Our People

Distinguished Professor Anne Graham AO

Childhood Studies and Founding Director of the Centre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross University

A researcher with a background in education, sociology and social policy, Anne is the author of the MacKillop Seasons programs. Anne’s research, which emphasises the critical importance of hearing children’s views, has been recognised by numerous awards, including an Officer of the Order of Australia (2018). While Anne has published extensively in scholarly journals and books, she also ensures her research culminates in ‘plain English’ research summaries, websites, ‘good practice’ guidelines, webinars, professional learning workshops, and education programs, to help ensure the research is accessible and relevant to those who can best use it.

Dr Robyn Miller AM

Chief Executive Officer, MacKillop Family Services

Robyn is the Chief Executive Officer of MacKillop Family Services, a national organisation of over 2,500 staff walking alongside children, young people, families and communities each day for stronger outcomes - MacKillop Seasons is just one of the ways we do this. Robyn is passionate about social justice and the rights of children and families. As a social worker and family therapist, Robyn has over thirty years' experience in the child and welfare sector. Robyn is committed to training and supportive supervision for colleagues to provide best practice to the children and families we serve. Robyn was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2025. When not traveling to MacKillop programs all over Australia, Robyn delights in her own five children and three beautiful grandchildren.

Chris Higgins

Director - The MacKillop Institute

Chris is a passionate advocate for inclusive and equitable education and through has role as Director of The MacKillop Institute - the professional learning and training arm of MacKillop - Chris supports delivery of evidence-based programs including MacKillop Seasons. He held leadership roles in schools, not-for-profits, consultancies, and the ed-tech sector, and has devoted his career to empowering educators and young people both in Australia and on a global scale. Chris is currently completing his PhD in Education exploring how Australian secondary schools use digital technologies to develop student competencies.

Esmai Manahan

Yorta Yorta

National Director, First Nations Practice & Partnerships

Esmai is a proud Yorta Yorta woman, raised in a politically active family that is passionate about making positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Esmai is trauma and family therapy trained, and is responsible for the oversight of cultural safety, self-determination and reconciliation across MacKillop Family Services, including advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and families.

Louise Hall

National and International Partnerships Lead

Louise’s passion for the value of group work led her to her current role. With a social work and early years background, Louise has worked across statutory and not for profit services with a focus on family support and wellbeing. At work, Louise enjoys building relationships with stakeholders and widening the reach of community support; and at home, she enjoys the changes and joy that comes with parenting teenagers.

Ellen Mueller

Operations Lead (maternity leave)

Ellen Mueller is the Operations Lead for MacKillop Seasons at The MacKillop Institute, MacKillop Family Services. In this role, she leads operational planning, service coordination and customer experience functions, supporting the effective delivery of trauma-informed professional learning and wellbeing programs across Australia. Ellen oversees a multidisciplinary operations team and is committed to ensuring high-quality systems, processes and stakeholder support that enable positive outcomes for schools, communities and service partners.

Charles Connolly

Operations Lead (maternity cover)

Charles is the Acting Operations Lead for MacKillop Seasons at The MacKillop Institute, MacKillop Family Services. Charles brings extensive experience in complex operations across a range of sectors and sized organisations including business, health and education from small organisations to state-wide health departments. He joined MacKillop Seasons as Training Coordinator helping to arrange all external trainings and coordinate expert faciliators demonstrating his skills in complex delivery management.

Alison Vincent

Digital Communications and Marketing Advisor

Alison is responsible for developing and delivering strategic marketing and communications initiatives that strengthen brand presence and engagement. With over 20 years of experience across digital and print channels, Alison combines creative design expertise with a results-driven approach. She has led marketing strategies for global consumer brands and education programmes, delivering impactful campaigns that connect with audiences and achieve organisational goals. Alison has worked with Asia Education Foundation at The University of Melbourne on national and international youth programs, and previously managed marketing for childcare and nursery products in national and international markets at CNP Brands and Britax Child Safety.

Yvonne Lindros

Seasons for Life Lead

Yvonne is a passionate educator and leader in the trauma-informed education space. For 9 years Yvonne worked in the alternative education space with MacKillop Education working within the ReLATE model, as a teacher, education & wellbeing coordinator, and deputy principal. Her roles have included leading and supporting the implementation of trauma-informed education initiatives including the ReLATE model, meantl health first aid and suicide risk assessment training. This has included the delivery of ongoing professional learning, mentoring and coaching. Yvonne has worked directly with students and families, ensuring access and equity to education through individualised and tailored support structures for each child.

