Our team

Program Manager

Penny joined our Communities for Children team as a Community Development Worker in July 2017 after 15 years in leadership roles in the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) and Children’s Health Queensland. In November 2024, Penny was appointed the CfC Team Program Manager. 

Penny is passionate about working early with children and families so that our little people get off to the best possible start in life. Her desire is to see families supported, with children happy and strong, doing well at school and even eventually gaining employment.  

When Penny is not hard at work, she loves being with her family, especially having adventures with her three grandsons. Penny loves a good coffee, singing and making music.

Collective Change Facilitator

As part of the Communities for Children team, Elise plays a key role in leading early support and prevention approaches that make place-based services more accessible and engaging for families in Logan.

Based in the Eagleby/Beenleigh area, Elise collaborates with schools, early childhood centers, and community organisations to find and develop opportunities for systems change ensuring community voices are heard. 

Before stepping into her current role, she worked across various frontline services, supporting families and children facing complex challenges. With a degree in Psychology, Elise has a strong interest in childhood trauma recovery and systems change.

Outside of work, Elise enjoys relaxing at the beach with her family and a good cup of coffee.

Collective Change Facilitator

Holly has been working as a Community Development Worker in our Communities for Children team for 9 years. One of Holly’s main focuses in working in the Springwood/Kingston and the Browns Plains areas is to build connection between early education and care centres, schools, support services and families.

Holly has a degree in Social Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and has a keen interest in the use of animals in therapeutic interventions with people via Animal Assisted Therapy.

In her spare time Holly enjoys taking her dogs to the beach, spending time outdoors and watching nature documentaries. 

Collective Change Facilitator

Jess joined the Communities for Children Logan team in 2023, bringing 20 years of experience in disability, early childhood education, and human services sectors.

Jess is passionate about ensuring all children have access to the resources they need to grow and thrive, while helping families feel supported, resourced, and connected to their local community.

She holds a Bachelor Degree in Social Science, a Diploma of Counselling, and postgraduate qualifications in Child-Centred Play Therapy.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her family and two border collies. She also loves exploring the fantastic restaurants around Logan and sharing these culinary experiences with her colleagues.

Collective Change Facilitator

Lisa joined the Communities for Children team in July 2023, bringing 22 years of experience working with children and families across Queensland and New South Wales and a degree in Human Services (specialising in Child, Youth, and Family),

Lisa’s work focuses on the Yarrabilba and Logan Village community and fostering collaboration among education, health and community partners to create more integrated and effective systems. 

An active member of the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Queensland committee, Lisa contributes to shaping policy and practice while championing the role of early years Educators. She is dedicated to elevating their voices, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and advocating for the recognition and resources they need.

When not at work, Lisa enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and their animals.

Quality and Business Co-ordinator

Ella is all about making things run smoothly while keeping a positive, collaborative vibe. With a background in business management, budgeting, and reporting, Ella thrives on organising and pays particular attention to the finer details and is passionate about ensuring our community programs succeed.

Ella is passionate about making an impact, building strong relationships, and having a little fun along the way, while supporting the mission of social justice and care for those in need.