Michaela is responsible for the strategic development, implementation and monitoring, and evaluation of Gidget Foundation Australia’s client-focussed programs. She also develops and oversees the implementation of major program funding.

Growing up in Southern Africa, Michaela developed a deep sense of community purpose and a commitment to following a career that focussed on helping others. She has worked in the not for profit and government sectors for 20 years, both in Australia and internationally. Her experience has been gained in a variety of settings from HIV/AIDS prevention and education, sustainable agriculture, and cancer support and education, to currently mental health.

Michaela has been involved in the implementation of a range of programs and services from multilateral multimillion-dollar national programs to small-scale community-based initiatives. The common theme throughout her career has been a tireless commitment to the delivery of effective and efficient programs with clearly demonstrated social impact. In Australia, Michaela has previously worked at the McGrath Foundation where she was responsible for developing the organisation’s national Breast Care Nurse program, which saw the expansion of the program from 2 to 55 nurses during her tenure. She has also held roles as Sydney Area Manager at national children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality, and Prevention Portfolio Coordinator at Cancer Institute NSW, with a specific focus on increasing participation in the NSW Cervical Screening Program.

Michaela holds a MA from Oxford University and a MSc in Demography from the London School of Economics and Political Science. When not at work, Michaela is kept just as busy by her two children!