Our Leadership

Krystian has extensive experience shaping policy and regulatory frameworks, with a particular focus on the not-for-profit sector and philanthropy. He serves as an Associate Commissioner at the Productivity Commission, where he is part of the team leading its wide-ranging inquiry focused on philanthropy.

Krystian was previously an Industry Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University of Technology, and the Advocacy & Insight Manager at Philanthropy Australia. He continues to contribute to the work of Philanthropy Australia, through his role as its Policy and Practice Specialist.

As an adviser to a former Australian Assistant Treasurer in the Australian Government, Krystian managed the delivery of major reforms focused on the not-for-profit sector, including the establishment of Australia’s first independent charities regulator, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), and the passage of Australia’s first statutory definition of charity, the Charities Act 2013 (Cth)

Marcia Gough is the Chief People & Culture Officer at Austin Health. She has significant Human Resources and Leadership experience gained across a number of sectors, including, education, manufacturing, consulting, professional services, telecommunications and high technology.

She has held global responsibility for Human Resources for a number of years, most recently with Swinburne, RMIT and the Leica Group. Marcia is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a qualified Psychologist with Post Graduate qualifications in Human Resources and Psychology.

Tony Jorm is a researcher with particular interest in building the community’s capacity to take action on mental health. He is an Emeritus Professor at the Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne. With Betty Kitchener, he was a co-founder of Mental Health First Aid.

He has had numerous honorary positions, including President of the Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research, Editor-in-Chief of Mental Health & Prevention and the Australasian Journal on Ageing, and Board member of the Mental Health Council of Australia. He has had a long association with Australian Rotary Health, including as Chair of its Research Committee.

Nicole is passionate about raising awareness for mental health, reducing the associated stigma and encouraging early intervention. Previously a management consultant specialising in change management, Nicole brings 16 years of experience in Australia and London leading global organisations through workforce transformation programs.

She is currently a Councillor for the City of Stonnington and a Director at On The Line Australia which delivers counselling, mental health and suicide prevention services.

Kathryn is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has extensive knowledge of accounting, funds management and banking sectors. Her work experience includes auditing, regulatory compliance and risk management roles with international experience in the UK and New Zealand. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also RG146 qualified and has a Diploma in Superannuation through the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).

Kathryn sits on a number of boards and audit and risk committees in the not-for-profit sector. She also sits on the Disciplinary Tribunal for Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand and the Financial Services and Credit Panel (ASIC).

Vanessa is an accomplished people leader and board director, driven by a profound passion for employee experience and technology. She uniquely combines her educational background in psychology and teaching with extensive industry experience.

Specialising in strategic planning, international perspectives and executive human resources leadership, Vanessa has successfully built and led global People and Culture functions, overseeing teams across Asia-Pacific, the Americas and Europe.

In addition to her ongoing work as a non-executive director, Vanessa leads initiatives related to the implementation of Generative AI solutions, introducing cutting-edge technologies to enhance employee productivity and performance.

Angus is an experienced CEO with diverse senior executive experience across the federal government, health, family violence, community and disability sectors. His strength lies in using his strong stakeholder and change management skills to bring together diverse and often competing groups within complex organisations and across sectors to achieve better service outcomes.

In his most recent role as CEO of On the Line Australia, the clinical service provider of Mensline, National Suicide Service, and Suicide Line Victoria, Angus initiated and facilitated the merger between the organisation with community crisis support leader Lifeline Australia. He previously served as CEO of sector peak body Mental Health Victoria, where he successfully advocated for a Royal Commission in Victoria’s mental health system that has so far seen $6 billion invested into reform initiatives.

Angus has held numerous governance and advisory roles. He is currently a director of the Mental Health Legal Centre and the Victorian Government Regional Mental Health & Wellbeing Board member. He is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute UK, and Member and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Ebony Whitehouse as the Executive Director, Australia Operations at Mental Health First Aid International, provides leadership to each of the teams that are responsible for developing, maintaining, and supporting quality standards for the delivery of the Mental Health First Aid Australia Program.  

With over 15 years’ experience in leading both face to face and remote teams, Ebony uses clear and effective communication to build positive relationships and produce strong results. Passionate about education, Ebony is skilled in using feedback to innovate, coach staff, engage stakeholders and develop capacity within teams to ensure best practice delivery to meet learning outcomes. As a natural problem solver, Ebony thinks strategically, with empathy to ensure there is a key purpose behind all decision making.

Before commencing in her role at Mental Health First Aid in January 2022, Ebony led and directed the overall management, development, and direction of the National Education Portfolio at Swinburne Online, a partner for Online Education Services.

