MEET THE STAFF

Shauna-Lee Ward – General Manager (she/her)

As the General Manager of TUSA, I am responsible for the overall management of TUSA’s operations, including planning, delivery, monitoring, and reporting on operational activities, performance, and compliance. I have the great pleasure of overseeing the delivery of the Advocacy & Support Service and Regional Operations Teams, and I love working with the TUSA Team and students to deliver events and initiatives that contribute to student inclusiveness, engagement, and connectivity.

I previously worked at the University of Tasmania for fifteen years, so I have a solid background in tertiary administration and the higher education sector. I love working with students and working within a student-led organization where I can make a difference.

My personal interests are theater, yoga, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Renée de Villeneuve – Student Engagement and Development Manager (she/her)

As the Student Engagement and Development Manager, I love being able to work with students to design and develop professional development programs suited to their needs with a strong focus on practical learning. Needless to say, I love learning and often jet off to deep-dive into professional development courses and workshops. Personally, I thrive when ideas come together, and I see people’s confidence grow as they master something that was once deemed incomprehensible.

My background is in education, a career that has taken me all over the world, teaching, training, and coaching in schools, universities, and workplaces. I’m quite partial to adventures and spent the best part of fifteen years traveling, working, and living in Europe and North America, as well as Central and South East Asia, North Africa, and everywhere in between. I only recently returned to Australia and made the decision to move from my native Sydney to Hobart—alas, not via a yacht.

When I’m not in the classroom, I can be found swearing under my breath in the pilates and boxing studios, soaking in the great outdoors, and drinking gin.

Michelle Lutan – Marketing and Communications Queen (Statewide) (she/her)

Heya, I’m Michelle, and I’m the go-to gal at TUSA for all things related to being creative, making things look pretty, branding, and marketing!

In a nutshell, I’m here to ensure that you, as a UTAS student, are aware of all our initiatives and services so that you can make the most out of your student experience, whilst at the same time ensuring that your student association, TUSA, is as vibrant and cool as it could be.

On top of being the marketing queen and digital Jill-of-all-trades here at TUSA (a self-proclaimed title), I occasionally work from the TUSA Hub in Newnham Campus, so do come say hi and grab some freebies.

Kate Davey – Advocate (she/her)

I have been lucky enough to work as a Student Advocate for many years now. I understand the opportunities that can open up for those who have been fortunate enough to access education. But I also understand that it is not always easy.

I am committed to ensuring that students voices are heard within the university, especially those who may have been disadvantaged.

The Student Advocacy Team can help students with welfare concerns and academic and administrative issues and can also refer students to community organizations where needed. I very much enjoy the opportunity to meet with students and to help where I can.

The TUSA Student Advocates can assist students in questioning decisions made by the university both informally and formally.

When not working, I enjoy being with family, appreciating gardens, bush, and animals, and cooking—but not cleaning! I love learning about Tasmania’s history and experiencing its old buildings, and I love reading to my grandchildren!

Jon Lenthall – Community Development & Student Advocacy Officer (he/him)

As a Student Advocate, I look forward to assisting students. There are many challenges and unforeseen adversities that may arise during a student’s time at university. TUSA’s Student Promises reflect the important work underway to support those studying at the university. I feel privileged to be part of the TUSA team, which is seeking to make a positive change in the lives of students. I have worked in well-being support, education-based roles, and within the performing arts. These are all areas that I am very passionate about and serve as a reminder that everyone’s experience is unique.

Stephen Nolan – Community Development & Student Advocacy Officer (he/him)

Life at the university can get complicated and messy. At TUSA, we want to be able to help you get your balance back and experience the kind of student life that you hoped you would have.

I have studied, researched, and worked in both education and support roles in Australia as well as overseas, and I’ve experienced just how crazy things can get.

We are here to listen, offer information and support, walk through processes, and provide advocacy for you. Please don’t hesitate to come in and see us.

Alec Lamont – Community Development & Student Advocacy Officer

When things aren’t going right for you at university, it can be a daunting experience to deal with.

From being a student at UTAS, as well as a prior elected representative, and now being able to advocate for you, my hope is that through my experience working throughout the systems I can make navigating the tough times easier to deal with. I look forward to being able stand by your side and assisting you however I can.

Ingrid Lagerewskij – Clubs and Societies Officer (she/her)

The most enjoyable part of my job is meeting so many amazing students who volunteer their time on clubs and societies, organizing activities so that their members can make friends through a variety of events, play sports, and generally have fun while studying at UTAS.

I’m here to help you with anything related to clubs and societies and to even start your own if you can’t find one that caters to what you are into.

Some people may already know or have surely guessed that I kind of like flamingos (if you have ventured into my office), relaxing in the sun, enjoying my garden, a good laugh, socializing with family and friends, and loud music (as that is truly the best way to experience it)!

Bronwyn Brown – Student Experience & Events Officer (she/her)

I’m the person beavering away in the background with the finances and keeping the office nitty-gritty going.

You need something paid; I’m your person. Wages magically appear in employees accounts; that’s me too. If you need something done in the office, I’ll do it. I’m the go-to person when you don’t know who else to go to.

When not in the office, I’m plotting to cover the world in crochet yarny goodness; I own too many succulents to count and collect random objects to plant them in; I refuse to live in a house without a bathtub; and wherever I am, chocolate is always within reach.

