Justin Heazlewood is an award-winning author & musician. As The Bedroom Philosopher he had a songwriting series on Triple J and his CD Songs From The 86 Tram was nominated for an ARIA. His first book Funemployed: Life as an Artist in Australia saw Justin interview over 100 creative people to see what made them work. His latest book Get Up Mum is about Justin’s life as a child carer for his mentally ill mum. 

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Rose Cuff is an Occupational Therapist who has worked in child, adolescent and adult mental health services since 1987. Since 1995 she has focussed entirely on harnessing the full potential of children and families where a parent/carer has mental health challenges. Rose has achieved this through direct clinical practice, developing and implementing peer support programs, co-producing a wide range of resources, publishing widely and conducting training and research. As co-founder of Satellite Foundation, Rose’s passion for this space is undiminished. She has three amazing adult children, an adored grandchild and dreams of walking the mountains of Ethiopia.

Creative Director and Head of Programs

Sylvie Meltzer has been part of the Satellite team since early 2019. Her background is mostly as a teaching artist in education and community work in Melbourne, India and China. Sylvie feels strongly about creating dialogues and connections in collaborative, creative and supportive ways. Sylvie is honoured to be part of this community of people who are dedicated to and passionate about changing the outcomes for young people who join the ‘Satellite family’ in unique and caring ways. Every day she is learning and is grateful for the opportunity to do so. Sylvie's other passions are hanging out with her larger than life three year old, planning adventures and anything that is hot pink.

Family Liason
Coordinator

Henry von Doussa is a social researcher for La Trobe University at both The Bouverie Centre and The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS).  Much of this work is in supporting families to build and maintain relationships that work well for everyone in the family unit. This whole-of-family approach is integral to Henry's work. Henry grew up in a family where there was mental illness and has a good understanding of what kids need. He also understands some of the constraints and difficulties facing parents and caregivers. Henry is kind, approachable and he knows that all families are doing their best and wish the best for their children.

Youth Advocate

Addy has always been passionate about giving back to the community. In 2016 she began her involvement with Satellite because her values and goals aligned with that of the organisation. Addy contributes regularly as a peer facilitator, program consultant and in sharing her lived experience.  In her past she competed at several world championships on the Australian National Rowing Team. Addy is currently studying for her doctorate in clinical psychology at Deakin University.  She enjoys spending time with family and traveling to exotic places. Addy’s ideal Friday night is a home cooked meal and watching reality TV (a guilty pleasure).

 

Operations Manager and Program Support

Kelly Way joined the Satellite Foundation team in 2020, excited by the possibilities! With over 15 years’ experience working across both corporate and non-profit sectors, Kelly is an effective manager who can be relied upon as a business support person, particularly during periods of growth and change. Kelly transitioned into the mental health space following postgraduate counselling studies and is passionate about maintaining empathic connections with young people experiencing hardship, loss and mental health challenges within their families. Kelly also loves dance and improvisation, exploring all that creative movement practices have to offer.

Youth Pathways Coordinator

Jodie has been part of the Satellite family for many years, at first volunteering as a Youth Ambassador and now employed as our Youth Pathways Coordinator. Her unbeatable passion for helping people has seen Jodie volunteering from an early age with families who have a parent with a mental illness. She’s also been a youth worker for children in out-of-home care. Jodie is studying a bachelor of Social Science online with Swinburne University. Her mum has mental health challenges and so Jodie loves to share her story to help others own their experiences and show that they’re not alone. She also loves the outdoors and spending time with her cat “Simba”.

Social Impact Researcher

Lotti first joined the Satellite family as a participant in the 2019 Young Leaders program and then in 2020’s It’s a Mad World online exhibition. Now she’s combining her lived experience with her skills in evaluation and data analysis to support Satellite Foundation during the first part of 2021. Lotti has a background in economics and public policy across projects in the public, not-for-profit and private sector. She is passionate about combining stories with data to help Satellite learn more about the impact it is making and to share this with the world. Lotti is happiest when talking with young people, curled up reading a good book or data-crunching.

 

Marketing and Communications Manager

Kim is a communications professional with 14 years’ experience in a diverse range of industries including arts and culture, fashion, design, and circus. In a previous life she was a dancer and choreographer and continues to be passionate about the transformative nature of the arts. Kim is very grateful to be part of the wonderfully creative team at Satellite and to support the incredible work being done. Currently pursuing her masters in global media communication at the University of Melbourne, she also looks after her two rambunctious but completely loveable kids and is always on the hunt for new places to explore. 

 

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Rose is an Occupational Therapist who has worked in child, adolescent and adult mental health services since 1987. Since 1995 she's focussed on realising the full potential of children in families with mental health challenges. Rose has three adult children and dreams of walking the mountains of Ethiopia.

Director

Sarah is passionate about removing the stigma of mental illness and creating a sustainable future for our children. She has diverse, valuable experience as an executive in the not-for-profit and higher education sectors. Sarah runs her own boutique consultancy focused on fostering respectful, inclusive and productive workplaces.

Director

Binda is an experienced senior director in finance, strategic planning, and governance. She was the General Manager of Planning, Forecasting and Performance Management at Telstra Corporation, and held senior executive roles within Telstra’s Corporate Finance and Treasury operations.

Company Secretary

CO-FOUNDER and DIRECTOR

Verena is doctor of clinical psychology and a doctor of medicine and surgery. As a clinical psychologist Verena had 20 years of experience working with children and families affected by mental illness. More recently her propensity for early recognition and intervention has seen her seek a career in obstetrics where she hopes to work closely with women affected by mental illness during the perinatal period.

Chair

Kerry is a psychologist and family therapist with many years in community mental health, The Bouverie Centre, Juvenile Justice and most recently, the out-of- home care sector. Kerry is committed to empowering young people and their families who are often silenced in our system and know there is strength and hope in 'sharing our experiences in life’.

Director

Having trained in Social Work and Human Services, Niru has held various roles within the Community Sector, working with children and young people both in Melbourne and abroad. When she's not interacting directly with people, Niru enjoys spending time in nature, creating art and playing field hockey.

Treasurer

Owen works in Investment Strategy at Australian Super and brings an analytical, evidence-based perspective to Satellite Foundation. He recognises that mental illness is a complex issue and is passionate about working towards change. Owen is a Melbourne local supporting North Melbourne FC.

Director

Tara is a lawyer at Slater and Gordon and a long-term mental health advocate. Tara's mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia before Tara was born; the experience of having a mother with a mental illness drew Tara into this area of work and she has been involved with Satellite Foundation since 2010.

Director

Dom has a background in marketing and hospitality, and currently works in the marketing team at Slater and Gordon Lawyers. He brings extensive commercial marketing experience to the Board. Dom enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, cycling and values spending time with friends and family.

Director

David is a career banker and strategic thinker with experience in the Banking & Finance, IT & Telco sectors. He brings to the not for profit community extensive experience in roles including Chair, Treasurer, Non-Executive Director and General Board Member with his focus on Sustainability and Good Governance.