Our Team

Jakki Postlethwaite, Academic Manager

Jakki Postlethwaite joins Explore English as the Academic Manager having been involved in the ELT industry in a variety of contexts and roles since 2002.

Jakki holds an International Diploma in Language Teaching Management, a Masters in Applied Linguistics (TESOL) and a CELTA, making her highly qualified for the role. She is also a member of the NEAS Advisory Council. She is a firm believer in transparent communication, collaboration and inclusiveness, as well as having a desire for and a belief in continuing development. She is passionate about language education and thinks equipping someone with the ability to express themselves and make connections with others in another language is incredibly transformative.

Originally from Tasmania, Jakki launched her love for travelling with a trip to Japan, staying with a local family to improve her Japanese skills.  This attraction to travel and the experience of other cultures and languages has been a prominent feature in her life and one that continues to this day. At home, in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, photography and cooking.

Jakki’s combined work and life experiences bring a balance of professionalism and highly-developed skills in intercultural awareness and competence.

Michelle Cassell, Student Welfare Coordinator

Michelle joins the Explore English team as the Student Welfare Co-Ordinator after spending the past 20 years working in the education sector. Michelle worked for the Victorian Education Department where she specialised in supporting students on the Autism Spectrum and students with trauma based mental health issues. She provided quality care and support to severely challenging behaviour students with a trauma and neglect background. Her role was to provide students of various ages and developmental levels educational, behavioural, social and emotional support. Prior to this Michelle worked as a Microsoft Office Specialist Trainer in New Zealand and here in Australia.

Michelle is an accredited Mental Health First Aider and Level 2 First Aider which also includes Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management qualifications.

She is passionate in supporting students to reach their full potential in their learning journey, not just in education, but also their individual welfare.

Holly McLean, Student Support Officer

Holly is a Student Services Officer for both MCIE and Explore English. She has recently arrived in Melbourne from Brisbane, where she worked as a student services officer in International Education. Before starting in the education industry, Holly worked as a seamstress for a bridal company that created bespoke wedding gowns. She loves being creative and has studied Fashion Design, Musical Theatre and Business.  She spends her spare time sewing, painting, cooking and playing with her two puppies. She has travelled to parts of Europe, Asia and North America as well as living all over Australia. Holly hopes to continue to explore Australia and all that the world has to offer.

Anna Young, Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS)

Anna joins the Explore English team as the Assistant Director of Studies after teaching English to international students for over ten years in Australia, Russia and China. She is committed to inculcating passion for learning and creating multicultural awareness through the fundamentals of the English language. Anna genuinely cares about students and has a significant impact on their attitudes and motivation. She holds and a Bachelor of Applied Linguistics and Teaching and a CELTA and is currently completing Master of Teaching.