Godelieve Verkuyl

Disaster Resilience Lead

Godelieve is the National Lead, Disaster Resilience within MacKillop Seasons at The MacKillop Institute. She leads initiatives that strengthen community resilience and recovery, supporting organisations, schools and communities to respond effectively to adversity, disaster and significant life challenges through evidence-informed approaches.

Jeanie McDonnell

Trainer and Companion Support Lead

Jeanie is the Trainer & Companion Support Lead with MacKillop Seasons at The MacKillop Institute. She provides leadership and support to trainers and companions across Australia, helping to ensure high-quality program delivery and positive outcomes for children, young people and the professionals who support them.

Benita Tait

Trainer and Companion Support

Benita is a Trainer & Companion Support team member with MacKillop Seasons. She works closely with trainers, schools and community organisations to support the delivery of evidence-informed programs that promote wellbeing, resilience and strong relationships for children and young people.

Fiona Hart

Trainer and Companion Support

Fiona is a Trainer and Companion Support team member with MacKillop Seasons at The MacKillop Institute. She supports learning and development initiatives that equip educators and practitioners with practical strategies to support children and young people through change, loss and other life challenges.

Juliane Roebel-Hermann

Trainer and Companion Support

Juliane is a Trainer and Companion Support team member with MacKillop Seasons at The MacKillop Institute. She supports the delivery of professional learning and companion development programs, helping to build the capacity of educators, practitioners and community members to support children and young people experiencing change, loss and grief.

Nicole Flatley

Seasons for Life Coordinator, QLD & NNSW

Nicole is a passionate educator specialising in the delivery of mental health promotion and training for schools. Advisor to senior school leadership teams following critical incident and dedicated to supporting children and young people to thrive following grief, loss and change.

Rebecca van Herk

Project Officer - Seasons for Life

Rebecca is a Seasons for Life Project Officer within the MacKillop Seasons suite of programs at The MacKillop Institute. She supports the development and implementation of Seasons for Life initiatives, working with stakeholders and communities to promote wellbeing, resilience and early intervention for children and young people.

Brooke Nester

National Lead – Stormbirds Disaster Readiness Initiative

Brooke leads the Stormbirds Disaster Readiness initiative, supporting schools and communities to strengthen resilience after natural disasters. With over 20 years’ experience in education, wellbeing and trauma-informed practice, she designs evidence-informed approaches that build protective factors and support recovery. She is committed to ensuring children’s safety and voices remain central to disaster preparedness and community resilience.

Nik Panting

Disaster Resilience Officer – Southern NSW

Nik is an education leader with 40+ years’ experience focused on social justice and children’s rights. She has advanced inclusive education policy, supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in remote communities, and advised the Fijian Education Department on whole-school approaches. Most recently, she delivered Intensive Therapeutic Care with MacKillop for young people with high needs.

Anastasia Scott

Disaster Resilience Officer – QLD & NNSW

Anastasia is a dedicated wellbeing professional who supports individuals and communities through trauma-informed education, grief literacy, and resilience-building. With extensive experience in student wellbeing, community services, youth mentoring, and holistic health, she brings a compassionate, person-centred approach to every interaction. Anastasia is passionate about helping communities navigate adversity, strengthen coping skills, and build long-term wellbeing.

Jo Quinn

Disaster Resilience Officer – Victoria

Jo is an experienced primary teacher and Wellbeing and Learning Adjustment Leader dedicated to inclusive, supportive environments where every student can thrive. A trained facilitator with the Seasons for Growth organisation, she delivers professional learning for schools and organisations, helping staff strengthen wellbeing practices and positive relationships. Jo works collaboratively with educators and leaders to build practical approaches that enhance learning, connection and a strong sense of belonging for all.

Robyn Turton

Disaster Resilience Officer – Central NSW

With a background in social work and play therapy, Robyn has worked alongside children, young people and families in the settings of out-of-home care, trauma-informed education, and children’s mental health. She values the power of listening and working in partnership with others to support children to feel safe, seen and heard.

Brianna Hollingworth

Customer Experience Officer

Brianna supports participants to effectively engage in our learning programs including MacKillop Seasons and all other programs offered by The MacKillop Institute. She is committed to delivering exceptional stakeholder support and works closely with participants and organisational partners to ensure a seamless and positive engagement experience.

Alex Cogley

Customer Experience Officer

Alex supports participant engagement and service delivery, helping to ensure that schools, organisations and practitioners receive responsive and effective support throughout their involvement with MacKillop programs.

Sam Feros

Administration and Finance Officer

Samantha Feros is an administration and finance officer across all programs at The MacKillop Institute including MacKillop Seasons. She supports numerous administrative and finance tasks to ensure participants, schools and organisations engaging with MacKillop programs through high-quality support.