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 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!
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 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.
Sarah Tyler
HR Team Leader
Sarah Tyler
HR Team Leader
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.
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, I worked within the financial services industry for 11 years, 8 of which were within HR, progressing from HR Coordinator through to working with the Senior Leadership and Executive team as a HR Business Partner. I have a strong generalist HR background working across all facets of HR, from recruitment and onboarding of employees, employee relations, performance management, remuneration and benefits and the development of best practice frameworks aligned to the specific needs of the business.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 pride myself on 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.Skildare provides the opportunity to work with a fantastic team, a diverse range of clients and professional development opportunities so you know you are working with a highly skilled member of the team.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.
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. Prior to joining the Skildare team as HR Consultant in 2023, I worked as a HR Generalist and most recently, as a HR Team Leader of a small team of HR Generalists. I have obtained my IECL Coaching Level 1 Certificate and have completed Prosci Change Management training.My experience in HR has been across several different industries including registered clubs, manufacturing and local government. Like many HR practitioners would say, the work I have undertaken as a HR professional has been very varied 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.When I’m not at work, you’ll find me trying out any new restaurants, hanging out with my two very spoilt but very naughty labradors, Ava and Locky, or taking a Pilates class.
Lisa Warren
HR Team Leader
Lisa Warren
HR Team Leader
I graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Languages in 2006 after studying my hobbies, namely, German and French. In 2012 after working in HR for a few years, I completed a Master in Management at MGSM (Macquarie Graduate School of Management) whilst on maternity leave with my first child. After starting an HR career in my hometown of Sydney, I moved to Newcastle in 2014 with my family to enjoy the lifestyle and affordable living and have never looked back. My 14 years of HR experience spans a diversity of industries including medical device, clinical research, higher education, utilities and mining/manufacturing. My strengths include HR strategy and action plan development in relation to diversity & inclusion, employee engagement surveys, organisational values, leadership development, HR systems implementation/integration and recruitment. I’m also well-versed in and passionate about Employee Relations, specifically grievances, investigations, and performance management.I am certified in Hogan Assessments as well as accredited in the Korn Ferry job evaluation method and enjoy using these tools to develop others and enhance individual and organisational performance. I pride myself on being an HR practitioner that puts people first. Building meaningful relationships with stakeholders and being able to provide valued advice is something I relish and that I’m fortunate enough to do every day here at Skildare. When I’m not at work, I’m a mum to two gorgeous boys, Tyler and Sebastian and wife to Mark. I love hanging out with them at the beach, park or bike-riding. As a family we love going on Summer holidays, swimming and being in the sun – Winter is always tough time of year for us!
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 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.
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. 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.
Tarra Carman
HR Consultant
Tarra Carman
HR Consultant
I graduated from Newcastle University in 2021, with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management. This qualification complemented my 10+ years experience working in HR related roles.I have a strong background in training and development, working across multiple sectors including law, aged care, and vocational education. My experience is quite varied, mostly within small to medium enterprise organisations where I was exposed to multiple facets of a business and gained understanding of the importance of robust systems and processes to support organisational success. My strengths within Human Resources are developing and facilitating workplace training, performance management processes, developing leadership capabilities and company culture initiatives to support positive and productive working environments.
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. 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 getting married in beautiful Mosman, Sydney my husband and I decided to move back to his hometown in the Hunter Valley. I was able to then progress my experience in Human Resources consisting of blue-collar and white-collar employees/apprentices’ and trainees. 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 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.
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.