Welcome to your ISANA SANiTy Branch
The ISANA SANiTy branch is proud to have dedicated members from various education sectors across South Australia and the Northern Territory. We aim to provide professional development and networking opportunities tailored to our members’ needs and interests. We are also focused on developing professional approaches to our work in international education whilst providing support and mentoring through networking opportunities and participation in branch activities.
We provide regular professional development opportunities throughout the year. Professional Development workshops are open to everyone. Most of our workshops are free of charge to ISANA members. Any charge for non members aims to be very reasonable and normally includes a special membership incentive offer. If you have any questions, would like to raise a specific issue or become a speaker please feel free to contact the designated coordinator as listed in the PD Calendar.
We look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces at our events.
New Members
ISANA SANiTy always welcomes new members! For further information on ISANA SANiTy branch please contact the Branch Committee.
Contact SANiTy Branch
Branch Committee
President
Nabin Shahi
About Nabin
Nabin is a dedicated education professional with more than a decade of combined experience across universities and the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, both internationally and in Australia. His current focus is on strengthening the Australian VET sector, where he brings expertise in compliance, academic leadership and organisational quality. He is passionate about building sustainable education systems, supporting student success and enhancing institutional excellence.
Nabin’s passion for international education comes from his extensive experience working across diverse education systems in Australia and overseas. With more than a decade of combined expertise, he is committed to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where international students can succeed. His engagement with professional networks such as ISANA highlights his dedication to improving student wellbeing, strengthening institutional practices, and ensuring that international learners receive high‑quality educational experiences.
As the newly appointed President of ISANA SANiTy South Australia, Nabin is committed to strengthening governance, promoting transparency and fostering collaborative engagement across the international education community. Nabin’s vision is to support strategic growth, advance quality improvement initiatives and promote student wellbeing. By contributing his professional knowledge and leadership, he aims to further ISANA’s mission and ensure meaningful, high‑quality outcomes for international students and the broader education sector.
Nabin is guided by honesty, openness, teamwork and a drive for ongoing improvement. He leads with empathy and a practical, research‑based approach, always placing student achievement at the centre of his work. By supporting colleagues and encouraging inclusive practices. Nabin helps create strong, sustainable outcomes that benefit both learners and institutions.
Nabin enjoys mentoring emerging professionals and engaging with the education community. He is passionate about exploring new ideas in teaching, learning, and leadership, and takes pride in contributing to initiatives that strengthen student success. Outside of work, he values lifelong learning and collaboration, which continue to shape his professional journey. He also finds joy in spending time with nature and his family, grounding his professional life with personal balance and inspiration.
Vice President & Secretary
Tash Pressley
About Tash
Natasha (Tash) works at University Senior College. Tash brings 20 years’ experience in international education within the secondary school sector, with extensive expertise as an International Registrar. Key skills include regulatory compliance, student welfare and wellbeing, stakeholder engagement, and supporting international students through complex academic and pastoral processes.
Tash is inspired by the resilience and potential of international students and the opportunity to support them during a formative stage of their lives. With 20 years as an International Registrar in the secondary school sector, and 18 years as an ISANA member and committee member, she sees value in collaborating with professionals to strengthen support across the sector.
She aims to strengthen collaboration and share best practices. A key goal is to support professional development opportunities that equip members to respond confidently to the evolving needs of international students. Tash is guided by integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to supporting others. Her approach to collaboration and leadership is inclusive and respectful, valuing clear communication, shared goals, and empowering people to contribute their strengths.
Outside work, Tash enjoys spending time with her family, reading, Hollywood Trivia and watching movies.
Treasurer
Kathy Matthews
About Kathy
Kathy has been a Key Account Manager working for Allianz Care for 20 years in the Overseas Student Health Cover and Overseas Visitors Health Cover space. Kathy works with schools, pathway providers, vocational and higher education institutions to ensure a good health journey for International Students studying in Australia.
She joined ISANA to contribute to the sector to deliver and engage with international students and educational institutions in the student support space. In particular, the mental health and student wellbeing journey and navigating the Australian Healthcare System.
Kathy aims to focus on knowledge sharing with international students and educational partners on how best to access the Australian Healthcare System. She values the collegiate approach and values of working with the state and national based members for the greater good of our international students.
Outside work, Kathy loves to spend time with her grandsons (Kenji & Kai) to explore all things fun. Everything with the boys is a “yes”!
General Committee
- Alessandra Francia
- Julie Ladic
- Ben Mayne
Mary Ann Seow
About Mary Ann
Mary Ann works at Palladium Group. Mary Ann has extensive experience in higher education in a variety of roles that include teaching, research, corporate training and international education support. Mary Ann joined ISANA in 2000, served on the SA branch and as National President for two terms. In 2019, Mary Ann was made a life member of ISANA.
For Mary Ann, ISANA provides a collegiate supportive community for those who are passionate about the benefits of international education to students, their families and the community. ISANA provided the best professional development.
Mary Ann aims to work with colleagues in SA and NT to highlight good practice across the sector in international education, and strengthen engagement across the sector especially between non-educational and educational providers.
Mary Ann Came to Australia as an international student from Singapore – loved Australia so much she never left!
Karen Spavin
About Karen
Karen works at Le Cordon Bleu Australia. Karen is an experienced Registrar with over 20 years experience. She has a strong background in student administration, compliance, and operational leadership. In her role at Le Cordon Bleu Australia, she works closely across departments to ensure students experience a clear, supportive, and well‑structured journey from enrolment through to graduation.
Karen is inspired by the courage and determination international students show when they choose to study abroad. She values being part of a sector that helps students feel welcome, safe, and empowered during such a significant life transition. Karen joined ISANA to contribute to a community committed to strengthening student wellbeing, sector quality, and best practice.
In her term as a Branch Committee Member, Karen aims to support areas that improve communication, enhance student services, and make compliance expectations clearer and more accessible. She brings a Registrar’s grounded, collaborative perspective and hopes to contribute in ways that are practical, thoughtful, and solutions‑focused.
Karen values honesty, kindness, and a straightforward approach to working with others. Collaboration, clear communication, and shared purpose guide her leadership style and her contributions to team environments.
Travel is a big part of Karen’s life — and loves sharing the experience of exploring the world with her partner and daughter. She also enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family and friends.
SANiTy Resources and Updates
Northern Territory Government: International education and training strategy 2019 to 2025