordinatorPhone:
04 494 6027Email:
greta.purcell@afs.org"I have a double degree in Commerce and Physical Education from University of Otago. After leaving university I worked at a marketing agency in Sydney for several years and then went overseas to Europe. I spent five years in Italy working as a Language Training Consultant and have only recently returned home. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, dancing and yoga."
Ask me about:
questions regarding becoming a host family, incoming students, hosting strategies and procedures, camps, travel and activity waivers, programme release and new programme development
Jacky Loibl
Position:
Chief Financial OfficerPhone:
04 903 2278 / 021 808 392Email:
jacky.loibl@afs.org"Prior to being at AFS I worked for many years with IRD in a variety of technical, business analyst, design, financial and management accounting based roles. I have a National certificate in business studies, a Bachelor of Business degree in Accounting. I enjoy cooking, interior design, rugby league, surfing, travel, the beach and fast cars."
Ask me about:
National Office accounts and budgets, Chapter accounts, chapter funding, claims, invoices, treasurer responsibilities,taxation and Gst questions, payroll and staff leave
Janey Walker
Position:
Sending CoordinatorPhone:
04 494 6028Email:
janey.walker@afs.org"I completed a double degree in Commerce and Tourism at Victoria University of Wellington. I have just returned home to New Zealand after spending the last two years working and travelling in the UK and Europe. I am looking forward to putting my travel experiences to good use working with the AFS team!"
Ask me about:
Sending Selection, Selected student information, Country choices and availability, Application processes,Scholarships and Grants
Jo Eaton
Position:
Marketing CoordinatorPhone:
04 903 2273Email:
jo.eaton@afs.org"I bring several years' experience as a website content specialist for both public and private organisations to AFS. I've studied performing arts and I'm a graduate of the Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association's AWARD School. When I'm not at work, I enjoy blogging about eyewear fashion, DJing weird pop music, reading comics and watching plenty of science fiction TV."
Ask me about:
General marketing support, the AFS websites, advertising.
Kelly Pihema
Position:
Travel and Programme AdministratorPhone:
04 903 2276Email:
kelly.pihema@afs.org"I went on an AFS exchange to Brazil in 2003. My experience in Brazil inspired a passion for travel and cultural exchange. I continued my adventures in Chile (2006) and Italy (2008) as a university student, acquiring new languages and unforgettable experiences. I have a Master's degree in International Relations and Human Rights which has led me on a career path with AFS"
Ask me about:
Travel arrangements for sending and hosted students, airport volunteers, policies and procedures for student visas, general travel enquiries and logistical support.
Michael Van Dyk
Position:
Hosting CoordinatorPhone:
04 494 6025Email:
michael.vandyk@afs.org"I graduated from Canterbury University in 2008 with two degrees; A Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics. After university I volunteered as a teacher in Tanzania and also spent time volunteering at the local Juvenile Centre before traveling around Europe. My travels overseas have prepared me well for this job and I really enjoy being in contact with people from different cultures."
Ask me about:
questions regarding becoming a host family, incoming students, hosting strategies and procedures, camps, travel and activity waivers, programme release and new programme development
Prue Elwood
Position:
Educator Programme Developer and CoordinatorPhone:
04 903 2275Email:
prue.elwood@afs.org"My background is working in the education field, for the last 6 years with AFS responsible for educator programmes and LIA Awards. In 2012 I will be developing and implementing new initiatives both hosting and sending providing intercultural learning opportunities for educators to experience schools by observing and assisting in classrooms, building relationships and developing language and cultural knowledge."
Ask me about:
the Language Immersion Awards for students and teachers, current educator programmes running both in New Zealand and overseas, new opportunties for educator programmes with AFS, wanting to host an educator in your home and/or school, wanting to support an educator in New Zealand.
Rachel Ford-Hathaway
Position:
Support CoordinatorPhone:
04 494 6026Email:
rachel.ford-hathaway@afs.org"My background is in psychopaedics, broadcasting (radio), and crisis intervention. I have a number of interests including, anything to do with the sea, garden, music and a multitude of creative pursuits."
Ask me about:
All participant and family support queries, Support Co-ordinators responsibilities and reports, Student well being, Early Returns
Tony Calvert
Position:
Communications, Marketing and IT ManagerPhone:
04 494 6029 / 027 249 4447Email:
tony.calvert@afs.org"I have been in Sales and Marketing roles for a number of years working in academic, corporate and not for profit sectors. The AFS ethos attracted me to this role and I haven't been disappointed with the passion and commitment in the organisation."