Our Staff

Hi, I'm Margo, the proud Founder and CEO of KidsXpress, passionately advocating for Children's Mental Health through trauma-informed care and expressive therapies. My extensive experience in child and youth-related industries includes managing the Play Therapy Department at Sydney Children's Hospital.

Specialising in paediatric chronic illness, trauma, palliative care and bereavement. Prior to KidsXpress, I managed the national suicide prevention program, LifeForce. I have pioneered therapeutic interventions across Australia and shared my expertise internationally.

Recognitions for my contributions include the Stanford Executive Leadership Scholarship, Rotary Humanitarian Service Award, and being a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Additionally, I serve on the KidsXpress board and as an Independent Director for Chubb Insurance Australia & General Security Australia GSA.

At KidsXpress, with our growing village passionate individuals, we weave laughter and curiosity into our therapeutic magic, healing young hearts with our secret superpowers.

Hi, I’m Rana, I have worked in the Not-for-Profit sector since 1999. I feel so lucky to have found what gets me bounding out of bed each morning, which is working for organisations that help others.

I am passionate about the Finance, Administration, HR and Governance of NFPs and Charities (everything that keeps the engine running), feeling the greatest work satisfaction when I can implement structures that make client-facing staff’s work life easier. Spreadsheets and budgets are my happy place.

Previously I have worked for organisations such as Helping Minds WA, Kulcha Multicultural Arts of WA, Qld Artworkers Alliance and I met my husband while working for the Woodford Folk Festival. We have two awesome boys and a couple of ridiculously cute puppies.

Other than that, I am an avid stay-cationer, spending as much of my time as I can on our back deck weaving, reading books, playing pool and inching ever closer to “the Good Life” by tending our fruit trees, vege patch and chooks.

Hi I’m Natalie and I share my role with Ben. I have been a Dramatherapist for over 15 years and started my career at KidsXpress many many moons ago. Since then I have worked in trauma, early intervention psychosis, addiction and child and adolescent mental health.

It has been wonderful to return to KidsXpress where I can elevate the voices of the children we support to ensure that our programs and strategic direction are serving them, their families and their communities.

When I’m not at KidsXpress I run a private practice and in the moments when I’m not working you will find me swimming in the ocean making friends with the fish.

Hi. I'm Ben. I share my role with Nat Mackenzie as the Head of Clinical Services - Research and Development

The purpose of my part of the role is building evidence-rich relationships with funding, research, and education partners that are interested in systemic conversations about how we can better support children, families and schools through trauma recovery.

Hi I’m Simon and I’m a skilled senior executive with over 28 years experience in the NFP sector managing organisations such as Starlight Children’s Foundation, Camp Quality and Tour de Cure. I have a strong business background in sustainable practices in commercial growth, change management, strategic planning, governance and building values based cultures.

I’m excited to be a part of such a great team that is passionate about making a difference.

Outside of work my happy space is walking in the bush, exercising, following my sporting teams and spending time with my family and friends.

Hi, I’m Kirsty and I feel incredibly fortunate to lead the People & Culture team at KidsXpress.

As Head of People & Culture I am responsible for ensuring KidsXpress can recruit and retain highly skilled and motivated people and that our values are expressed in every single aspect of the employee experience.

Prior to joining KidsXpress I held management roles with Wesley Mission and The Butterfly Foundation where I was responsible for the leadership, direction and oversight of Programs and Corporate Services respectively. During this time, I learnt that an engaged team is integral to an organisation’s success, and it motivated me to adopt a more holistic and people focused approach to HR.

I am passionate about creating a positive work environment where our team can thrive.

In my free time you’ll find me immersed in nature with my family, having very likely just enjoyed an almond milk flat white.

Hi, I’m Erin, I have worked for many years educating and providing therapeutic support to a diverse range of children, in Australia and the UK. I began my career as an Early Childhood and Primary School Teacher working in a variety of educational settings (birth to 12 years of age). I have since gained a wide range of clinical experience as a Play Therapist (3 to 18 years of age), primarily working in schools, children’s charities and healthcare settings in the community.

