Meet the Tutors

We believe the hallmark of any good distance-learning school is the level of support provided and how much encouragement, motivation and contact with the tutor is available.

From the beginning of your course you are assigned your own personal, skilled tutor whom you may contact as often as you like. We encourage unlimited dialogue between you and the tutor. Our specialists are there to provide as much assistance as you might need, and to encourage you constructively along each stage of the course.

Our tutor selection criteria requires all tutors to have at least a tertiary qualification (there are sometimes exceptions to this rule where experience out-weighs qualifications) and 5 years industry experience. They must also be active in their industry, and demonstrate a willingness to be student-focused.

Not every tutor is fit to teach by distance learning. Issues such as poor communication, uncaring attitude and unclear expectations can easily ruin a students home study/distance learning  experience.  In addition to the above selection criteria we also, require tutors to have the following qualities:

Anna Bennett

BSc Hons Zoology (University of Bristol)

Anna is very passionate about animals and the great outdoors.  She currently lectures at Easton College, Norfolk specialising in  Animal Behaviour, Farm Animal Management, Wildlife Management, Ecology, Anthrozoology and Animal Collection Management. Her working life has always been  associated with animals including working in the Bristol Zoo, Veterinary Nursing and as a Horse Riding Assistance.  Her commitment to animals is not restrictedto the UK but also includes undertaking conservation  abroad in the Greek Island of Cephalonia and a period of time in India studying veterinary practice conservation projects.

Michael Booth

B.Sc (Hons) Chemical Engineering, (University of Leeds), MSc with Merit Computer Science, (University of Kent), Executive Associate, Institute of Independent Business International

Michael has over 20 years experience in industry with a diverse academic background incorporating executive management, chemical engineering, and computer science. Michael has an international background and has worked as a technical director, production manager, and operations manager throughout companies across the world. He recently completed his MSc in Computer Science from the University of Kent, and is an executive associate of the Institute of the Independent Business International.

Gillian Cotton

C.Psychol.MSc (Hons) Psychology (The University of Auckland, NZ), Dip in Coaching (London, UK), Trinity College Cert in TESOL (Sheffield-Hallam University, UK), Post Graduate Cert in Teaching TESOL (Sheffield-Hallam University, UK).

Gillian is a Chartered Business Psychologist/Coach, with the BPS, UK and a member of the Royal Society of Medicine, UK. Over the 17 years she has lived in the UK, of which she is a citizen, Gillian has worked for blue chip companies, the Education Sector, the UK Home Office Border Agency, focussing on coaching, teaching, facilitating workshops, personal development, and training from shop floor to Directors and Medical Doctors from a multi-cultural background.  She successfully runs her own designed seminars: Stress Management, Building Your Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence, Change Your Life, Being Assertive, Dealing with Difficult Clients, and Dealing with Difficult Behaviour. She is also a Director of Kent Coaching and Mentoring, UK.

 

Jason Dodd

Jason Dodd is an established freelance photographer with years of experience in Automotive, Commercial, Press, Music, Sport and Public Relations (PR) photography. Based in Canterbury, Kent, he regularly works all over the UK and Europe. He has also just covered the Full Monte charities super car run across Europe this year, where he was working in France, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco.

As a freelance photographer his assignments cover a wide range of subjects in addition to those portrayed in the gallery of sample images. His portfolio also includes photography for advertising campaigns, web sites, company literature, architectural - interior and exterior, entertainment, abstract images and much more.

Using the very latest Canon professional digital cameras, images can be manipulated and supplied via email, CD, DVD and ftp. Often on site for the more urgent jobs.

Jason is also a lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University where he has been instrumental in putting their photography degree course in to place over the last two years. He also runs the Kentish Photography Club in Canterbury and runs his own photography training courses across the UK.

Shevaun Doughton 

Dip Ed, BA English/History (University of Wollongong)

Shevaun is a well-qualified and experienced teacher of English Literature and English as a Second Language in both Britain and Australia. She began her career in teaching at secondary schools moving later into  Adult Education. She has expertise in English literature, English language and History.
Shevaun is currently studying a Masters degree in Education at the University of Wollongong, while lecturing at a Warnborough College, Canterbury, England in academic English, Creative Writing, Dramatic Writing, Freelance Writing, Poetry, English as a second language and Business Communication.

