External Services

simon@healthcareers.edu.au

Simon serves as Chief Operations Officer with primary focus on business growth and effective implementation of IHM’s operational and strategic initiatives. Simon has over 10 years industry experience in the higher education and vocational education and training sectors developing and managing student recruitment and international growth strategies. Prior to joining IHM, Simon worked in senior management roles nationally and internationally as a communications, strategy and business consultant in education, health care and technology sectors in Australia, China, Philippines and other South East Asian countries.

geons@healthcareers.edu.au

Geons Jose has been the Institute of Health and Management's Head of Marketing and Sales since May 2022.

He is in charge of coordinating and implementing all of IHM's national/global marketing objectives and operations.

Geons develop IHM's digital marketing plans and strategies to increase it’s industry profile and visibility in order to attract students to various awarded and non-awarded courses offered by IHM in Australia.

An expert in advising overseas students on the best courses to pursue in Australia, Geons has a deep understanding of the country's advantages and facilities. Numerous foreign-registered nurses, dentists, and medical practitioners have benefited from his guidance and assistance in obtaining Australian registration and employment in the health-care industry in this country.

Geons has collaborated with IHM and other non-profit organisations on several projects. Some of the projects were IHM's Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Nursing programs marketing and establishing these courses as one of the most trusted courses in IHM for 3 years Diploma holders in nursing, Enrolment/Admissions Management of Entry Program for Internationally Qualified Registered Nurses (bridging program), introducing Australian Dental Council and Australian Medical Council exam preparation programs in Australia, and making IHM the first institute of higher education provider in Australia to provide exam preparation programs for Overseas dentists and medical practitioners.

From 2018 to 2022, Geons worked as a National Marketing and Sales Manager at the Institute of Health and Management. It was his goal to expand the number of international students at IHM by developing strong relationships with stakeholders and forming a successful marketing and sales team.

More than 4000 healthcare professionals had attended his seminars in more than 10 countries and learned about the procedure of registering in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Prior to working at IHM, Geons served as an admissions officer at the Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA).

He started his career in dentistry at the Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Center in India. From Deakin University, Melbourne, he has a Master of Health and Human Services Management (specialising in Public Health) and a Master of Business Administration specialising in International Marketing from the Australian Institute of Business, South Australia. He received a bachelor's degree in dental surgery from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Bangalore, India.

shisir@healthcareers.edu.au

Dedication to innovation and technology, Dr Shisir is a senior researcher and academic specialising in ICT and innovation policy with a strong track record of serving the Australian tertiary education for over five years. He heads Healthovation, an HCI subsidiary dedicated to the latest technologies and collaborative tools in the design and delivery of healthcare education. Dr Shisir leads multi-disciplinary research on the design, development, delivery, execution, and evaluation of cutting-edge ICT technologies to improve tertiary education systems and healthcare service delivery. His professional affiliations include Australian Computer Society (ACS), Centre for ICT for Development, Nepal (ICT4D) and Nepal Research and Education Network (NREN).

lisa.w@hci.edu.au

Dr Lisa Woodman has significant experience in higher education, aged care management and dementia services and care. Lisa is committed to ensuring students develop skills and knowledge that are transferable in the real world. This enables them to meet the needs of clients, including health care providers, staff, patients, clients, their families, communities, and policy/decision makers, while promoting a high quality of life throughout the person's lifespan.

Lisa is also the founder of Lisa Jane DDC (Dementia with Dignity and Care), bringing extensive experience in Dementia consultancy and support. Combined with Aged Care Management and Vocational and Professional Teaching, Lisa has provided services that assist people living with dementia, their families, and carers, whether they are in the general community or aged care facility. Lisa travelled throughout Asia and Australia, gaining knowledge and experience in these areas, and presented at the Australia-China trade missions throughout various cities in China. Lisa's commitment to the recognition of the individual person was demonstrated in her PhD, which examined the lived experiences of those living in the community after their spouse was admitted into an aged care facility. The result is a model of transition based on those experiences that will enable people who are admitted into aged care, their loved ones and other key stakeholders, including staff, to better understand this experience. In addition to her PhD, Lisa's Masters Degree in Aged Care Management, Masters in Professional Education, and her Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing provide a broad range of perspectives. Lisa has won the Vice Chancellors' Performance Award while at Queensland University of Technology. Lisa has been involved in publishing journal articles and many textbook chapters, as well as co-authoring Stories in Ageing (Elsevier) and Dementia: Practical Insights. A Practical Handbook (Australian e-publisher)

