Meet the ATP Tutors

Coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences ATP tutors have the skills to provide tailored support, no matter where you are on your study journey. 

Whether you're studying on campus or completely online, any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student enrolled in a pathway, undergraduate or postgraduate program at UniSA is eligible to access support from ATP tutors.

Tutors are available free of charge across UniSA's Metropolitan and regional locations. Select your local campus below to get to know the ATP tutors and find out how they can support you to succeed.

If you're interested in becoming an ATP tutor, click here to find out more. 

Bridgette Minuzzo (City West)

Qualifications

  • PhD, Visual Art & Design (RTP Scholarship) University of South Australia

  • Cert IV 40116 Training & Assessment Auctus Training & Education, SA

  • Bachelor Visual Arts (Honours) University of South Australia

  • Grad. Diploma Community Cultural Development Community Arts Network of South Australia

  • Bachelor of Ceramic Design, University of South Australia

  • Professional Certificate in University Teaching, University of South Australia

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Background

My background is in the visual arts, making public art and teaching. I like keeping fit; paddling, yoga practice and cycling to work. The students I’ve tutored are enrolled in many different courses from Foundation Studies to Masters Degrees.

What would your superpower be and why?
My superpower is taking on new challenges!

I’m not at all afraid to try new things. Last year I started doing a weekly 5km run and canoe polo. This summer I swam the Henley to Grange Jetty swim. I like to take on new creative projects and mental challenges too.


Mario Calabro (City West)

Qualifications

  • Bachelors of Commerce, CPA.

Background

With a background in Commerce and Business I am passionate about helping others succeed with a focus on student mentorship and how best to translate university studies into real world career choices. I love the simple things in life; good food, good wine and being around friends and family.

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If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

Italy


Metta Young (City West & Magill)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Anthropology)

  • Graduate Certificate in Adult Literacy

  • Masters of Education (Language and Literacy)

  • PhD Candidate – UniSA Justice & Society

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Background

I recently moved to Adelaide from Alice Springs where I worked for many years with Aboriginal organisations and communities as an adult educator, researcher and community development practitioner. I started with ATP in 2022 and am passionate about supporting students become skilled and successful learners. I love reading, hiking, good conversations and am a keen photographer.

You have your own late night talk show, who do you invite as your first guest?

Rachel Perkins! A brilliant Arrernte/Kalkadoon filmmaker, Director, Screenwriter and Producer whom I would love to yarn with about story-telling and truth-telling.


Bec Boltje (City East)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of nursing 

  • Bachelor of paramedic science

  • Certificate IV in mental health

  • Advanced life support

  • Basic life support trainer/assessor

  • Resus/Triage Nurse competent


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Background

I have been an ATP tutor for 3 years. I am Aboriginal of Gurindji descent, and passionate about assisting Aboriginal peoples learning, improving study outcomes and achieving goals. I am married with two children. I love the beach and travelling with my family, exploring and finding hidden places.

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

If I could live anywhere in the world for a year, I would live in Japan.


Mark Snowball (City East)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement)

  • Master of Dietetics

Background

I have been a proud member of the Aboriginal Tutoring Program since 2017. I enjoy spending time with students, hearing their stories, developing strong relationships, and helping them develop personally and academically. Outside of UniSA, I work as an animal nutritionist, a profession which also fills me with much pride.

 

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If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Spaghetti bolognese with meatballs.


Olivia Thorpe (City East & Magill)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (Hons)

  • Bachelor of Midwifery

  • Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health Practice

  • Doctor of Philosophy

  • Professional Certificate in University Teaching

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Background

I’ve  been an ATP tutor since 2016 and have experience tutoring both undergraduate and postgraduate students. My interest is in supporting students develop their academic writing skills and helping them adapt to university life. When not tutoring, I’m making something at a pottery class or chasing after a very active pre-schooler!


If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would it be?

That is a no brainer - pizza for sure! So many different toppings, main meal, dessert… the options are endless AND it is delicious!


