Our People

Since graduating from university, Elizabeth has now found her true calling in Tourism. She has an understandable love for the great outdoors and a true passion when it comes to helping people discover Australia. Elizabeth takes great pride in ensuring our team has the latest information to showcase the very best Australia has to offer and fits in perfectly to run First Light Travel’s Customer Services.   

Marcella was destined for a bright future in travel, having both Italian and Samoan Heritage, and a love of learning about the different cultures around the world. Her parents fostered her love of travel with family holidays throughout Australia and the South Pacific. After studying, Marcella became Air New Zealand's youngest ever Flight Attendant, a dream of Marcella's as a 9 year old. Her time as a flight attendant came to an end, and she moved to Europe to take on new adventures. Marcela explains how these travel experiences have shaped her as a Travel Designer.

Gina has moved around Australia but rates Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast as the best place to live! Whilst she feels a trip is not complete without a visit to Australia Zoo she loves the unique wildlife that Tasmania has to offer too. When she is not being fascinated on land by animals, you will find her snorkelling and exploring the ocean. Gina’s passion and care brightens up everyone’s day so you know your travel plans are in safe hands.

Growing up in the USA, Danielle’s passion for travel began at a young age. After a year of studying abroad during university, the travel bug was fully engrained, inspiring Danielle to spend years exploring and living on a variety of continents whilst earning her Master’s degree in Tourism Management. She was drawn to Australasia for the awesome hiking opportunities and unique landscapes. When Danielle is not crafting seamless and unique itineraries for others, you will find her eagerly exploring our backcountry.

Upon completion of her degree in the UK, Narissa embarked on a round the world trip landing in Australia for the first time in 2013. After living on Australia’s East Coast and with the South Pacific well and truly cementing the travel bug in place, Narissa moved to New Zealand where she now proudly calls home. Using her unique experience as both a tourist and a local, Narissa now dedicates her time to personally curate the dream itinerary guaranteed to create memories of a lifetime.  

Nigel was born in Adelaide Australia and has been involved in tourism for over a decade. Working as a tour guide in Africa, Nigel literally enjoyed it so much that he decided to run the company - becoming the London based Operations Manager. After completing his MBA and spending three years as a Management Consultant, Nigel felt it was time to get back to the good life - travel!

Having worked in tourism all her life, talking to Natalie about Australia is like opening up a treasure chest. Whilst she loves all of Australia, her favourite place is Mildura as it ticks all the boxes as a great country town with awesome food wine and people. Of all Natalie’s experiences in Australia, her favourite is houseboating on the Murray River. In her Guest Services role, Natalie’s top tip is to make sure you spend some time finding your feet and wandering with the locals.

After 4 years running other peoples trucks, Steve established his own successful African overland safari company, overseeing operations and logistics between London and some of the most challenging terrain in travel that there is. In 2003, Steve returned to Perth and is now using his expertise as First Light Travel's Operations Manager.

Bitten by the travel bug at a young age, Nicole made it her goal to study tourism in Australasia. She is especially interested in accessible tourism and experience design. Originally from Malaysia, some of her fondest childhood memories include visiting family in Melbourne and Ballarat. She looks forward to exploring more of Australia’s rugged landscapes and sampling more local food. Nicole is excited to arrange your next adventure in the land down under.

Brent has been involved in tourism for over twenty years. He owned an agency in London for 7 years (Global Connect Travel) running `high end' adventure tours in East Africa and diving holidays in the Red Sea, along with other activities and destinations around the world. Currently attempting to mountain bike all the back country tracks he can find and living to tell the tale!

Originally from the USA, Anna has travelled the globe fairly extensively. She graduated university with a degree in Tourism Management and has since gained experience working in many facets of the industry, including the luxury space. She is passionate about implementing her love and knowledge of Australia to tailor make your dream holiday. When not creating your perfect trip, she can probably be found dreaming up her own next adventure or with her head in the water in her favourite spot in Australia, the Ningaloo reef

Born and bred in New Zealand Michelle loves to travel to unwind.  Her favourite memories from Australia come from the 12 months spent living and working in Melbourne and exploring Tasmania with a 6 month old baby in tow.  Michelle believes that the diversity that Australia offers from busy cities to epic outdoor adventures means it has something for everyone and she looks forward to exploring the remaining two states that she hasn't visited yet.  After having worked in the IT industry for 30 years Michelle now focuses on making First Light Travel's systems even better.
 
