Our Experts

A clinical psychologist with a PhD in neuroscience, Dr Charlotte Keating works with adolescents, young adults and executives in her Sydney-based private practice and speaks in primary and secondary schools to students, parents and staff on topics such as bullying, wellbeing and education.

A regular contributor on ABC Radio and print media, Charlotte is an adjunct research fellow at the Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University.

She is a passionate advocate for mental health, particularly for young people. As a result of her expertise in psychology and neuroscience, Charlotte is uniquely placed to understand young people’s needs and effectively communicate about them.

After graduating from the Australian National University with a doctorate in history and winning the Searle prize for best PhD thesis, Jessie worked in the community sector, as policy officer and then acting EO for ACT Shelter, Canberra's peak body for affordable housing. Subsequently, she spent four years working on an ARC-funded grant through the University of Sydney, on a research project considering the interlinked histories of government and Aboriginal policy in Australia. From this work, she co-published with Prof. Ann Curthoys "Taking Liberty: Indigenous Rights and Settler Self-Government in Colonial Australia". Jessie worked at Youth Affairs Council Victoria for eight years, as their rural engagement officer and policy officer. She is now the Foundation’s Advocacy Manager.

Maša earned her PhD in Psychology at the University of Buckingham. Her expertise is in the field of Cyberpsychology and Developmental Psychology, with her research focusing on online risk experiences of young people, particularly cyberaggression and cyberbullying. She has developed an online safety intervention which has been implemented in schools in the UK and South Africa and has worked with a number of organisations, charities and schools on projects related to online safety efforts. She is currently working as Senior Advisor – Digital Literacy and Online Safety at the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

Ariana leads our prevention portfolio including Dolly's Dream and Digital Citizenship Program and our policy and advocacy work. She and her team are driving system-level change and influencing public policy to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Ariana has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and developing collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships, and is passionate about ensuring that the needs, wishes and experience of children and young people is at the core of the Foundation’s work.

Mitch is a passionate youth engagement specialist with close to a decade of experience working alongside young people. They hold a Bachelor of Professional Communication from RMIT University and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology from the University of Melbourne.

Mitch has designed and delivered programs that centre young people's voices and lived experiences, reaching thousands of participants across Australia. Driven by the principle of “nothing about us without us,” Mitch creates opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully, build confidence and develop real-world skills through hands-on involvement.

Peta's key areas of interest and expertise are supporting vulnerable demographics to upskill and engage in programs that promote their health, safety and learning. This includes water safety, road safety, and now, online safety.

Peta has worked extensively in classrooms and other settings with young people, and she is passionate about elevating their voices and advocating for their needs. Peta is also committed to ensuring our work supports educators, giving them what they need to help the next generation thrive.

With over 25 years in education, Craig is a strong advocate for safe learning environments. He has dedicated the past decade to consulting and facilitating community change in schools. As eSmart Schools Team Leader, Craig is committed to supporting schools in fostering safe, connected and respectful communities.

Craig’s previous leadership roles have focused on behaviour management, parent engagement, student wellbeing and supporting students with disabilities. Passionate about social justice, his career is driven by a commitment to quality education and positive life outcomes for children and young people. 

Stephen has a long career in public health and community development. He has a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Science and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.

Stephen holds numerous Board positions and volunteer roles in the primary and public health sectors and is also the Convenor of the Australian Gun Safety Alliance. He works across all jurisdictions on issues of firearm policy, legislation and regulation and convenes the Commonwealth Parliamentary Friends of Firearm Safety. He represents the Foundation regularly in public forums and in the media on issues of firearm safety.

Jacki brings over three decades of experience in child protection, youth justice, and out-of-home care across both government and community sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma. At the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, she leads key programs including Children Ahead, Cubby House, and Buddy Bags. Jacki’s career includes significant roles in service quality, policy reform, and public health. Her work reflects a deep commitment to trauma-informed practice, systems improvement, and creating safer, more supportive environments for children and young people.

Melissa is deeply committed to supporting the wellbeing of children and families, with a career spanning family violence services, community health, and education. She holds degrees in Economics, Social Work, a Master of Social Science (Social Policy), along with postgraduate qualifications in Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy and Positive Education from the University of Melbourne. Melissa has led multidisciplinary teams, provided counselling and support in schools, and championed inclusion and wellbeing for students with disabilities. Currently working as our Trauma Consultancy Service Program Manager, she believes strongly in the power of education – from early childhood through adolescence – as a key space for healing and connection.

Kathy is a qualified social worker with over 30 years of experience supporting vulnerable children and families in both Australia and the UK. She has worked extensively in statutory child protection roles, as well as in the community services sector. Throughout her career, Kathy has supported parents, children, and professionals to better understand the importance of healthy relationship attachments in strengthening family connections. Her work as the Foundation’s Head of Trauma Consulting is grounded in a deep commitment to child safety, wellbeing, and building the capacity of individuals to support healing and connection for children and young people.

Lee, the Foundation’s Director of Trauma-informed Programs is a qualified social worker with over 30 years of experience supporting children, young people, and families across government and community service sectors, including child protection and out-of-home care in both Victoria and Queensland. She holds degrees in Social Work and Social Science, along with qualifications in Workplace Training and Assessment, and is a recipient of the Hugh Williamson Scholarship . She is passionate about improving outcomes for children experiencing trauma and vulnerability, and has led the design and delivery of innovative programs for the Foundation in schools, early years settings, and courts to ensure children are supported and safe.