Melissa Armstrong

Head of Academy

• Queensland Office
• Email Melissa
• +617 3839 3100

Melissa specialises in employee engagement and performance services. Melissa, joins us from Flight Centre where she has worked since 2003, firstly in senior finance roles, before embarking on her successful career in the learning and development sphere. Prior to this, she spent 10 years working in some of the world’s leading retail, media and finance organisations in Australia, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Melissa is a qualified CPA and holds a Bachelor of Business and a Diploma of Neuroleadership.

Melissa is an energetic and highly experienced facilitator, trainer and speaker.

She has global experience in enriching people, enhancing their performance and converting their potential. Highly driven and creative, she has a unique presentation style that helps her unite and motivate an audience.

Irene Green

Director of Professional Development

• Queensland Office
• Email Irene
• +617 3839 3100

Beginning with Harcourts as a real estate business owner Irene and husband Mike were the number 1 franchise for New Zealand. Moving to Australia in 1997 the duo began the global expansion of Harcourts and ultimately purchased the company with partner Paul Wright in 2000.

Irene believed a strong focus on growing their people would be their point of difference and has been an integral part of Harcourts Academy for over 25 years introducing successful and diverse programs in Harcourts training rooms across 10 countries as well as online.

As Head of the Academy Irene was the driving force behind becoming a Registered Training Organisation in Australia in 2004 and developing affiliations with industry training providers in New Zealand, South Africa and Indonesia.

As Harcourts continues to grow Irene is responsible for the professional development of Harcourts corporate teams, travelling frequently to support our existing operations dotted around the globe.

Inducted into the Harcourts Hall of Fame in 2013 for outstanding contribution Irene continues to champion international projects such as Harcourts Inspirational Women, Harcourts Future Leaders and Team culture initiatives.

Irene holds a diploma in teaching, a diploma in workplace education and a diploma in business (real estate).

Tim Butler

Online Learning Manager

• Queensland Office
• Email Tim
• +617 3839 3100

Tim joined Harcourts in March 2008, having worked in the Information Technology industry for over seven years as a Multimedia Developer then Interaction Designer. This has given Tim extensive experience in utilising technology to successfully deliver information and knowledge. Tim holds a Bachelor of Multimedia from Griffith University and strongly believes that technology is only useful if it makes people's lives better or easier. As the Academy's Online Learning Manager, Tim is responsible for the vison, design, development and maintenance of all Academy online systems.

Mitch Green

Human Resources Manager

• Queensland Office
• Email Mitch
• +617 3839 3100

With a background in customer service and a Degree in Psychology, Mitch takes responsibility for Harcourts Human Resources (HR) policies and tools for the team. The currency and growth of our intellectual property within the Harcourts resource library is a key focus for Mitch; this includes the job descriptions, process and associated resources for every role within Team Harcourts from Sales through to Corporate. Based in Brisbane, Mitch employs his advanced qualifications in Counselling to consult with our people then communicate and implement Harcourts HR systems and services to the wider Harcourts team.

Alinta Ward

Academy Program Development Manager

• Queensland Office
• Email Alinta
• +617 3839 3100

Alinta’s primary role is to evolve existing and develop new training programs and resources for the Academy. Alinta has worked within many roles during her time with Harcourts from administration, property management, sales & marketing, enabling her to draw from her in-the-field knowledge and experiences when developing new resources. Alinta’s aim is to ensure all our Academy Manuals, Workbooks, PowerPoints, AV, Leader’s guides and Assessment tools are comprehensive, easy to use and are readily available to our trainers.

Debbie Warshawsky

Academy Operations Manager Australasia

• Queensland Office
• Email Debbie
• +617 3839 3100

With a passion for growth and professional development, Debbie is committed to producing real estate ‘stars’ in the field and corporate world. An award-winning Queensland Real Estate Consultant and a Qualified trainer, Debbie joined Harcourts in 2003 as the State Trainer for Queensland. With Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and her full licence, Debbie’s focus is working with Harcourts Academy Trainers for their induction, training and ongoing support. Covering Academy program delivery and consistency, RTO compliance, Debbie is responsible for communication between regions and Academy team contribution.

