Our Team

Helen brings over 30 years of team leadership in tertiary education and implementation research experience within the field of children’s health and care. She is a Director of Maternal and Child Health Nurses Australia where she contributes to strategy and governance in particular focused on member engagement. She is an Honorary Professor (Research) at Monash University, and a Fellow of both Dietitians Australia and the Nutrition Society of Australia. Helen's expertise in systems thinking and behaviour change has shaped Australian and international policies through the co-design, implementation and evaluation of innovative programs and evidence-based reviews.  Helen leads a collaborative digital health research initiative focused on supporting a healthy start in the first 2000 days of life.

Jacki is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Nutrition and Dietetics at The University of Queensland. She has a PhD in paediatric nutrition and lived experience of paediatric allergy management. Jacki has worked with many children and families, employing a pragmatic approach that values realistic, collaborative solutions. Her research focuses broadly on the prevention and management of childhood overweight and obesity and associated co-morbidities, integrating public health approaches and systems change.

Clare is a Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast and Accredited Practising Dietitian with a PhD in dietetics from the University of Queensland. Her research focuses on co-designing approaches to support good nutrition for families and individuals. She is an experienced educator and supervisor, committed to developing the next generation of health professionals through evidence-informed and collaborative learning.

Stella is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and researcher with a special interest in nutrition for children. She has previously lived and worked in the Torres Strait, Central Australia and East Arnhem land as a clinical dietitian and public health nutritionist. She is currently completing her PhD which aims to co-design innovations to support food security with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities She is passionate about culturally safe research and clinical practise in nutrition and dietetics.

Additionally, Stella has extensive professional and lived experience supporting nutrition and feeding concerns in children and adults with autism and ADHD, and approaches challenges with a neuro-affirming lens.

Ceara is a designer who specialises in the communication of complex health topics. She believes that visual communication is essential across all health and education sectors, especially as we continue into the digital age. She is currently working as an instructional designer for Queensland Health and has been involved in multiple health research projects.