Demi Giakoumis (Magill)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)

  • Master of Social Work

Background

I am a Greek and Wiradjuri woman who currently works as a student counsellor, and I’m passionate about helping students navigate their studies, no matter what life throws at them. With over a decade of experience in the human services industry, I’ve worked across international settings, as well as in the Northern Territory and South Australia. While much of my career has focused on counselling, crisis intervention, child and family support, mental health, AOD, and homelessness, I’m deeply interested in politics, human rights, social services, and advocating for the inclusion of First Nations perspectives in education and government systems.

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What would your superpower be and why?

I’d love the power to instantly heal people from any pain—physical, psychological, or emotional. Healing others would bring so much joy, because seeing someone able to move forward without the burden of pain would be the most rewarding thing.


Suzana Freegard (Magill)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Background

I am a researcher and Online Tutor at UniSA. I have worked in mental health research for the past 15 years. My main areas of research include addiction, psycho-oncology, eyewitness testimony, carers’ well-being, and sport psychology. In addition, I also work as a tutor and student assessor for several Psychology and Health topics, including Aboriginal Australians and Psychology, at UniSA. I find Psychology fascinating, and I enjoy helping students who are keen to learn about it. In my free time, I like to read, go to theatre, and attend live music events.

Suzana Freegard

You have your own late night talk show, who do you invite as your first guest?

This would have to be one of the Positive Psychology leaders (e.g., Martin Selingman). I believe that focusing on our individual strengths and resources can build up our resilience and improve our overall wellbeing.

What was your dream job as a child? 

As a child, I wanted to become a teacher! While my idea of what would be my dream job has been changing over the years, I guess I have come back to my original love of teaching and helping students to learn and improve.


Julia Roetman (Mawson Lakes)

Qualifications

  • Teaching at UniSA, including statistical analysis, research processes, science communication, computer skills, biology and ecology

  • Extensive experience in ecological fieldwork and research

  • Undergrad studies included Biology, Chemistry, Ecology and Maths

Background

Growing up in the Rocky Mountains USA, I spent my childhood hiking and cross-country skiing. This immersion in the natural world led me to study Environmental Science. Although I no longer encounter moose, elk and bears on my hikes, I am fascinated by the natural environments in SA.

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If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

I would love the opportunity to live in Yellowstone. I would like to experience the change of seasons with the green and flowers of spring and the quiet stillness of snow in the winter. I would love to hear the wolves that have been reintroduced.


Soroush Shahnia (Mawson Lakes)

Qualifications

  • PhD in Applied Physics

  • M.Sc. in Electrical Power Engineering

  • B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Background

I’ve been an ATP tutor for over 10 years and have delivered over 15 topics in Math and Physics at UniSA. I enjoy teaching as it provides opportunities to learn new material and connect with students. Whether it's researching a topic connected to a student's interests or inquiries, or coming up with innovative ways to prepare something, it's all part of the journey.

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What would your superpower be and why?

My superpower is "Mind Move"(ref. Raising Dion), as I move myself with my mind, it also represents the unit of acceleration.


Helen Strickland (Mount Gambier)

Qualifications

  • Certificate 1V Training and Assessment (TAE) TAFE SA

  • Certificate IV Career Development TAFE SA

  • Master of Education (by research) RMIT, Melbourne, Victoria

  • Executive Diploma in Business Planning: Enterprise Workshops

  • Bachelor of Education (Curriculum Leadership) University of SA

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Background

I enjoy seeing students making progress and achieve their goals. I also tutor Business students and Course Coordinate for UniSA courses in Project Management for Public and Community Health courses that I wrote. I’m a passionate gardener and have 200 acres that I manage with my partner.


If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

Spain, such a big country with great food, great wine and a fabulous culture, history and attitude.


Lorraine Bingham (Mount Gambier)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Nursing

  • Diploma of Leadership and Management 

Background

I am Aboriginal of Gamilaroi descent. I am a Registered Nurse who currently works as a RN Case manager in community aged care. I am married with children and grand children. I live on small acreage where we run cattle and grow flowers and vegetables. I love caravanning and being with my family and pet dogs. I am passionate about Aboriginal Peoples reaching their full potential and mentoring.

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If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or into the future and why?

I would go back in time to spend more time with loved ones that have passed and to do the things I was either scared to do or hadn't done earlier. Going into the future is just not an option for me.


