Experienced senior leader with strong expertise in child safety, compliance and regulatory governance across early childhood and disability services. Skilled at building systems from the ground up, leading investigations, and translating legal and policy frameworks into clear, practical tools for staff. Known for a calm, strategic approach that improves service quality, strengthens accountability and keeps children’s safety at the centre of every decision.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Improvement Project Manager (Contract)
Abacus Learning Centre
05.2025 - Current
Leading organisation-wide gap analysis to identify systemic issues and operational risks
Assessing current compliance against NDIS, Child Safe Standards, National Quality Framework, and other relevant regulatory authorities
Developing updated policies, procedures, and templates to ensure legislative and best practice alignment
Supporting implementation of SaaS-based platforms across HR, incident management and quality systems
Advising on governance frameworks and proposing opportunities for funding diversification and service innovation
Solving complex compliance, policy and procedural issues across multiple functions, with a focus on sustainable improvement
Risk and Compliance Manager
Brimbank Preschool Association
05.2023 - 05.2025
Led the strategic development and integration of BPA’s risk mitigation, compliance, and child safety frameworks across 36 early years services
Designed and managed regular reviews of BPA’s risk management, internal control, OHS, and emergency management systems
Oversaw compliance with educational, operational, occupational health and safety, child safety and cyber security requirements across the organisation
Developed and maintained BPA’s full suite of policies, procedures, standard operating tools and checklists to support safe and compliant practice
Led investigations and response processes for critical incidents, business continuity disruptions and complaints requiring regulatory reporting
Collaborated with the CFO to evaluate, negotiate and implement organisation-wide ICT platforms, including SaaS tools and cyber risk controls
Developed training plans and compliance strategies to meet mandatory requirements for staff, contractors and volunteers
Collected and analysed data to monitor risk, identify trends and provide reports to internal stakeholders and board-level committees
Contributed to cross-organisational strategic planning, aligning risk and compliance efforts with BPA’s purpose, values and equity commitments
Participated in board meetings, executive planning sessions and multi-disciplinary working groups to support ongoing service improvement
Executive Director of Operations
Abacus Learning Centre
12.2018 - 05.2023
Oversaw all aspects of strategic operations and service delivery for a specialist early intervention provider supporting autistic children and their families
Led the full process of securing NDIS registration, including policy development, quality systems design, evidence preparation and engagement with auditors and regulators
Directed compliance, workforce capability, and continuous improvement across multidisciplinary clinical and administrative teams
Developed and implemented robust policy frameworks to meet NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission standards and best practice across the disability sector
Designed and delivered professional learning pathways, including SCORM-compliant LMS modules, workshops and reflective practice programs for clinicians and families
Drove cross-functional projects across HR, ICT, client management and stakeholder systems to build integrated, scalable infrastructure
Created new programs to enhance service accessibility, clinical impact and family engagement
Brought a strong balance of strategy, governance and practical leadership to a rapidly growing organisation navigating complex sector reforms
Executive Manager
Abacus Learning Centre
02.2011 - 12.2018
Led day-to-day operations for a growing early intervention service supporting autistic children and their families
Worked closely with children and parents to deliver meaningful, evidence-informed programs tailored to individual needs
Designed and implemented staff induction, mentoring, and clinical supervision systems that shaped the next generation of therapists and clinicians
Supported families through their NDIS journeys, helping them navigate services and understand their rights with clarity and compassion
Strengthened service quality and safety through reflective practice, incident reviews and a culture of continuous learning
Played a key role in building the internal capability and systems that later enabled successful NDIS registration and large-scale service delivery
Various senior and specialist roles
Vision Australia and RVIB
01.1995 - 01.2010
Co-authored a nationally recognised Certificate IV training package
Led regional operations and compliance for vision support programs
Delivered professional development for allied health and education professionals
Designed and evaluated person-centred programs for clients with complex needs
Highlights include:
Education
Bachelor of Education - Education
Flinders University
Adelaide, SA
Graduate Diploma in Orientation And Mobility - Health Sciences
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VIC
Skills
Child Safety Leadership
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
Policy and Framework Development
Incident and Reportable Conduct Management
Training and Capability Building
Audit and Quality Improvement
Governance and Board Reporting
Strategic Systems Thinking
Timeline
Quality Improvement Project Manager (Contract)
Abacus Learning Centre
05.2025 - Current
Risk and Compliance Manager
Brimbank Preschool Association
05.2023 - 05.2025
Executive Director of Operations
Abacus Learning Centre
12.2018 - 05.2023
Executive Manager
Abacus Learning Centre
02.2011 - 12.2018
Various senior and specialist roles
Vision Australia and RVIB
01.1995 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Education - Education
Flinders University
Graduate Diploma in Orientation And Mobility - Health Sciences
<ul><li>Developed and executed projects. Understood the full project life cycle from concept through to qualification.</li><li>Provided technical support to B2B and B2C clients monthly.</li><li>Supported the engineering requirements through managing & liaising with key project stakeholders (client design team, main contractor, suppliers, sub-contractors, etc.).</li><li>Assisted in the execution of projects & provided guidance to ensure compliance to all relevant standards/codes and specifications associated; including all site activities associated with validation and handover to the operations team.</li><li>Ensured works are installed in accordance with project specifications and change control procedures.</li><li>Produced drawings and specifications for upgrades and new build designs.</li><li>Managed the full sales cycle of solar energy products for new residential clients</li><li>Monitored daily project execution and evaluated project progress, contract compliance.</li><li>Wiring low and medium voltage control panels.</li><li>Understand of Schematic Drawings (REVIT/ Auto-Cad)</li><li>Manufacturing and Assembly (Control Panels)</li><li>Assisting in test of Control Panels and Assemblies</li><li>Continuous improvement Initiatives</li><li>- Lean Manufacturing</li><li>- Compliance with Industry Quality Standards</li><li>SPDA Project - Lightning Protection System.</li><li>Electrical Substation Project;</li><li>Solar Projects;</li><li>Reasons for leaving: Move to Ireland.</li></ul> at Nova Engenharia<ul><li>Developed and executed projects. Understood the full project life cycle from concept through to qualification.</li><li>Provided technical support to B2B and B2C clients monthly.</li><li>Supported the engineering requirements through managing & liaising with key project stakeholders (client design team, main contractor, suppliers, sub-contractors, etc.).</li><li>Assisted in the execution of projects & provided guidance to ensure compliance to all relevant standards/codes and specifications associated; including all site activities associated with validation and handover to the operations team.</li><li>Ensured works are installed in accordance with project specifications and change control procedures.</li><li>Produced drawings and specifications for upgrades and new build designs.</li><li>Managed the full sales cycle of solar energy products for new residential clients</li><li>Monitored daily project execution and evaluated project progress, contract compliance.</li><li>Wiring low and medium voltage control panels.</li><li>Understand of Schematic Drawings (REVIT/ Auto-Cad)</li><li>Manufacturing and Assembly (Control Panels)</li><li>Assisting in test of Control Panels and Assemblies</li><li>Continuous improvement Initiatives</li><li>- Lean Manufacturing</li><li>- Compliance with Industry Quality Standards</li><li>SPDA Project - Lightning Protection System.</li><li>Electrical Substation Project;</li><li>Solar Projects;</li><li>Reasons for leaving: Move to Ireland.</li></ul> at Nova Engenharia
<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC
Continuous Quality Improvement and Funding Contracts Officer at Derby Aboriginal Health ServiceContinuous Quality Improvement and Funding Contracts Officer at Derby Aboriginal Health Service