Ebony is passionate about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, to bridge the gaps in life outcomes, and more specifically mental health awareness and support. 

As the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Vanessa leads a team of professionals dedicated to the continuous improvement of systems and process to ensure strong financial management, reporting & analysis, risk minimisation, and robust infrastructure.

Vanessa brings to her role 25 plus years’ experience in senior leadership roles in finance, risk management, and information technology across a wide range of industries within both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Her more recent executive roles were as General Manager Corporate Services for Windana Drug & Alcohol Recovery, and also at Mannacare, an aged care and NDIS provider.

In recent years Vanessa has found herself drawn to working with community-based organisations that are committed to making a difference to peoples’ lives and is delighted to be working for Mental Health First Aid International.

As the Executive Director, International Programs, Quality and Research, Jakqui provides leadership to the research, curriculum, quality and international secretariat teams to support and develop high-quality, evidence-based MHFA programs in Australia and internationally across 30 countries.

With more than 20 years of experience in senior mental health, nursing and operations roles, Jakqui has worked in tertiary and primary health services, the community and university sectors, and digital mental health. She serves as a member of a university human research ethics committee as a subject matter expert and as a member of a committee of management of a Bush Nursing Service. Her expertise spans clinical governance, digital mental health service delivery, corporate governance, and transformational leadership.

As a mental health nurse and passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing, Jakqui believes in the premise that mental health education and training hold the key to connected and heathy communities.

Jakqui strives for evidence-informed practice to uphold high standards. Her approach integrates social, emotional, and attentional intelligence, fostering psychological safety and resilience.

An introvert, Jakqui leverages her strengths to maintain a strong work ethic, deliver high standards, and lead effectively in complex settings.

As the Executive Director, Strategic Relationships and Advocacy, Marc works closely with teams across MHFAI to strengthen partnerships and collaboration, increase fundraising and philanthropy, expand program impact and reach, and advocate for the inclusion of MHFA in government policies, strategies and funding. 

Marc brings to MFHAI more than 20 years’ experience in national and global leadership roles. He is passionate about mental health promotion and suicide prevention, and has lived experience of mental ill-health, both individually and as a carer.

Marc previously served as Director of Suicide Prevention at leading global suicide prevention agency LivingWorks for four years, where he led business development, partnerships, and advocacy across Asia Pacific and Europe.

Prior to this, he spent more than a decade as part of the Everymind executive team, overseeing the Mindframe media and communications training and education program. In this role, Marc led the development of the world’s first guidelines for alcohol and other drugs (AOD), the establishment of the national Life in Mind digital gateway, and the redevelopment of the Communications Charter. He has also held senior roles for SA Health, National Health Service, and in print UK journalism. 

Marc has held numerous advisory group memberships, and is currently serving on the META Australia Industry Safety Advisory Group, as Co-chair of the International Association Suicide Prevention (IASP) training and education special interest group, and as a member of the RUOK? Conversation Think Tank.

Marc holds memberships with international and national peaks bodies of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), Mental Health Australia and Suicide Prevention Australia.

Shala is a leader with over 25 years of experience in commercial sponsorship, partnerships, business development, healthcare and education.  

She holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Monash University and has postgraduate qualifications in education and teaching from the University of Melbourne, including a Graduate Certificate in University Teaching (GCUT) and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Research (GCER). Shala is responsible for managing grant and stakeholder funding arrangements, partnerships, and commercial projects, working with federal and state government clients, peak bodies, and councils. 

Shala is a member of several governance and healthcare associations, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), the Institute of Community Directors (ICD), IUHPE, AHPA, ANZMHA and MHPN, and an associate member of the Australian Publishers Association, supporting her work at Mental Health First Aid International. 

Her executive roles have included positions at Novartis, Nestle, Commonwealth Games, CUB and Simplot, and she has held academic teaching roles at the University of Melbourne and Monash University. Shala has also liaised with the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), Medicines Australia (MA), Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), and professional associations and peak bodies including RACGP and the Cancer Council in previous healthcare roles, and has a strong understanding of mental health and supporting people with lived experience. 

As the Technology Manager, Mitch Bailey develops, maintains and supports our technology systems and infrastructure within Australia. 
 
Mitch brings to his role 20 years’ experience as an IT professional, having worked internationally across a variety of sectors including legal, technical recruitment, financial services and not-for-profit.  

Toby joined our team as Marketing Manager in 2018, shortly after relocating to Melbourne from the UK. He has over 20 years’ experience of growing brands and engaging audiences.  

