McGrath Foundation Family
Meet the McGrath Foundation Family from our Board Members to our dedicated staff.
Founder Biographies
Jane McGrath AM, Co-Founder
Jane McGrath was only 31 when she was initially diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, she and Glenn weren't married, and, as an English lass, she found herself in a strange place far from home facing something she never thought would be an issue at such a young age. Even though her experience was incredibly traumatic, with doctors using terminology she barely understood and facing surgical procedures that were terrifying to her, face it she did, and in a way that won the hearts of many in Australia and overseas.
It wasn't until 2003, when Jane was being treated for secondary cancer, that she first had access to a breast care nurse. At the time, Jane said it was like having someone hold her hand through one of the worst nightmares of her life. Jane's breast care nurse allowed her to be Jane McGrath - the friend, the mother and the wife - not just the breast cancer patient. She was someone who could provide both Jane and Glenn with informed, sensible answers to the many questions they had.
As a result of this experience, Jane developed a passionate belief that every woman diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia, and their family, should be able to benefit from the support of a specialist breast care nurse. She would often say that we needed an "army of theses nurses", and so, in September 2005, the McGrath Foundation was re-launched to help fulfil this wish - a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for every family affected by breast cancer in this country regardless of where the family lived or their background.
Jane also felt very strongly about increasing breast awareness in younger women as she was only 31 when she was diagnosed. As she often said breast cancer doesn't care how old you are, what you do for a living or whether you are a mother or not. It can, and does affect us all. The second aim of the McGrath Foundation then became the education of Australian women to ensure they were familiar with their breasts and that breast checks became a part of their regular health routine.
Sadly, Jane passed away in June 2008, touching the heart of every Australian, but Jane's memory lives on. She has undoubtedly left a lasting legacy through both her family and the onging work of the McGrath Foundation, providing thousands of Australian women and their families with hope and support during their experience with breast cancer.
Glenn McGrath AM, Co-Founder and Chairman
Glenn McGrath is a household name in Australia - a cricketing hero, with a 14-year professional cricketing career, Glenn is the most successful Test and International Test fast bowler in the world.
In the past few years, however, Glenn's name has become synonymous with not just cricket, but with providing support for Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families through the provision of McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
NSW Australian of the Year in 2008, Glenn is now widely recognised as an outspoken advocate for improved services for breast cancer and greater education for younger women around breast awareness.
Since the passing of his beloved wife Jane in June 2008, Glenn has accepted the voluntary position of Chairman of the Board and is active in many of the McGrath Foundation's activities to ensure Jane's vision is fulfilled.
Board Biographies
Tracy Bevan, Foundation Ambassador and Director
Tracy moved to Australia from England when she married cricketing legend, Michael Bevan, in 1994.
It was Tracy who helped set up the McGrath Foundation in 2003 following her best friend Jane McGrath's diagnosis and experience with breast cancer.
Tracy remains one of the driving forces behind the McGrath Foundation and is dedicated to increasing breast awareness in young women whilst raising much-needed funds to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia.
In her current role as Foundation Ambassador and Director on the McGrath Foundation Board, Tracy spends a great deal of her time travelling around the country speaking at different events to raise awareness about the vital role the McGrath Foundation plays whilst encouraging all women to be breast aware.
Terry Brown, Board Member
Terry Brown is the managing director of SCL Lawyers in Sydney.
A founding Board Member, Terry continues to provide pro bono support to the Board. Terry remains instrumental in the Foundation’s operations, regularly attending events and liaising with corporate friends.
Kenneth Moran, Board Member
Ken Moran joined the McGrath Foundation Board in April 2008, bringing a wealth of experience from his 34-year career with one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.
Prior to his retirement, Ken was Regional President Northern Europe for Pfizer, having been appointed following the acquisition of Pharmacia, and was responsible for business operations in Belgium, Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
A personal supporter of the Foundation, Ken volunteers his time on the Board and remains committed to working with the team to realise the visions around McGrath Breast Care Nurse services in Australia.
Peter Tracey, Board Member
Peter Tracey is a partner of TRACE Business Advisers and Chartered Accountants in Penrith. An original Board Member, Peter was part of the team responsible for the initial set up of the McGrath Foundation. Peter remains instrumental in the Foundation's operations.
Staff Biographies
Kylea Tink, Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer for the McGrath Foundation, Kylea is responsible for ensuring all the Foundation’s activities continue to work towards realising Jane, Glenn and Tracy’s original visions for the provision of support to women with breast cancer and their families right across Australia and for increased breast awareness in younger women.
