Contacts
Carrie-Ann Leeson
CEO Lifeline Canberra
CEO of Lifeline Canberra, Carrie is an experienced Chief Executive Officer and GAICD with a demonstrated history of working in the health care industry. Strong business development professional with a Marketing focus in Public and Government Relations, Psychology, and Applied Communication from University of Natal, South Africa.
Qualifications
• B. Science –Psychology and Management
• Masters in Business Administration (complete 2019)
• Cert IV in Telephone Counselling
• Cert IV in Public Relations
• Statement of Attainment in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Experience
• Lifeline Canberra Chief Executive Officer 2014 - Current
• Lifeline Canberra Board Director 2013 - 2014
• Director Canberra Community Clubs 2017 - Current
• President early Morning Centre 2015 - Current
• President Workplace Health Association of Australia 2014 - Current
• Telephone Crisis Supporter
Adam Miller
General Manager - Operations
Adam joined the Lifeline Canberra team in October 2021 as General Manager after a dedicated career supporting some of Australia’s largest Corporations in operational business management systems, processes and governance. Adam is passionate about the Canberra community and has volunteered, mainly supporting Public Education, serving on many boards over the past two decades. Adam is proud to assist the Lifeline Canberra team to provide the vital support to the wider community that Lifeline Canberra is loved and respected for, and has been for more than 50 years.
Chanelle Reid
EA to the CEO
Chanelle joined Lifeline Canberra Family in 2023, having 15 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and in Administration in various Federal Government Departments. Chanelle has also worked in the LGBTIQ community, the disability sector, and as a Case Manager in a trauma space.
Their passion lies in disability awareness, mental health, and well-being.
Sally McLean
General Manager - Engagement and Strategy
With over 25 years of leadership experience across corporate, federal government, and university sectors, Sally is dedicated to making a positive impact as General Manager at Lifeline Canberra. Her career has been defined by a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for organisations with the greater community needs at the forefront of every initiative, adapting to challenges, and achieving meaningful outcomes.
Known for her strategic leadership, adaptability, resilience, and collaborative approach, Sally excels at fostering and nurturing both internal and external relationships, building collaborative workplace cultures, and creating impactful partnerships. She is passionate about driving lasting change to strengthen and uplift communities across Australia.
Alanah MacMahon
Communications Coordinator
A born and bred Canberran, Alanah joined the Lifeline Canberra team in 2023 with the hope that her marketing and communications background can be used to create a positive impact. Alanah’s passions include amazing experiences, connection, and community building. Every day she uses this passion to spread the message of Lifeline Canberra.
Sara Bojé
Events and Volunteer Coordinator
Sara joined the Lifeline Canberra team in 2022 as a Event and Volunteer Coordinator. She brings with her an extensive background in events, a passion in creating memorable events and an appreciation of the vital role of our volunteers. She is extremely proud to work for Lifeline Canberra.
Winnie Dennis
Events Coordinator
Winnie has been part of the Lifeline Canberra family for over 10 years. She’s worked across various roles within the organisation, starting in reception and moving into the events and fundraising team. Winnie is extremely proud to have had the opportunity to start her career with Lifeline Canberra.
Margi Taylor
Administration Officer
Margi joined the Lifeline Canberra family as an Administration Office in early February 2023, bringing over 30 years of customer service experience. She is truly humbled and honoured to provide support to the Lifeline team and to all the wonderful volunteers.
She loves her family, friends, early morning walking, animals, reading, music (listening and live) and watching sport (TV and live).
Lissy Lea
Finance Support Officer
As the finance support officer, Lissy has brought her 30+ years of various accounting roles to Lifeline Canberra with enthusiasm and commitment to the most deserving and worthy of organizations. With a Bachelor of Business (Acctg) and a lifetime of experience, Lissy is honoured to be able to provide an effective and proactive financial support to Lifeline Canberra and all its amazing volunteers.
Alisha Tarrant
Lifeline Programs Manager
Alisha is passionate about people with a focus on supporting people to find and feel their own value. In her role as Lifeline Programs Manager Alisha empowers people so they can support any person in crisis.
With a background in Training & Facilitation mixed with administration and support services Alisha brings excellent communication skills through her passion and an eye for detail in processing the administration.
Qualifications
• Cert IV in Training and Assessment
• Cert IV in Mental Health
• Cert IV in Telephone Counselling
• Cert IV in Business Administration
• Cert III in Early Childhood Education
• Statement of Attainment in Psychological First Aid
• Statement of Attainment in Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
• Master Trainer with LivingWorks Education Australia
• Accredited Crisis Supporter Workplace Training (CSWT) facilitator
• Accredited DV Alert Trainer for General, Disability, Multicultural, Settlement and Indigenous Streams
Experience
• Lifeline Programs Manager - Current
• Learning and Development Coordinator 2017-2018
• Training Coordinator - 2015-2016
• Supervision Officer - 2011-2015
• Office Manager Perpetual Private Wealth – 2009-2011
• Sales Support Officer Swann Insurance – 2005- 2009
Brendan Dean
Centre Supervisor
As a Centre Supervisor in the Crisis Support Team, Brendan’s drive is to support Lifeline’s committed volunteers working on our Crisis Support Line. He believes our volunteers provide a true gift to the community; their time and their willingness to listen to those in need.
His own experience working on the Crisis Support Line has taught Brendan how resilient humanity can be and he feels honoured to be able to help those in our community who are struggling.