Andrea Downes

B.SC Equine Science, Welfare and Behaviour (Easton College currently enrolled), Certificate in Education,, Veterinary Nursing Qualification, Pre-Veterinary Nursing Certificate, Dipolma in Animal Care.

Andrea  is a committed tutor with a passion for caring for animals. In her current position Andrea  is responsible for the coordination of the veterinary nursing course at TOCES. Most of her working career has been devoted to Veterinary Nursing and practices.

Andrea likes to keep up-to-date with current trends in veterinary practices. On of her most recent achievments was taking a group of students to complete a conservation project in Africa to support young children.

Paul Evans

CAPM, MICB, CB.Dip, PM.Dip, AMCollT, BSYA (Cl. Fit.)

Paul brings three decades of real world business experience. His business expertise includes many internional Project Management programmes, Directorships and Managerial positions. Pauls' active participation in the bookkeeping profession ensures he is up-to-date with current accounting practices. His background in international business, is an added bonus.

Ashok Francis

B.A. Science (Mangalore University), Honours in Hardware Engineering & Networking (Indian Institute of Hardware Technology), Post Graduate Diploma - Computer Applications (Institute of Human Resources Development, India).

Francis has had a diverse background as an IT professional, experienced in LINUX certification, incorporating web development, administrating and system administration. His IT expertise incorporates Visual Basic. Net, ASP.Net, and SQL Databases.

Katie Freeth

BSc. (Hons) Horticulture, (University of Bath); RHS General Examination; FI Hort; MIfpra;

An experienced and professional horticulturist with extensive management skills gained internationally; experienced in landscape management, staff supervision and management, written and oral communication, horticultural knowledge and application, supported by organisational and administrative skills and attention to detail.

Katie brings 20 years experience in Horticulture and is an accomplished lecturer, horticulture consultant and freelance writer. Katie is a judge for the International Awards for Liveable Communities in the Whole City Category.
Katie also worked for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in France for approx 5 years – first as a Sector Manager and then as an Area Manager; management of the cemeteries, peripatetic teams of gardeners (UK & French nationality) for the constructed cemeteries and memorials and static French nationality gardeners for small town/village plots.

She also supervised the Area Arboriculture Team and was Exhumations Officer – in charge of collecting discovered remains and arranging identification (if poss) and interment of same.

Sophie Hall-Aspland

B.SC (Hons) Biological Science ( University of Exeter, UK),  M.Sc Marine and Fisheries Science, (University of Aberdeen and Marine Research Institute), Phd Conservation Ecology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, (University of Sydney), PG Cert River Restoration and Management, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia, Currently completing Cert IV Training and Assessment, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory, Australia and Cert IV Conservation and Land Management, Batchelor Institute, Northern Territory, Australia.

Sophie has a wide and varied background in Environmental studies, Conservation and Land Management.  In her current position, Sophie lectures on Consevation and Land Management, at the  School of Health, Business and Science, Batchelor Institute of Indegenous Tertiary /Educatuion, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.  She has also been an Honoary Lecturer at the School of Veterinary  Science, Charles  Sturt University, NSW.  Other positions include, Ecologist, Rersearch Biologist, Research Assistant and Zoo Keeper at the Marine Mammal Department, Zoological Parks Board of NSW.

Sophie whose work appears in over 13 publications is also, the winner of many awards and funding. Her current research programmes include:- accoustic behaviour in estuanne crocodiles, movements and diet of  snow leopards using stable isotope techniques and the hormonal and accoustic behaviour in captive Brazilian tapir.   She is also a member of : -  Ecological Society of Australasia, Australia Marine Sciences Association, Associate Member of the Scientific Committee for Antartic Research on Seals, Associate Member of  Australasian Zoos Research Advisory Group, and Scientific journal reviewer for Marine Ecology Progress Series, Marine Mammal Science and Oecologia.

