Scott Pinnegar – General Manager: With 30 years in the travel industry, Scott Pinnegar is the driving force behind World Expeditions Schools. After starting his career at Qantas and holding key roles at World Expeditions, Scott founded the Schools division 15 years ago, dedicated to delivering transformative educational travel. An avid adventurer, Scott has travelled extensively across South America, Africa, Europe, Antarctica, the Indian subcontinent and Asia, completing treks such as Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail, Bhutan and Nepal. Known for his high level of service and collaborative approach, Scott is highly regarded by teachers and partners for creating meaningful, responsible student adventures worldwide.

Kate Harper – Schools Manager: Kate’s love of the outdoors and early career in outdoor education has given her a lifelong passion for giving students opportunities to learn through educational travel experiences. In her early career she has led school groups on experiential outdoor education programs in locations around Australia as well as overseas in Nepal and South America. Her own travels have taken her on some of the great treks around Australia including the Larapinta Trail, Hinchinbrook Island and the Bungle Bungles, as well as numerous treks and adventures in some of the world’s great adventure destinations including Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, South East Asia, Africa and Europe. Her travels in recent years have been with her family taking her children trekking in Nepal, cycling New Zealand, discovering the culture and wildlife in Sri Lanka, trekking around Mont Blanc and exploring the wonders of Japan. She loves seeing the excitement and curiosity for the world that is sparked in students, and her own teenage kids, as they learn, grow and develop their independence and confidence through immersive travel experiences.

Ashleigh Tilbury – Schools Manager: Ashleigh’s passion for travel was ignited during a service learning journey to Nepal in 2019, sparking a deep interest in global experiences and cross-cultural connection. Since then, she has explored 24 countries, from roasting hot dogs beneath the Northern Lights in Finland to scuba diving with sharks in Fiji and playing volleyball at Namche Bazaar on the way to Everest Base Camp.

Before joining World Expeditions Schools, Ashleigh worked in outdoor education, leading programs across Australia that encouraged students to develop confidence, teamwork, and resilience. She now helps teachers create meaningful journeys that empower students to see the world with curiosity and courage.

Emily Dennerstein – Schools Manager: Emily’s passion for travel was ignited during a service school trip to Tanzania, and she now loves helping students kick-start their own lifelong love of travel. She has travelled across all continents except Antarctica, which is next on her list. Some of her travel highlights include trekking through the Himalayas, swimming in the Dead Sea, walking Machu Picchu, exploring the pyramids of Egypt, dancing in Buenos Aires, searching for tigers in India, scuba diving in Thailand, and most recently, exploring the hidden temples of Cambodia.

Sophie Shaw – Schools Manager: Sophie has always loved sport, travel and the outdoors, with a passion for discovering the world that has taken her from studying abroad in Spain to walking the full Camino Francés, exploring the Canary Islands, skiing in Switzerland and travelling through Morocco. With a background in itinerary development and travel logistics, she combines professional expertise with a genuine love of trekking, travel and immersive experiences.

Her own adventures have included a university study program in Vietnam, trekking around Mont Blanc and Iceland, cycling through Croatia and Denmark, skiing in New Zealand and, more recently, travelling through Sri Lanka. Sophie believes student travel, supported by teachers and local Guides, is one of the most powerful ways to build confidence, leadership, resilience and personal growth.

Vera Williams – Research and Development / Operations: Vera has built her life and career around one simple truth: outside is the best side. A passionate outdoor educator, teacher, coach and youth worker, she has worked across the UK, New Zealand and Australia, helping students build confidence, resilience and a deeper connection to the world around them. Her own adventures have taken her to more than 30 countries, with highlights including trekking in Nepal and motorbiking the length of Vietnam.

Whether hiking, swimming, running, surfing or snorkelling, Vera is always drawn to experiences that are a little uncommon and full of discovery. She believes adventure is one of life’s greatest teachers, creating moments of awe that shift perspective and help people better understand themselves, others and the natural world.

Kiera Bryan – Research and Development / Operations: Kiera has been working in adventure tourism and outdoor education since 2008, turning her love of travel and the outdoors into a fulfilling career. Inspired by stories of her parents’ travels and a childhood spent in nature, Kiera’s curiosity for exploration has taken her on adventures around the world. Over the years, she has worked as a canyon Guide in the Blue Mountains, a TAFE lecturer in Western Australia, and led countless student leadership programs throughout the developing world, experiences that shaped not only the students she guided but also her own perspective. Now based in beautiful Tasmania with her young family, Kiera designs unforgettable educational programs for school groups. Whether it’s trekking through mountains or exploring new cultures, she is passionate about creating experiences that inspire students to see the world with fresh eyes and help shape future leaders.

Jenny Klem – Schools Co-ordinator: With more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Jenny specialises in group travel, sales, and marketing, bringing a wealth of knowledge to her role with World Expeditions Schools. She has managed large-scale school programs from start to finish, ensuring rewarding experiences for both students and teachers.

Her own adventures have taken her across the globe, from trekking in Nepal and India to overlanding through Africa, cycling in Europe, and exploring South America’s most iconic landscapes. These experiences have shaped her belief in the power of travel to connect people, broaden perspectives, and inspire lifelong curiosity in students.

