Meet the Smiling Mind team

It's probably hard to imagine the faces behind the Smiling Mind tools and resources you use every day, but we're so glad you've dropped by to get to know us! The Smiling Mind team is a small group of very passionate people—yep, there's just over 20 of us. We come from a range of professional backgrounds—from psychology, to research, to software development and communications—and we all draw on our unique skills to ensure that each day, we're getting closer to our vision to create generational change in mental health.

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Our Leadership Team

Sarah La Roche

CEO

Kerrie Buhagiar

Chief Programs Officer

Sol Mardones

Chief Growth Officer

Our Board

We are a unique organisation governed by a passionate and experienced Board. Their ongoing support, dedication and commitment ensures that we are 100% focused on achieving our vision.

Jane Martino (Newton)

Smiling Mind Chair and Co-founder, Business Advisor, Shout for Good Founder, Finalist in the Telstra Young Business Women's Awards, Board Member for Melbourne Football Club and Launch Vic

James Tutton

Smiling Mind Co-founder, Director Neometro, Founder of Moonlight Cinema, Founding Board Member of Contemporary Arts Precinct (CAP), Co-Founder of The Plato Project

Professor Frank Oberklaid, AM

Member of the Order of Australia, 2023 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year, Founding Director at the Royal Children's Hospital, Co-Group Leader of Child Health Policy, Equity and Translation at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and an Honorary Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne, Chair of the Victorian Children’s Council

Neil Thompson

Corporate Advisor, Former CEO at Velocity Frequent Flyer, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD), Advisory Board Member for The Australian National University, Australian Centre In China and the World, Non-Executive Directorfor Horizon Power

Ben Hensman

Venture capital investor at Square Peg Capital. Formerly an Investment Analyst at Fidelity International.

Niamh Hussey

CFO Advisory National Lead Partner, PwC Australia. Board Member and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee Member for STREAT.

Héma Prakash

Co-Founder Ponti Health (Specialist Menopause Medical Practice), previously Vice-President and Managing Director Asia Pacific, MINDBODY Inc. Board Member and Start-Up Strategy Advisor, The Style of Mrs V Media. Head of Client Development & Partnerships - Asia Pacific, Studiosity. Co-Founder & Operating Managing Director, Principal - Capital Introductions and Capital Raising.