Pankind is run by a small, dedicated team of staff.
Ally Rayel
Volunteer & Events Manager
Ally joined Pankind’s Fundraising & Events team in September 2024 as Events Manager, leading the Put Your Foot Down flagship walks held across Australia and now overseeing the national volunteer network. With a strong background in relationship marketing and
events, Ally brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for heart-driven work within the charity sector to make a meaningful difference. Outside of work, you’ll often find Ally on a stool singing with her jazz band. She also cherishes her side role as both a marriage and end-of-life celebrant, embracing life’s significant moments with compassion and care.
Amber Johns
Head of Research & Programs
Amber joined Pankind in 2024. She is a multi-disciplinary researcher working at the connection of science and technology, bringing together the traditionally segmented fields of clinical practice, basic science and policy. The focus of Amber’s career in the health industry has been to establish and lead complex, large-scale international research programs, including the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Amber has the unique blend of clinical, community and scientific experience, which she has successfully applied in various settings with a range of stakeholders.
Andrew Mahn
Assistant Accountant
Andrew joined Pankind in 2025. He supports the team by handling daily accounting tasks that ensures the smooth running of our not-for-profit. Andrew brings a collaborative mindset, strong attention to detail, and a proactive, reliable approach to assisting Pankind. Having previously worked in the automotive industry, Andrew combines his accounting prowess with his commitment to meaningful, community-focused work. Outside of work Andrew loves spending time camping in the bush, running on trails and singing in his band.
Astrid Mallard
Head of Marketing
Astrid joined Pankind in 2024. With a career spanning over 15 years across both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, her expertise lies at the intersection of global brand strategy, behavioural insights, fundraising, and data-informed decision-making.
Astrid holds a Master in Marketing Engineering, equipping her with a unique ability to blend analytical rigour with human-centred strategy. She started her career with leading global brands, where she gained deep experience in customer segmentation, market research, and brand positioning across diverse audiences. She led cross-market campaigns and strategic brand initiatives in Europe and Asia-Pacific/
Transitioning to the purpose-driven space, Astrid brought her commercial rigour to the non-profit sector, helping charities better understand and grow their supporter base through insights, data analysis, and digital innovation.
Caroline Charlton
Head of Fundraising Campaigns & Donor Relations
Caroline joined Pankind in 2020 with an extensive background in media, working for 16 years in the largest radio group in the UK in radio advertising, running advertising sales teams before eventually running a radio station in the South of England. She then moved to Australia with her growing family and changed her focus to not for profit, starting at Cerebral Palsy Alliance, where she spent 5 years working on the fundraising campaign Steptember as Corporate Strategy Manager. Caroline’s passion at Pankind is to empower others to give and get involved through strategic engagement, aligning with mission driven outcomes.
Casey Martin
Content Marketing Specialist
Casey joined Pankind in 2026 bringing a diverse background in journalism and media relations. Her experience in newsrooms and digital marketing helped shape a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and the importance of turning complex information into human-centred narratives, while still educating audiences.
At Pankind, Casey focuses on the technical delivery of purpose-driven campaigns, from email strategy to social media engagement. She is passionate about building lasting community connections through editorial precision and creative strategy, working closely with the team to amplify Pankind’s voice across channels and drive meaningful action for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Chantelle van Rooyen
Financial Controller
Chantelle joined Pankind in 2023 as the Financial Controller. She is a qualified CPA, holding a degree in Chartered Accountancy along with various other certifications and accreditations. With over 15 years’ experience in the field, she has built her career through significant roles across the audit, finance, consulting, manufacturing, and not‑for‑profit sectors.
Chantelle's passion has always been accounting and finance, with a specific interest in financial analysis and the evolving world of digital finance. She considers herself a bookworm who loves reading and collecting books. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and their three girls, exploring the outdoors and discovering new places together.
Dianne Tividad
Support Navigator
Dianne joined Pankind as a Support Navigator, providing dedicated support to individuals and families impacted by pancreatic cancer. In this role, she offers compassionate guidance, clear information, and a trusted presence to help patients navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and care.
She brings extensive healthcare experience, having served for many years in various clinical roles, including as a nurse in charge in the intensive care unit in the UK. Deeply committed to equity and accessibility in healthcare, she is also passionate about advances in cancer research and the potential of innovation to improve patient outcomes.