Having spent the last 15 years working in roles covering the areas of health, education, health care provision, product management, media management, communication strategy and execution and having grown up in regional NSW, Kylea brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to the Foundation.
Helen Paynter, Programme Director
As Programme Director at the McGrath Foundation, Helen is responsible for overseeing the breast care nurse programme and developing the breast awareness education strategy.
Having spent the last 15 years as senior counsel in the areas of health, education, media management, communication strategy and execution and even the arts, Helen brings a wealth of experience, excitement and dedication the Foundation.
Providing McGrath Breast Care Nurses across Australia and educating young women to be breast aware is such a worthy cause, that Helen is thrilled to be part of the McGrath Foundation Family.
Elise Brown, Marketing and Fundraising Director
Having joined the McGrath Foundation as Marketing and Fundraising Director in May 2011, Elise is responsible for the day to day operations and the related strategies of the Corporate Friends, Communications, Community Friends and Donations teams.
Elise came to the McGrath Foundation from Football Federation Australia (FFA) where she held a variety of sponsorship, licensing and marketing roles. Most recently, Elise worked on FFA’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy as part of Australia’s bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Prior to FFA, Elise worked for an international public relations agency in the areas of health, consumer products and information technology.
Elise is proud to join the McGrath Foundation and excited by the opportunity to help realise Jane and Glenn McGrath’s vision.
Kim Kerin-Ayres, McGrath Clinical Nurse Educator
Kim Kerin-Ayres took on the role of McGrath Clinical Nurse Educator in March 2010. In this position, Kim offers practical support to the McGrath Breast Care Nurses who work in communities right across Australia.
Having worked in oncology care since 1989, Kim has a wealth of experience in cancer care nursing. In 2003, Kim received her breast care nurse certificate from La Trobe University and comes to the McGrath Foundation from Concord Hospital, where she worked as a Breast Care Clinical Nurse Consultant for four and a half years.
Kim has joined the McGrath Foundation Family to care for our growing network of McGrath Breast Care Nurses, providing them with the education and emotional support they need to guide women diagnosed with breast cancer through their diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Kim believes it is a privilege to help and educate the McGrath Breast Care Nurses, as they work tirelessly to support women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, as she understands the challenges and emotional strain breast care nurses face each and every day.
Kim is really enjoying meeting each of the McGrath Breast Care Nurses and helping to support them as they continue their amazing work across the country.
Stephanie Brauer, Government Breast Care Nurse Programme Manager
Stephanie is very excited to join the McGrath Foundation Family, bringing with her 11 years of experience in the health, disability, education and youth sectors as a Programme Coordinator and Manager. Stephanie will be responsible for coordinating and managing the day-to-day operations of the Government-funded McGrath Breast Care Nurse Programme.
Stephanie has a passion for working in the not-for-profit sector and is thrilled to be involved with the very important work that the McGrath Foundation carries out, as she believes in the importance of developing strategies to make services and information more accessible to the community.
Laura Gane, Breast Care Nurse Programme Assistant Manager
Laura began 2010 by becoming a part of the McGrath Foundation Family in the role of Breast Care Nurse Programme Assistant Manager, which involves supporting the implementation and development of the national McGrath Breast Care Nurse Programme.
Laura’s Allied Health background has developed her passion for helping others and she is eager to assist the McGrath Breast Care Nurses in their invaluable work. Laura sincerely believes in the core values of the McGrath Foundation and is immensely proud to be a part of the Foundation Family.
Natalie Hawkins, Breast Care Nurse Programme Support Officer
Natalie has swapped green and gold for pink, joining the McGrath Foundation in July 2011 after spending three years at the Football Federation of Australia (FFA). At FFA, she was responsible for supporting the coaching and team management staff for the Australian men’s, women’s and youth football teams. Natalie worked at Yachting Australia prior to FFA and is a qualified Cert IV personal trainer.
Natalie is proud to join the McGrath Foundation and support the McGrath Breast Care Nurse team. She identifies with the Foundation’s core values, and finds it very fulfilling to be able to help make a difference to the lives of women experiencing breast cancer and their families.
Pip Bell, McGrath Breast Care Nurse Phone Support
Pip joined the McGrath Foundation Family in December 2011 to provide phone support to women and families experiencing breast cancer while their regular McGrath Breast Care Nurse is on leave.
