Operations Team Profiles

Name: Jason Whitaker

Position: Associate Director Operations

Profile: I have been with Monash University since starting in 1997 as an accommodation officer in what was then known as Community Services.  I have held a number of roles at Monash University Accommodation ranging from Assistant Manager to Operations Manager to my current role.  I have also previously been a College Head at the South East Flats and Deakin Hall for 13 years.  I was a student and Monash University Accommodation resident from 1993 and completed a Bachelor of Science in 1997.

I am part of the Monash University Accommodation senior management team. I have a drive and passion for building Operations, providing professional and technical services and support to Monash University Accommodation and the residential community.

I manage the following areas:

• Capital Maintenance program
• Financial planning, reporting, procurement and budgets
• Safety Officer, environmental programs- OHSE
• Critical Operation incident management
• Monash University Accommodation website, intranet and technology advancements
• Technical advice and expertise on a wide range of Monash University Accommodation building operations
• Policy, procedure, planning documentation and implementation
• Setting the vision and direction for the Operations Managers and their teams

Name: Lorraine Sheppard

Position: Senior Manager Operations

Profile: With over 26 years of experience in facilities, operations, project, and property management, I’ve worked across higher education, corporate, retail, and not-for-profit sectors - leading teams, overseeing complex projects, and managing high-value assets and services across both the U.S. and Australia.

After completing my Bachelor of Science in 2002, I worked at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I oversaw the operations, safety, and maintenance of 21 campus buildings. Since moving to Australia, I’ve built on that foundation by leading complex operational portfolios and driving improvements in how services and spaces are delivered.

I joined Monash University Accommodation in 2019, and my focus is on keeping our residential spaces safe, functional, and comfortable - working to maintain and enhance the spaces our students call home. I’m committed to doing my best to support a community where everyone can live, grow, and thrive - and I’m proud to be part of Monash University Accommodation, a team that works hard every day to make that happen.

Name: Elise Rivett

Position: Operations Manager, Residential Village Clayton

Profile: My professional background working in real estate, recruitment, health, and the animal industry has given me a broad range of skills and experience. Having navigated roles in various sectors, I have developed a keen understanding of different needs and challenges, all of which contribute to my passion of creating a welcoming and secure environment for all Monash University Accommodation residents.
I started Monash University Accommodation in 2022 as an Operations Officer at the Clayton Campus and later took on the role of Operations Coordinator at the Peninsula Campus.
I am motivated to use my previous external and internal experience to ensure that all residents feel at home and supported throughout their time at Monash University Accommodation.

Outside of work you will find me spending time with my dogs, cooking or watching F1. Feel free to say hello or show me a photo of your dog if you see me around!

Name: Belinda Hancock

Position: Operations Manager - Peninsula

Profile: With over 20 years of service at Monash University Accommodation, I have extensive experience across multiple residential sites and departments. My career has spanned both administrative and operational roles, providing me with a strong understanding of the diverse needs of our Monash Residential communities.

I enjoy being part of the friendly and supportive team at Peninsula. We work together to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where residents can feel at home and get the most out of their university experience.

Name: Belinda Quenette

Position: Operations Manager, Urban Community Clayton

Profile: I joined Monash University Accommodation in 2017 and have held a number of roles across both Clayton and Peninsula campuses, progressing from Officer to Coordinator to now Operations Manager. With over a decade of experience in both hospitality and university settings, I bring a practical people-focused approach to managing operations.

Throughout my time at Monash, I’ve been committed to enhancing the on-campus living experience for students. I’m passionate about building efficient systems that support staff and residents to ensure our residential communities are safe, welcoming and well supported.

Name: Velvelyn Lim

Position: Operations Coordinator

Profile: I am originally from Singapore and moved to Australia in 2019 to experience a new challenge in my life and career. I have a career background working in the hotel industry over the past 10 years, and recently joined the Monash University Accommodation operations team in Oct 2023.

I enjoy working in dynamic environments and I am passionate about delivering great customer service experience to our residents.

Name: Jarod Colbert

Position: Operations Coordinator

Profile: I joined the Monash University Accommodation team in late 2022 as a casual staff member at the Peninsula Campus. Within a few months, I transitioned to the Clayton Campus, where I supported the Operations team across both the Residential Village and Urban Community.

After completing a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science at Monash University in mid-2024, I stepped into a full-time role with the Operations team.

I have a strong passion for customer service and enjoy working through challenges to find practical solutions. I also have a keen interest in data and process improvement, and I regularly use Excel to streamline tasks and support smoother day-to-day operations. I’m always eager to help others and contribute to a welcoming and supportive Monash University Accommodation community.

Name: Eleonora Karakitsios

Position: Operations Officer

Profile: Hi, I’m Elle, and I’ve been part of the Monash University Accommodation Operations team for 18 years. During this time, I’ve supported our residential community across all campuses from Clayton to Peninsula, and I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside a wide network of staff, contractors, and residents.