Alan Hossack

Marketing Multimedia Manager

• Queensland Office
• Email Alan
• +617 3839 3100

Alan is a true creative at heart, with over 10 years working experience across multiple industries in high paced environments. He is versatile, reliable and efficient with a strong eye for detail. Alan has a diversified skill-set encompassing Brand Management, Marketing, Design, Videography, Communications and Training. Alan works closely with Alinta to ensure that our training content both looks great and is engaging for our students.

Ashley Dawes

Academy Administration Support

• Queensland Office
• Email Ashley
• +617 3839 3100

Ashley joins the Harcourts Team as Administrative Support in Brisbane’s Head Office. Her primary focus will be around providing quality administrative support, coordinating Academy events and promoting excellent culture within the Academy Team. With a background in administration and customer service in finance and insurance industries, Ashley is passionate about the effects that positive team culture and good communication have on the workplace, and seeks to promote these in her everyday work.

Paula Irvine

RTO Compliance Contractor

• Queensland Office
• Email Paula
• +617 3839 3100

Paula has over 30 years’ experience working in real estate and education and training. She holds a Batchelor of Arts (Adult Education), Certificate IV TAE, and has held real estate licenses in Queensland, the ACT and New South Wales. During her time as the General Manager of Property at Kaplan Professional, she developed strategic partnerships with all facets of the real estate industry to deliver real estate training and CPD. She has consistently developed and implemented initiatives that significantly improved business performance in all her education management roles. Paula’s strong leadership skills, financial management and ability to drive change has built her reputation as a professional, go-to person for any real estate training.

Paul Casarotto

Academy Trainer / Business Development Manager (New South Wales)

• New South Wales Office
• Email Paul
• +61 2 9380 8665

Paul Casarotto has over 18 years property industry experience, having been a residential and commercial Sales Agent, Business Owner and Sales Manager for a leading Sydney agency. In addition, he has facilitated numerous auction courses and training seminars for several major franchise groups, leading independent agencies, and the REINSW. Paul is a practicing Auctioneer and has conducted close to 4,000 property auctions and has also appeared on several national television shows, including ‘Location Location’. Drawing on his huge experience within the real estate industry, Paul provides support and guidance to Business Owners with their business planning and training whilst also up-skilling new and experienced consultants.

Janet Okaro

Academy Trainer (New South Wales)

• New South Wales Office
• Email Janet
• +61 2 9380 8665

Janet spent over 6 years working in the field of Human Resources and Learning and Development and also spent some time studying and working with children in primary education in Australia and abroad. Janet has a passion for education which is utilised in her dual role at Harcourts NSW as Business Operations Manager and Academy Trainer. Janet currently provides support and training for technology, office administration and real estate sales.

Heather de Fina

Professional Development Manager (Queensland)

• Queensland Office
• Email Heather
• +617 3839 3100

A long-time member of the Harcourts Team since 1999 Heather has been a hugely successful Sales Consultant, Sales Manager and Business Owner and more recently in her role as Business Development Manager for Queensland Corporate Support Team, a role she has been dedicated to for many years. Through Harcourts’ collaboration with Disney, Heather was selected to attend the world renowned ‘Disney Institute’ in Orlando Florida, where she participated in their training program, ‘Leading and Sustaining a Service Culture’. This previous training will assist her in the new role of Professional Development Manager for Harcourts Queensland. This is a natural progression for Heather and involves determining and driving the strategic direction and operation of Harcourts Professional Development initiatives which includes:

• The quality and delivery of the Harcourts Academy core programs in Sales, Leadership, Culture & Technology
• Assisting Business Owners with a focus on recruitment and growing our Future Leaders
• Support and guidance of our Queensland Trainers

Assisting in the retention of our people through programs designed to enhance their skills and challenge their minds.