Pip has over 30 years of experience working as a clinical registered nurse within Australia and the United Kingdom, which has included women’s health, midwifery and oncology. In 2003, she received her breast care nursing certificate from La Trobe University. Pip has previously launched two telephone-based Patient Support Programs for global pharmaceutical companies, including one for people experiencing breast cancer.
To maintain her clinical skills and knowledge, Pip continues to work regular shifts as a registered nurse in a hospital oncology ward. In addition, she provides direct patient care and relief for the regular breast care nurse when required.
Pip is delighted to be part of the McGrath Foundation Family and to support the existing McGrath Breast Care Nurses around Australia and the families they are helping.
Natalie Speranza, Corporate Friends Manager
Natalie joined the McGrath Foundation family in May 2009 as Corporate Friends Manager, where she is responsible for the day-to-day management of relationships between the Foundation and its corporate friends.
For the last eight years, Natalie has worked in both agency and in-house roles with a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility. With a passion for working in the community sector, she feels both privileged and excited to be a part of the McGrath Foundation.
Tomas Dirkis, Corporate Friends Assistant
Tom joined the McGrath Foundation Family in March 2010 as the Corporate Friends Assistant, where he works with Natalie managing the day-to-day management of relationships between the Foundation and its Corporate Friends.
Having graduated university at the end of 2009 after completing a business degree with a sport management major, Tom has a strong sporting background as well as vast experience in working on charity events.
A strong asset to the Corporate Relations team, Tom sees working at the McGrath Foundation as a fantastic opportunity to work for an organisation that is making a difference to the lives of women experiencing breast cancer and their families.
Colin Lieu, Marketing and Fundraising Officer
Colin joined the McGrath Foundation Family in August 2011 while completing his final semester of a Communications degree at the University of Sydney. As Marketing and Fundraising Officer, Colin works across the Corporate Friends and Community Friends teams to assist and manage the promotion of the Foundation’s Corporate Friendships and annual events.
During his studies, Colin worked at both global and boutique public relations agencies with a strong emphasis on consumer marketing. He is grateful for the opportunity to bring his passion and skills to an organisation that makes a difference to the day-to-day lives of families experiencing breast cancer, and is excited to be part of the Foundation as it continues to grow from strength to strength.
Cassandra Rhodes, Community Friends Manager
As Community Friends Manager, Cassandra is responsible for engaging and supporting both individuals and companies with their own fundraising events as well as developing and implementing Foundation events throughout the year.
Having most recently worked at a global public relations agency, Cassandra has extensive experience in healthcare communication campaigns in the areas of oncology, consumer health, respiratory disease, heart disease and diabetes.
With her own family personally touched by breast cancer, Cassandra is honoured to be part of the McGrath Foundation family as she passionately supports the values of the Foundation and believes that together we can make a difference.
Christy Kidner, Community Friends Officer
As Community Friends Officer, Christy works with individuals and organisations around the country, providing support and advice for people preparing to hold their own fundraising events to raise money and awareness for the Foundation, as well as working on McGrath Foundation event and fundraising activities.
Christy has helped various charities over the years by hosting her own fundraising events and volunteering. Using this experience, combined with her studies in event management, Christy enjoys building on the McGrath Foundation’s community events programme.
Christy is passionate about the goals and values of the McGrath Foundation and feels extremely proud and excited to be a part of the team.
Bianca Lockley, Community Friends Officer
Bianca joined the McGrath Foundation in June 2011 after graduating from the Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Business, and is excited to start her career at the McGrath Foundation. During her time at university, Bianca worked in various marketing and event roles that allowed her to gain experience in the marketing and events industry.
Bianca developed a passion for event management while studying at university and she is very excited to assist Community Friends in holding their own fundraising activities and raising awareness for the McGrath Foundation. With her own family having been touched by breast cancer, Bianca feels extremely privileged to be a part of the Foundation and excited to work for such an incredible cause.
Kerrie Edwards, Fundraising Coordinator (SA/VIC)
Kerrie joined the McGrath Foundation family in August 2010 as Fundraising Coordinator for Victoria and South Australia and is based in Melbourne.
As Victoria/South Australia Fundraising Coordinator, Kerrie works with individuals and organisations in the southern states, providing support and advice for people preparing to hold their own fundraising events to raise money and awareness for the Foundation, as well as implementing locally run McGrath Foundation events and fundraising activities.
Kerrie brings over ten years of events management experience to the team, having worked for a number of multinational corporations within Australia managing their events, corporate hospitality and sponsorship portfolios.
