Our People

There are currently 12 people employed at Preferred Training Networks and 30 referred trainers in the network.

Management Team

Jodie Morris (Managing Director)

Jodie was born and raised in Mitcham in Victoria. Jodie has worked for 10 years in Research and Development. The Research and Development Industry convinced Jodie that there was a need to create a place where Australians could be taught by the best of the best trainers in Australia.

Jodie has a high attention to detail. She ensures that whatever the client receives is of the highest standard. Jodie remarks “The client will form their perception of our brand on the quality of our materials so it is vital that everything we do is professional, transparent and seamless”.

Jodie’s interests include her family, yoga, reading, swimming and overseas travel. Jodie’s next planned trip is South America and the Andes.

Melinda Kavanagh B.Bus, MMktg (Marketing Manager)

Melinda has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Masters degree in Marketing from Monash. Melinda married Marc Kavanagh on a beautiful sunny day at The Portsea Hotel on Saturday 19th April 2008. The newly weds are settling into married life and having a wonderful time!

Melinda has worked in the Professional Development Industry for 10 years with Niall Kennedy. Melinda’s strength is making sure we meet the expectations of our clients. Melinda liaises between all project stakeholders to reach consensus on the agreed professional development outcomes. Melinda remarks that “it’s a juggling act since different project stakeholders have different needs and unless we reach consensus on project outcomes the project is doomed”.

Melinda’s interests include gym, sport, gardening, reading, painting and socialising with friends and family. Melinda’s recently converted to soccer after watching all the Australian world cup games in the middle of the night. She does not think that it was a legitimate Italian freekick either that knocked out Australia.

Niall Kennedy MMktg (General Manager – Services)

Niall has a Masters of Marketing degree from Monash University and a Civil Engineering Certificate from Ireland. Niall arrived in Australia in 1995 and fell in love with the Professional Development Industry. Niall and his partner have 3 children and Australia is now considered home. Niall has worked in the Professional Development Industry for 10 years with Melinda Carlisle.

Niall is our creative thinker. He helps the clients build the framework of their Professional Development and will give them plenty of different ideas to consider. As Niall remarks “once the outcomes are agreed, then it’s just a matter of putting together the right ingredients to achieve the behavioural change, that will lead to the accomplishment of the outcomes”.

Niall’s interests include golf, playing with his children, tennis, comedy, chess and cricket. Cricket is his latest passion since Ireland unexpectedly beat Pakistan in the world cup.

Sifat Bhatia MBA (Strategic/Business Advisor)

Sifat holds an honours degree in Commerce from University of Delhi, India, and an MBA from Monash University, Melbourne.

She has a diverse background which commenced as an Audit Manager with a professional accounting firm in Delhi, India. She completed her MBA with a double specialisation in Accounting & Finance as well as Marketing.

Sifat has worked in the area of Marketing within the Learning and Development industry for years.

During her career, Sifat has consulted with organisations from a diverse range of industries. She currently advises our business on how to enhance the overall customer experience in a B2B environment. She reviews our strategic plan and provides us with valuable feedback and direction.

Sifat’s interests include reading, music, sudoku puzzles and snooker. She enjoys travelling, likes to learn about different cultures and hopes to go on a world tour some day.