Ray Brincat

Academy Trainer (South Australia)

• South Australia Office
• Email Ray
• +61 8 8410 4444

Ray commenced his Real Estate career in the south west suburbs of Adelaide in a leading independent agency. He progressed to an international franchise group becoming an experienced auction listing sales representative. With over a decade of sales experience and as a Registered Land Agent (with the Diploma of Property (Real Estate)), registered auctioneer and qualified trainer with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Ray spent almost 6 years at the Real Estate Institute of SA as the Institute’s sole Compliance Adviser. Known for his attention to detail and intimate understanding of the real estate legislation he is determined to assist franchise owners, sales representatives, property managers and trainees. Ray understands the “whole of agency” approach with property management being as important as the sales function. The iconic Harcourts brand delivers huge benefits to the franchise network. Training and compliance mixed with a consistent, persistent and ethical approach is certainly a recipe for success for both our Harcourts people and our many valued clients.

Megan Hampton

Academy Trainer (Tasmania)

• Tasmania Office
• Email Megan
• +61 3 6337 9700

Megan began working at Harcourts in 2005 and after gaining valuable experience through the Harcourts systems and networks she started her own property management company in 2009.  After 6 successful years in business, she has returned to Harcourts to take up the role of Academy Trainer. Personal career highlights for Megan were being nominated for Australian Property Manager of the Year at the Real Estate Institute of Australia Awards in Darwin in 2012 and being a state finalist in two categories for the Telstra Business Women’s Awards in 2012. 

Megan holds a Sales Consultant's License, Assistant Property Manager's Licence and has completed a Diploma in Property and is currently studying a Diploma in Leadership & Management. Megan also holds a Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment and is a trainer for the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania.

Chantelle Iannello

Academy Trainer (Western Australia)

• Western Australia Office
• Email Chantelle
• +61 8 9388 7700

Chantelle began her early career in her family's real estate office, where she became one of the most successful teenagers in her field. After just a few years she was highly awarded for her work in developing mass growth in property management, before moving on to foster top 10 sales rankings in both the office and individual stats.

Chantelle's passion to empower others began when guest lecturing to senior high school students. She went on to work in the training and recruitment of business owners and sales people throughout the state, eventually assisting with specialised RTO Diplomas and CIV programs.

Joining Harcourts after several years back in the sales arena, Chantelle brings with her an enormous amount of knowledge and expertise in growing and strengthening businesses, educating and enhancing individuals and teams, and does so with the passion that makes a difference. Chantelle's core values resonate from her family upbringing, and she believes that the greatest gift in life is to make a difference to someone else's.

Justin Balsillie

Academy Trainer (Victoria)

• Victoria Office
• Email Justin
• +61 1300 856 773

In his career to date, Justin has trained thousands of students in a variety of real-estate courses. Prior to joining Harcourts in early 2015, Justin was already known in the sector through his work as Senior Trainer at the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), where he managed all staff and contract trainers. He believes success is achieved in a collaborative fashion through a lot of effort and dedication, and always ensuring you have the client’s best interests at heart. He understands the importance of prioritisation to ensure your professional goals enable you to achieve your personal goals. He is proud to be part of Harcourts and sees the culture at Harcourts being the strength of the organisation. Justin believes the difference lies in the willingness of Harcourts staff to assist each other for the good of the client.

Melanie Tan

Academy Trainer

• Auckland Office
• Email Melanie
• +64 9 520 5569

Melanie Tan is Northern and Central Academy Trainer for Harcourts New Zealand. In this role, she provides the wider Harcourts team with relevant knowledge to strengthen their skill sets and enhance their overall professional growth. Mel has been a high performer in the real estate industry, winning loyal clients with a personal commitment to "improve lifestyle through exceptional service". With sales experience, digital savvy and an enthusiastic approach, Mel communicates effectively with students, moving them closer towards their real estate goals.

