Our staff

Strategic direction and management

Cecilia Hewlett

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Europe)

Professor Cecilia Hewlett leads the strategic planning and direction of our campus activities. Professor Hewlett was Director of our then centre 2012-2020 and played a key role in its establishment with the Founding Director, the late Emeritus Professor Bill Kent. With a PhD in Renaissance history, she has held fellowships at Harvard University's Villa I Tatti and the European University Institute. Her publications include: The Italian Garden: Restoring a Renaissance Garden in Tuscany (co-edited with Narelle McAuliffe); Studies on Florence and the Italian Renaissance in Honour of F.W. Kent (co-edited with Peter Howard) and Rural Communities in Renaissance Tuscany. Contact Professor Hewlett if your institution or organisation has a proposal for academic or industry collaboration with Monash University in Europe.

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Cathy Crupi

Associate Director

cathy.crupi@monash.edu +39 0574 436921

Cathy Crupi is currently on secondment at our campuses in Australia. Narelle McAuliffe is acting Associate Director and can be contacted on the telephone number above or by email: narelle.mcauliffe@monash.edu

Cathy Crupi contributes to the strategic planning and direction of our campus while heading overall operations on the ground in Prato. A Commerce (Honours) and Languages graduate of Monash University, Cathy oversees our campus major functional areas and liaises with relevant divisions at the home campus. She also manages our human resources. If you wish to be considered for future employment opportunities, forward Cathy your curriculum vitae and cover letter.

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Heather MacLeod

Program Manager

heather.macleod@monash.edu +39 0574 436954
Booking enquiries (education programs): complete this online form
Heather MacLeod manages and coordinates the operations of our programs area, including Academic Programs, Student Services and Engagement, and Accommodation. An Italian honours graduate from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) with a passion for travel, Heather’s experience in student support, housing and university admissions, along with her background working in the court service, helps ensure that our programs and activities are fit for purpose. Contact Heather if you are interested in running an undergraduate or graduate program in Prato.

Languages spoken: English, Italian, French

Academic programs and student services

Claire

Student Engagement Coordinator

claire.g@monash.it +39 0574 436929
Student services enquiries: studentservices@monash.it
Local engagement enquiries: community@monash.it
Claire helps you settle in and introduces you to the vibrant local Prato community through our cultural and social program. Originally from France and having lived in Spain and more recently in Melbourne, Claire's experience in the education sector means that she's perfectly placed to facilitate meaningful cross-cultural experiences and connections for our students.

Languages spoken: French, English, Spanish, Italian

Marina Cavalieri

Student Support and Wellbeing Coordinator

marina.cavalieri@monash.edu +39 0574 436925
Student services enquiries: studentservices@monash.it
Local engagement enquiries: community@monash.it
Marina Cavalieri provides guidance and support to students and accompanying staff, with a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing. A Prato local and a graduate in Interpreting and Translating Studies, Marina brings experience in both incident response and guest management, ensuring that you’ll be well supported during your time in Prato.

Languages spoken: Italian, English, French

Teaching staff

Samuele Grassi

Lecturer in European Languages and Italian

samuele.grassi@monash.edu +39 0574 4369235

Dr Samuele Grassi teaches intensive in-country Italian Studies units for the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics and our Parliamo! not-for-credit course. He has published in both English and Italian on queer and performance studies, feminist and lesbian theatre, and feminist queer theories and anti-authoritarian political thought. His post-doctoral independent research has focused specifically on the connections between feminist queer theories and interdisciplinary, critical pedagogies to encompass sexuality and citizenship education, activist performances, and cultural and educational exchanges. Samuele also coordinates our Visual Residency program, connecting our artist-in-residence with the local arts scene.

Languages spoken: Italian, English

Research, conferences and school programs

Sarah Gore

Senior Events Officer

sarah.gore@monash.edu +39 0574 436920
Booking enquiries (research meetings and conferences): complete this online form
General enquiries (research meetings and conferences): conferences@monash.it
Australian secondary school enquiries: schools@monash.it

Sarah Gore coordinates our vibrant calendar of events. If you're organising an international research workshop, conference or other event, Sarah will be your key contact to ensure it runs smoothly. She also coordinates our Australian secondary school study tour program. Originally from England, Sarah has been living in Italy for over 35 years and has a wealth of local knowledge and international event management experience.

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Services and facilities

Leonardo Piovesan

Senior Coordinator Finances and Administration

leonardo.piovesan@monash.edu +39 0574 436924
Finance and billing enquiries: accounts@monash.it

Leonardo Piovesan is responsible for various aspects of our administration, especially finances. If you're organising a conference or event at our campus, Leonardo will provide you with on-the-ground assistance and help you liaise with local suppliers to secure the best price for services or products.

Languages spoken: Italian, English

Leonardo Tinti

IT and Building Systems Manager

leonardo.tinti@monash.edu +39 0574 436936
IT service enquiries: it@monash.it

Leonardo Tinti manages IT and building systems at our campus, ensuring reliable and secure delivery of network, infrastructure, and audio-visual services. He manages day-to-day operations, supports system improvements, and coordinates building maintenance and facilities activities, providing strategic, operational and technical advice to enhance campus services.

Languages spoken: Italian, English

Andrea Tilli

IT Support Officer

andrea.tilli@monash.edu +39 0574 436936
IT service enquiries: it@monash.it

Andrea Tilli will help you with anything IT related that you might need during your time at our campus, such as connecting to wifi, configuring your presentation for a conference, printing a document, or hardware and software issues.

Languages spoken: Italian, English

Francesca Vivarelli

Accommodation Coordinator

francesca.vivarelli@monash.edu +39 0574 43691
Accommodation enquiries: accommodation@monash.it

Francesca Vivarelli will help you find the right accommodation in Prato, whether you're a student looking for a suitable long-term option, a conference organiser who wants advice on hotels or residences, or a Monash visiting staff member who may be interested in staying in our apartments located on the third floor. Francesca’s extensive experience in the tourism industry means that you are in good hands.

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Monica Liverani

Receptionist and Administrative Officer

monica.liverani@monash.edu +39 0574 43691
General enquiries: info@monash.it
Social Media enquiries: social@monash.it

Monica Liverani welcomes you at reception. A graduate of East Asian languages, and multimedia communication and events, she has studied in London and Tokyo. With over a decade's experience in the tourism sector, Monica will connect you to places and activities on campus and in Prato and Florence. Monica also coordinates our social media channels - feel free to contact her if you have any questions, and/or ideas for content.

Languages spoken: Italian, English, Japanese

Roberto Amaro

Janitor and Building Maintenance

roberto.amaro@monash.edu +39 0574 43691

Roberto Amaro maintains our facilities and prepares all our room set-ups. You are most likely to see Roberto on-site during weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Languages spoken: Italian, English (basic proficiency)

Maria Donata Batisti

Building Maintenance (Projects) Officer

donata.batisti@monash.edu +39 0574 436927

Donata Batisti works on facility-related projects at our heritage-listed campus. A graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Florence, she specialises in interior design and renovation.

Languages spoken: Italian, English (basic proficiency)

Erjola Alimani

Cleaner

erjola.alimani@monash.edu

Every morning, bright and early, you’ll see Erjola, our dedicated cleaner, working tirelessly to keep our campus spotless and welcoming. Her commitment ensures that every room, hallway, and common area is clean and inviting for all students, staff, and visitors.

Languages spoken: Albanian, Italian