Shantal Kiefner – Schools Coordinator: Shantal grew up exploring the outdoors, a passion that led her to spend 10 years as an outdoor education Guide before moving into administration and operations over the past five years. Her love of travel began in 2015, when she set off on a solo trekking adventure through Nepal, sparking a lifelong curiosity for new places, cultures and ways of life.

Since then, Shantal’s adventures have taken her from walking the length of New Zealand and skiing in India to exploring the mountains of Pakistan, discovering a world music festival in Borneo, teaching English in India and learning to surf in Sri Lanka. These experiences have shaped her passion for travel, the outdoors and creating meaningful programs that inspire curiosity, confidence and connection in students.

Marta Gielata – Schools Reservations Co-ordinator: Originally from the southern mountain region of Poland, Marta brings a European perspective to the team. With a Master’s degree in Tourism from the University of Krakow, she has led trips throughout Central and Eastern Europe, from the Baltic states to Istanbul. Marta’s passion for experiential learning inspired her to complete a Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership after moving to Australia, where she participated in the Summit to Sea Expedition, further connecting with the Australian bush. Her global adventures have taught her to embrace the unknown and travel in the moment.

Joe Lodge – Head of Risk: Joe’s journey into adventure travel began in 1974 when his parents brought him and his three older brothers to Australia on a four-month overland trip in a Landrover across Europe, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. He joined World Expeditions as a Guide in 2021, became an Operations Manager later that year, and took on the role of Head of Risk for Schools in 2023. Before joining World Expeditions, Joe worked as a Teacher of Outdoor Education in the UK before returning to Australia as an Expedition Leader and Risk Management Trainer. He has led over 50 overseas leadership expeditions across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, training more than a thousand teachers and Guides in preparation for their school expeditions.

Harriet Negus – Australian Operations: Harriet’s passion for exploration was sparked on her first multi day Trek in the Victorian High Country at age 15. This experience led to a passion for inspiring students through travel, and she has dedicated her career to organising and leading unforgettable school and adult programs across Australia. She strives to create educational and adventure-based experiences that spark curiosity, foster cultural understanding, and encourage personal growth. Harriet enjoys experiencing places through different means of travel, whether it’s exploring the Himalayas of Nepal on foot, bike packing around Kangaroo Island, rock climbing in Thailand, or paddling the Snowy River. Her adventurous spirit and diverse experiences shape the unique and meaningful journeys she creates.

Michael Buggy – Director of Australasian Operations: Michael has been with World Expeditions since 2017, bringing over 15 years of senior management experience to his role. With a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sport Management and a Master of Business Administration, Michael combines leadership with a passion for outdoor adventure. He has completed multi-day treks across iconic Australian landscapes such as the Larapinta Trail, Overland Track, and Tabletop Track, as well as international adventures in Nepal and Ecuador, where he recently summited Volcán Chimborazo. Michael’s next goal is to conquer another challenging peak.

Natalie Tambolash – New Zealand General Manager: Natalie comes from a diverse travel background, having gained experience working in both Australia and New Zealand. She has travelled extensively around Europe as well as going to some more unusual destinations of the world. Natalie has a keen interest in history and archaeology and has travelled to both Egypt and Peru to see the ancient civilisations first hand. She has trekked to Everest Base Camp, completed the Blue Danube cycle, climbed Kilimanjaro, been on safari in Africa, trekked in Tajikistan, journeyed on the Silk Road and spent five weeks around Peru and Bolivia.

Kerren Knighton – School Manager (NZ): Kerren’s enjoyment of travel and adventure began after university, when she saved enough for an air ticket and her first backpack. In the mid 1990s, she spent several years leading groups through Egypt, Turkey, Syria and India, sparking a lifelong interest in other cultures and a love of sharing travel stories and itinerary ideas.

Kerren began working with World Expeditions in 2010, organising travel across the globe with a focus on school and charity groups. In 2025, she moved into the New Zealand School Manager role full time to support, plan and partner with New Zealand based schools. She is passionate about creating meaningful programs for students and helping schools bring learning to life beyond the classroom. Some of her favourite destinations include India’s Rajasthan, the Galapagos Islands, Mongolia’s wide open spaces, Italy’s history and the Camino Walk in Spain.

Philip Wyndham – Australian Operations General Manager: Phil has been involved in the travel and adventure tourism industry for many years including guiding, sales, marketing, industry liaison and business management. He has a passion for trail running and mountain biking but is an all round outdoor guy. His enthusiasm for encouraging people to get out and be their best self in the outdoors is infectious.

Nathalie Gauthier – North American Manager: With nearly three decades in adventure travel, Nathalie specialises in creating meaningful, community-driven experiences across Canada and beyond. She is passionate about sustainability and cultural connection. Her travels have taken her around the world with her children, always in search of fun, enriching, and authentic learning experiences.

