Meet the team

Tianna Parubotchy

Hi! My name is Tianna, and I am studying a Masters of Teaching (Primary). I am the Charlie Editor and I love getting to know our contributors through their incredible stories! I am super passionate about the student experience and in my spare time I play for the Charles Sturt soccer team the CSU Vixens!

Olivia Baker

Hi there I’m Olivia. I am currently studying a Masters Degree in Fraud and Financial Crime. I am an exceptionally organised person both professionally and academically. I love immersing myself in a Nintendo game as I have a passion for gaming. I enjoy being a Charlie contributor as I have met incredible individuals, but I also enjoy sharing my life experiences as I hope to influence and inspire others.

Tiphanie Boyd

Hi, my name is Tiphanie and I am studying Bachelor of Nursing by distance education. I was previously an Enrolled Nurse and am a mature aged student who would like to continue studying. I now work in my local library and live in the tiny town of Walbundrie in the Riverina, with a population of 150. I love learning and reading, I aspire to get a job in Nursing research after I graduate. In my (very limited) spare time I like to garden and have chickens and bees. I also volunteer for my local Landcare when I can.

Chloe Debono

Hi, my name is Chloe and I am studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the Port Macquarie campus. I am originally from a small coastal town near Newcastle called Nelson Bay. I enjoy spending my time outdoors exploring nature, whether that be hiking, camping, swimming or  at the beach, cooking and with friends and family. 

Lewis Donaldson

Hey! I’m Lewis. I’m a third year communications student (journalism). I’m from Gunnedah off a sixth generation family farm. I volunteer for 2MCE, work for National Radio News, love learning languages and started my own blog last year! 

Mel K.

Hi, I am Mel. I originally began my studies in Nursing at Charles Sturt University, but recently pressed pause to pursue a long standing passion of mine, Law. Through my work, I have had the opportunity to see the legal world up close, and it reaffirmed that this is the path I truly want to follow. I am a mum of three, two newly minted adults and a spirited seven year old. My youngest is on the autism spectrum, which has meant balancing work, study and family life with a bit of creativity, patience, and the support of some wonderful people around us. I am genuinely excited to be a Bachelor of Laws student with CSU and to be part of the Charlie Team.

Heidi Kingston

Hello! I’m Heidi, a first-year Occupational Therapy student at CSU Port Macquarie. I started writing for ‘Charlie Blog’ this year, and it’s been such a fun way to share my interests and connect with other students! I’m originally from the Blue Mountains and love spending time outdoors—hiking, kayaking, climbing, and discovering secret swimming holes. In my gap year (2024), I worked as a camp counselor at a summer camp in the USA – my roommates will tell you I make this my whole personality. 🙂 

Miriam Randall

Hi I’m Miriam. I’m studying the Master of Psychological Practice at CSU as I work toward becoming a registered psychologist. I’m also President of the CSU Psychology Club and work part-time as the Psychology Resource Officer in the School of Psychology. Outside of work and study, I’m a mum of two boys, book enthusiast, devoted coffee drinker, and PS5 enjoyer. 

Shristi N.

Hello!! I am Shristi and I am studying Pharmacy at Charles Sturt. Navigating university as a mature-aged student was and is a crazy journey I wasn’t ready for. Charlie helped me a lot in adjusting. I used to run my own blog page many moons ago, and I hope to share some of my experiences with Charlie!

Geilan Nassir

Hi! My name is Geilan and I’m a fourth-year Law and Criminal Justice Student, currently based in beautiful Port Macquarie. Writing about my experiences and interests has always been a passion of mine, and I believe I have found my ideal environment with Charlie. I’m an outdoors and nature enthusiast, whether it’s running, hiking, kayaking or just a simple walk with a coffee in hand. I also enjoy baking, painting, reading and exploring new places. However, my personality goes beyond my hobbies. I am deeply committed to social justice, human rights, and criminal law. This passion drives my academic journey and future aspirations. I’m super keen for another year with Charlie, in hopes to write, share my insights, inspire, and continue learning.

Michelle Peters

My name is Michelle and I’m a Bachelor of Arts Student, majoring in Writing and Publishing. As I’m sure you can guess, reading and writing is a passion of mine, and I love to share my stories with everyone who might be interested. I’m a mature age student, and I live on a hobby farm in a small town with my fiancé’, three beautiful daughters, two dogs and three donkeys.

Keely Prasalowski

Hi everyone I’m Keely! I’m in my final year of Bachelor of Paramedicine. I moved from Perth WA to study at Port Macquarie and am hoping to travel as a paramedic and work in another state or internationally. I love reading, crocheting and swimming. 

Amirah Van Uden

Hey, I’m Amirah! I’m a first-year environmental science student and an artist running my own business, both fueled by my fascination with the creatures we share our planet with. My artwork delves into the natural world in all its complexity, capturing the fine details of animal anatomy. From travelling across Australia to working alongside crocodiles and lions in zoos, I’m constantly inspired by the wildlife around me! 

Samantha Wilson

Hi, I’m Samantha and I’m a 2nd year Bachelor of Nursing student at Charles Sturt University Bathurst. I’m from the blue mountains and moved here for uni and I love life in Bathurst! I’ve met so many lovely people and I play soccer as part of Charles Sturt University Football Club (CSUFC) 

Mitch W.

My name is Mitch and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Educational Studies. I’m the dad of a 3 year old and work as a teacher’s aide in a high school. I love to travel and have previously lived in Portugal, Indonesia, Mexico and Sri Lanka. Can speak a little bit of all these languages. In my free time I like to surf and enjoy live music