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About Our Board

The Learning for Life Autism Centre (L4Life) Board comprises of co-founders, staff and members of our community who bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience in the areas of autism, disability, health, governance and finance, government, business, research, human resources and more.

Each member volunteers their time to provide governance, management and strategic direction of the organisaton, as well as guide, support and inspire our team to make positive change in the lives of the children and families we support.

 

Mary Muirhead Chair

Mary Muirhead OAM

Co-Chair
Fundraising, Communications and Relationships; Future Directions & People and Culture Subcommittees

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Mary is the Chair and Co-founder, with over 20 years experience in Melbourne’s Autism community. Mary's service to the community is evidenced in recognition and awards received from Boroondara Volunteer of the Year Award (2012) to her Medal of the Order of Australia (general division) (2014).

Mary was the previous Fundraising Coordinator of L4Life. She is a current member of the Fundraising, Communications and Relationships sub-committee, People and Culture sub-committee and the Future Directions sub-committee.

With lived family experience of neurodiversity, a natural curiosity and love of learning, Mary has developed an extensive knowledge and networks in the ABA autism field and wider community, fuelled by her constant quest to do better and strive for continual advancement and sustainability.

Mary values connection, inclusion, social justice and learning and is always looking at ways to build bridges of understanding, awareness and acceptance about the neurodivergent community.

"I'm proud of the work we have done over the last 20 years to build the L4Life Village to support our vision."

Melanie Cooke

Melanie Cook

Co-Chair
Future Directions & People and Culture Subcommittees

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Melanie joined the L4Life Board in 2022 with the aim of using her skills to benefit the life of others.

"After spending almost 10 years living and working overseas, I had a strong desire to use my skills to help others. I was really taken by what L4Life do to change lives and so it was clear that I had found my purpose"

As an Engineering and Senior Multinational Executive, Melanie brings her knowledge and experience with governance, strategy and risk management to the table, but also recognises that her experience on the board so far has been a learning experience in itself.

"I've learnt so much about the life-changing impact that L4Life has on children and their families.  And I've witnessed the quality and commitment of both the staff and board to continue to deliver even better outcomes to children and their families."

Dr Amanda Sampson Co founder

Dr Amanda Sampson

Patron and Co-founder
Future Directions Subcommittee

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As a co-founder and founding parent of Learning for Life, and medical practitioner, Amanda has brought a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to the Board, including clinical expertise and an understanding of the medical model of data informed care; the experience of supporting an autistic person from childhood to adulthood; and navigating the NDIS.

She established the L4Life Endowment Fund and has encouraged research and the establishment of ongoing education for senior staff with subsidies. Amanda was also the Inaugural President of Autism Pathways (formerly Autism Behavioural Intervention Association).


"As a parent of an autistic person, I have been able to combine my lived experience with my clinical experience to help inform and direct the path of Learning for Life.  I am proud of the work we have done so far, with have high expectations for the future of L4Life, and for the children and families we support."

Dr Matt Harvey

Dr Matt Harvey

Risk, Finance and Governance Subcommittee (Chair)

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Matt joined the L4Life Board as part of the Observership Program and continued as a member in February 2023. 

Matt is a medical doctor and management consultant and brings with him a thorough understanding of the health system, as well as extended experience and knowledge in strategy, finance, governance and risk, medical and research.

"It is great to see the commitment and optimism across the board and management for the future of L4L as we come out of an emotionally and financial difficult time due to the impacts of COVID."

Ty Beveridge

Treasurer

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Ty Beveridge is a Principal at Wilson Pateras, where he advises individuals, SMEs and organisations across all stages of their financial journey. With more than 30 years’ experience in public practice, Ty brings deep expertise in strategic and financial advisory, including organisational growth, succession planning, valuations, tax, and international structuring.

Ty has worked extensively with not-for-profits, family offices, and businesses across a wide range of industries, supporting sustainable growth, governance, and long-term stability. He previously served as Managing Partner of Kindle Private, which he co-founded and grew into a successful multi-partner firm.

In addition to his professional work, Ty has significant board and governance experience. He is a joint founder and board member of the MacFarlane Club, a fundraising and charity awareness organisation that has raised close to $2 million, and has previously held Treasurer roles with Australian and European business networks.

Based in Melbourne, Ty is passionate about building strong relationships and using his skills to make a positive and lasting contribution to organisations and the communities they serve.