A results-orientated marketing professional, Toby enjoys connecting the dots and crafting the perfect mix of multi-channel marketing, customer acquisition tactics and brand strategy.  

In his role as Marketing Manager, he uses innovative marketing and storytelling to connect audiences with Mental Health First Aid programs and courses. 

Toby is passionate about helping to change the narrative around mental health, improve the wellbeing of our population, and bring people together around our work. 

As the Finance Manager, Ayesha leads a very motivated team of professionals overseeing all aspects of finance and accounting including financial reporting, management reporting, payroll, inventory management, accounts payable, account receivables and external reporting.  

Ayesha has accumulated 20+ years of experience in roles in broader finance and accounting across a number of industries in financial services working in multi-national corporates, the Victorian public sector and NFPs. Ayesha is pragmatic in her approach, is highly motivated and strives to build relationships across the organisation to deliver quality results. People are at the heart of what she does and leads others by example. 

Dr Claire Kelly is a researcher, curriculum developer and educator who values evidence, relationships and centering the voices of lived experience in all aspects of all work in the mental health sphere. She is an author of the manuals and handbooks used in Mental Health First Aid courses and her work has informed the Mental Health First Aid Guidelines. She mentors international partners to adapt MHFA programs and disseminate them effectively in their own countries. 

Claire’s main passion is the mental health of young people and minimising the impacts that mental health problems can have on development, educational outcomes and long-term functioning. She has worked on research and curriculum development designed to meet the needs of specific groups in the community, such as culturally and linguistically diverse groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and LGBTIQA+ groups.  

Claire has lived experience of depression, anxiety and non-suicidal self-injury dating back from adolescence, which has been a driver for a lot of her work. 

Joline Mead is a dedicated professional with a strong focus on program implementation and relationship management, utilising technology to provide the best solutions for clients. With a solid track record in developing and nurturing successful partnerships, Joline brings extensive experience in driving program initiatives forward.

With over 15 years experience in the Corporate, Mining and Gas, Technology and Mental Health Sectors, Joline has excelled in leveraging technological solutions to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. She is adept at creating and managing technological tools and systems to support program objectives and organisational goals. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and achieve ambitious targets, Joline thrives in environments requiring strategic thinking and decisive action. She brings a creative approach to problem-solving and a commitment to delivering results of the highest standard.

Passionate about driving organisational success through meticulous planning, effective coordination, and proactive implementation, Joline is dedicated to fostering strong relationships and ensuring the success of every program she implements, with a people-oriented approach and a focus on continuous improvement, Joline is poised to make significant contributions in program implementation and relationship management at Mental Health First Aid International. 

As the General Manager of Delivery and Systems, Leonard leads and manages cross-functional teams contributing to a high-quality user experience. These functions include support services, instructor quality and delivery, and systems in the Australian Operations portfolio. 

With over 20 years of experience in learning and organisational development, Leonard’s purpose and passion is to make every learning moment count. With a background in facilitation, learning design, coaching and mentoring, Leonard employs a human-centred approach and acknowledges that all learners are different.  

Leonard is a highly accomplished, results-driven professional passionate about collaboration and building relationships. With a proven track record of streamlining operations, increasing productivity, and delivering exceptional customer service, Leonard fosters a positive work environment and builds strong stakeholder relationships. 

With a decade of experience spanning the arts, higher education and not-for-profit sectors, Nicole is a communications specialist passionate about making a difference through impactful storytelling and strategic communications.  

Prior to joining Mental Health First Aid International in January 2023, she led the Marketing and Communications team at ministerial not-for-profit Education Services Australia. In this role, she oversaw the marketing and communications strategies for the corporate brand and a suite of 12 educational platforms, to enhance the organisation’s outreach and impact.   

In her role as Communications Manager, Nicole channels her passion for mental health advocacy into crafting communications that raise awareness, educate and inspire action, while supporting best practice in accessibility, inclusive writing and user experience. Her work is dedicated to breaking down stigma, promoting mental health, and empowering individuals to make a difference in the lives of those around them.  

Jes Stovold is the Business Development & Engagement Manager and spends most of her time working with clients to profile MHFA training pathways, including instructor training, course delivery and implementation of MHFA training across different settings. 

With over 15 years’ experience as a manager in the healthcare industry, Jes uses her communication, influencing and account management skills to develop and facilitate strategic relationships and partnerships. 

Jes is passionate about health and education and uses her experience in managing partnerships and developing medical education programs within allied health, medical device and pharmaceutical sectors, to raise awareness of mental health, breakdown stigma and to help people connect with the support they need.