bimal@healthcareers.edu.au

Bimal has over 15 years of experience in the fields of accounting and financing. Bimal is established his skills in Management Reporting, financial analysis, Auditing, systems & process implementation, etc. Bimal holds a Master of Accounting & Master of Business Administration (Finance). Last 10 years Bimal is working with HCI group of companies and taking care the financial operational aspects of the business.

rob@ihm.edu.au

Associate Professor Rob Townsend is a discipline leader for Social Work and Human Services education in Australia. He is currently Head of Allied Health and Social Work at IHM, is a management committee member of ANZSWWER and an ordinary member of Adult Learning Australia (ALA) and a senior member of the International Academic Forum (IAFOR). Rob has been a program lead and coordinator in social work for Federation University Australia, Victoria University and La Trobe University (Bendigo). Rob’s areas of teaching and research include, critical social work practices, postmodern social theory, regional communities, diversity, adult transitions and well-being particularly how human and social capital is develops in diverse 21st century communities. Rob’s recent research has been connected to trauma-informed social work, community services, peer learning and how global events and policy settings impact on local communities.

pankaj@hcigroup.com.au

Pankaj has over 20 years of experience in the fields of accounting and finance which range from financial reporting and taxation to auditing. Pankaj has established skills in corporate finance, financial analysis, taxation, accounting and auditing. Pankaj holds Bachelor of Commerce degree and he is also a member of Certified Public Accountant (AUS) along with Chartered Accountant (India). Pankaj has served as CFO HCI Australia (and its subsidiary companies including IHM) for the past eight years’ and is responsible for managing financial aspects of the entire group of companies.

kogi@ihm.edu.au

Professor Kogi Naidoo has significant international experience in higher education teaching and in leading academic development, research and quality assurance projects in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia (University of Adelaide and Charles Sturt University). Professor Naidoo’s focus on the scholarship of teaching includes leading a national team to investigate the impact of academic development on first-year student learning at New Zealand universities. Professor Naidoo’s postgraduate research includes a focus on self-evaluation programs for staff development and designing systemic academic course quality assurance mechanisms.

Professor Naidoo is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK and is the recipient of prestigious academic awards and fellowships, including the South African Junior Technikon Fellowship Award, the Ernest Oppenheimer Gold Medal and the South African Association for Research and Development in Higher Education (SAARDHE) Young Achiever Award. Professor Naidoo was also awarded the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Fellowship in 2003. Professor Naidoo is HERDSA President Elect (2020) and will serve as HERDSA President (2021-2022)

Professor Naidoo has presented and published her research internationally and is a published author of two books, Working Women: Stories of Struggle, Strife and Survival, 2010, Sage, India and Live, Learn, Love: The Path to Your Prowess! (2012), Balboa Press, A Division of HayHouse.

joe.t@ihm.edu.au

Dr Joe Thomas (MSc, PhD) is an accomplished institution builder, academic, diplomat and a global leader in Public Health, Rights and Social Development. Dr Thomas has been active in Global Health and Social Development for more than 25 years. Comes with excellent leadership qualities and has a deeper understanding of social development's global dimension. He has extensive and exhaustive technical expertise in reproductive health and health rights, emergencies, data analysis and reports. In addition, he has proven excellent experience in administration and management of complex multi-stakeholder projects of high-level strategic engagements; and proven expertise in a cross-cutting, multi-cultural work environment in Africa and Asia regions. Dr Thomas is an expert in developing high-value strategic partnerships with Governments, UN agencies and non-state actors, drafting complex MoUs, strategic bilateral agreements and establishing multi-stakeholder alliances. He is a member of the board of directors of several NGOs joethomas.in

lisa.w@hci.edu.au

Dr Lisa Woodman is an expert in the field of health and care education and training. She is dedicated to ensuring that students acquire skills and knowledge that are relevant and transferable to the real world. This enables them to provide high-quality care to clients, including patients, families, communities, and decision makers.