Eloise Knuckey – Governance Officer / Student Insight and Experience Officer North (she/her)

Hi everyone, I’m Eloise. I assist in organising most meetings at TUSA, amongst other administrative work, and assist in coordinating events at Launceston campus. I’ve just completed an MBBS and am now undertaking a Master of Public Health. Always happy to have a chat.

Sarah Loewy – Senior Solicitor at the Student Legal Service (she/her)

As the Senior Solicitor at the Student Legal Service, I am responsible for providing free and confidential legal advice to all UTAS students. I know that university can be stressful and hard enough without legal complications, so I am here to help! I can provide initial advice and referrals in most areas of law.

My background is working as a civil lawyer at an Aboriginal legal aid service in the Northern Territory and as a commercial litigator in Sydney. I started with the Student Legal Service in 2023 and I am passionate about ensuring access to justice for students. It’s a real privilege to be able to support and empower students to solve their legal problems.

When I’m not working, you’d ideally find me bushwalking and camping, singing in choirs or running around the netball court. However, more realistically, you’d probably find me eating a packet of chips and a margherita pizza on the couch – my favourite Friday night activity!

Naomi Nguyen – Unique Tassie Experience Program Coordinator
(she/her)

Hi, I am Ngoc Nguyen, but you can call me by my nickname, Naomi. I am currently in the final stretch of my master’s degree in social work.

I first joined TUSA in 2023 as a Postgraduate Experience Leader (PG TEL). In that role, I had the pleasure of working closely with the Graduate Research Office to organise meaningful social events and training opportunities for Higher Degree by Research students. The thing I enjoyed the most in my job was being able to forge connections with other postgraduates/HDR students and seeing your happy smiles at our events.

Now, I am thrilled to be coordinating the fantastic Unique Tassie Experiences (UTE) Program alongside a passionate team. Our mission? To help you savour every moment of your uni life in Tasmania, a place of wonderful nature and rich culture. I can’t wait to see more of you on our UTE trips and hope you’ll make many unforgettable memories here in Tasmania.

You’ll sometimes find me at the TUSA Hub (inside Lazenby’s) and I’m always up for a friendly chat!

Kim White – Food Security Coordinator
(she/her)

As our dedicated Food Security Coordinator, I am committed to addressing food insecurity among UTAS students. You’ll find me at our TUSA Food Hub or sharing cooking and nutrition education with students during our Food Education Program. I believe in the power of education and student involvement to address food insecurity and have a passion for ensuring access to nutritious food for all.

Before joining TUSA, I worked as a chef for many years, where I loved working with fresh, local, and seasonal produce. My passion for nutritious (and delicious) food led me to pursue a Bachelor of Nutrition Science at UTAS, where I furthered my understanding of nutritious eating and its impact on communities. With TUSA, I see a chance to make a real difference by fostering a more equitable and sustainable food system. Together, let’s work towards nourishing our communities and building a healthier future for all.

When I’m not sharing my love of nutritious food with students, you’ll find me at home baking, or sharing a meal with friend’s and family out and about at Hobart’s amazing restaurants and cafes. My world doesn’t solely revolve around good food (maybe it does a little), but also enjoying the Pilates burn, cuddles with my cats and enjoying the quietness of my home in the bush.

Chris Vinaviles – Student Experience Administrator (he/him)

Hi, my name is Chris (short for Christian) and I started at TUSA in 2022 as a Student Activation TEL. I also spent 10 months between 2023-2024 in the TUSA Food Security program as the Freshie Bag Coordinator and Food Hub Coordinator.

As the Student Experience Administrator, I primarily work within the Clubs and Societies space answering queries, approving events and ensuring our amazing  clubs and societies have what they need to run fun and safe events!

Having previously been part of running a student club and acknowledging the level of contribution that clubs and societies provide towards enriching student life at university, I’m very delighted and proud to be in this role supporting students create memorable activities and meaningful initiatives for the larger student community.

When I’m at work, you may occasionally find me in Lazenby’s at lunch for coffee, so come by and say hi! When I’m not at work, I’m also out for coffee.

Stephanie Wiltshire – Business Administration Officer (she/her)

As the Business Administrator I work on the finances and admin for the office. If you contact the main phone line or email address, you’ll talk to me! I also love helping with the Food Education program. If there is something involving food, I am there.

I am studying Food Sustainability and Food History. I have finished my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science and am having a great time learning more about how to make the world a better place. I am passionate about getting more people access to sustainable and nutritious food and drink, and reducing food waste. When I am not working I love spending time with my loved ones, finding and experimenting with recipes, exercising and being part of festivals.

Elias Solis – Senior Student Experience & Events Officer (he/him) (he/his)

For me higher education isn’t a solitary life quest with endless hours staring at your screens. It’s also a time for community, engagement, personal growth and a bit of fun. My role at TUSA is to create opportunities for connection though events and experiences that bring students together whilst providing friendly reminders that TUSA exists for you!

If you have an event idea for your Club or Society and would like someone to talk to about it, I’m your guy. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll work with you to find out.

Before joining the TUSA team I was a full-time musician, event coordinator, hospitality professional, restaurant owner and more. When I’m not working you can find me performing or rehearsing Latin American music with a handful of bands, cooking for my family or playing with my son at the park.