Eleanor Garth, Communications Manager
As Communications Manager, Eleanor is responsible for the day-to-day contact for all media enquiries, developing all marketing collateral, working with Corporate Friends and Community Friends to promote various initiatives and events as well as managing all social media and online marketing strategies for the Foundation.
Eleanor joins the McGrath Foundation with five years experience working for two international public relations agencies in Toronto and Sydney. She has extensive experience developing and implementing successful healthcare communications campaigns in the areas of oncology, smoking cessation, depression, heart health and sexual health.
Having lost her mother to breast cancer when she was 15, the Foundation and its aims are close to Eleanor’s heart, making her extremely passionate about providing support for women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families, as well as educating young women to be breast aware.
Eleanor is incredibly excited to join the Foundation family as a full-time staff member and is committed to her role as Communications Manager.
Alexandra Finlay, Media Assistant
Alex joined the McGrath Foundation Family as Media Assistant in March 2010, shortly after completing a Communications degree at the University of Sydney. Her role involves supporting Eleanor on the media team and assisting with the Foundation’s media function to ensure consistent communication across all platforms.
While at University, Alex completed several internships and developed an interest in media relations, particularly within not-for-profit organisations. She feels incredibly fortunate to be a part of the McGrath Foundation Family, as she believes strongly in the Foundation’s values and aims and is also excited about gaining valuable experience and developing her skills as a public relations consultant.
Katherine Gloor, Accounts and Merchandise Manager
With many years experience in admin and accounts, Katherine joined the McGrath Foundation in January 2011 to assist our Finance Director and to manage our merchandise function. After working for a recruitment company, she was ready for a change and keen to do something new and worthwhile.
Katherine is enjoying her new role and loves working with the fun team at the McGrath Foundation.
Jill Carr, Accounts Officer
Having worked in the not-for-profit sector in both London and Sydney for a large portion of her career, Jill is delighted to be a member of the McGrath Foundation Family. Jill’s role is to assist the finance team with the daily accounting functions and merchandising requirements.
Jill believes the Finance Team’s diligence helps the essential support functions of the Foundation run smoothly, highlighting that once again, together we can make a difference.
Michelle Kelly-Sansone, Data Systems Manager
Michelle joined the McGrath Foundation in September 2010 after completing a taxation degree while raising her children. She also has varied experience in retail and banking.
Michelle was initially assisting the McGrath Foundation’s Finance team, but has now moved into the role of Donations Officer. She loves reading the letters that come with the donations and hearing about the wonderful ways people come together to raise funds to make a difference to the lives of families experiencing breast cancer.
With her family having been touched by cancer, and her personal experience highlighting the importance of breast awareness, Michelle is proud to be part of the McGrath Foundation Family.
Jane Mahony, Human Resources
Jane has joined the McGrath Foundation to manage our human resources processes as well as supporting our volunteers program. Jane has spent the last ten years in Asia working in human resources throughout many countries in the region, particularly Hong Kong, China and Singapore.
With over 18 years working in human resources for large companies & multinationals, Jane feels not only fortunate for being able to apply her skills to such an amazing Foundation that makes a difference in people’s lives today and in the future, but also to be part of the growing Foundation Family.
Jennifer Fielding, In-house Legal Counsel
Jen joined the McGrath Foundation as in-house Legal Counsel in June 2010. Jen has gained experience in a number of both large and small law firms since she was admitted in 1991 and has practised in both New South Wales and Western Australia.
Jen is delighted to join the McGrath Foundation Family after a pause in her career to concentrate on her family. She is looking forward to managing the Foundation’s legal affairs and in doing so, making a contribution to the Foundation’s great work.
Amanda Schembri, Office Manager and Executive Assistant
Amanda comes to the McGrath Foundation in the role of Office Manager and also Executive Assistant to our CEO and Executive Director.
Amanda brings with her a wealth of administrative experience and is excited about the opportunity to contribute to Jane's dream of providing support for Australian families experiencing breast cancer and increasing breast awareness in young women.
Amanda is not only proud but passionate to be a part of the McGrath Foundation Family but is also excited to make a difference to the world in which we live.
Ursula De Ruyter, Receptionist
Ursula joined the McGrath Foundation in November 2011 and is very excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the Foundation.
With experience in administration, Ursula feels incredibly fortunate to have the chance to work in such a passionate and devoted environment, and to be working towards such a great cause.
Taking part in many charity events in the past, Ursula feels very strongly about the Foundation’s values and is extremely honoured be a part of the McGrath Foundation Family.
