Our Team

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! 

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I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management. I am a DISC Accredited Consultant, as well as an IECL Accredited Coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). My HR strengths include tackling Employee Relations issues, such as investigations, grievances and supporting the management of under performance in the workplace. However most recently my strengths and passion primarily focus on leadership development. I love building relationships with leaders and supporting them with their individual professional growth and goals using a combination of tools such as DISC Assessment as well as one-on-one coaching and leadership workshops.  After 14 years in Corporate HR and running a small business with my husband, I found myself constantly asking, how do SMEs, with no HR specialist, navigate the world of HR and all that it involves? This led me to Skildare, because in my consulting capacity at Skildare I get to build strong relationship, contribute to really positive transformations in people and businesses and work with amazing people from every industry all over our region!  Most of all I love leading the Skildare team. It is easy to come to work each day when you are working with a group of HR professionals, all from diverse backgrounds and diverse HR experiences that we can leverage on to ensure the best outcomes for our clients.   

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I graduated with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management from the University of Newcastle. Prior to commencing with Skildare in 2018, I spent more than 10 years working in a large and complex organisation doing all things HR. I enjoy the challenge of working with our diverse range of clients in the Newcastle/Hunter Region where no two days are ever the same. I am passionate about providing smart and simple HR solutions, particularly in the areas of employee relations, performance review and development, policy development and organisational change. I pride myself on being able to form strong working relationships with senior leaders, line managers and employees. When I’m not trying to juggle the multiple balls that comes with being a fulltime working mum to 2 very busy, adventurous and energetic boys, you will find me either entertaining at home with my husband, family and friends, checking out the latest restaurant/café in town or busy planning our next family adventure.

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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 on a daily basis such as workplace investigations, termination of employment, grievances, 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.  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. When they’re finally exhausted, I find time to watch any sport, hang out with friends and family honing my BBQ skills.

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Despite having a Business degree majoring in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management and more than a decade of experience in HR prior to joining Skildare, I honestly had no intention of pursuing a career in HR as my hospitality background made the thought of owning a pub more appealing! My mindset however, changed dramatically when I experienced firsthand how poor HR practices can irreparably damage a team culture and ultimately the performance of a business. This experience now drives me to positively influence the human capital of an organisation, because at the centre of all good organisations are its people. My strengths are in Industrial Relations and developing strategies to improve employee relations through effective performance management, robust change management strategies and developing simple, fair, and effective HR processes to reduce industrial risk, improve team culture and contribute to overall success of the business. While I love my job and the people I work with, I also LOVE food and travelling including good wine, great friends and family and camping with my partner.

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I graduated with a Bachelor of Business from the University of Newcastle over 20 years ago (ok, now I feel old!), and started my career working in the recruitment industry for a small industrial recruitment firm. The majority of my HR career has been Sydney based working in a multinational professional service company having gained extensive experience in remuneration and benefits, strategic financial management, performance management, and organisational restructures. More recently I have also focused on workplace investigations and mediations, and really enjoy resolving workplace conflicts wherever possible for my clients. My strengths have always been in building great relationships with my stakeholders, ensuring I understand what their needs are in order to deliver tailored solutions that align with their strategic objectives.  When I switch off my laptop I moonlight as an uber driver for my children, ferrying them around to their never-ending activities and social engagements, and looking after my little fur baby, who is now my only child who listens to me. My husband would tell you I’m at my happiest when I am bossing someone about (normally him), but I think I’m at my best with a glass of wine in one hand and a delicious meal (not cooked by me) in the other!

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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.

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I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2013, with a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resources, Management and Accounting. I started at Skildare the week after my last university exam, in December of 2013. All of my practical HR knowledge and experience has been learnt during my time with Skildare and from the amazing team of consultants we have. I enjoy working closely with a range of small to medium businesses, in a variety of industries including engineering, publications and marketing, community services and manufacturing. I am a bit of a HR-nerd and particularly love working with employment contracts and Awards and getting into the nitty gritty of employment legislation interpretation. I pride myself on my strong research skills, attention to detail (sometimes referred to as the team’s formatting and grammar queen) and my ability to build strong and positive relationships with my clients.When I’m not hanging out in the office with the best HR-team there is, I am most likely chasing my toddler around, joining my husband on landscape photography adventures (he takes the amazing photos and I’m just along for the ride), or enjoying a glass of wine and cheese platter with family and friends.