Interesting fact about me- I have researched and written a book chapter exploring the role of Child-Centred Play Therapy for children with a life-limiting illness. This work highlights the importance of the therapeutic relationship when working holistically with the child and their family.

In the KidsXpress room, I enjoy all aspects of play, whether it’s engaging with sensory materials, sand, role play, music making and any form of creative expression - I love all of it! Witnessing the changes that can occur, when a child is given space and time to express themselves through play and make meaning of their world, really is such a privilege.

Hi, I’m Rita, my role is Program Manager, Sydney where I am responsible for overseeing three partnership schools. I work to strengthen a whole school trauma sensitive approach and mentor educators to nurture children emotional wellbeing and helping children to reach their learning brain.

I also support the children’s greater network, including caregivers, which is particularly important for those impacted by trauma.

Having over 32 years’ experience working with the most vulnerable communities in child and family, child protection and out of home care. I am an experienced trainer and delivers training to professionals, families and communities to increase an understanding of the impact of trauma and toxic stress on the brain and behaviour.

Beyond KidsXpress, you'll find me baking up a storm and creating delectable treats. I cherish quality time with family, taking long beach walks, and letting music fuel my soul.

Hi, I’m Andrew and am a Trauma Consultant and Practice Coach.

I am an experienced human services executive with expertise across ageing, disability, child protection, homelessness, and domestic and sexual violence prevention. My extensive experience in human services culminated in a tenure as the NSW Public Guardian, where I worked to ensure the interests of vulnerable individuals were upheld and safeguarded. With a strong track record in policy development, program management, and cross-agency collaboration, I led various initiatives that improved services and outcomes for vulnerable communities.

As a Trauma Consultant and Practice Coach, I help parents, educators, and professionals understand trauma and trauma-informed practices to build their confidence and ability to foster strong connections, create safe environments, and support children’s growth and well-being.

Outside of work I love being a husband and dad! I am also a big sports fan, especially all forms of football.

Hi, I’m Tim and I am a Trauma-Informed Education Consultant at KidsXpress. I have 12 years of experience working alongside young people with complex needs.

My background is in out of home care and in the Alternative education setting. I’m passionate about relationship-based practice which I believe is the foundation for promoting healing, growth and over-all wellbeing. I’m excited to have the opportunity to support educators to use their passion and relationships to create therapeutic healing centred classrooms and school communities.

In my life away from my role at KidsXpress I love spending time with my family and being a Dad of 2 young kids. I’m a passionate golfer and massive NBA fan. I also enjoying cooking at home and exploring local cafes.

Hi, I am Matilda a Trauma-Informed Education Consultant at KidsXpress. I have over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and young people in community focused, and the not-for-profit sector including Health, Education, Disability and Aged Care. I am passionate about creating safe and nurturing environments for our young people to support them to achieve their best.

My goal is to encourage and support educators, parents, and carers to gain a greater understanding of developmental trauma, trauma-informed practices, and emotional intelligence, to strengthen knowledge in their attachments and relationships with children, young people, and the community. To work with students, teachers and families is such a privilege.

Hi I'm Tamar and I'm thrilled to be a Trauma-Informed Education Consultant (TIEC) at KidsXpress!

Previously I was a Drama and English as an Additional Language teacher before qualifying as a counsellor & psychotherapist.

As a TIEC, I support school staff and parents to gain knowledge of trauma's impact on the brain, development, and learning. Together we build environments where children can feel safe and connected.

I'm especially passionate about supporting the emotional well-being of educators, recognising their vital role in creating positive school environments.

Outside of KidsXpress, you'll find me exploring new places, relaxing with my family of four (two humans and two dogs), or getting creative in the kitchen and garden.

Hi, I’m Ash!
I am passionate about creating systems and spaces where kids and the adults in their world feel safe to embrace and express their authentic selves.

