Our Team
The Skildare team are all university qualified professionals who know how to have a laugh. Meet them here.
Meet Our team

Diane Loong
Managing Director
Diane Loong
Managing Director
I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources and Industrial Relations (27 years ago yikes!) and I’ve lived and breathed HR ever since in corporate Australia and as a business owner. My strengths are geared towards influencing behaviour and performance improvement, and I get a huge kick out of achieving tangible results for a client’s business whether it be through managing a risk-riddled issue or improving culture through simple tweaks in HR process. I would say Skildare’s success has been born from my drive to deliver smart HR solutions whilst taking into account every facet and intricacy of the individual client. An ability to mould ‘best practice’ HR into a personalised solution for each unique culture is a skill that I’m proud to say is the essence of Skildare. When I take my heels off an even better job awaits as a wife to Adam, a mother of our two teenage kids, a cook, a cleaner, a mediator, a taxi driver and an ATM!

Sam Russell
Head of HR
Sam Russell
Head of HR
I graduated with a Bachelor of Business from Newcastle University and commenced my career in the recruitment industry with a small industrial recruitment firm. The majority of my HR career has been based in Sydney, spanning 15 years, where I have worked with a multinational professional services company. During this time, I gained extensive experience in remuneration and benefits, strategic financial management, performance management, and organisational restructures. Since joining Skildare over 5 years ago, I have worked across diverse industries, including Building & Construction, Aged Care, Education, and Professional Services.My strengths lie in building strong relationships with stakeholders and understanding their needs to deliver tailored solutions that align with their strategic objectives.I specialise in the critical and complex aspects of HR, where things get really sticky and interesting. My expertise includes navigating challenging workplace investigations, mediations, organisational restructures, and all aspects of performance management. I thrive on resolving conflicts and delivering tailored solutions that meet the strategic objectives of my stakeholders. Building strong relationships and understanding the unique needs of each client is at the core of my approach, ensuring that I can provide effective and customised HR strategies and solutions.In addition to my technical expertise, I am passionate about coaching and mentoring my team of consultants at Skildare. I believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where each team member can develop their skills and reach their full potential. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I aim to empower my team to tackle intricate HR challenges with confidence and creativity.Think of me as a conductor of an orchestra, harmonising the diverse talents and skills of my team to create a symphony of effective HR solutions. Each consultant plays a vital role, and together, we ensure that our clients’ needs are met with precision and excellence.When I switch off my laptop, I moonlight as an Uber driver for my teenagers, shuttling them to their endless activities and social engagements. I also tend to my little fur baby, who is now the only one that actually listens to me. My husband claims I’m happiest when I’m bossing someone around (usually him), but I believe I’m at my best with a glass of wine in one hand and a delicious meal (definitely not cooked by me) in the other!As a family, we love to get away and spend time outdoors, soaking up the sun whenever we can. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long vacation, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures is something we cherish as a family. There’s nothing quite like the joy of discovering a hidden gem or simply enjoying a sunny day at the beach.
Nick Adams
Industrial Relations Lead
Nick Adams
Industrial Relations Lead
I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2011, with a combined Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Social Sciences, before heading back for more fun times to obtain a Graduate Certificate in Work Health and Safety in 2014.I have found my way to HR through working in industrial and employee relations in Sydney, starting at the Fair Work Commission as an associate and later working for peak employer industry associations, where I handled complex industrial relations issues daily including termination of employment, industrial disputes, and enterprise agreement negotiation.After returning to Newcastle to start raising a family, I found myself working in HR and really enjoying the hands-on aspect of HR, building relationships with business leaders by helping to simplify HR and compliance issues so business leaders can get back to enjoying what they do best. I specialise in industrial relations, legislative compliance and the pointy end of HR. My legal background means that I am comfortable with interpreting and researching legislation and case law to support and evaluate the risk profile of a business. Despite this background, my goal is always to provide practical and commercially minded advice to minimise risk and get back to business as usual.My recent highlights include successfully negotiating cost neutral outcomes of Fair Work Commission claims by former HR employees, upskilling the entire Skildare team in the constant changes to Awards and legislation, and successfully completing a project to combine multiple expired enterprise agreements across different states for an engineering and mining services client. When I’m not enjoying work and all of the interesting things that pop up, I’m trying to be a good husband and chase two adventurous boys around every open space within a 100km radius.
Stevie Smith
HR Team Leader
Stevie Smith
HR Team Leader
I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2012 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management. Prior to joining Skildare in 2021, my HR career was shaped working in the financial services industry, where I progressed from HR Coordinator through to working with the Senior Leadership and Executive team as a HR Business Partner.Since starting with Skildare I have continued to broaden my experience across all areas of HR which has included working across a number of industries including Professional Services, Manufacturing and Community Services.I have a strong generalist HR background working across all facets of HR.I have a passion for mentoring and supporting the team to build capability to ensure ongoing success for our team and the clients we support. I love building lasting relationships with my clients and their teams, partnering with them to ensure I understand their business and strategic direction to offer tailored advice to assist them to achieve their goals.Most recently my work has been focussed on building fit for purpose frameworks for our clients, focussing on attracting and retaining talent. This has been through the development of organisational capability frameworks, an emerging leaders’ program and remuneration and pay progression framework to reward and recognise talent. I have also worked on workforce redesign initiatives, ensuring businesses have the right resources in the right place to meet their business needs.When not dabbling in the strategic space, from an operational perspective I am supporting our client through all forms of employee relations processes including performance management, grievance management and investigations.When I am not at work, I am a mum to my two beautiful girls Sienna and Callie and wife to Rohan. My time is spent coordinating play dates and social outings to keep the kids (as well as mum and dad) entertained, or you will find me planning our next caravanning adventure away with family and friends.