Juliette Harris

BSc Hons Biology (University of Sussex)

Juliette has over 10 years experience in teaching and private tutoring. As an undergraduate, she contributed to published research on the behaviour of an endangered bat species, though her main areas of interest and specialisation are genetics and cellular biology. After 7 months in the rainforests & reefs of Central America, Juliette began her teaching career at prestigious private school, Brighton College. She soon returned to Central America, heading up a field-trip for A-level students. She has been private tutor & exam coach to a range of students with very diverse backgrounds, aptitudes and expectations. More recently, Juliette has enjoyed working with adults with learning difficulties and enormous barriers to education.  Juliette currently splits her time between England and Bulgaria, where she works as a teacher and missionary.

Ryan Harper

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (Biodiversity and Conservation) and BSc Extended Science, (Plymouth University UK).

Whilst studying at university, Ryan was involved in the education of marine shore ecology and conservation to schools and colleges through a National Wildlife Trust. Since leaving university Ryan has moved to Australia and works as a Scientist for a global pharmaceutical company.

He has a great passion for wildlife, environmental issues and science in general.  In his spare time Ryan, has many other interests including scuba diving, playing football, and kayaking.  

Nick Howarth

Bsc, (Hons) Computer Studies 1st class, (Southampton University), Prince 2 Practitioner Qualified, ITIL Foundation Certificate,  Diploma in Bookkeeping ICB Level 3, Diploma in Payroll Management
ICB Level 3.

Nick's business experience in IT, Management and Bookkeeping expands over 20 years. His various positions held with Hewlett Packard include: Sorftware Development Engineer, Support, Engineer, Technical Account Manager, Manager – Response Centre and Support & Operations Manager for Sirenic Ltd.  In addition to his extensive IT career, Nick  is also the Director of Southhampton Bookkeeping Ltd providing bookkeeping services to clients and also tutoring  students for the ICB exams.

Theresa A Kahn

Cert  Further & Adult Teaching (City & Guilds), Cert TESLA, Cert of Education,
Cert of Education, Cert in Stress Management and Performance Coaching, Cert Problem focused Counselling, Coaching and Training.

Theresa has a diverse background as a Training Consultant, Performance Coach and Therapist and is an experienced tutor in the delivery of Personal Development courses and workshops in Stress Management, Positive Thinking, Visualisation, and Reiki Healing. During her 20 years  experience in  Life Coaching and Stress management, her clients include the  Oxford Further Education College, Sheppards Bush Housing, RBKC Town Hall and City of Westminster College. She also works from time to time as a Training Consultant with the CWC.  Theresa is also active in Life Coaching and runs a private practice where she assists clients on a face to face basis.

Her professional experience has allowed her to set up many training courses for such clients as, Hilton Hotels, the Home Office, St Mary's Hospital, Goldman & Sachs Bank and Brindley Estate.

Yvonne Leach

Cert -Ed (Christchurch  University College), Training the Trainers Cert, (Guild of Guides), Welcome Host Trainers Cert (S.E.E.T.B), Assessors Awards (BTEC), Adult Training Award (C&G), Blue Badge Guide - Professional Guide  Qualification,(Institute of Tourist Guides)

All Yvonnes working career has been devoted to the travel and tourism industry.  Her 35 years experience in this environment has seen her hold positions from  trainer to acting as a travel consultant and event management  organiser. She is currently a consultant and trainer for the S.E.Guides Training Programme  as well as being an Event Management consultant  responsible for planning and executing  corporate events, including conferences, team building, incentive events and  working with blue chip  companies  including Pfizer UK and Axa Insurance.

Yvonne, also specialises in  working in, and lecturing  about Incoming/Domestic tourism in the UK and  aspects of both Heritage and Rural tourism.  She has her own company which specialises in planning events and weddings in Italy, as well as creative itineraries for tours throughout the UK. Winning the South-East Tourism Marketing Award was one of the highlights of her career.

Nirmin R Patel

B.A. Natural Sciences (Warnborough College), B.Med.Sci Cert Basic Medical Sciences Certificate (Semmelweis University School of Medecine,Hungary), MD Doctor of Medicine (Saba University School of Medicine, Netherlands-Antilles, Saba, West Indies)

Nirmin's academic career has been devoted to medicine and he brings many years of experience in this profession. Positions he has held include Clinical Audit Officer, Director of Medical Studies at Warnborough and currently Foundation Programme Administrator for the North Middlesex University Hospital, Edmonton London. Nirmin is a very commited tutor always keen tohelp studednts begin their medical careers.