Katherine (Kat) Morewood – North American Schools Manager: Based in Ottawa, Katherine brings over a decade of experience in the travel industry, with expertise in custom European programs, cruise operations, and global adventure travel. Her career has taken her across Europe, Central and South America, and North America. Prior to joining World Expeditions Schools, Katherine led cruise franchise operations at Expedia and ran her own adventure travel business, curating hiking and biking programs worldwide. Katherine is passionate about meaningful travel and enjoys helping teachers bring their vision to life, providing students with experiences that extend far beyond traditional travel.

Gordon Steer – UK Manager: Gordon brings a deep passion for adventure and global exploration to his work with students, aiming to inspire the same spirit of discovery. Based in London and a key member of World Expeditions since 1997, Gordon has extensive experience leading and organising educational journeys that promote personal growth, resilience, and global awareness. He has explored, trekked, and cycled across all seven continents, exploring diverse environments such as Patagonia, Kilimanjaro, the Andes in Peru, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia, Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, Central America, Central Asia, and the Himalayas, where he cycled from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Gordon’s wealth of experience allows him to create meaningful, risk managed and unforgettable learning experiences that connect students to the world beyond the classroom.

Sue Badyari – CEO: Appointed CEO of the World Expeditions Travel Group in 1999, Sue Badyari has led the company’s transformation from a single-brand entity to a multi-brand operator and distributor of high-quality travel products. Under her leadership, and with the support of a dedicated senior management team, the company has focused on enriching travellers’ lives through immersive, sustainable experiences that promote job creation for local communities and exceptional active holiday adventures. Sue also serves as a board director for the World Expeditions Foundation, which drives the company’s Regenerative Travel Projects. She is passionate about empowering students to give back to the world through meaningful connections with land, people, and culture. World Expeditions Schools delivers on this vision by providing students with opportunities to engage in educational travel that fosters cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning experiences.

Donna Lawrence – Global Sustainability & Impact Manager: Donna leads World Expeditions Travel Group’s global sustainability strategy, ensuring our adventures reflect the highest standards in environmental stewardship, community engagement, and ethical operations. With a deep commitment to responsible travel, she works closely with employees, partners, suppliers, and travellers to champion low-impact tourism that gives back more than it takes.

Sarah Higgins – Global Operations Manager: Sarah is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of remote travel. With nearly two decades of experience in the adventure tourism industry, she has dedicated her career to shaping meaningful, high-quality active travel experiences. As Global Operations Manager for World Expeditions, Sarah leads a team responsible for delivering pioneering adventures around the world, trips that are immersive, thoughtful, and consciously designed. She works alongside some of the world’s leading mountaineers and explorers, driven by a deep commitment to responsible travel and regeneration. Sarah believes that those who venture off the beaten track carry a responsibility to tread lightly and connect respectfully with the people, environments and cultures they encounter.

Talisha Kendell – Head of Marketing: Talisha brings over 20 years of experience in brand strategy, digital growth, and integrated marketing with a unique blend of expertise across the Education Sector, business leadership, and strategic communications. Holding a Bachelor of Business and a Diploma of High School Education, she combines commercial thinking with a deep understanding of how to engage school communities and drive meaningful outcomes. Talisha is passionate about designing campaigns that connect students with transformative educational experiences. With a proven ability to align strategy, creativity, and execution, Talisha delivers high-impact marketing that supports growth, purpose, and lasting educational change.

Thirith – Cambodia Operations Manager: Thirith has more than 16 years of experience managing educational and adventure travel programs across Cambodia. He specialises in developing culturally immersive itineraries that introduce students to the country’s diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and community-led conservation efforts. With a strong background in sustainable tourism, he is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences. Known for his professionalism, local knowledge, and care for student wellbeing, he ensures every school trip is safe, enriching and memorable.

Thuan – Vietnam Operations Manager: With over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Thuan specialises in designing and delivering safe, well-organised educational journeys across Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Her passion lies in working with school groups, where she brings a high level of care, cultural insight, and operational expertise to every program. Known for her thoughtful planning and personal approach, Thuan works closely with our team to ensure every student experience is meaningful, immersive, and inspiring.

Mom – Cambodian Guide: Mom has been guiding school and cycling groups across Cambodia for over 20 years. Known for his flexibility, warmth, and deep knowledge of Cambodian history and culture, he brings energy and care to every trip. His leadership skills and passion for connecting students with the real Cambodia have earned him praise from teachers and students from around the world.

Ho Ny – Cambodian Guide: Ho Ny has been a professional guide since 2007. He is known for his sense of humour, strong organisational skills, and deep understanding of Cambodia’s history and culture. Hol has earned praise from students and teachers around the world for his engaging and informative tours.

Hoang – Vietnam Guide: With a background in tourism, Hoang is known for his great sense of humour, strong organisational skills, and deep knowledge of Vietnamese culture. His easy-going nature and ability to connect with students have made him a favourite among school groups from around the world.

Tran – Vietnam Guide: With over 15 years of guiding experience across Vietnam and Southeast Asia, Tran is known for his deep cultural knowledge, engaging storytelling, and strong attention to detail. He has led school and adventure groups from Australia, the UK, the USA, and beyond, always with a focus on safety, organisation, and lasting impact. Tran’s calm and confident presence, combined with his passion for immersive, educational travel, makes him a trusted guide for school programs seeking meaningful cross-cultural experiences.