Joanna Gao
Chief Executive Officer / Co-Founder
Our immensely popular and hard-working CEO painstakingly oversees the enormous number of behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep Pacific at the forefront of English language education. Around the clock, Joanna coordinates between the different teams, and our wonderful agents, to make sure that Pacific English Study runs smoothly all day, every day. Coupled with her enormous workload, is Joanna’s kind and caring nature which ensures everyone is catered for, and as a result, the school operates perfectly. Watching Joanna’s ability to multi-task is amazing to watch and makes her a vital part of the Pacific team.
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Vickie Pollock
Director of Studies
Our Director of Studies ensures that our students get to experience the highest level of teaching by the best teachers, using the most current teaching materials available. With a love of getting up in front of a class to teach, or an insatiable need to think "outside the box" to make learning an informative and enjoyable experience for everyone, Vickie’s enthusiasm, and determination to make a difference are what drives her to make Pacific English Study stand out from the rest.
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Jess Lewis
Student Academic Support
Jess, a lifelong Queenslander, has lived on the Gold Coast all her life. She loves coaching students on perfecting an authentic Aussie accent and using local vocabulary whenever she can. Her skills in aged care administration are perfectly complemented by her openness and warmth, especially when helping our international students navigate the new experiences they face during their time in Australia. Jess has also enjoyed travelling to South America and Europe. Her overseas journeys have given her insight into the challenges of learning new languages, understanding cultural differences, and navigating visa processes.
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Bruna Arao
LATAM Marketing Coordinator
Bruna is our LATAM Marketing Coordinator. A natural communicator with a strong background in Marketing Management and sales strategy, and plenty of experience in the international education sector in Australia, Bruna brings skills to foster incredible partner relationships with students and our beloved agents. Coming from Brazil, Bruna speaks Portuguese and English and has become an integral part of the Pacific English School team. Her warmth and her ability to be approached allows students and agents at ease with every conversation they have with her.
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Meagan Scott
Marketing Coordinator
Meagan Scott is our Marketing Support for everything! She handles all ad hoc tasks and goes above and beyond for the students, agents, teachers, and the team. Meagan enjoyed 4 years in Japan where she was teaching English in the beautiful city of Nagoya. She contributed to the school's marketing team by working on their newsletters and social media accounts. With a Bachelor's in Oral Health Therapy, Meagan makes sure the staff are brushing their teeth and have minty breath when communicating with students.
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Jessie-Claire Smith
Student Services
Jessie is part of our amazing Student Services team, she is a resourceful and adventurous Aussie from Brisbane. Jessie loves travelling and has a passion for skydiving, so feel free to talk to her for some adventurous recommendations on the Gold Coast. She is always quick on her feet and can overcome any obstacle thrown her way. Jessie is a valuable asset to our team and provides excellent support to our students throughout their course. When she's not at work, Jessie also loves to relax on the beach. She is very determined and always ready with a witty remark to brighten up your day.
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Sarah Tooze
Student Support Team Leader
Sarah brings over 12 years of management experience from the UK higher education sector. She currently leads our exceptional Student Services Team, ensuring all student enquiries are addressed and fostering a welcoming environment. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys getting creative with furniture renovations. A big fan of the Gold Coast lifestyle, she loves exploring bush trails, cycling, and soaking up the beach whenever she can. Sarah also has a passion for fast cars!
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Aya Matsumoto
Enrolment Officer
Aya’s wealth of knowledge of all things to do with student visa requirements, COE applications, and course costs is endless. She is constantly in close contact with students, and agents, to make sure that every student lives their Australian dream. What’s more, her personal connection to Japan puts her in a perfect position to be our advocate for all our Japanese students. No one can ignore Aya’s vibrant and cheerful laugh and her willingness to go above and beyond in all aspects. We are so fortunate to have her as an integral part of our enrolment team.
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Jade Rivero Forni
Student Support
Jade is an enthusiastic member of our Student Services team, dedicated to helping students feel at home in their new environment. Her contagious energy and positive attitude uplift everyone around her, creating a welcoming atmosphere. A talented drummer, Jade loves playing music in her spare time. She is also an avid camper and surfer, always eager to share tips on catching the perfect wave or setting up the ideal campsite. A language enthusiast with a gift for picking up new languages, Jade often practices her skills and shares her love for different cultures with students.
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Gabi Souza
Student Support
Gabi hails from Brazil and has a deep passion for music, dance, and the vibrant beach lifestyle. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, she embraces cultural diversity and excels at helping newcomers settle into their new lives in Australia. Dedicated to finding effective solutions, she particularly supports students as they navigate their educational journeys in a new environment. Gabi is enthusiastic about contributing positively to the Pacific English Study team, leveraging her multicultural perspective and language skills.
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Agustina Cerizza
Student Support
Originally from Argentina, Agustina is an integral part of our Student Support team. Her professional experiences have taken her across diverse geographical locations, including Denmark, the United States, and Spain. This exposure has significantly enhanced her linguistic capabilities, allowing her to achieve high proficiency in English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Agustina’s extensive experience in customer service, coupled with her international exposure and linguistic proficiency is invaluable in engaging with our students and addressing their needs comprehensively.
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Monica Ballesta
LATAM & Europe Marketing Coordinator
Originally from Spain, Monica has a degree in Advertising and Public Relations, with a specialisation in Marketing from her studies in Australia. She plays a key role in organising engaging activities that enrich the student experience, along with driving specific marketing strategies tailored to our international community. With a passion for fostering cross-cultural connections, Monica excels at building strong partnerships with students and agents alike. She speaks English, Spanish and Italian and brings a multicultural perspective that enhances communication and understanding.
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Helena Liberato
Social Media Coordinator
Helena brings over 6 years of expertise in marketing and communication, driven by a passion for embracing new challenges and exploring the unknown. Known for her creativity and problem-solving skills, she constantly seeks new perspectives. Helena is also a go-to person for recommendations on the best events, restaurants, and happenings around the city if you need inspiration. Outside of work, Helena’s adventurous spirit leads her to travel to new places and attend live music concerts, where she finds inspiration and joy. She balances her love for outdoor activities with cozy evenings at home, catching up on the latest movies and TV shows.
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Harumi Aoki
Student Support
Harumi works in Student Services at Pacific English Study where she utilizes her fluency in Japanese, Portuguese, and English to assist students. Having been a former student at the school herself, she empathetically understands the challenges and experiences of students in Australia, allowing her to offer personalized support to each individual. Harumi is passionate about travelling, camping, and spending leisurely days at the beach, appreciating the beauty of nature. She aims to create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable discussing school-related matters or seeking advice on various aspects of life.