In my 15 years’ experience working with in the justice system, refugee & homelessness sectors, I’ve worked with people bearing the weight of disconnection from their bodies, families, homeland, culture and their ideal selves. I’ve seen firsthand that positive relationships, playful curiosity and the creative arts can transform ‘hurt’ into healing and purpose.

I love helping people build resilience & well-being skills, grounded in their unique strengths, cultural identity and values that empower them to navigate the storms of life, long after our work together concludes.

Hi, I am Diana and I am a Senior Trauma Consultant and Practice Coach. I have been supporting children, families, educators and other professionals for over 25 years, in the areas of trauma, children’s mental health, schools and education, out of home care, child protection and early intervention. I am constantly inspired by the resilience, courage and capacity of children, young people and their families/carers who have experienced trauma and adversity, to adapt, learn and grow, and feel privileged to have been able to walk alongside them and support them through their journey.

My role as a Trauma Consultant and Practice Coach is to support parents, educators, and other professionals to learn more about trauma and trauma informed practices, so that they can increase their confidence and capacity to apply these effectively to enhance their connections and attachments with children and young people and to be able to provide safe and nurturing environments for children to live, learn and thrive.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being a “soccer Mum” of 2 boys, spending time outdoors, baking, and training Ellie, my ‘therapy dog in training’.

Hi, I’m Tammy, I am the Training and Operations Manager with KidsXpress. My role is to coordinate the logistical requirements of our service delivery. I am inspired by the kindness and creativity of the KidsXpress team and am grateful for the opportunity to help facilitate the wonderful work they do.

Hi, I’m Robyn, and I am a Trauma-Informed Education Consultant at KidsXpress.

I am grateful to work within the education system, sharing the benefits of trauma informed practice. I am passionate about staff wellbeing and working collaboratively to support and empower children. The best learning happens when everyone in the school community feels safe, valued, and connected.

I have over twenty years’ Social Work experience in Australia and the United Kingdom, in the fields of out-of-home care, adoption and education. I am inspired by the resilience of children, the patience of educators and the creativity of my colleagues at KidsXpress.

Outside of work, I try to get outdoors as much as possible and love walking in forests and floating in the ocean.

Hi, Im I’m Rebecca, I have had the privilege of working with children, young people, families, educators and other professionals for the past 30 years and what I have learnt is the importance of relationships, compassion, acceptance and empathy, mixed in with a dose of playfulness and joy.

I am passionate about creating resilient families and communities. My aspiration is to build capacity and confidence in parents, carers, educators and other professionals through a greater understanding of developmental trauma, trauma-informed practices and emotional intelligence. I see my role as Trauma-informed consultant as a mentor to parents and educators on ways to utilise and apply these practices and knowledge in their attachments, relationships and interactions with children, young people and the community.

As Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

Hi, I am Sarah (nice to virtually meet you!). I am an Art Therapist who joined KidsXpress in 2017. For the last eight years, I have been working in the not-for-profit space in the areas of children’s mental health, disability, refugee and asylum seeker support, and early intervention parental support.

During my time at KidsXpress, I have had the absolute joy of working with hundreds of phenomenal children, who courageously and creatively engaged in our KidsXpress program throughout the years. It has been an honour to hold the space for the children, while they bravely and playfully explore their experiences of the world and themselves. Recently, I have moved into the role of Lead, Clinical Development.

On a daily basis, I feel endlessly inspired from working alongside our marvellous expressive therapy team. In this role I get to witness and support our therapy teams, while always ensuring best practice. I can honestly say I love my job! Every day is different, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with such incredible staff, children, and their families.

Hi, I’m Natalie and I am part of the Practice Support Team, bringing over 20 years’ experience as a Registered Music Therapist.

I was part of the start-up team when KidsXpress opened its doors in 2006 and have worked extensively alongside other creative arts therapists supporting a broad range of children through a transdisciplinary model.

I am most passionate about how we can integrate learnings from science together with ancient wisdoms from the creative arts into clinical practice to support meaningful connections for our children and their caregiving networks.

