Our team

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 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.

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. 

Bonnie joined Pankind in October 2024 as a Marketing Specialist, bringing a background in the not-for-profit sector and a Bachelor of Communications. Her experience at Cerebral Palsy Alliance helped shape a strong understanding of inclusive storytelling and the power of authentic connection in marketing.
At Pankind, Bonnie collaborates on the delivery of thoughtful, purpose-driven campaigns, working closely with the team to share real stories, grow community support, and elevate awareness of pancreatic cancer. She’s passionate about creating content that’s strategic, human-centred, and reflective of the people it represents.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find Bonnie exploring new coastal cafés, cooking for friends, or at the beach with her dog.

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.

Chantelle joined Pankind in 2023. She takes care of the finances as the Financial Controller and holds a degree in Chartered Accountancy as well as various other accounting certifications and accreditations. Having started her career in South Africa, Chantelle has held significant roles within the audit, finance, consulting, manufacturing, and not-for-profit sectors over the past decade. Chantelle’s passion has always been accounting and numbers, with a specific interest in financial analysis and reporting. Beyond the world of numbers, Chantelle finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. She considers herself a bookworm who loves reading and collecting books. She is also a history enthusiast and enjoys exploring museums and historic towns with her husband and 3 little girls over weekends.

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 has been with Pankind since 2016. She is the Foundation’s National Volunteers and Event Manager. She has a background in advertising, event management and television production in Australia and internationally. She wanted a job that would “give back” to the community and after meeting with Caroline Kelly she knew that she had found the perfect fit.

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 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 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.