Lisa is also the founder of Lisa Jane DDC, which provides consultancy and support services for people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers. She has extensive experience in this area and provides vocational and professional teaching services to assist those in the general community and aged care facilities. Her work promotes the identity and respect of people with dementia and provides strategic direction to aged care and home care organizations.

Lisa's PhD research examined the experiences of individuals living in the community after their spouse was admitted into an aged care facility. This research resulted in a model of transition that helps people who are admitted into aged care, their loved ones, and key stakeholders, including staff, to better understand this experience. Her Master's degree in Aged Care Management, Master's in Professional Education, and Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing provide her with a broad range of perspectives, reflected in her range of publications.

Lisa has shared her expertise and knowledge through presentations at Australia-China trade missions in various cities in China. Her commitment to promoting the recognition and individuality of people is evident in all of her work.

prerna@healthcareers.edu.au

Dr Prerna Khawas holds the position of Academic Registrar at the Institute of Health & Management (IHM). Dr Khawas has as her main responsibilities student support and administration. She has substantial experience in the theory, practice and implementation of learning and teaching at higher education. Her role at IHM is focused on providing a supportive learning environment to students and academic staff with greater understanding of the policies, processes and procedures which support learning and teaching including quality assurance and enhancement as well as the support mechanisms within the Institute.

Dr Khawas holds a PhD in Food Engineering & Technology and has previously worked in various research, development and teaching environments as a Research Fellow. She has published her research work in a number of international journals and books.

navjot@healthcareers.edu.au

Navjot serves currently as IHM’s on-campus and online Course Coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Nursing and Graduate Diploma in Nursing courses of study. Navjot’s qualifications include a Master of Science Nursing (Baba Farid University, India), a Bachelor of Science Nursing (Baba Farid University, India) and a Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAE40110).

lina@hci.edu.au

Dr Lina Shahwan-Akl is an accomplished academic and healthcare professional based in Melbourne, Australia. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Dr Shahwan-Akl has held various academic and professional positions throughout her career. She served as an Associate Professor and Director of Post Graduate Studies at Reputed University. Her research projects have received funding from various organisations, and she has published papers in reputable journals. Her research interests include topics such as social media in professional practice, palliative care education, cardiovascular risk factors, and health promotion. Dr Shahwan-Akl has been involved in committee memberships related to education, research, and professional development. She has served on various committees at RMIT University, including the University Awards Committee, University Appeals Committee, and Post Graduate Studies Committee. Dr Lina Shahwan-Akl is currently associated with IHM as the interim Academic Dean and overseeing and implementing curriculum development processes and policies, managing the Head of Schools across the institute and facilitating communication between academic staff and senior operational managers.

sahaya@healthcareers.edu.au

Sahaya is Course Coordinator for the Master of Nursing program at the Institute of Health and Management (IHM). She commenced her career as a lecturer in the Bridging and then EPIQRN (Entry Program for Internationally Qualified Registered Nurses) programs with IHM in Melbourne.

Sahaya graduated from Annamalai University (Tamil Nādu, India) with a Bachelor of Nursing and a Bachelor of Midwifery and commenced her nursing career as an Intensive care nurse before completing a Master in Mental Health Nursing. In Australia, she has worked as a specialised registered psychiatric nurse and as a nurse manager, nurse educator and nurse researcher.

Internationally, Sahaya has extensive experience in India, the Middle East and Australia as a nurse leader, lecturer and researcher. Her passion to support the next generation of nurses and nursing leaders is demonstrated in her work to create a positive, inspiring learning atmosphere and people-centred approach that cultivate future nursing leaders.

anthony.welch@ihm.edu.au

Professor Anthony (Tony) Welch has held senior positions in the discipline of nursing in both the private and public sectors of the health care industry nationally and internationally (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong).

