OUR STAFF

Mary brings a wealth of experience in policy, research, advocacy and service delivery across the public and community sectors. Mary previously led Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) and Associate Director at the Centre for Community Child Health at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Mary has personal and family experience of disability. She is passionate about ensuring people with lived experience are co-designing services and involved in creating the evidence-base that informs Australian disability policy and practice.

Sue is the Deputy CEO and Head of Evidence to Action at NDRP, where she leads efforts to mobilise evidence in ways that genuinely support people with disability, families, policymakers and communities. She brings a strong background in advocacy and research translation, informed by her work at Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) leading inclusive education initiatives and supporting families to uphold their child’s right to inclusion. Sue is committed to ensuring disability-led research informs policy and practice, and to building systems that make evidence accessible, practical and meaningful for end users.

Natasha brings over 25 years of operational experience, having worked with disability advocacy organisations such as the Disability Advocacy Resource Unit and Blind Citizens Australia. With a strong belief in the power of systems that work for people, she is dedicated to promoting collaboration and efficiency within the team. Natasha’s lived experience of disability informs her commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Outside of work, Natasha hosts a 70s music show on local community radio station 3MDR, sings with a local choir, and plays drums. She enjoys long walks and reading, finding inspiration in both nature and literature.

Sally is a communications and marketing professional who has a decade of experience across disability services, not-for-profit, arts and government. She has delivered communication strategies for audiences with a range of different communication access needs and has lived experience of disability.

In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and is studying sustainability.

​Bethany is an experienced researcher with a strong background working across inclusive projects in education and health nationally and globally. She has significant experience with co-creation, co-design and co-production research designs, and in delivering culturally appropriate and strengths- and evidence-based programs for diverse stakeholders in the disability inclusion field. Bethany has personal and family experience of disability. Her work is driven by a passion for creating inclusive and impactful solutions that improve the wellbeing and self-determination of people with disability.

Jess has worked in a range of industries from MedTech to disability advocacy, with the common thread of customer experience, support and engagement. They care deeply about making sure people feel included and heard. Jess comes to the NDRP from Children and Young People with Disability Australia, where they designed and facilitated events with the audience and accessibility front of mind.