ACNM Board

Professor. Emeritus Mervyn Hyde AMChair and Independant Director

Biography

Professor Merv Hyde AM was appointed Emeritus Professor in September 2022, recognising his outstanding contributions to academia, particularly in research and development. Across his career Merv has played a key role in advancing learning, teaching, and research, including evaluations of student support programs and mentoring academic staff.

He also received several major accolades, including a National Citation for Learning and Teaching and the UniSC Vice-Chancellor’s Research Medal in 2012, and has established the International Projects Group as well as a new School of Education at UniSC, serving as interim Head. He is a published author, with his 2009 Oxford University Press book on diversity in Australian schools ranking among the top 10 bestsellers. As a reviewer for the Australian Research Council and Excellence in Research Australia, and a supervisor of numerous PhD candidates, he remains active in the academic community. A career highlight was receiving the Order of Australia for his research contributions in Australia and Indonesia.

Mr. Mark RushworthExecutive Director

Biography

Mark Rushworth has been the Group Chief Executive of UP Education since 2018. He brings technology, sales, marketing expertise, business development, entrepreneurial skills and deep governance experience to the role of Group Chief Executive along with a senior leadership experienced in a number of growth-orientated organisations. Prior to Up Education, Mark was CEO for electronic payments provider Paymark, CEO of Pacific Fibre and internet provider ihug and also CEO of the Fixed and Broadband business unit for Vodafone New Zealand.

Mr. Colm SaundersExecutive Director

Biography

Colm Saunders has been the Chief Financial Officer of UP Education since 2018. Prior to joining UP Education, Colm has held multiple CFO roles based in Ireland with Xtralis Group, WElink Group, Thirdforce and Zamano plc. Colm is experienced in driving profitable growth through supporting revenue growth, margin improvement and cost management, with extensive experience in M&A, debt and equity funding, contract negotiations, and financial planning.

Sandra PolettoExecutive Director

Biography

Sandra has over 25 years experience working in leadership and management positions in the private tertiary education sector.  She has spent the majority of this time as the CEO at Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC) where she has played an instrumental role in the leadership and direction of the Institute in both vocational and higher education. 

With AIPC and Endeavour College both joining the UP Education Group in recent times, Sandra’s role has expanded to include the Chief Executive responsibilities at Endeavour College, and membership of the College Board as a Director.  Sandra holds post graduate qualifications in business management, and her professional interests include organisational sustainability, leadership development, and student experience and satisfaction. 

Sandra continues to enjoy working in the tertiary education sector due to the positive impact of education on personal growth, life circumstances and professional accomplishments experienced by mature-age learners.

Dee HardyIndependant Director

Biography

As a Director of Endeavour College, Dee brings a wealth of experience in holistic and integrative practices through her private practice, Shifting Tides Counselling & Mediation. Dee’s work is deeply rooted in the principles of collaboration, connection, and resilience, fostering well-being across emotional, psychological, and relational dimensions.

Drawing inspiration from her diverse professional journey, Dee integrates holistic methodologies into her practice, empowering individuals, families, and communities to navigate challenges and embrace growth. Her approach is guided by evidence-based frameworks, complemented by a passion for natural wellness and a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change.

At Endeavour College, Dee is dedicated to advancing the integration of natural medicine and allied health practices, ensuring students and professionals alike are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a transformative impact in the wellness industry and their clients and patients.