Outside of her professional role, Dianne contributes to her community through the children’s ministry at her local church and treasures time with her family, often enjoying the calm and beauty of the beach.
Felicity Wright
Digital Content Specialist
Felicity joined in 2025 after Pankind’s brand refresh and website launch to help grow our expanding digital presence. She worked in TV and events in the UK before moving to Australia and working in advertising agencies, where she gravitated towards all things digital. After maternity leave, she moved into the not-for-profit sector to put her experience towards a cause that matters.
With a Biomedical science degree, she believes in the power of science and has an enormous amount of respect for the researchers and clinicians working to transform pancreatic cancer outcomes. She feels incredibly lucky to work alongside a passionate team and a generous community of supporters who make Pankind’s work possible.
Lara El-Eter
Fundraising & Events Manager
Lara joined Pankind in 2024 as Fundraising & Events Manager, bringing a background in fundraising, events, and campaign strategy from the not-for-profit sector. Through working at the Children’s Cancer Institute, she gained a deep understanding of the vital role life-saving research plays in improving outcomes for vulnerable groups affected by cancer. Passionate about building relationships and delivering impactful fundraising campaigns, Lara is committed to connecting Pankind’s community of supporters to the cause and drive funding for pancreatic cancer research and support. When Lara’s not working, you’ll likely find her in a Pilates class or spending time with her family and friends.
Lisa Brooke
Head of Engagement
Lisa joined the Foundation in 2016 and is now the Head of Engagement. Over the years, she has worked across all areas of the organisation, building a comprehensive understanding of its operations while witnessing its continued growth and development.
She brings a diverse professional background spanning advertising and event management, along with 15 years of experience in television production in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Spain, and South America.
Lisa is passionate about building genuine relationships and connecting with the wonderful Pankind community and all those working in the pancreatic cancer space.
Mel Tully
Head of Partnerships & Community Fundraising
Mel joined Pankind in 2023 to lead a growing Partnerships and Community Fundraising Department. Following a successful 10 year career in a full service Marketing agency, Mel moved into the charity sector in 2017. Mel combines her marketing, client service and fundraising experience to create inspiring programs and events that attract fundraising revenue from corporates and individuals who have a connection to pancreatic cancer. Outside of work, Mel is passionate about health and wellbeing and can often be found riding a bike or swimming in the ocean.
Michelle Stewart
CEO & Executive Director
Michelle joined Pankind as CEO in 2019, bringing expertise in medical research funding, international clinical trials, digital health, and global health advocacy. She is a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition Steering Committee and a fellow of the Milken Institute FasterCure Leaderslink program.
Michelle has a strong passion for building organisations and leading teams to deliver impact and is deeply committed to improving outcomes for people diagnosed with poor prognosis cancers.
Previously, she helped make brain cancer a national health priority as Head of Research Strategy and later CEO at a leading brain cancer organisation.
Michelle has served on advisory groups such as Cancer Australia’s Australian Brain Cancer Mission, academic committees and global consortia contributing to clinical research strategy, patient engagement, and fundraising. She holds a Bachelor of Advanced Science and a Master of Public Health from The University of Sydney and is a graduate of the McKinsey Executive Leadership Program, Oxford Saïd Business School, and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Noah Zheng
Data & System Manager
Noah joined Pankind in 2023, bringing forth his expertise as the data specialist. With a focus on managing Salesforce, Noah orchestrates the intricate data landscape crucial to our operations. Beyond his role as a data specialist, Noah dons the hat of an IT stalwart, ensuring a seamless technological environment for the team. One of Noah's contributions lies in his knack for troubleshooting, offering steadfast support to team members encountering diverse tech-related challenges. Always ready with a 'Happy to help' mantra, Noah extends his support whenever others are in need.
Rohan Mackenzie
Donor Experience Manager
Rohan started as Donor Experience Manager at Pankind in 2025, applying his background in customer experience to nurturing meaningful, long‑term relationships with the community of people affected by pancreatic cancer and those who support Pankind.
Rohan is deeply motivated by working in a values‑driven organisation and feels privileged to be part of a small, dedicated, and hard‑working team that remains closely connected to the individuals and families Pankind supports. Outside of work, Rohan is passionate about music, and enjoys surfing, volunteering at a community kitchen, and the sporadic attention of his two children.