Natalie Gibbs

Natalie Gibbs

Fundraising Communications and Relationships Sub-Committee (Chair)

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Natalie joined the Board through The Observership Program and transitioned to a voting member at the 2023 AGM.

She is the Head of Individual and Community Giving at Cancer Council Victoria and is an experienced management professional who has worked across marketing communications and fundraising throughout the not-for-profit and educational sectors.

"I'm hoping I can offer some unique fundraising insights to help the organisation continue to grow whilst being mindful of ever changing fundraising governance."

Naomi Dent

Risk, Finance and Governance SubCommittee

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A Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in external audit, risk management, and cultural change, Naomi Dent brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her role as an L4Life Board Member. She also draws on a strong foundation in project management to help the organisation navigate regulatory change and strengthen its governance.

With lived experience supporting an autistic family member and navigating the complexities of the NDIS, Naomi is deeply motivated to help others access the resources they need to live the life they choose. Her contribution to the Finance, Risk and Governance Sub-committees reflects her commitment to building strong, sustainable operations that deliver meaningful outcomes for children and families.

Naomi’s time on the Board has only deepened her resolve to make a difference—supporting L4Life’s mission to provide high-quality, evidence-based services to those who need them most. She is driven by a desire to give back, broaden her knowledge, and use that understanding to support both her own family and the broader community.

Jennifer Tod

People & Culture Subcomittee

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Jennifer Tod is a senior HR strategist, currently serving as the Global Head of People & Culture at a Melbourne-based fintech. She brings a decade of experience in shaping organisational culture, defining values, and implementing people strategies for significant growth in global businesses. Her professional background also includes extensive work in educational leadership in schools, supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Jennifer’s connection to Learning for Life is personal, as the mother of a son who is a former L4Life client.

"I have personally witnessed the impact of L4Life's services and the dedication of the L4Life team over many years. I am keen to make a meaningful contribution to the board, helping the organisation continue to grow its impact and ensure its long-term success."

Danielle Jones-Resnik

Secretary

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Alex Chaseling

Board Observer

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Alex Chaseling is a compliance and audit professional with extensive experience in governance, risk and regulatory advisory. She brings a strong analytical and strategic lens, supporting boards and leadership teams to make informed decisions aligned with organisational purpose and accountability.

Alex has a deep commitment to community, inclusion and the arts, shaped by her involvement in grassroots initiatives that promote connection, wellbeing and creative expression. As a participant in the Board Observership Program, she is building her board experience while contributing practical insights grounded in compliance, ethics and good governance, with a strong interest in supporting not-for-profit organisations that deliver positive community impact.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know the team at Learning for Life and supporting the amazing work they do within the community", says Alex.

Sonal Premi

Board Observer

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Sonal Premi is a business-focused technology leader with deep expertise simplifying complex problems, shaping technology strategy, and driving transformation initiatives. 

She brings 20 years’ experience bridging technical, strategic and risk domains across industry sectors that include energy, banking, and telecommunications. Her global career footprint  reflects cross-cultural adaptability and an international global perspective.

Sonal is passionate about inclusive, purpose-driven leadership and brings a strong systems-thinking approach to governance. Through the Board Observership Program, she is developing her board capability while contributing a thoughtful and contemporary perspective that balances innovation, risk awareness and sustainable community impact. Sonal is a member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia and is actively pursuing a governance pathway aligned with social and community outcomes.
 
"I’m deeply aligned with the purpose and community impact of L4Life. As I learn from a dedicated board and team, I’m keen to contribute my expertise to help L4Life sustain and grow its impact," says Sonal.

In addition:

Tom Gleisner AO

Patron and Co-founder

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Tom is a co-founder of Learning for Life and sat on our board for 18 years.  During this time Tom helped to establish the organisation as a registered charity.  Since 2022, Tom has been a L4Life Patron, and has supported the organisation in fundraising events, and raising its profile through his role in film and television and with various philanthropic organisations.

Tom has been our esteemed Kwiz for the Kidz Quizmaster and has hosted our In Conversation event.  He was also a constant Run Melbourne competitor, running the 10km course from 2007 - 2018!

Stay Updated

For more information on L4Life, please contact us at (03) 9853 4607 or email enquiries@learningforlife.com.au
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