Susan Stephenson

BSc in Applied Plant Biology (Botany) Univ. London 1983.
City and guilds: Garden Centre Management, Management and Interior Decor (1984)
Management qualifications in training with retail store. Diploma in Hort level 2 (RHS General) Distinction.  RHS examiner

Susan Stephenson is a passionate and experienced horticulturist and garden designer. She has authored three books, lectures at 2 Further and Higher Education Colleges, teaching people of all ages and backgrounds about the wonders of plants and garden design, and tutors many students by correspondence from all over the world.

Susan studied botany at Royal Holloway College (Univ of London) and worked in the trading industry before returning to her first love – plants and garden design. She is therefore, well placed to combine business knowledge with horticulture and design skills. Her experience is wide and varied and she has designed gardens for families and individuals. Susan is a mentor for garden designers who are just starting out, offering her support and advice and she also writes, delivers and assesses courses for colleges, introducing and encouraging people into horticulture and garden design.

Susan is a Professional Associate and exam moderator for the RHS and holds the RHS General with Distinction. She continues to actively learn about horticulture and plants and (as her students will tell you) remains passionate and interested in design and horticulture. 

Annelie Thomas

BA Psychology (University of Stellenbosch), Higher Diploma in Nutrition (University of South Africa).

She has many years of practical experience working using psychology with children’s youth groups in South Africa as part of the Church Development Programs and coaches children in sports. Subsequently based in the UK, she studied nutrition and supplements with the aim of providing professional advice to high performance athletes on sports nutrition. In addition she can guide clients on how best to combat  common diseases such as diabetes, cancer,  fatigue, excessive weight gain, mood swings etc., via nutrition.

Paul Thomas

BSC Agriculture (Agronomy and Animal Husbandry) University of Stellenbosch, BSC Hons (Pasture Science) University of Natal, Diploma in Strategic Marketing  University of Witwatersrand Business School,  Fast Track Marketing Diploma  Institute of Marketing Management UK,  CeeMap 1,2 and 3 FSA UK. AVCASA Certified.

Paul brings with him over 20 years experience as an entrepreneur in the Pharmaceutical industry, as well as International Marketing for leading global Pharmaceutical, Biotech and AgroChemical companies. He has co-ordinated Pan European Product Launches and been responsible for Global Sales and Marketing of On-Line Media products to the Pharmaceutical and Competitor Intelligence communities.  He has past lecturing experience at colleges and a University in Canterbury. More recently he has run his own Financial Services Business and been involved in negotiating sports contracts for young aspiring professional players.

David Whyte

Higher National Diploma in Arboriculture, (BTEC), Higher National Certificate in Horticulture (SCOTVEC), National diploma in Horticulture, (SCOTVEC), National Certificate  in Horticulture SCOTVEC. Current: - process of becoming LANTRA instructor.

David's  23 years experience and continuous participation in the Horticultural environment has allowed him to win many awards. These include: Outstanding Performance on Teaher Training course, International exposition to Kunming City, China, International Presentation on Forests and Culture to Estonia, Community Awareness on Native Woodland Conservation and International Scholarship to Scandinavia.

For most of his working career David has taught in the field of Horticulture and Arboriculture.  In addition to his formal qualifications he holds many technical qualifications including, PA1 & PA6 Pesticide Application Cert, Chainsaw Maintenance Cert, Manual Handling Techniques Cert,

David's expertise in horticulture has lead him to hold many positions as a lecturer and trainer. These include, Newcastle College,  East Durham and Houghall Community College, Sunderland City Council, Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh (Benmore), Tern Television Productions, Scottish Natural Heritage, Royal Horticultural Society (Wisley) and Angus District Council.  He is currently a Technical site Based Trainer (Scotland & North England) for the ISS Facility Services – Landscaping.  He is currently in the final stages of  of becoming an approved LANTRA instructor.

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