Such positions have included Hospital Manager, Director of Nursing, Deputy Director of Nursing, Senior Supervisor, Unit Manager, Principal Educator, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies, and Director of Postgraduate Studies.

Professor Welch has also been a foundation member of two Schools of Nursing in Australia. Professor Welch serves currently as Assistant Dean Community Engagement, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Central Queensland University.

bijo@hcigroup.com.au

Bijo Kunnumpurath is the Founding Director of HCI Australia, a leading independent global provider of healthcare education and research. As the Managing Director, Bijo sketches the vision of the organisation on a global scale and oversees internal systems so as to ensure compliance with legal / statutory obligations as well as implementing policies in risk management and quality assurance.

Bijo is recognised as an accomplished entrepreneur with a remarkable business acumen. Bijo has integrated this acumen to bring about a proactive approach in business development, innovation, change management and governance, especially in the higher education and vocational education and training sectors.

Bijo has a Master of Business Administration complimented by undergraduate qualifications in Mechanical Engineering. Bijo has worked extensively worldwide and is esteemed as a notable socially-responsible personality in diverse communities across Australia, Malaysia and India. Bijo is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). A firm believer of continuous learning, Bijo is currently pursuing Ph.D. at the Swinburne University of Technology, in the field of good governance in independent education and training.

In acknowledgment of Bijo Kunnumpurath’s distinctive contribution and achievement of considerable influence and advancement of learning and teaching in higher education through the promotion of professional standards, the Higher Education Academy of the United Kingdom awarded him a Principal Fellowship.

chandana@hcigroup.com.au

Dr Chandana Hewege holds a Ph.D. in Management from Monash University, a Master of Business Administration and B.Sc. in Business Administration (Honours) from the University of Sri J’pura, Sri Lanka. Dr Hewege’s academic and professional experiences are predominantly centred on teaching, research and industry consultancy. Dr Hewege has published over 45 refereed research papers and conference papers.

Dr Hewege’s academic research encompasses a wide spectrum of research areas such as corporate social responsibility, management controls of transitional economies, marketing, logistics, international business and research methodology. Dr Hewege is also accredited as a teacher in higher education by the Staff Education and Development Association, United Kingdom (SEDA, UK).

Dr Hewege possesses 20 years of teaching experience (undergraduate and postgraduate, local as well as overseas). Dr Hewege has won several awards for his academic and research excellence, including the best critical literature review award, Department of Management, Monash University; Emerald Literati Award-Social Responsibility Journal 2017; the Teaching Excellence Award by the Faculty of Business and Law, Swinburne University of Technology: the best reviewer 2007 award, Contemporary Management Research Journal; and the best student Gold Medal award, Department of Business Administration, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

Dr Hewege has served previously on the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) Journal Ranking Panel for Marketing, Tourism, Logistics and Commercial Services Research Areas.

daniel@hcigroup.com.au

Daniel Atkin is an experienced risk management professional who has worked across the public and private sectors in several education and health care related roles. Daniel’s experience includes working in the Federal and Victorian State public sectors, in Higher Education Regulation and providing risk management consulting to the Victorian Public Health sector as well as a range of other sectors, and in a privately listed for-profit health care environment. Daniel’s Board and Committee experience include the Scouts Victoria Risk Management Committee and as the Victorian Chapter President of the Risk Management Institute of Australasia.

Daniel serves currently as Group Risk and Compliance Manager for Integral Diagnostics – an Australian and New Zealand listed radiology group.

gerald@hci.edu.au

Gerry Doyle is Course Coordinator & Lecturer for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program with the Institute of Health & Management’s school of Allied Health and Social Work. Gerry has a broad range of experience in academic roles, including teaching, curriculum development and field education at Monash and La Trobe universities & RMIT. Gerry coordinates and teaches the BSW units ‘Knowledge & Skills for Planning & Assessment in Social Work’ & ‘Introduction to Psychology & Sociology’.

