Meet the team at SCCE

James is a highly experienced CEO with over 35 years in education management, specialising in student welfare and international programs. He has held senior leadership and board roles in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and the USA. Committed to student well-being, he has led two of the largest student exchange organisations in Australia and New Zealand, ensuring safe, supportive experiences for young learners. James is dedicated to fostering enriching educational opportunities while prioritising the welfare and success of every student.

As Inbound Manager with Student Exchange Australia NZ and Southern Cross Cultural Exchange, she has firsthand insights into how travel and cultural immersion can profoundly impact individuals and communities. Her career began in the airline industry, fueling a desire to explore different cultures. Having lived in the UK and Italy, she gained a global perspective that has been invaluable in her roles within the student exchange industry. Passionate about connecting young people to life-changing experiences abroad, she holds a Bachelor of Business Management and postgraduate studies in Urban Planning. Outside work, she is a proud mother who enjoys running, yoga, reading, and beach life.

Emma’s journey with SCCE began as an exchange student to France, igniting a lifelong passion for cultural exchange. With over 19 years in the industry, she has worked across Outbound Programs & Sales, Student Recruitment, and Inbound Admissions and now juggles her roles as Marketing Manager and Education Agent. From web design to digital marketing, she is committed to showcasing the life-changing impact of exchange while managing the many facets of her role. An avid traveller, she loves building relationships with partner agents and schools worldwide. Outside work, she’s a devoted mum of two teenagers and a proud cat lover.

Emma is an adventurous and globally-minded individual with a passion for cultural exploration and helping others experience the world. Having been a university exchange student in Spain and living in South Korea, Emma has developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. With a passion for experiencing new cultures to ensure global understanding and tolerance, Emma has a strong desire to ensure that Australian and New Zealand students have the opportunity to travel abroad as an exchange student and fully immerse themselves in a new culture. She is committed to helping students step out of their comfort zone and experience something new that will have a long-lasting impact on their future.

When Emma isn’t helping students navigate the highs and challenges of going on exchange, she enjoys travelling to new countries, experiencing new cultures and trying new foods.

With a strong passion for working with young children and teenagers, Jessica was a volunteer teacher and participated in philanthropic efforts in underprivileged countries. Her love for travel and cultural exploration began early when she was an airline cabin crew. Having lived and travelled around the world, she understands the joys and challenges of living abroad. Outside of work, she’s passionate about volunteering, fashion, Latin dancing, tennis, being a foodie but above all, she truly enjoys spending time with her 2 children and her pet cavoodle. She’s committed to guiding students through every step of their exchange, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience.

Ashley has worked with young people in various capacities in the education industry, including underprivileged foster youth and Aboriginal students. Having lived in America and travelled extensively, Ashley has a love for exploring and learning about other cultures. This passion has been furthered through her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Anthropology. As Outbound Coordinator, Ashley combines her passion for education, lifelong learning, and culture to help students have a successful exchange that they will cherish years into the future. When she is not working, Ashley enjoys reading, running, or watching the latest movie with a bowl of popcorn!

Tina is a passionate Marketing Coordinator who loves helping students get closer to their dream of going on exchange. With a strong focus on communication, she enjoys chatting with families, answering their questions, and ensuring they feel well-informed and supported in their decision-making. Born in Germany and having moved to Australia 20 years ago, Tina relates deeply to the experience of living away from home. She participated in two exchange programs as a teenager, gaining valuable insights into the value of being fully immersed in a different culture. Outside of work, Tina enjoys hiking, camping, dancing, and spending time with her family and their crazy kelpie.

Carly brings a wealth of experience to the finance team, having worked in the travel industry over the past 20 years. Her love for travel has led her to explore many countries, and a safari in South Africa with her family is one of her most cherished adventures. Carly’s passion for helping others shines through in her work, and she loves that she is helping students achieve their own first-hand experiences and adventures. Outside of work, Carly enjoys watching movies, and spending quality time with her family and their lively labradoodle, whose antics always keep things fun!

Her journey with SCCE began in 1985 when her family hosted an exchange student, sparking a lifelong passion for cultural exchange. She became a Local Coordinator, later advancing to SA State Manager. Over the years, she has worked in both Inbound and Outbound programs and hosted 44 students from around the world—many of whom now call her “Mum.” Outside of work, she cherishes time with her grown children and 13 grandchildren, enjoys movies, lawn bowls, and good TV series, and loves long lunches with friends over cheese and wine at local wineries. Forty years on, she still loves what she does.

Cheryl’s time with Southern Cross has deepened her love for travel. She brings a wealth of experience in sales and relationship building to her role, with the most rewarding aspect being the lifelong friendships that develop between host families and students. The special bonds formed often last for many years, and she now sees some of her first students starting families of their own while remaining connected to their host families from years past.

Passionate about travel, Cheryl enjoys experiencing different cultures and exploring as much of the world as possible. She has three grandchildren and loves exercising, going for long runs, and spending quality time with her family.

Tanya’s journey with SCCE began 13 years ago when she started working alongside the company’s passionate founder at the time, Betty Lane. Born in England to a French mother and a Polish father, she speaks fluent French and has travelled extensively, including spending a year living and studying in France. She graduated with an International Business Degree, majoring in French—an ideal foundation for working with inbound and outbound cultural exchange students and witnessing the rewarding outcomes of these programs.

Having worked her way through the ranks at SCCE and hosted several exchange students, Tanya has developed a deep passion for cultural exchange. Her extensive experience includes supporting students and host families, as well as ensuring student safety and wellbeing—fundamental values that underpin all SCCE’s core procedures.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and their two dogs and tail-less cat. She loves camping, travelling, being out on the water, snorkelling, walking, cooking, and sharing quality time with family and friends.

My role as an Inbound Program Coordinator is supported by my own love for travel both domestically and internationally. Having recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies I gained an appreciation for global perspectives and the value of cultural immersion and experience. No matter what form these may take. I enjoy both supporting and witnessing the challenges and rewards of students through-out their exchange journey. Outside of work, I’m further inspired by reading and exploring the city that I have recently relocated to. Socialising through live music performances, trying new foods and any other opportunities that come my way.