 

Judith comes from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. In 2004 she set out on a world trip, visiting all continents. When she arrived into Australia she didn’t leave a stone unturned covering 2,300 kilometres from Wilsons Prom National Park, all the way up to Cook Town, then to Darwin down to Esperance and Uluru. She’s even hitchhiked across the Nullarbor National Park! Judith loves the Aussies and says that their hospitality helped to make this trip her best one ever. She is looking forward to making this become true for you too.

Meli, with proud Fijian roots, has an unwavering passion for his homeland. Having studied tourism and extensively travelled  around Australia, Meli’s love for travel shines through in everything he does. He’s captivated by Australia’s unique beauty and seizes every opportunity to explore its diverse landscapes. His favourite part is the Gold coast and loves the theme parks. Outside of work, you’ll likely find Meli on the golf course or relaxing with a craft beer by the beach.

Back in her early twenties Toni set off to explore new destinations, from South East Asia, to Europe and then to Australia where she ended up living for seven years. What she loves the most after having travelled from one coast to the other is the diversity of the countries landscapes. Australia really does have it all with its world class surf beaches and wine growing regions, the lush tropical rainforests and vibrant cities with their incredible art galleries and eclectic range of shops and restaurants. 

Emma caught the travel bug on her first ever trip to the Northern Hemisphere! Upon her return in 2017, she just knew she had to share her new passion for those wanting to visit the South Pacific. She started her tourism career as a Travel Designer before moving into the Product space as an Assistant. She is now First Light Travel's Partnerships Manager. Emma’s favourite place in Australia is currently Melbourne as it ticks all the boxes that every foodie desires but this might all change once she has ticked off her next must visit destination, Margaret River! 

Gabriella grew up in California with frequent trips to the UK to visit extended family and that is where her love for travel began. Living Down Under for the past 5 years, Australia has become her amazing new adventure playground. She loves the mix of the big cities and small towns, with lots of shopping, wineries and tons of unique wildlife you will not find anywhere else. Her love of travel has made her excited to be an integral part of the Accounts team and her best days are when she gets to hear about all the amazing trips our guests are embarking on. 

Jaydene has always loved the variety of experiences that Australia has to offer, from being home to the world’s largest coral reef, having one of the oldest cultures in the world (dating back more than 60,000 years!), the amazing food and wine scene and everything else in between! Jaydene firmly believes that Australia has something for everyone and when she is not carefully curating itineraries with a difference, you will find her relaxing at her favourite spot on the Sunshine Coast!

Tatyana has always had a passion for travel and engaging with new experiences which lead her to obtain graduate qualifications in Tourism. Holiday’s growing up were spent on the Gold Coast soaking up the sun and sea or visiting the theme parks. Tatyana loves the diversity of Australia and is particularly passionate about helping others experience the wildlife and wineries of Tasmania! When Tatyana is not dedicating her time to “work”, you can find her relaxing at the beach or exploring nature through a wonderful bush walk.

Gail grew up in Scotland and began exploring the world with family from an early age. She decided to leave the UK in 2016 on her first solo trip which started off with 2 years travelling the length and breadth of Australia gaining travel and hospitality experience along the way. Camping through the Outback and travelling down the West Coast are some of her favourite experiences in Australia to date. Gail is a fantastic asset to First Light Travel, excelling in her role as Organisational Development Manager. When not “working”, you will find her by the water, bush walking or exploring somewhere new.

Having travelled to over 40 countries (so far), Katrina has a wealth of travel knowledge to share! Growing up in Canada, she graduated in Tourism and Hotel Management and has over 16 years of hospitality experience from working in hotels, cruises and living abroad. She first fell in love with Australia in 2015 when she travelled for over a month exploring the stunning Perth to Exmouth coastal bliss. Passionate about experiencing new cultures and learning new things about the world she is now enjoying living in the Southern Hemisphere and is doing an exceptional job as our Business Development Manager. On her weekends you can find her exploring as much of the natural beauty on offer as possible.

Katarina was born in Slovakia and first came to the Southern Hemisphere in 2018 with the intention of completing a one year trip. Thanks to the natural beauty and unique culture, she now never wants to leave! Katarina has a Masters in Environmental Geography and a huge passion for travel. She finds Sydney and the surrounds hard to beat and is excited to explore every corner of Australia. Katarina is an integral part of our Guest Services team and when she is not in the office you can find her hiking in nature.

