Gidget Team

Having spent the last 15 years in marketing, Alicia has worked with a wide range of organisations – from startups to big corporates – assisting in brand and product development as well as growth strategies.

Alyssa is an enthusiastic program administrator, leaning on an impressive career in the field of therapeutic services, population health and specialist private hospital operations.

Amelia has worked with Gidget Foundation Australia since 2017. Her experience in establishing and managing health clinics in the UK, alongside her work in private practice as a Registered Counsellor ensures that the client's experience and their access to support is the driving focus of her work with Gidget.

Arabella joined Gidget Foundation Australia in early 2017 after a 20 year career in executive leadership roles in the media and communications industry in both Australia and the UK.

Barbara is passionate about fostering positive workplace environments and promoting employee health and wellbeing.

Bery joined Gidget Foundation Australia in 2023, bringing 7 years’ experience in clinical practice management to her role. Looking after Client Operations and Service Delivery Management for the Gidget House and Start Talking programs,

Bethany is responsible for overseeing the implementation of Gidget Foundation Australia’s client-focused programs. This role includes developing the organisational strategy for all program streams to ensure excellence in delivery and developing insights and recommendations for program enhancement.

Carla is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology at Macquarie University. Her passion lies in improving the accessibility of mental health support, while also empowering individuals who offer their expertise to those in need.

Dr Erin Seeto is a Clinical Psychologist, based in Sydney, and has worked in various settings including hospitals, community, government, education, specialist services and private practice across the UK and Australia.

Dr Felicity Chandler is a Clinical Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor (PsychBA) based in Sydney. Felicity is passionate about mentorship and education, and provides supervision, clinical support and professional development to Gidget Foundation Australia clinicians working with families in the perinatal period.

Eliza is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Founder of Blackbird Counselling, a Women’s Mental Health Service managing six Mental Health Professionals providing counselling and support to assist women and families across the lifespan. Eliza has worked in mental health for the past 21 years and has been in private practice specialising in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health for the past 6 years.

Liz joined the Gidget Foundation Australia in 2024 as a Client Services Executive.

Emma is currently studying a Bachelor of Counselling with the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors with the hope to enter the perinatal mental health care space.

Eve is currently studying Psychology and Sociology at Sydney University and is hoping to become a Psychologist.

Grace returned to Gidget Foundation Australia in 2023 in the role of Client Services Executive.

Hala recently graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). As an aspiring psychologist, Gidget Foundation Australia allows her to gain insight into clinical practice in the mental health sector.

Hannah brings experience in managing large teams of volunteers to coordinate the delivery of support services and initiatives.

Heather brings a mix of admin and customer service experience gained in the retail, corporate and public sectors.

Janine joined Gidget Foundation Australia in 2023 in the role of Client Services Executive.

Janis brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role as the Database and Donor Journey Coordinator at the Gidget Foundation Australia, honed through her previous work in the not-for-profit and public service sectors.

Jannet joined Gidget Foundation Australia in July 2022 as Executive Assistant to the CEO

Jess has an educational background in psychology and health, with the last 15 years working in the not for profit and corporate health sector

Jodie is a seasoned CPA and Finance Manager with over two decades of experience overseeing businesses in the infrastructure, transport, and IT industries.

Karen is responsible for leading Gidget Foundation Australia’s clinical governance and compliance framework within a culture of continuous quality improvement. As an experienced health executive working across public, private and not-for-profit healthcare, Karen is committed to achieving excellence through health system safety, good governance practices and sound risk management.

Kate joined Gidget Foundation Australia in October 2022 as the Partnerships and Operations Coordinator.

Katie joined the Gidget Foundation as Client Services Team Manager in July 2024, bringing with her four years of experience working in the wellbeing and mental health space.

Katie Peterson is a registered Clinical Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor with AHPRA based in Tamworth NSW.

Lisa joined Gidget Foundation Australia as Digital Manager in January 2019 and is now in the role of Digital and Community Fundraising Director.

Lucy Joined Gidget Foundation Australia in 2022 as a member of the Client Services team.

Lucy joined Gidget Foundation Australia in 2023 and is now working as Programs Coordinator. She couldn’t be more enthusiastic about being part of this dynamic team.

Mandy joined Gidget Foundation Australia in 2019 as part of the Clinical Administration Team and supports the Westmead and Merrylands Gidget Houses and our Start Talking telehealth program.

Mathew Aquilina is a registered Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor. As Clinical Team Leader, Mathew provides clinical support and facilitates professional development of clinicians working with Gidget Foundation Australia.

Melisa's journey in the nonprofit sector is marked by impactful positions, including her tenure as Communication Manager at WeBelong Inc. and Brand Officer for Wesley Mission.

Melissa is an accomplished HR professional who made a significant impact in corporate organisations, dedicating 15 years to a successful career in HR and leadership positions.

Michaela is responsible for the strategic development, monitoring, and evaluation of Gidget Foundation Australia’s client-focussed programs.

Natalie takes care of the Foundation’s partnerships and brand marketing initiatives.

Nicki joined Gidget Foundation Australia as its Hospital Program Manager, leading the expansion of our Gidget Emotional Wellbeing Screening Program.

Patricia joined Gidget Foundation Australia in 2024 as Senior Marketing Coordinator, bringing with her over 10 years marketing experience gained from organisations such as Virgin Australia, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Optus.

Peni Bailey is the Gidget House and Start Talking Program Manager, previously Peni was in the role of Clinical Practice Manager

Rachael joined Gidget Foundation Australia in August 2023 in the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer.

Rebekah joined the team in February 2023 as Social Media Manager

Sarah works with the clinical administration team and supports Gidget Foundation Australia’s Triage Program.

As a Clinical Practice Executive, Stephanie is passionate about mental health for both women and the wider community, especially in our more remote areas.

Summer joined the Gidget Foundation Australia in 2024 as a Client Services Executive.

After three years of freelancing for Gidget Foundation Australia in Graphic Design, Tori joined the team officially in March 2023.

Zarnie is a Gidget Founder and passionate advocate for PNDA support and mental health.

Zoe joined the Gidget Foundation Australia in July 2023 as a Clinical Intake Coordinator. She graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Psychology and is currently studying to gain her Counselling registration.

In Zoë's current role as Advocacy and Public Policy Manager at Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA), Zoë supports the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in developing, coordinating, and implementing a range of advocacy, public policy, and stakeholder engagement initiatives to support the delivery of GFA's strategic pillars. She is responsible for nurturing existing relationships and developing new ones to advocate on behalf of GFA.