Emma Crackett
HR Team Leader
Emma Crackett
HR Team Leader
I graduated from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management in 2014. My experience as a HR Generalist has been across varied industries including registered clubs, manufacturing and local government. Prior to joining the Skildare team as HR Consultant in 2023, I worked as a HR Team Leader of a small team of HR Generalists.As most HR practitioners would say, the work I have undertaken as a HR professional has been diverse including working in highly unionised workplaces, conducting workplace investigations, supporting the negotiation and renegotiation of enterprise agreements, undertaking change management processes and assisting with performance management processes including termination of employment.A couple of key achievements during my time at Skildare has been the ratification and implementation of the first enterprise agreement for a mining manufacturing client along with the completion of several complex workplace investigations.A significant portion of my HR career has been in unionised, blue-collar workplaces which has resulted in me gaining experience in dealing with employee relations particularly grievances and dispute resolution, investigations and performance management.I pride myself on the relationships I build with my clients along with my ability to develop and tailor solutions that are simple, suit the needs of a client and achieve the desired outcome.I’m a massive foodie so outside of work I love creating delicious food or eating out at new and old favourite restaurants, soaking up the sunshine at the beach, hanging out with my two very spoilt but cheeky (some might say naughty) labradors, or taking / teaching a Pilates class.

Lisa Warren
HR Team Leader
Lisa Warren
HR Team Leader
With 14 years in the HR game, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into a wide range of industries—from medical devices and clinical research to higher education, utilities, and mining/manufacturing. I kicked off my career in Sydney, where I built a strong HR foundation before making the big move to Newcastle in 2014. The lifestyle here? Absolutely love it! I’ve been all about aligning HR strategies with business goals, creating cultures that people thrive in, and driving leadership development and employee engagement.I thrive on crafting HR strategies that genuinely make a difference—whether it's championing diversity and inclusion, shaping company values, or nurturing leadership growth, I’m all in. I’ve got a knack for rolling out HR systems that actually work and nailing the recruitment game. But where I really hit my stride is in Employee Relations. Whether it’s resolving complex grievances, leading comprehensive investigations, or enhancing performance management systems, I’m fully committed and prepared to take on any challenge.Lately, I’ve been getting into the nitty-gritty of Award reviews, classifications, and mediation processes, using my sharp analytical skills and knack for building strong connections to deliver top-notch results for my clients. I love working with a mix of industries, helping them navigate Australia’s ever-evolving employment laws with confidence. Plus, I’m certified in Hogan Assessments and accredited in the Korn Ferry job evaluation method—tools that I genuinely enjoy using to supercharge both individual and team performance.When I’m not in HR mode, I’m all about family time. I’m a proud mum to two awesome boys, Tyler and Sebastian, and wife to Mark. We’re always on the go—whether we’re hitting the beach, exploring parks, or biking around town. We’re total summer lovers, soaking up the sun, swimming, and going on holidays. Winter? Not so much—it’s all about counting down the days until we can get back to our sun-filled adventures!