Hi, I'm Yvette! I enjoy bright colours, playing games, and drinking tea.

Parts of my story have included being a counsellor, case worker, volunteer mentor, music teacher, behaviour support practitioner, and now ‘expressive therapist’! I am passionate about working alongside young people creatively to share their unique stories in the ways they choose.

I am an advocate for self-expression, empowerment, exploring strengths, and having fun.

Hi, I'm Kati, a Play Therapist at KidsXpress. I’ve been working therapeutically with children since 2013, starting as a clinical counsellor. My journey took a deeper turn when I became an adoptive mother, which sparked my curiosity and love for play therapy with children.

I am a Synergetic Play Therapist at heart – Synergetic Play Therapy is a research-informed model of play therapy based on nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, mindfulness and therapist authenticity. Its primary play therapy influences are Child-Centered, Experiential and Gestalt theories.

I incorporate a variety of engaging therapeutic tools such as sandplay, puppets, art, role play, clay, and creative visualisation to help children, aged 3 to 13, achieve meaningful emotional and psychological growth. Each session is tailored to the individual, offering a safe space for healing and self-discovery.

Hi, I'm Hayley, I have worked with humans across the life span engaging creative art therapies as a tool for reflection, self-expression and connection.

As a child growing up art was always a safe space for me to explore my inner world, especially when life was hard or confusing. At KidsXpress I am honoured to facilitate that space for other children in their time of need.

When I'm not at work I like gardening with my dog Teddy, going camping or experiencing live music with friends and family.

Hi, my name is Liz and I am a Registered Art Therapist at Kidsxpress. I have worked with children and their families for 12 years, and I have seen how expressive therapy has been such as powerful tool to support children and their families heal.

I have been in awe of KidsXpress and their work for years. So much so it inspired me to study a Masters of Art Therapy which I completed in 2019, and I joined the KidsXpress Village in 2020.

Throughout my time working with children I have always been challenged to think in new ways to support and help children and their families. They have taught me to think outside the box and challenge the ways that I work all the time. Children’s views and opinions are very important to me, and I always believe in listening to children and their ideas about how we can create a world they want to live in.

Hi, I’m Hayley, and I am thrilled to be a part of the amazing team at KidsXpress. I am an Expressive Therapist, specialising in Art Therapy, with over ten years’ experience working with children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly. I also come from an education background, having worked as a teacher, mostly in Visual Arts, in primary schools, high schools, and Schools for Special Purpose (SSP’s).

Throughout my experience as both a teacher and an art therapist, I have found that art making and creativity is, in itself, wonderfully therapeutic, but art therapy is about learning to use the art materials to safely express yourself within a safe, non-judgemental, therapeutic setting. I am very passionate about using trauma informed art therapy practices to help children to foster safety, resilience, emotional awareness, and interpersonal growth, while finding joy and meaning through the creative process of art making. Both the creative process and the finished artwork within the therapeutic setting can become an important part of their overall healing process.

When I’m not at KidsXpress, I work as an Art Teacher at a gallery/arts centre. I also love spending time with my husband and our dogs, hanging out in nature, singing and playing my ukelele, playing boardgames, reading novels, baking, and of course, making art.

Hi, I’m Amanat, a dedicated art therapist at KidsXpress. I hold a double masters in art and art therapy/counselling with further education continuing into the field of psychology.

I am driven by my work in the field of trauma with its roots embedded in the attachment theory. A Gestalt therapist at heart, I am in awe of the power of working in the ‘Here and Now’. A space where I get to witness co-regulation enacted through the rich transference and counter-transference projections within the therapeutic arena.

When I find my passion overflows into the creative space, I enjoy illustrating, writing poetry, indulging in artmaking, and creating therapeutic resources.

Hi, I’m Sofia, a dance/movement therapist at KidsXpress. I am born and raised in Hong Kong and can also speak Cantonese and Mandarin.

Throughout my career, I have worked with children, adolescents, and families in various settings, such as out of home care, schools, medical and outpatient centres.