Izabella's love for travel began during her childhood where she became a camping enthusiast, regularly exploring as much of the great outdoors as possible. Her passion lead her to graduate in Tourism and work in hospitality before really kick-starting her career with First Light Travel. She loves experiencing new adventures and lives to help you feel the same when you visit Australia. She is on a mission to visit every corner of every State! Izabella enjoys spending her days supporting the team in her Guest Services role.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Kimi grew to have a great appreciation for both nature and city life which sparked her passion to travel the world. Kimi has visited a number of countries but Australia is her favourite. She believes the East Coast is a must visit with its impeccable nature being so accessible to the cities. She is on a mission to visit each small pocket of Australia that she has not yet experienced. Kimi is an integral part of the Product team at First Light Travel, dedicated to ensuring that your dream trip can become a reality.

Growing up in Queensland with World Heritage listed Fraser Island (K’gari) on her door step, Cassandra’s passion for exploring places of natural beauty started early. There are not many corners of Australia where Cassandra has not explored or lived! A beach gal at heart, The Whitsunday’s and Western Australia’s Turquoise Coast are amongst her favourite destinations - with Kakadu, The Red Centre and Cradle Mountain rounding off her top 5. When she is not out and about exploring, you will find her meticulous working on our content as an integral part of our Product Team. 

Born and raised in Australia, moving over to Canada as a teenager. Andrea has always had one foot in the outdoors and the other on a plane. She has explored over 50 countries, but the South Pacific is the one place she keeps coming back to. Her (current) favourite place in Aotereoa is Kaikoura and Kangaroo Island in Australia. Andrea works behind the scenes with our amazing suppliers across Australia and New Zealand, making sure everything runs smoothly and our experiences are the real deal. When she is not traveling, you’ll probably find me tramping or on the water... or maybe at a winery.

Originally from the UK, after graduating University in 2009, Heidi spent the next few years travelling the globe before settling in Down Under in 2014. Having worked in Tourism for over a decade, Heidi has extensive Australia travel experience and understands how daunting planning a trip in such a vast and diverse country can be. When she is not at her desk you will find her out and about exploring, she cannot wait to fill you in on the best secret spots to make your trip one to remember.

Wietske has always had her heart set on a career in tourism and has not looked back after more than 10 years in the industry. Her passion began with family trips growing up with each experience inspiring her to travel and explore more. In her role as Content Coordinator she relishes the chance to showcase the South Pacific as a must-see destination. Being the sunseeker that she is, her favourite treat is to soak up the rays and listen to the waves in Byron Bay.

Originally from France, Jeff developed the “travel bug” from a young age and came to realise the beauty of travelling is all about encounters and experiences, especially meeting the locals. Having worked in hotels and resorts for years allowed Jeff to experience the world. For Jeff, food and travelling go hand in hand so chances are you will find him in Melbourne’s markets and restaurants or wine tasting in one of South Australia’s vineyards when taking a break from being our Operations Manager.

Nichole grew up in the UK with a lifelong dream of living in Australia. In 2010, she set off for the Southern Hemisphere and never looked back. After exploring the East Coast, she ventured west to tick off bucket-list experiences, including swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef. Today, Nichole draws on her firsthand knowledge to craft personalised, experience-rich itineraries that help others discover the magic of Australia.

Rebekah’s love for travel began after university when she set off to backpack across Australia. Exploring six states, living in Bondi, and embracing the Aussie lifestyle of sunshine, surf, and endless adventure, she fell completely in love with the country. Along the way, she discovered a passion for scuba diving, with Byron Bay becoming her favourite dive spot. Rebekah thrives on discovering new places and saying yes to every adventure. She channels that same energy into crafting personalised itineraries, helping others experience the magic of Australia just as she did.

Born and raised in Auckland, Selina’s love for travel began at age 11 during her first overseas trip to Samoa with her family. This early experience inspired her to study for a Travel & Tourism diploma and sparked a lifelong passion for helping others create their dream holidays. She adores visiting Kaikōura for its incredible wildlife and scenery, and her top New Zealand experience is a canopy tour in Rotorua. When not perfecting guest itineraries, Selina enjoys discovering new eateries or cheering on local sporting events.

