Meet our team

After finishing uni, I decided to take a gap year – though it ended up being more like four! I didn’t use my degree at all. Instead, I worked as a travel consultant when I got home and spent more years exploring the world. I even volunteered for 9 months at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Africa, looking after monkeys, baboons, and other animals in need before releasing them back into the wild. It was an unforgettable experience.

When I got back to Australia, I met my husband, Pete, and we settled down with our two amazing boys. Life as a stay-at-home mum kept me busy for a while, but we eventually moved to Phillip Island just before our eldest started kinder. We loved the community and the proximity to nature and of course, the surf! It was there that I met Sam Fraser, who became one of my closest friends. In July 2018, Sam was tragically murdered, and that completely changed my world.

I knew I had to do something to honour her memory and help others going through similar struggles. I knew there had to be something positive come from something so tragic. That’s when Change For Sam was born.

I jumped into the deep end, despite having no experience in family violence work, and over the years, I’ve learned so much from amazing professionals and industry experts.Instead of looking back and saying "I wish," I decided to go for it, to make the change that both Sam and I wanted to see. It's been a steep learning curve, but incredibly rewarding. And while the journey hasn’t always been easy, it’s definitely been worth it.

For over 30 years, I have been dedicated to nurturing young minds as a primary school teacher. I find my work incredibly rewarding, and it’s a privilege to play a part in shaping the lives of the children I teach. I’m married to Nick, and together we’ve raised two wonderful daughters who continue to make us proud.
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Beyond the classroom, I’ve committed much of my time to volunteer work. For over two decades, I was a foster carer and actively involved with Camp Quality, where I supported children and families impacted by cancer.

My passion for giving back extends to my current role with Change for Sam, where I work to make a difference for those affected by domestic violence.
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When I’m not teaching or volunteering, you’ll likely find me travelling and discovering new places, getting lost in a good book, or walking along the beach with my two dogs, Digger and Maple, enjoying the peace and simplicity of nature.

For over 30 years, I served with Victoria Police, building relationships across the community and working to keep people safe. Throughout my career, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of family violence on individuals, families, and entire communities.

As Bass Coast Local Area Commander at the time of Sam's murder, I saw with painful clarity just how much more needed to be done. This tragedy revealed the critical gaps in our systems and showed me that organisations like Change For Sam are essential for creating vital safety networks and connections for those most at risk.

Now semi-retired, I'm passionate about channeling my experience in law enforcement and community safety through my work with several organisations, including helping Change For Sam achieve its mission of preventing family violence and supporting those affected by it.

When I'm not working, you'll find me traveling with my wife Carol, spending time with my grandsons, or out on the bike or golf course as often as possible.