Brittney Mason
HR Consultant
Brittney Mason
HR Consultant
I graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resources in 2020 whilst working full-time as an HR Generalist in Disability Services and the Building and Construction industries. I joined the Skildare team in February 2021 as a HR Consultant.Prior to commencing my degree, I was the Practice Manager of Pacific Smiles Dental, Charlestown for the better part of four years. It was in this role, I found my passion for people, compliance and indirectly HR.HR is my jam – there is always something to learn, a new perspective to consider or a legislative change you need to understand. This is one of the many reasons I love working at Skildare, we are continuously encouraged to brainstorm, collaborate, and develop our skills.When I am not at work, you will find me at the beach or somewhere outside with my partner (Jase) and pooch (Hudson, aka Prince charming). I also love to share yoga with anyone who will listen, and you will find me both teaching and practicing across Newcastle.
Kate Minns
HR Consultant
Kate Minns
HR Consultant
I joined Skildare in December 2013, after graduating from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resources.My HR career has been shaped at Skildare, where I’ve gained hands-on experience working with clients across a diverse range of industries including manufacturing, road transport, publishing, health, education, and charity organisations.I have a particular passion for the compliance and legislative aspects of HR, with a focus on developing employment contracts, and Award and legislation interpretation.I have worked with clients across a huge variety of Awards. The Awards that I am particularly experienced with include the Clerks – Private Sector Award, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, and the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award.My task of choice would be a BOOT (Better off Overall Test) – to ensure that our clients’ remuneration structures align with Award requirements and remain compliant.My strengths lie in my research skills, attention to detail and ability to keep on top of legislative changes. I take pride in translating complex regulations into clear, actionable insights for both our team and our clients.When I am not in the office, I am chasing my toddler, or joining my husband on landscape photography adventures (he takes the amazing photos; I’m more of supportive sidekick).My idea of a perfect day? A leisurely coffee by the water, followed by a massage, and finished off with a glass of red and a cheese platter with family and friends.
Courtney Smalls
HR Consultant
Courtney Smalls
HR Consultant
I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resource Management and Sports Management. Shortly after, I joined the Skildare team, where I progressed from HR Administrator to HR Officer, and now as a HR Consultant.Working at Skildare has provided me with the opportunity to engage with a wide range of industries and clients. My experience spans from blue-collar manufacturing businesses to pilots to the gardening and landscaping sector. This variety of experience has broadened my knowledge of different industries and allows me to adjust my advice and tailor solutions to each client individually.My passion lies in the relationship side of consulting — understanding my clients' businesses and tackling challenges head-on. I thrive on solving problems and collaborating with clients to develop effective strategies. I take pride in creating practical and impactful processes that drive real results.My strengths include workplace training, award compliance, supporting leaders in managing disciplinary matters, policy development, and onboarding. As a natural problem-solver, I believe no employee matter is too complex to navigate.Outside of work, you’ll often find me enjoying a good book or wining and dining with my husband and friends.

Tarra Carman
HR Consultant
Tarra Carman
HR Consultant
I hold a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Newcastle University, which complements over a decade of HR experience in sectors such as law, aged care, and vocational education. Some of my roles have been working within small to medium enterprises in the past, which has allowed me to gain valuable insights into the critical role that robust systems and processes play in driving organisational success.HR has always been the cornerstone of what makes me feel connected at work. It is where my passions for people, leadership, and making a difference converge. I love being the bridge that connects individuals to their potential and organisations to their goals, all while fostering environments where everyone feels valued and motivated.I specialise in developing and delivering workplace training, driving performance management processes, and enhancing leadership capabilities. I am particularly passionate about fostering company culture initiatives that promote positive, productive work environments where employees are empowered to excel.One of my key achievements at Skildare that I am proud of, is working alongside my clients and their leadership teams to build higher team morale and enhancing communication to lead more cohesive and collaborative teams.As a born and bred Novocastrian, I’m all about embracing the best of what Newcastle has to offer. I share my life with my husband and our three wonderful girls, who keep us on our toes with their busy schedules filled with dancing and sports. Despite our ‘organised chaos’ lifestyle, we make sure to carve out quality downtime together—whether it’s unwinding at the beach, diving into a good book, or getting competitive during our family game nights.