My role is hands-on and diverse. I’m involved in a range of operational tasks including building and room inspections, contractor coordination, maintenance follow-up, room readiness for arrivals and departures, and supporting front desk services—particularly at our Peninsula site. I also assist with asset tracking, storage requests, and ensuring compliance with safety procedures across our facilities.

Customer service is something I genuinely care about. Whether I’m responding to a maintenance concern, helping a new resident settle in, or just having a friendly chat in the hallway, I do my best to create a supportive and welcoming experience for everyone.

No two days are the same in Operations, and that’s what I love most about the job.

Name: Gayatri Leuva

Position: Operations Officer

Profile: I was born in India, where I lived for most of my life, benefiting from a warm and supporting family, and a city which provided me the sound education and opportunities for personal growth.

I moved to Australia in 2006. I joined Monash University in October 2014 as an operations officer.

I have studied Diploma in Pharmacy, Bachelor of computer applications and Diploma in business management.

Almost 10 years of experience in all different fields including pharmacy, Administration, Assistant Executive in Hospitality industry has proven management skills and in depth knowledge of safety regulations.

I enjoy and very passionate about my role which include making sure that all residents feel safe, comfortable and supported.

Name: Michelle Weaver

Position: Administration and Operations Officer - Peninsula

Profile: I have worked at Monash University Accommodation at the Peninsula Campus since 2001 and although I am mainly in Operations, as part of a small team, I do some administration and front desk tasks as well.

You will see me around the residences completing checks and inspections, and escorting some of our partnered contractors whilst they undertake their work.

Every year it is a pleasure meeting all the new people that come to live and learn at our wonderful campus.  I am proud of the work that I and the rest of our hardworking team do every day. We always endeavour to maintain for our residents, a home that is comfortable, safe and inviting, so that living and studying at Monash will always be as gratifying as possible.

Name: Richard Simmons

Position: Operations officer

Profile: I have been working with Monash University since 2012, starting as a Building Steward at the campus centre in the Building and Property Division.

Using my skills and experience from my Building Steward position I successfully moved to the Clayton Operations office in May 2015 when I commenced my role as an Operations Officer with Monash University Accommodation.

In December 2015, I assisted in opening the new Clayton Monash University Accommodation Halls where I provide professional operations services and support to Monash University Accommodation and the residential community.

I am passionate about providing professional Operational support and services to our residential community.

Name: Hassan Hamidi

Position: Operations Officer

Profile: With a background in public policy, university operations, and student experience programs, I bring a mix of strategic thinking and hands-on experience to my role at Monash University Accommodation. My time at Monash, including previous roles as a Space Utilisation Coordinator with BPD and Monash University Accommodation Operations Officer, has shaped my passion for creating organised, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all residents.

I enjoy working collaboratively with the team to support both new and returning residents, and I’m especially interested in how small operational improvements can make a big difference to the student experience.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me playing pool, joining a futsal game, or practising Judo.

Name: Vincent D’souza

Position: Operations Officer

Profile: I started working with Monash as a casual employee at the Peninsula Campus. This gave me an opportunity to understand the workings of a residential environment.

I was exposed to being at front desk as well as working on the operational side of things. I was later moved to the Clayton campus to help out at the Front desk as well as the Operations department. In July of 2016 I was employed as a permanent employee of Monash University Accommodation in the operations department.

Having a background in the aviation industry as a Flight Attendant for over 15 years, I have a passion for customer service and love meeting people. If you do see me around please come and say hello.

I look forward to working with the residential community and to continue to strive to maintain and improve on the current facilities of Monash University Accommodation.

Name: Dane Isherwood

Position: Operations Officer

Profile: I was born in New Zealand but had the opportunity to live in several different countries before relocating to Australia to pursue a degree in Science at Monash University.

I spent a couple of years living in Howitt Hall and working at Halls Café before joining the Monash University Accommodation Operations team in December 2024 as a casual summer employee. Since April 2025, I have been working full-time with the team, and I am committed to leveraging my experiences to help Monash University Accommodation maintain its reputation as a welcoming home for residents from diverse backgrounds. I am always eager to learn and contribute to enhancing the residential experience for everyone

Name: Debra Robson

Position: Administration Officer, Operations

Profile: Originally from India, I lived in the Middle East for 13 years before migrating to Australia in the late 90’s.

I have been with Monash University Accommodation for nearly 12 years now.  I started off in the Administration department for about 10 years and moved to the Operations department in 2022.

I enjoy my new role in assisting and supporting residents with their maintenance requests and it’s always a pleasure to speak with people from diverse backgrounds. It is so gratifying to assist our residents in making their lives on campus comfortable and enjoyable, especially knowing that most of them are from overseas and they need to be understood and supported.

I enjoy working with the Residential Community and I will continue to ensure that residents feel well supported on Res.