Michelle Anderson (Ceduna)

Qualifications

  • Diploma of Teaching (Junior Primary), South Australian College of Advanced Education

  • Diploma of Training and Assessment, TafeSA

  • Certificate IV Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment and Training, TAFE SA

  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, TAFE SA

ATP Profile Image Michelle-Anderson

Background 

Based on Eyre Peninsula, I have 30 years teaching experience across all ages through my various roles with SA Department of Education, Tafe SA and UniSA.  I am motivated by supporting Aboriginal Peoples to work towards Higher Education qualifications and achieve their personal goals.  This is my way of giving back to the community that has shared so much with me over my adult lifetime.


Best piece of advice

 “….appreciate how far you’ve come….. and then keep going”.


Yvette Wilson (Ceduna)

Qualifications

  • Certificate 3 in Community Services, TAFE SA

  • Certificate 4 in Community & Aged Care, TAFE SA  

  •  Statement of Attainment in Enrolled Nursing, TAFE SA    

  •  Bachelor of Nursing, University of South Australia   

  • Graduate Certificate in Health (Emergency Nursing), Flinders University 

  •  International Institute of Palliative and Supportive Studies, Flinders University

  •  Basic Life Support Instructor, ANMF  

  • Advanced Life Support Instructor, EMET/MEDSTAR

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Background

I am a Clinical Nurse and have spent many of my 25 years of my nursing profession as clinical educator, program facilitator and lecturer, student support tutor and mentor, and in haemodialysis. I have been a scholarship recipient awarded by the Royal College of Nursing, SA Health and Palliative Care Australia. I come from an extensive academic Indigenous family network who are the Larrakia people of Darwin in the Northern Territory. As an ATP Tutor I am passionate to provide supportive tutorial services and assistance to Aboriginal people working towards academic achievement. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“You are what you believe yourself to be."


Delia Farlam (Port Lincoln)

Qualifications

  • BA Community Development & Recreation

  • Post Grad Diploma Natural Resources

  • Post grad Diploma Teaching

  • Cert IV Training & Assessment

Background

In my early career as a ranger in the Top End, NT, I realized that to make a bigger impact in environmental education, I needed to embed more deeply in a school setting. Subsequently, I spent twenty years teaching in NT and SA. I've found joy in blending my careers in natural resources and education across primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, and I enjoy the connection that students (and I) make of theory to real world learning and work. Supporting students to explore and believe in their capability is a privilege.

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If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

Italy, but I have never visited! I imagine the food and exploring the country could be fun!


Jenna Edwards (Whyalla)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)

  • Graduate Diploma Teaching and Learning

  • AITSL Certified Lead Teacher

Background

I was born and raised in Whyalla, and although I left for a short time for University I returned to this great place. I initially pursued a passion in journalism straight out of school, but after my husband and I started a family I went back to University to study Teaching. I love teaching and being part of helping people (adults and children) recognise their full potential in everything they do. My other passion is sport, especially basketball!

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If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Roast lamb and vegetables with gravy. There is nothing better than a good roast!


Shivvaan Sathasilvam (Whyalla & Mawson Lakes)

Qualifications

  • Bachelors of Electronics and Microengineering (First Class Honours)

  • Master of Engineering

Background

I am originally from Singapore and came to UniSA as an international student. Now I live in regional South Australia. I was an Academic with UniSA for about 15 years before working in the Heavy Industry, Consulting and Government sectors. I enjoy connecting with people, understanding their challenges and formulating a strategy to overcome it with them. My day job is working in the policy sphere; always in awe of the complexities that transpires in the moving cogs that simply put, makes the world go round!

Shivvaan Sathasilvam

What’s the best quote you have heard?

"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” -John Maxwell

Apply to Become an ATP Tutor

Interested in providing tailored learning support to Aboriginal students to maximise learning outcomes and achieve their full potential? Want to work closely with UniSA’s student services and gain valuable experience in tutoring and academia? Download the ATP Tutor Handbook to learn more about what the program has to offer.

To register your interest in becoming an ATP Tutor:

  1. Read the position description document for full details and requirements of the role.

  2. Email your expression of interest to wirringka@unisa.edu.au with a copy of your cover letter, CV/resume and valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) attached.

Need further assistance?

Contact Campus Central

Your one-stop-shop for student services. UniSA general enquiries: 1300 301 703.