Experience and Qualifications
• Telephone Crisis Supporter 2015 - Current
• In-shift Support Supervisor 2018 - Current
• Successful 13+ year career in the Australian Public Service
• Fun therapist – Camp Quality
• Bachelor of Communications
Rosie Phelan
Centre Supervisor
Rosie joined Lifeline Canberra as a Centre Supervisor in May 2021 and is focused on providing support to Lifeline Canberra’s amazing volunteers. Rosie is passionate about people being listened to and finding their voice
• Certificate IV in Floristry and Horticulture
• 25+ year experience as a small Business owner/operator
• Current Lifeline Crisis supporter
• Current Centre Supervisor Lifeline Canberra
Linda Shillington
Centre Supervisor
Linda joined Lifeline Canberra as a Centre Supervisor in May 2021, she has always strived to be an active participant in her community. She fully appreciates the contributions that volunteers make and understands how essential they are in building strong communities.
Both her life and work experiences along with volunteering her time amongst several charities and community organisations over the years in Canberra have prepared her well for the position of Centre Supervisor in supporting our Crisis Supporters - a job she is thrilled to be in!
Bachelor of Economics
Associates Degree Advertising & Communications
Certificate in Managing Volunteers ACT
Certificate IV Personal Massage Therapy
Certificate IV Personal Training
Member - Canberra Refugee Support
Board Member - Canberra Youth Refuge Service
Emma McIntosh
Centre Supervisor
Emma joined Lifeline Canberra in March 2022 as a Centre Supervisor in the Crisis Support Team. As a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours), Emma strives to support mental health awareness within the wider community. Emma is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of Lifeline volunteers who provide vital assistance to those in need.
Garry Croker
Centre Supervisor
Garry joined Lifeline Canberra in March 2022 as a Centre Supervisor in the Crisis Support Team. He has volunteered at lifeline since 2019 as a crisis supporter, in shift supervisor and mentor for new trainees.
Garry comes to lifeline after 30 years in the Australian Public Service working primarily on Industry and Telecommunications policy.
Garry has had a keen interest in sport all his life which has included representing Australia at four Paralympics and three World Championships.
He has a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and was Certified as a Practicing Accountant.
Monda Scoltock
Centre Supervisor
Monda joined Lifeline Canberra in April 2022 as a Centre Supervisor. She is passionate about social justice and supporting people in times of crisis. Monda feels a great sense of privilege to be working in support of our Crisis Support Line, its amazing volunteers and our community as a whole.
Kristie Ward
Centre Supervisor
In 2019 Kristie began her Lifeline journey as a volunteer after wanting to give back to the community and set an example for her children. For five years she volunteered as a crisis supporter, in shift supervisor and mentor.
In March of 2024 Kristie joined the Crisis Support Team as a Centre supervisor, bringing with her 32 years of experience in the early childhood sector, where she advocated for children and families to be provided inclusive, high quality learning environments and empower families to thrive. She also worked in the VET space training and mentoring Early childhood students and professionals, sharing her philosophy around Wellbeing with a strong focus on relationships.
Qualifications
• Cert 111 in Early Childhood Services
• Diploma of Children’s services
• Cert IV in Training and Assessment
Laura Clugston
Client & Team Project Coordinator
Laura has a passion for people of the Canberra community and as our Client & Team Project Coordinator, Laura works closely with our trainers to enable and coordinate Mental Health Training across the community.
Laura has a strong background in administration, with over 9 years of experience in a range of administrative heavy roles, such as: Office Manager, Event & Marketing Coordinator and Client Relationship Manager.
Qualifications
• Diploma in Business Administration
• Diploma in Human Resources
• Diploma in Interior Design and Decorating
• Certificate IV in Business Management
Experience
• Office Manager
• Event & Marketing Coordinator
• Client Relationship Manager
• Fundraising Event Host (Volunteer), Melanoma Institute of Australia
Alicia Flack-Kone
Corporate Trainer
Teaching and Professional Development, with over 20 years’ experience in the area of Education with skills and experience in Professional Development and adult education.
Well-developed communication skills with published text for book, newsletters and articles.
Adaptable, flexible and resilient, channelling energy within the working environment and many volunteer projects. Recognises strength in diversity and fosters the importance working together to achieve mutual goals.
Qualifications
• Macquarie University - Bachelor of Education (BEd), Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Experience
• Member ACT Disability Education Reference Group
• General Committee member of ACT Down Syndrome
• Coach Little Athletics in ACT
Sue-Anne Muggleton
Corporate Trainer
Sue-Anne has 35 years’ experience working in the community services sector, in both front line and management roles. Supporting people facing crises and disadvantage within our community across Canberra and the South East NSW. She has been humbled by the extraordinary courage, innovation and strength demonstrated by those individuals and communities she has been privileged to work with.
Sue-Anne also has over 15 year’s experience as a VET trainer across a range of subject areas including teaching of national community sector and management qualifications.
Some areas of key passion for her include the importance of community development and connection, along with the provision of information and support to individuals, teams and communities when, and where they need it, particularly those facing trauma.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor Counselling
• Diploma in Vocational Education and Training
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Lisa Padzensky
Logistics Coordinator
Lisa joined the team in February 2020, originally as Donations Courier includes: the coordination of all donations at the Lifeline Canberra Warehouse. Coordinator of all Lifeline Canberra Bookfair logistics and liaison with Lifeline Canberra office for collecting scheduling. In October 2020 Lisa began her new role as Logistics Coordinator - over seeing all things, donations, warehouse, Bookfair and Book Lovers Lane.
Laura Eash
Warehouse Coordinator
Laura joined Lifeline Canberra as a volunteer in September 2019 and a staff member in October 2020 as the Warehouse Coordinator. She is passionate about reading, volunteering with non-profits and working toward a better world for those living with mental health challenges.
Tarah Dempsey
Donations Courier
Tarah joined the Lifeline Canberra family as our Donations courier in November 2020. She is passionate about helping the Canberra and surrounding communities. Loves sports, animals, puzzles and of course Books! Tarah is still currently work with OzHarvest rescuing food and delivering it to charities.