A born and bred Aussie, Elise is passionate about discovering all the secret treasures Australia has to offer. When she’s not diving into the beautiful Queensland beaches, you’ll find her discovering her new favourite drop of vino in the Barossa Valley or the best coffee shop in Melbourne. Elise loves sharing her Aussie travel tips with the world and, as our Marketing Manager, she makes sure you can find the inspiration you need to start planning your adventure with us.   

Will was drawn to Australia by its vast landscapes and sense of adventure. He’s explored both the East and West coasts, from vibrant cities to remote outback roads, and has developed a deep appreciation for the country’s rich culture and incredible wildlife. Whether it’s standing before dramatic coastlines, spotting native animals, or uncovering ancient stories, Will is passionate about helping travellers connect with the raw beauty and unique spirit of Australia —  using his skills as a Travel Designer to craft journeys that leave a lasting impression.

Kylie has explored Australia from coast to outback, always seeking meaningful experiences with her clients in mind. Top unforgettable moments include being spellbound listening to Dreamtime (Jukurrpa) stories with an Aboriginal guide at Uluru and watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon over Cairns, warmed by the burner’s flame. Her travels have featured in lifestyle magazines and taken her as far afield as Antarctica. Passionate about Australia’s rich culture and landscapes, Kylie designs journeys that connect travellers with the heart of the land—always with a side quest for the best treats and hot chocolate.

Gina grew up in New Zealand and studied at the New Zealand School of Tourism before swapping mountain views for Australia’s sun-soaked coast. Over five years, she explored the country from the Great Barrier Reef to the scenic East Coast, uncovering its most unforgettable destinations. Now back home, Travel Designer Gina draws on her firsthand experience and love of travel to craft exceptional Australian holidays—whether it’s a coastal retreat, a gourmet escape, or an adventure in nature.

A native of Sydney’s Blue Mountains, Sarah brings extensive travel experience and a love of adventure to First Light Travel. She has explored over 20 countries and lived in Canada for five years, gaining a deep appreciation for cultural discovery. With a background in veterinary nursing, hospitality, and finance, Sarah blends care, professionalism, and service in all she does. Her favourite Australian destination is Airlie Beach, where the relaxed atmosphere and adventures—like the Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island—inspire her. As a creative, dedicated, and enthusiastic Travel Designer she delights in crafting unforgettable travel experiences.

Natasha’s love for Australia grew during two years living in Melbourne, where she worked in the travel industry, exploring everywhere from Perisher’s ski fields to Sydney’s harbour, Hobart’s charm, Port Douglas’ reefs, and the Sunshine Coast’s golden beaches. She believes Australia is best experienced on a road trip or guided journey, where every small town reveals a slice of true Aussie character. As a Travel Designer, Natasha brings genuine enthusiasm and firsthand knowledge to every itinerary—uncovering coastlines, rainforests, and outback moments that stay with you long after you leave.

Born and raised in Aotearoa, Anika’s love for travel took off the moment she looked out an airplane window, dreaming of life above the clouds. Proud of her Māori and Samoan heritage, she brings passion, care, and expertise to the Reservations team, ensuring every guest experience is seamless. When she’s not supporting the team, Anika can be found exploring scenic trails, enjoying big family dinners or getting inspired by travel vlogs—especially hotel and Airbnb tours along the Gold Coast.

Born and raised in Indonesia, Felita developed a passion for travel and cultural exploration from a young age. Her early adventures inspired a love for nature and a desire to share meaningful experiences with others, leading her to a career in the tourism industry. Australia captured her heart, and she quickly fell in love with Sydney, especially its sparkling harbor lights. With a strong background in hospitality and tourism, Felita brings valuable expertise to the Reservations team. In her free time, she enjoys wandering city streets and discovering peaceful natural spots to relax and recharge.

Olivia, a proud Kiwi with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, is passionate about sharing her love of travel with others. With family in Brisbane, she’s explored much of Australia’s East Coast, from the Gold Coast to Sydney and Melbourne, and especially enjoys soaking up the sun along the Sunshine Coast. As part of the Guest Services team, Olivia is dedicated to helping others enjoy life’s little moments with ease. Out of the office, she loves immersing herself in nature or discovering the best local eateries wherever her adventures take her.