Lauren Halliday
HR Consultant
Lauren Halliday
HR Consultant
After completing high school in the middle east, my family and I moved back to Australia where I then started my bachelor's degree in psychology. I graduated from Western Sydney University in 2020, and I kick started my career in Human Resources. Alongside my Bachelor of Psychology degree, I also have a diploma in Business Administration which comes in handy regularly within my HR career, especially with the contracts and letter drafting necessities.My first role in Human Resources was for a multi-national retail company looking after various retail brands. One of their head office’s is in Sydney, and we looked after all the stores and employees for Australia and New Zealand which included up to 3000+ employees. After a couple of years in this role, I was able to then progress my HR experience in an organisation consisting of blue-collar and white-collar employees/apprentices’ and trainees.My strengths include standard contract drafting, recruitment, remuneration and benefits. I am also well-versed in and passionate about Employee Relations, specifically grievances, investigations, and performance management.On the weekends you will find me sitting outside on the patio with a hot chocolate in hand watching my chickens do what they do best (which is usually very entertaining). Alternatively, I also enjoy going on walks with my husband and exploring the Hunter Valley and surrounds, which then usually finishes at a winery.
Kimberly Storey
HR Consultant
Kimberly Storey
HR Consultant
I hold a Bachelor of Business with majors in Human Resources and International Business, which I completed in 2016. Since graduating, I’ve gained various experience in HR administration roles across the Central Coast and Sydney.Following this, my husband and I launched a small family business which I have run over the past six years. This experience has deepened my understanding of the commercial realities of running and scaling a small to medium size business and the importance of effective people leadership.My professional background spans Management, Human Resources, Research & Development, Recruitment, and Training & Development across the manufacturing, retail, and hospitality sectors. I’m currently expanding my knowledge and qualifications by undertaking a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Human Resource Management.I’m passionate about HR, particularly employee relations, including contracts and awards. I love to learn and enjoy staying busy, and at Skildare, I’m excited to keep growing, collaborating with like-minded professionals, and contributing to meaningful, people first outcomes.When I am not at work, you can find me baking all the delicious goods, spending time on the boat with my husband Luke and three beautiful children Abbie, Layla and Harvey, reading romantic books and spending time at home with the people who I most cherish.
Asha Sparrow
Accountant
Asha Sparrow
Accountant
I graduated from Southern Cross University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and have been working in accounting in various fields for over 12 years. I commenced with Skildare in 2019 as Internal Accountant and this role (& the people) is the greatest one by far! I have two babies under 3, Lennon & Billie. They keep me very busy & entertained. We spend a lot of time outdoors to wear them out and we love going camping. When not number crunching, I am quite handy on the tools and the project manager of our never-ending renovation on our forever (maybe not) home with my partner Nich.

Olivia Groth
Head of Marketing & Customer Experience
Olivia Groth
Head of Marketing & Customer Experience
I graduated with a Master of Marketing from the University of Newcastle in 2021. At present, I am undertaking a Professional Diploma in Customer Experience in order to enhance my skills and specialise in an emerging industry niche. I have over 10 years of experience working across a range of industries including marketing, sales, and IT. This experience has allowed me to develop a unique skillset to build customer focused strategies from lead generation through to customer service and fulfilment. Before joining the Skildare Group, including Molly Morgan Wines as the Head of Marketing and Customer Experience in 2024, I worked as the Head of Product and Experience at one of Australia's largest conveyancing firms. During this time, my focus was developing and automating a new practice management system to create staff efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience.I am passionate about marketing psychology and customer experience theories and thrive on analysing how the customer journey intersects with a business's process and systems. Every day at work feels like a win when I can implement improvements to the experience of our customers. I also enjoy developing innovative marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.When I’m not at work you’ll usually find me doing one of my many hobbies - camping, fishing, rock climbing, sewing, or swimming at the beach!
Adam Loong
Director
Adam Loong
Director
I co-founded Skildare with my wife Di in 2012 after a 20 year career in the military as an F/A-18 Fighter Combat Instructor Pilot. I am also the Managing Director for Skildare Defence (www.skildaredefence.com.au), the Chair of the Hunter Defence Support Network and volunteer pilot for Angel Flight. The latest passion project is deBa, a practical leadership development solution that we have been developing at Skildare for a number of years and which is almost ready for deployment. Check it out at www.debatalk.com.au.

Lisa Grant
Marketing and Administration Coordinator
Lisa Grant
Marketing and Administration Coordinator
I joined Skildare in 2023 as Office Support Coordinator. Prior to this, I have worked in administrative roles across Newcastle for 5 years in the insurance, construction and disability industries. In 2023, I decided it was time for a fresh start and to explore the world of HR. I am excited to be the first Office Support Coordinator for Skildare and look forward to utilising my skills to create efficiencies within our process, supporting with marketing as well as working with our friends in Skildare Defence and DeBa. I enjoy working with the incredible team at Skildare and learning all about HR. Outside of work, you can find me at the beach, spending time with friends and family, travelling, playing social sport, and trying out new local restaurants.