Gerry’s research interests include economics, poverty, and ecological social work. Gerry was previously a Research Affiliate with the Social Inclusion & Social Policy Research Unit (SISPRU) at Monash University. Gerry’s PhD, which he is undertaking at La Trobe University, concerns rediscovering social work’s economic paradigm.

Gerry was previously a member of The Victorian Combined Schools of Social Work (CSSW) committee, and the Integrated Legal & Social Support Network. Gerry is a current member of the AASW’s Green Social Work Network (GSWN) which represents the field of social work concerned with issues of sustainability and environmental action.

anitha@healthcareers.edu.au

Dr Anitha Ramachander is a dedicated and committed professor, teaching courses in management for over two decades in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. She has been Guiding research scholars for doctoral program and also the Examiner and reviewer for doctoral programs in various universities.

With 26 years in the conceptualization, development and deployment of solutions, been successful in managing the entire gamut of management education Dr Ramachander has been Instrumental in establishing several institutions and introducing various courses as tie-up programs. With her Proven leadership skills gained from managing various large departments through innovative problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills she has been a regular contributor on HR related issues in leading mainlines / newspapers. Dr Anitha has authored books, numerous research articles and conducted conferences, seminars and workshops. She was one of the four-team members of the Group Study Exchange program in Kentucky, USA in April-May 2004. Conferred the PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIP in USA the highest award of Rotary International in recognition to the outstanding participation and as the best ambassador of India. She was the recipient of International Achievers’ Award 2010-2011 for Education Excellence. The Award was conferred on 4th International Achievers’ Summit on “Global Business Opportunities” in Singapore. Indian Achievers Forum in association with Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and India-Thai Chamber of Commerce honors the outstanding achievers from all over the country and abroad. She was conferred the Outstanding Women Achievers’ Award, 2013 conferred by PRCI, ISBR and Chambers Academy Foundation and the Outstanding Educator at South India Women Achievers Award (SIWAA), December 2019

shisir@healthcareers.edu.au

Shisir oversees academic programs at the Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA). His career in Australian tertiary education spans over six years and he has served as a senior researcher and academic specialising in technology management and innovation policy. He has experience working in vocational and higher education sectors. He also heads Heathovation, a division of the Health Careers International (Legal name of IHNA) that focuses on improving healthcare education through research and innovation using cutting-edge technologies. The design, development, delivery, execution and evaluation of innovative technologies to add values in tertiary education system and healthcare service delivery are central to his current area of research. He is also spearheading an effort to improve the educational opportunities to students through the use of ‘technology enhanced learning’ (TEL).

Shisir has demonstrated understanding and knowledge of compliance and academic quality processes in conformity with the Standards for RTOs 2015 and the Higher Education Standards Framework 2021.

As a multi-disciplinary researcher, Shisir has published articles on technology in tertiary education, health management, information technology policy and system. He has established partnerships on a national and global scale and been recognised for his outstanding contributions. He is diligent, well-organised, detail-oriented and is driven by passion for the next generation technologies and the reward from the use of such technologies that benefit the education industry and society at large. He is an associate member of the Australian Computer Society (ACS), board member of the Centre for ICT for Development, Nepal (ICT4D) and a member of Nepal Education and Research Network (NREN).

abhishek.sharma@hci.edu.au

With 3+ years of industry and academic experience, I have effectively handled multiple responsibilities at once and have developed effective teaching styles that can allow students to link theory into practice. Apart from teaching, delivering tutorials and assessment activities, I have also published papers in journal articles and proceeding conferences.

By shaping up my presentations skills at Deakin University & Monash University in my initial years of my Doctoral degree, I was able to be awarded as one of the winners in 3MT faculty finals, 2019. In addition to this achievement, I was awarded with the “Best Research Poster” at Swinburne Research Conference, 2019. Moreover, I have also delivered presentations on topics such as “The Role of IOT in the Fight Against Covid-19 to Restructure the Economy” & “Demarcating the Privacy Issues of Aarogya Setu App in Covid-19 Pandemic in India: An Exploration into Contact Tracing Mobile Applications from Elaboration Likelihood Model” in International Conference On Human-Computer Interaction, USA.

