We have an amazing, multi-talented and experienced team. Our key people in both management and technology development that helped launch AHN in 2007 are still with us after 13 years.

David Bycroft - Founder and Executive Director

David is in this industry as a leading innovator and business developer. He has assisted global companies like Allianz grow their international student business and in Australia led the strategy and marketing for Allianz to claim the number one position in their international student business.

David commenced his work in the international education industry in 1999 and has been a key contributor to government and industry reviews having conducted focus groups and workshops for industry, homestay hosts and students to establish the issues facing this complex part of the industry.

His contributions to the Australian Senate Inquiry into the Welfare of International Students findings (November 2009) and the ESOS review (February 2010) have greatly assisted bringing better controls and standards to this critical part of the international education industry.

David was appointed as the only QLD resident of the NSW Government Taskforce on International Education and Research received an ‘Outstanding Contribution Award’ from the Council of International Students of Australia (CISA) for his remarkable support of CISA.

Chris Bycroft - Executive Manager

Chris was a part of the team who created the original AHN concept. He is now Executive Manager of the Group responsible for managing all aspects of the business. He is the lead designer of AHN’s unique Homestay Management Systems, working closely with key stakeholders and developers in delivering improvements that are specifically tailored to the needs of the business. He has also held a variety of roles during AHN’s formative years, giving him a unique insight into all levels of operations.

Chris has a degree in Communications and Media Studies, and since 2017 has been responsible for the management of the MSI Group of companies.

Ella Balsamo - Brand, Communication, Marketing and Events Manager

Ella has also been with the AHN Group since day one and has performed multiple roles during the development of the respective projects. In her current position she works closely with all entities and stakeholders to ensure successful communication, development, and operations. She has been key to the successful linking of all affiliates to the AHN project.

Prior to joining our Group in 2006, Ella was the Business Development/Marketing Manager at Teacher’s Union Health and accumulated over 16 years’ experience in the private health insurance industry, working across all areas. Ella also managed client liaison in international education for the very successful Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) project with Allianz Global Assistance, and assisted with functions, events and marketing activities associated with that project.

Julie Manche – Homestay Global CEO and Operations Manager

Julie is responsible for the day to day management of key business processes and activities across the Group and leads the head office team to support our national and global operations.

Prior to commencing with MSI, Julie was General Manager for online accommodation giant Wotif.com. She joined Wotif during its infancy in 2002 and was instrumental in the company’s future success by leading the service teams to operational excellence and implementing strategies that shaped Wotif’s award-winning customer experience. During her tenure Julie was part of the Executive team through several acquisitions and a successful public listing on the ASX.

Terri Barry – Global Financial Controller

Terri Barry joined MSI as Financial Controller in 2016. Terri has extensive experience in financial control across all areas of business including financial results, compliance, audit process, account controls, payroll, budgeting, and forecasting, etc.

Prior to joining MSI Terri spent 16 years with her former company – a major supplier both nationally and internationally of fresh produce, particularly to the major Australian players including Coles, Woolworths and IGA.

Terri provides management with timely and accurate financial statements, ongoing cash flow projections, insight to accounting and finance operations, as well as design and maintenance of the financial reporting structures.

Ryan Svarc – Business Analyst

Ryan has over 15 years’ experience within the international education industry. Ryan has worked in most levels of the industry, from leading nationwide delivery of international education programs to heading up strategic initiatives in recruitment and finance.

He has a deep understanding of the global supply and demand metrics within international education and can apply practical knowledge to the dynamic range of MSI initiatives. As Business Analyst for MyStay International, Ryan provides metrics, strategy and insight to compliment the development of all core and new projects as well as to the high-level strategy of the Group.

Dion Sanderson - Chief Technology Officer

Innovative Product Owner/Senior Software Engineer with international experience in high-profile organisation servicing Not-For-Profits.

Over 15 years experience in the full software development lifecycle tailoring solutions to meet ever-changing business requirements. Supportive and enthusiastic team player dedicated to streamlining and automation of processes utilizing emerging technologies and best practice methodologies.