The Production Team

Carolynne Brown

Production Assistant/Legend

I have been with Academy for 2 years. For the first 18 months I was a media consultant which was fun and good experience.

Knowing and understanding the sales process from start to finish has been really helpful in my new role. I now work with an awesome team in the production department which I am really enjoying.

My work day is mainly taken up with data entry and copy chasing for several of our publications.

I have a shar-pei, (roly dog), a cat and a cockatoo which take up a lot of my spare time. I also love to bake and when I have time I make beautiful hand crafted geckos.

You can contact me at: production@academy.net.nz

Sarah Betman

Lead Graphic Designer

I'm a former graduate of The Design and Arts College of NZ and had worked in the industry for 3 years before having the chance to travel.

After grabbing much inspiration and life experience from my OE, I have settled back in to Christchurch with my partner Steve and our two Burmese Teddy & Archie.

I joined the Academy late in 2011. They are a great bunch of people and I am really proud to be part of the production team.

I design all day and all night, I'm obsessed with food, I relax by watching reality TV (in my tracks), but most of all I love spending time with my awesome friends & family basically  making the most of life!

You can contact me at: sarah@academy.net.nz

Kirsty Opie

Graphic Designer

You can contact me at: kirsty@academy.net.nz

Vanessa Karabassis

Graphic Designer

After studying painting and photography throughout high school I gained a Diploma in Graphic Design from the Design and Arts College. I commenced employment as a Graphic Designer with The Academy Publishing Group in August 2010 and have loved every minute of it.

I really enjoy working in our busy department and being part of the production of various educational products and publications with the great team here.

When I’m not working, I like to paint, take photos and spend time with my partner Michael.

You can contact me at: vanessa@academy.net.nz

Jarred Shakespeare

Graphic Designer

After completing my study of Computer Graphic and Interactive Design I joined the Academy team in 2010.

My current role is to design magazine ads for all the different publications we produce. I enjoy working in the busy, fast paced and friendly environment that Academy is, and being part of the process of creating our various magazine publications right through to their finished form.

When I’m not in front of a computer, I dabble in FMX and other extreme sports, and enjoy spending time with my wife, family and pet dog Boomer!

You can contact me at: jarred@academy.net.nz

Janelle Pike

Graphic Designer

After growing up on a farm and attending high school in Gore, throughout which I studied Art & Graphics, I knew it was what I wanted to pursue as a career.

I then moved up to Christchurch and completed a Diploma in Graphic Design at the Design & Arts College and now have moved on to join the awesome production team at Academy.

When I'm not at work I like to chill out, whether it's at the beach looking all funny on my surfboard, drawing or eating chocolate at home, everything is sweet as, as long as I can have a good laugh.

You can contact me at: janelle@academy.net.nz

Paul Terry

Graphic Designer

I have recently finished my studies in graphic design and am really enjoying the work environment of Academy.  The fast paced, friendly office is a great place to work.

My design passion was found while doing a design paper when I was studying building science at Victoria University in Wellington and since then I haven’t looked back.  I really enjoy applying my own photography to my personal design projects and find myself working late into the night doing design more often than not.

You can contact me at: paulterry@academy.net.nz

Andrea Frame

Graphic Designer

I am a Graphic Designer for Academy's School Homework Books, but I also dabble in some Administration work as well.

I love the people and the challenges at Academy, and that there is always something new and exciting to learn! I am relatively new to the workforce however I have done some freelance design work.

In my free time, I enjoy drawing and sketching, spending time with my friends, gaming, and the outdoors.

You can contact me at: andrea@academy.net.nz

Katie Bolt

Association Diaries Production

Hi, I'm Katie and I put together the Association Diaries for Academy. It's a big, but rewarding job, working with advertisers from many different industries.

Before Academy I worked in the film and television production industry in Auckland for several years but my boyfriend lived in Christchurch so I thought I'd move down just in time for winter! The Academy team are an awesome bunch of people to work with and have helped to make Christchurch feel like home.

When I'm not at work I'll probably be up in the hills running, orienteering, mountain biking or some other crazy outdoor sport.

Jenna Bills

Student Diaries Production

After Completing a Diploma in computer graphic design at Natcoll and working in the industry for 5 years, I am now excited to join the team at academy publishing and help tackle the High School Diary project.

As well as design, I enjoy getting out and about by participating in anything that involves Sports and the outdoors. I attend the Celebration Centre Church and am actively involved in dance and young adult leadership. After hours I enjoy a good game of squash or a challenging yet rewarding run and am currently working towards completing a half marathon.

I love being creative and thrive on a good challenge.

You can contact me at: jenna@academy.net.nz