Tamsin Mason

Academy Trainer (Wellington)

• Wellington Office
• Email Tamsin
• +64 4 472 6209

Tamsin is the Academy Trainer for Harcourts NZ, responsible for training new and experienced sales consultants within the Harcourts Group.

For Tamsin, it’s all about creating success and improving performance through relevant, current training that can be easily utilised within sales consultants’ businesses.

Described as a dynamic and highly successful salesperson who achieves excellent results for her clients, Tamsin has been recognized as a top performer since starting with Harcourts in February 2008. Consistently in the Top 20 for the Wellington Region and Number 1 in the Harcourts Eastbourne office, Tamsin now brings her "in-field" experience and expertise to the role of Academy Trainer.

As a top performer for the Region for 9 years, Tamsin understands what it takes in the field to be highly successful.

Give Tamsin a call to see what training the Academy offers to help you launch or boost your business success.

Andrew Simich

Professional Development Manager & Academy Manager (Auckland)

• Auckland Office
• Email Andrew
• +64 9 520 5569

Andrew Simich started his career in Real Estate in 2004, selling residential property before moving into a management and training role with the same organisation. Andrew has been on board with the Harcourts team since October 2015 as the New Zealand Professional Development & Academy Manager and is enjoying working in a likeminded team of people, helping to grow new salespeople and the existing team, across the network.

Yvonne Duff

Academy Trainer (Christchurch)

• Christchurch Office
• Email Yvonne
• +64 3 348 8784

Yvonne is responsible for training new and experienced sales consultants within the Harcourts Group, with the objective of increasing and enhancing knowledge coupled with strengthening salespeople’s efficiency whilst embracing the core values of Harcourts. Having been a real estate professional for over 17 years, Yvonne continues to prove she delivers more than just words. The vast number of testimonials speak volumes of her respected work ethic, professionalism, knowledge and most of, all her commitment to her clients.

Possessing a forthright and warm manner, expect to hear "how it truly is", her approach to Real Estate is without complication. Always present to meet your needs, bringing vast experience and knowledge to the relationship. A natural communicator, prior to entering the Real Estate Industry in the 90s, she was a Tutor which has provided an even stronger platform for this role.    She is passionate about learning, enthusiastic user of the numerous technologies available and has a love of sharing knowledge, encouraging growth in others, attributes which are an ideal combination for an Academy Trainer.

Gael Hodgson

Head of Academy (South Africa)

• KwaZulu-Natal Office
• Email Gael
• +27 31 201 1060

Gael boasts an extensive career in corporate sales and customer service. She joined one of the biggest real estate players in the industry in 2003 as a sales agent and during her 7 years of selling property she won the title of 'Rookie of the Year' as well as many awards including 'Top Agent Based on Commission', 'Most Income Generated' and 'Most Units Sold'. Gael joined Harcourts in 2010 as the Business Development Manager for the KwaZulu-Natal and East London regions where she has been able to combine her previous experience to do what she is most passionate about - growing people and their businesses to their full potential.

Valerie Acevez

Director of Harcourts Academy (USA)

• California Office
• Email Valerie
• +1 949-599-1700

With a background in real estate compliance and document training, Valerie brings a depth of experience to her role as Academy Trainer in the Harcourts USA Head Office in California. Valerie also oversees the training in Reno, Nevada, Orange County, San Diego, Portland, Oregon and the Inland Empire. Valerie has a vibrant personality and that shows through in her training style.

Ray Bachman

Academy Trainer & Business Operations Manager (Oregon USA)

• Oregon Office
• Email Ray
• +1 541-388-7301

Ray has a dual role in Harcourts USA as both the Academy Trainer and Business Operation Manager for the Northwest Region. Ray brings extensive knowledge through advanced training in real estate, technology knowledge and has high professional standards from his real estate career in Bend, Oregon. Ray will be utilizing all of his skills to train and support our people, agents and managers and is very excited to share and assist in their success though out the Harcourts USA network.