I work from a strength-focused and body-based lens. I’m passionate about co-creating a safe and compassionate space where children and caregivers can comfortably express themselves and unpack life’s challenges.
Movement is a child’s first channel of communication since birth. I believe that the body is an indivisible part of us and our experience. As a dance movement therapist, I offer embodied opportunities for creative play, inquiry, expression, and connection.

Hi, I’m Carmody, a play and art therapist at KidsXpress. As someone who has worked with children since 2001, I have a wealth of experience in supporting their growth and development. Starting as an early childhood teacher, I quickly realised that play is children’s natural language and how it can be used as a natural form of healing. This led me to explore the field of play and art therapy, where I found my true passion of helping children heal and grow through the power of play.

I understand that every child is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet each child’s individual needs and strengths. I am skilled in using a variety of play-based interventions, such as art, music, movement and storytelling, to help children develop coping skills, improve communication, build self-esteem, and enhance their overall emotional well-being. I understand that children are the experts of their own healing and strive to follow their lead in my practice. I believe in the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel free to express themselves and explore their emotions through play.

As a lifelong learner, I am always seeking to expand my knowledge and skills to better serve my clients. I am currently studying through Interplay and Trauma play, two family focused approaches that will help deepen my understanding of how to support healing and growth.

Hi. I’m Jade and I’m honoured to be an expressive therapist at KidsXpress. I love combining art and play with mindfulness, breath and movement within the safety of the therapeutic relationship to help build connection, regulation and emotional awareness.

I have worked in schools for 20 years, as well as child and adolescent mental health, and community organisations, where I supported children in using creativity to increase resilience, self-awareness, self-esteem and joy, improve relationships and change perceptions.

I predominantly use a child-centred, non-directive approach, informed by the Expressive Therapies Continuum and neuroscience.

When I’m not at KidsXpress I enjoy art making, meditation, yoga and qi gong as well as music, adventures and shopping.

Hi I’m Jess! I am a registered Art Therapist (ANZACATA) with over 9 years of experience supporting children and families using the creative and expressive therapies.

I’ve had incredible opportunities to learn and grow as a therapist working in Trauma and Psychosocial Disability settings, as well as partnering with family and carers to help navigate life’s challenges through artistic expression.

In my practice, I create a safe and welcoming space where children can be themselves, fully and unapologetically. I believe that creativity has no limits! Whether its through painting, storytelling, or simply playful curiosity. My goal is to celebrate each child’s authentic self while fostering connection, resilience, and self-discovery.

Rooted in warmth, openness and radical acceptance, my approach invites children to explore different ways of understanding themselves and their world. Together we might use art, imagination, and even moments of movement to build new pathways toward safety and growth.

Outside of KidsXpress, you’ll often find me outdoors in my garden with my pets or inside making music and dancing.

Hi, I’m Lisa and I work as an Expressive Therapist with KidsXpress, based in a small rural school in The Snowy Valleys.

I am a creative communicator and have worked supporting children in the school setting for a number of years, and am passionate about creating a safe space for children to express themselves and realise their full potential and worth.

I love to work with the spontaneity and curiosity that children so naturally bring, blending this with the creative mediums of art, drama and role-play.

Hi I'm Kat, I am an art therapist and originally from the UK where I graduated in 2015. I have always used art as a tool for self-exploration and I love to share this way of processing emotions with others.

I have experience working across the lifespans in a range of settings and have valued making meaningful connections with others through my work.
I am passionate about early intervention, and supporting children in their personal growth, helping them to live their happiest lives and have their voices heard.

I love animals, and when I'm not at work I enjoy dancing, baking, exploring new places and attempting to befriend local cats.

Hi, I’m Erin and I love being part of the KidsXpress team. I bring experience from a background in Music Therapy and training in other play-based modalities to creatively work alongside children and their families, and to honour the child’s voice at the centre of our work.