Proud of her Māori heritage and passionate about travel since her tourism studies, K-Lianne brings a wealth of experience from hospitality and retail to her role in the Product team. Her background in customer-facing roles gives her a people-first perspective that shapes her work behind the scenes. K-Lianne’s favourite Australian destination is Fremantle, where ocean views, laid-back locals, and historic charm make her feel instantly at home—a reminder that even slow-paced coastal towns can offer the most memorable experiences.

Tahlia was born in New Zealand to two Aussie parents, giving her a unique connection and natural insight into Australia and its culture. After studying at the International Travel College, she began her next adventure as part of the Reservations team, bringing her special blend of care and attention to everything she does. Having explored Melbourne and Sydney on family holidays, she’s excited to experience more of Australia and all it has to offer.

Born in Fiji, Meenal began her tourism journey surrounded by island beauty before expanding her expertise across Australia’s most exciting destinations. She has a soft spot for Melbourne’s vibrant laneways, café culture and street art, as well as the Gold Coast’s sunny beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle. As a key member of the Reservations team, Meenal enjoys putting her insider knowledge to work to ensure bookings run smoothly.

Glenn's career in travel started 30 years ago and has taken him to 43 countries. He has travelled extensively throughout Australia, visiting every state and discovering its unique experiences. His favourite destinations include Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park in the Northern Territory, the Barossa Valley wine region of South Australia, fly-fishing in Tasmania and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Drawing on his extensive expertise in travel and technology, Glenn is Head of Technology at First Light Travel.

Originally from New Zealand, Louise’s time living in Australia inspired a deep appreciation for the country’s incredible diversity. From the sunny beaches of Queensland to the vibrant cities of Sydney and Melbourne, she has explored it all. Yet it was Yulara, in the heart of the Red Centre, that truly captured her imagination. As a passionate travel designer, Louise specialises in creating bespoke journeys that uncover the most memorable destinations, experiences and remarkable places.

Shelley grew up in Auckland, New Zealand and has always loved discovering new places and cultures. She has travelled to Melbourne, Sydney, New York and Miami, with the Philippines, Japan and Europe next on her wish list. Melbourne is a favourite for its vibrant city culture, creative arts scene and incredible food. A highlight of her travels was exploring the Great Ocean Road, where the dramatic coastal scenery left a lasting impression. As First Light Travel’s Digital Marketing Specialist, Shelley enjoys creating inspiring content that helps travellers discover their perfect Australian adventure.

Tia grew up in South Australia’s renowned coastal wine region with a lifelong love of exploration. After discovering Australia’s diverse landscapes—from the windswept Great Ocean Road to the vibrant Great Barrier Reef—she embarked on a global journey in 2012, living in five countries. Now back in Perth, Western Australia, Tia brings her passion and experience to her role as a Travel Designer, creating adventures that showcase the region’s rugged landscapes, pristine coastlines, and hidden gems.

Maria has always loved uncovering hidden gems, from local eats to unique experiences. Australia holds a special place in her heart—her earliest international travel memories include visiting the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains for Christmas, sparking her curiosity to explore. A later journey to Japan deepened her appreciation for culture and cuisine. As a Reservations Agent, she ensures every booking is handled with care and enjoys sharing Australia’s natural beauty with travellers.

Having grown up in the UK, Katie first visited Australia in 2014 and quickly fell in love with its incredible wildlife and culture. After travelling the world and completing a degree in Sport Science, she followed her passion into the tourism industry as a travel designer. Her favourite destination is Kangaroo Island, known for its unforgettable wildlife, unique accommodation, and welcoming locals. Katie specialises in off-the-beaten-track travel experiences that feel personal, distinctive, and memorable.

US-born Cody is a Travel Designer with a strong passion for Australia and its diverse landscapes. From vibrant coastal towns to relaxed beach destinations, he draws inspiration from his travels to create tailored, memorable journeys for travellers. He brings curiosity and adventure into every itinerary he designs, ensuring each experience feels personal and unique. Outside of work, Cody enjoys beach days in the sun, snowboarding in winter, and spending time exploring new places with his family.

Exploring Australia has been a major source of inspiration for Saige, who has travelled from vibrant coastal cities to the vast outback. Memorable experiences include spotting kangaroos in the wild, camping beneath star-filled skies, and journeying along the coast on a hop-on hop-off adventure. She is especially fond of Byron Bay’s relaxed vibe and the beaches of the Gold Coast. As a Travel Designer, Saige crafts seamless, immersive itineraries that help travellers experience Australia in a more authentic and memorable way.