Apart from that in my past years, I have been engaged in working with various roles related to market research, marketing, sales & international client relationship where I developed an in-depth understanding of all facts of the sales, marketing and the presentation process. With a very good international exposure from Singapore, France and India, I have been able to explore various aspects that helped me gain knowledge on intercultural negotiations.

Prior to beginning my PhD, I earned a Master's degree in International Business (Edinburgh Napier University, UK) from the Singapore Branch Campus in 2015. Some of my prominent achievement during my Master’s was gained from the position of University Student Leader. My academic achievements were reflected in being one of distinction topper in Marketing and Economic modules.

ahmad@hci.edu.au

Dr. Ahmad Mousa earned his BSN (2004) and Critical Care-MSN (2006) from Jordan University, Hahemite Kingdom of Jordan. He worked as a registered nurse in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit at ISL Hospital, Amman / Jordan. While practicing as a nurse, he provided the best possible patient-centered care to improve ICU patients' health outcomes during their critical point in life and got interested in patient and family experience. During his time at ICU, he investigated the influencing factors of the satisfaction of ICU families elaborating their anxiety and critical care needs of ICU families on his masters' thesis. He then transitioned himself as a Lecturer at King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2006-2010), he founds great enthusiasm in research and teaching. After arriving to Australia, he has been working as Quality and Education Manager in aged care. Dr Ahmad is a recipient of Edith Cowan University Postgraduate Research Scholarship 2012 and completed his PhD in 2017. Dr Ahmad serves as an academic lecturer and researcher at the Institute of Health and Management.

mercy.henry@hci.edu.au

Lecturer in Nursing - IHM, North Melbourne Campus.

Professional Doctorate Candidate in Nursing and Midwifery.

Unit coordinator - Research and Reflective units for Master of Nursing.

sahaya@healthcareers.edu.au

Ms Sahaya derives her professional experience from a strong and varied health services background as an accomplished registered nurse, mental health clinician, academician, researcher, recovery coach and dementia care expert. Sahaya’s contribution to the nursing field emerged, evolved, and continued for nearly two decades, both in academics and health care. Sahaya’s enthusiasm and passion focus on building a solid and resilient workforce in healthcare. Sahaya has contributed to various projects in mental health, which were undertaken by Eastern Health, Alfred Health, and the Department of Health in Victoria. One of her significant contributions to the mental health workforce is a training program she developed to promote workplace safety for all mental health clinicians. She is a recipient of the publication award from Deakin University for her Honour’s thesis.

In her current role as Course Coordinator for the Master of Nursing at the Institute of Health and Management, Sahaya draws immense satisfaction in working collaboratively to achieve outcomes with individuals and teams that result in an enriched academic experience. Sahaya is currently pursuing her PhD and carries the pride of being a budding researcher.

vainess@hci.edu.au

Dr Mbuzi is a senior Lecturer at IHM -North Melbourne Campus. Has clinical experience in cardiothoracic intensive care nursing. Her research interest is in acute care experiences of Indigenous patients, and pressure injury. Has over 37 years combined nursing experience in a variety of areas including nurse education and management, overseas and in Australia (26 years in Australia). Currently involved in the development of a Bachelor of nursing program within IHM.

rupali@healthcareers.edu.au

Ms. Rupali is the Lecturer at IHM (Sydney Campus) for Master of Nursing

navjot@healthcareers.edu.au

Highly accomplished academic, Senior Fellow with Higher Education Academy UK (SFHEA) and Certified Course Reviewer, Higher Education Leadership Institute (HELI) with over 8 years experience in leading, training, developing, and mentoring nursing and community health professionals. Currently working as a Course Coordinator at Institute of Health and Management (IHM). A comprehensive approach to educational research, innovation, and development with a focus on international students. Recognised as a dynamic achiever with excellent interpersonal skills. Experience within the Higher Education (HE), private health sector and RTOs. Areas of interest include course development and educational research.

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