I believe that music is a powerful resource we can use for our physical, mental and emotional health, and I am passionate about supporting healthy relationships and emotional wellbeing, using music to foster beauty, connection, and self-expression.
It’s a privilege to witness children grow and share their stories, as they build skills to creatively express themselves and learn adaptive ways of coping through meaningful, strengths-based interactions.

Hi, I’m Hila (H-air-la) and I’m an art therapist at KidsXpress.

Throughout my career, I have worked with children, teens, and youth, in various professions.
Some years ago, I stumbled upon the book, The Red Tree by Shaun Tan. This story inspired me deeply and ignited my passion to work alongside children with the aspiration that they are given the opportunity to create their own ‘red tree’.

As an art therapist, I don’t mind children colouring outside the lines or making messes! I believe that sharing one’s feelings and thoughts often looks different from each other, especially when words are not the only way to express ones-self. Despite my academic achievements, my greatest lessons derive from witnessing children’s stories, bravery, creativity, playfulness, and resilience.

When I am not at KidsXpress, I enjoy being amongst nature, baking, reading, and listening to music. Someday, I wish to write a story or two, about self-acceptance, resilience, and bravery.

Hi, I’m Tor, I am an Art Therapist with KidsXpress.
Prior to working as an Art Therapist, I worked as a ceramicist, and later as a mother volunteering in my local school, I was drawn to working with children. I have worked with children in learning support in Primary and High School for the last 15 years.

After working with children, often with different needs in the education environment, I realised my desire to work with children therapeutically. I came to expressive therapy later in life.

I am mindful to work from a client led perspective, giving children the space and opportunity to express themselves in imaginative ways that suit them. I am passionate about the difference our work can make in children’s lives.

Hi I'm Jaye, and as the Marketing Services Manager, I have the privilege of orchestrating and coordinating all the fantastic KidsXpress events. I also ensure our website shines bright like a diamond, showcasing the incredible work we do. I bring 15 years of not-for-profit experience to the wonderful marketing team, and together we passionately advocate for children's mental health—a cause that truly tugs at my heartstrings.

When I'm not at KidsXpress, you'll find me living my best life with my family. We're a bunch of adventurous souls who love going off the grid in search of Mother Earth's hidden gems. Oh, and I'm a firm believer in the power of creativity, so I strive to do something creative every single day.

Hi I'm Gillian, after many years working in broadcast journalism in Australia and overseas, I decided it was time to start telling stories about compassion, recovery, and optimism.

I’m inspired by the way KidsXpress uses the power of creativity to help children overcome trauma, to heal, and to live fulfilling lives. I want to make sure everybody understands how important this work is – for the children, for their families, and for all of us.

My name is Mattie. I am a finance officer at KidsXpress, caring for income and expenses of the charity.

I grew up in Bangkok, Thailand. I first came to Australia to study, and I’ve been living here for the past 15 years. When I am not working at KidsXpress, I am a busy mum to a little human and a little dog.

If I ever have free time, I cook a lot. I have a keen interest in health and nutrition. I have a personal challenge of creating yummy food from everything that’s left in the fridge at the end of the week! Apart from the food obsession, I also dance.

Hi, I’m Maria and I’m the Communications Manager for KidsXpress. Armed with a communications degree and a passion for helping vulnerable people, I have over 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector.

I love working for an organisation that makes a real difference in the lives of these young superheroes. Whether it's crafting the perfect message to advocate for change, or spreading the word about our awesome services, I'm committed to making sure our voice is heard loud and clear.

With a touch of creativity, a dash of humour, and a whole lot of heart, I'm proud to be a part of this heroic team!

Hi I’m Alex! I’m the HR Coordinator at KidsXpress. My role is to ensure our wonderful staff are fully supported throughout all stages of the employee lifecycle. My passion is for people, and being able to work alongside those who are making such a huge difference in the lives of children and their communities is incredibly inspiring.

Currently navigating the whole new world of primary school with my son, I understand how important the integration of mental health into education is to ensure children impacted by trauma are given the support and skills required to learn and thrive.

Outside of work I’m kept busy with my two young kids and enjoy spending time with my family and friends.