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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, I worked within the financial services industry for 11 years, 8 of which were within HR. I have a strong generalist HR background working across all facets of employee relations, performance management, recruitment, remuneration and benefits. My strengths have always been in building effective relationships with my stakeholders to ensure I understand their business and strategic direction to ensure I offer tailored advice to assist them to achieve their goals. I enjoy the challenge of working with a diverse range of clients across different industries and professions where no two days are the same. When I am not at work you will find me spending time with my family, chasing my daughters around or planning our next adventure away.

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I graduated with a Master of Strategic Organisational Development and Human Resources Management in 2019 from the University of New England. Prior to this, I completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management from the University of Newcastle in 2011.At present, I am undertaking a Certificate III in Investigative Services in order to develop and enhance my skills as a professional investigator. I have over 10 years of experience working in generalist human resource roles having worked across the health, engineering, hospitality, construction, manufacturing, sport, and fitness industries. I am passionate about continuous improvement and enjoy learning about the commercial operations of a business in order to best partner with leaders to solve problems and achieve goals. Outside of the office, I am a self-proclaimed physical activities enthusiast, you will find me on the soccer field, riding mountain bikes, surfing, on the mats training for my BJJ black belt or in the sunshine with my family.

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I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management and Sports Management. I joined the Skildare team as HR Administrator, and was promoted to HR Officer in 2020 and more recently to HR Consultant. I am always on the lookout for more ways to develop my HR skillset and I thrive on any challenges that are passed my way. I take pride in building relationships with my clients, and I can really see the positive impact Skildare can have. My strengths are in workplace training, supporting leaders with managing disciplinary matters and supporting clients in managing workers compensation matters.  During my time here at Skildare, I have enjoyed working closely with the team to continually develop my skills and knowledge in HR. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me on my daily walks on the beach or at Friday night dinners with my family.

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I commenced with Skildare as a HR Graduate in 2020, after completing my Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resources and Marketing. As much as I enjoy marketing, I found myself drawn to HR for my love of problem solving and the exposure to different industries in this line of work.My current area of passion is partnering with organisations that have not previously had a focus on HR to create HR Frameworks tailored to their industry and size. I enjoy developing relationships with clients and supporting Business Partners with complex workplace investigations. I am a problem solver through and through and there is no employee matter too tricky for me to identify possible strategies to resolve. Outside of work, you will find me either trying out a new restaurant or being a trade assistant to my live in handyman (Dinh) on home improvement projects!  

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I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2015 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management. Prior to joining the Skildare team as a consultant in 2023, I worked as a HR generalist for approximately 7 years across a number of industries including registered clubs, manufacturing and local government. My areas of passion include workplace investigations and industrial relations as well as working with my clients to develop effective solutions to support their business goals. My experience has been varied from investigations to grievances, performance management, supporting change management processes, workshop facilitation and termination of employment. When I'm not at work you'll find me testing out any new restaurants (massive foodie here!), hanging out with my very spoilt Labrador Ava and partner or teaching / participating in a Pilates class.

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I started Skildare as an HR Graduate in 2022 after completing my degree, Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resources at Newcastle University. I started my degree majoring in Marketing, however, during my first semester, I completed an HR elective and changed my major to HR before the semester had finished. Being new to HR I am eager to learn and gain a better understanding of all areas. I am passionate about adding value to the team and enjoy a challenging environment where I can work in collaboration with my team to find a solution. I look forward to creating relationships with clients and developing my skills. Outside of work you will find me at the beach relaxing or travelling to visit my family.

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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.

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.

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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. 

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