Our Mentors
Learn, Contribute, Grow
Hive Buddy is host to amazing mentors with experience in beekeeping and a passion to see others grow and learn. Many of our mentors are focussed on supporting new beekeepers however there are some who offer mentorship programs for intermediate to advanced beekeeping skills.
Carmel Gerdsen
Carmel discovered bees in her bungalow wall back in 2012. This spurred an immediate desire to take care of them (once removed from the wall of course) and began her journey with beekeeping. Carmel is keen to share what she has learnt along the way including her many stumbles.
Vanessa Hoo
Vanessa is a second generation beekeeper, whose father used to be a French commercial apiarist, with a driving passion for bees. Vanessa is a mother of two girls, a fervant gardener and very active in the outdoors.
Jess Locarnini
As a Honey Sommelier, Jess works closely with beekeepers, chefs, foodies and other honey connoisseurs to identify unique characteristics of Australian honey. Over the last few years Jess has run virtual and face to face educational sessions with beekeeping clubs and foodies across Australia.
Caroline Hammond
Caroline has a love for creating a sustainable future which sees her working with likeminded people throughout the West Gippsland region. Not only has she found a passion for bees and beekeeping, but for the very meaning that beekeeping gives to her everyday life.
Anna Carrucan
Anna is an experienced beekeeper, with a PhD in botany, and a wealth of knowledge about the environment, pollinators and hive management. Anna has a professional and scientific perspective, and an engaging and encouraging approach to support beekeepers to be the best they can 'bee'!