Governance & Team 

Founder

Roger Shen

Roger is dedicated to the seamless integration of international students into the Australian culture within the MILC international school. His genuine passion for fostering cultural connections, coupled with his exceptional ability to build strong relationships, has enabled him to create a closely-knit and inclusive community. He ensures each student receives a quality education whilst feeling a sense of belonging and support in their new environment.

Head of the Boarding House

Mandy Biggins

Mandy, our experienced Head of House for under-18 international students. With a strong background in student care, pastoral support, and cross-cultural understanding, Mandy ensures a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically and personally while adjusting to life away from home.

Residential Caretaker 

Claire Mattews 

Claire is a dedicated education and childcare professional with over 30 years of global experience, including roles as a teacher and education assistant. Warm, nurturing, and deeply empathetic, Claire brings a wealth of knowledge in student care, wellbeing, and cross-cultural understanding. Her calm presence and attentive support help create a safe and inclusive environment where every student can feel at home.

Student Support and Admin 

Vlad Yang 

Vlad has been a valued member of our team for years, contributing as both an administrator and student support officer. With a strong academic background in education, Vlad brings a deep understanding of the developmental and pastoral needs of students under 18. Beyond his administrative role, Vlad leads our after-hours fitness and sports training programs, drawing on his extensive experience as a boxing coach. His unique blend of academic insight and practical leadership makes him an integral part of our boarding environment.

Managing Director 

Michael Xiang 

Michael, the MD of MILC - with tracking record as a professional with over 20 years in international and transnational education. His expertise spans student recruitment, policy compliance, and cross-cultural engagement. Passionate about the school sector, Michael believes that "the education of souls is the soul of education," emphasizing holistic student development and meaningful learning experiences that bridge cultures and create lasting academic impact.

Kitchen Manager & Chief Cook

Nina Ciavarella 

Nina is a highly experienced cook with a strong background in preparing fresh, nutritious meals for large school communities. With over a decade of experience managing a busy school canteen, she excels in menu planning, food safety, and leading kitchen teams. Nina is passionate about creating home-style meals that support student wellbeing and meet diverse dietary needs. Her ability to cook a wide variety of dishes from different countries reflects her commitment to cultural inclusion and ensures students enjoy diverse and exciting meals every day.

Building and Maintenance Manager

Alan Fok 

Alan Fok is our Building and Maintenance Manager and has been with us since day one. With extensive experience in building and construction management, Alan oversees procurement, contractor coordination, building maintenance, emergency repairs, and both risk and compliance assessments. Beyond his professional expertise, Alan is an active member of his local community—serving on the School Council and Parents Association of a local primary school. In these roles, he contributes an external perspective to school operations and helps organise fundraising events that support school initiatives. Alan’s dedication to both MILC and his community reflects his strong sense of responsibility, leadership, and care for the environments where children live and learn.