At Learning Links, our people have a common passion, drive and determination that makes our organisation what it is.
The Learning Links team is made up of over 240 passionate individuals who work hard every day to help children learn, develop and reach their full potential.
Our experienced multidisciplinary team of speech pathologists, psychologists, occupational therapists, specialist educators and early childhood professionals work across our Learning Centres, Learning Links Preschool and in schools and early learning settings to provide high-quality support services and build meaningful relationships with children, families and professionals.
Our support staff use their expertise in people and culture, IT, finance, fundraising, marketing and Charity Housie to drive growth and ongoing improvement, and ensure the organisation can continue to empower more children each year.
Our program managers, Leadership Team and Board work in partnership to guide and support our teams to be the best they can be as we strive towards our vision.
We share in each other’s successes and are so proud of what the organisation continues to achieve each year – creating opportunities and a bright future for children.
The Learning Links Board is the governing body of the organisation as set out in its Constitution. The Board provides oversight, direction and guidance to the Leadership team who are responsible for the operations of the organisation.
Our Directors bring significant senior level corporate and not-for-profit experience to Learning Links, including specific expert skills across general management, marketing, finance, law, information technology, risk and the early childhood sector.
Clive joined the Board in July 2017 and became Chair in November 2022. With extensive experience in commerce and finance, both in Australia and internationally, he enjoys supporting and leading organisations through growth and change.
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Jackie joined the Board in 2019 and became Deputy Chair in 2023. She is also a member of the Finance and Audit Committee. She has extensive experience in senior executive roles in the commercial, education and not-for-profit sectors and is passionate about high-quality, evidence-based service delivery.
Sarah is an experienced commercial lawyer and joined the Board in April 2015. She is Company Secretary and Chair of the Governance and Risk Committee. She has a passion for the education sector and ensuring that all people have access to supportive learning environments.
Elizabeth joined the Board in September 2022 and serves as a member of the Finance and Audit Committee and Property Redevelopment Advisory Committee. She has an esteemed career in the early education sector and is dedicated to driving research, innovation and awareness.
Helen joined the Board in May 2017 and is the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. With extensive finance management experience, she brings in-depth knowledge around corporate governance, regulation and risk management.
Margaret joined the Board in September 2022 and serves as a member of the Governance and Risk Committee. She is a dynamic, values-based leader with over 25 years’ experience in building high performing teams and embedding improved operational, risk management and assurance practices.
Jennifer joined the Board in July 2019 and is a member of the Governance and Risk Committe. She is an internationally recognised creative digital leader and is passionate about healthcare, behavioural change, education and consumer-focused entertainment.
The Learning Links Leadership Team works closely to provide strategic and operational support for the broader organisation. The team’s goal is to engage external stakeholders, our Board and team in our mission, support long-term growth and innovation, and propel our vision and strategic plan forward.
Assuming the role of CEO at Learning Links in November 2023, Jill brings a commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative culture. Her approach is people-centric, supported by business acumen and strategic insight, which will be critical in leading Learning Links on the next phase of growth.
Simone is passionate about providing children and families the best possible support through Learning Links early childhood and school-aged programs and services. She has over 30 years’ experience in senior management roles in the not-for-profit sector across housing and mental health, with a particular focus on communities experiencing vulnerabilities.
John manages Learning Links’ finances and facilities and has driven digital transformation initiatives. He has a diverse skill set with over 25 years’ experience in senior finance roles with special expertise in project management, implementing IT software, infrastructure systems and facility management.
Diane is dedicated to ensuring Learning Links adheres to the highest possible quality and compliance standards. She has over 25 years’ experience in senior management positions in the not-for-profit sector across the education, health and community sectors.
Don has been instrumental in expanding funding opportunities for Learning Links over the last 10 years. He has had a diverse career in senior roles in large corporations across sales and general management and as a retail business owner.
Samantha drives innovation at Learning Links through the development and expansion of online products and training. She draws from her 20 year career in supporting learning difficulties to provide high-quality, practical and evidence-based learning for other professionals.
Alex is passionate about growing and supporting Learning Links’ talented workforce, to enable the organisation to provide life-changing support for families. She is a solutions-focused professional with diverse experience working with large and medium-sized national and international businesses.
In her role, Rachel is passionate about making Learning Links’ donors feel valued and introducing new funders to make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of children. She has worked in not-for-profits in the UK and Australia, with expertise in events, community fundraising and corporate partnerships.
Sophie is passionate about producing content and communications to meet the needs of families, professionals and supporters. She has over 15 years of experience in marketing and fundraising roles in both Australia and the UK across the education, disability and health sectors.
Learning Links’ program and service managers are highly trained, experienced and committed professionals who support their teams to empower children with diverse needs to build skills, participate in their community and reach their full potential.
Dr Samantha Hornery is a primary and special education teacher with a PhD in dyslexia interventions. She has worked in school and community settings teaching, developing and managing educational programs for students with learning difficulties for 21 years.
Michelle is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working in public and private schools as well as in various mental health settings. Her passion is helping children with assessment and diagnosis and providing access to social and emotional support.
Liz Bell is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with over 8 years’ experience working with speech, language and communication needs. She is passionate about translating the most recent evidence into clinical practice to support families and professionals.
Belinda is a qualified Early Childhood Teacher with over 20 years of experience working in various areas of the early childhood sector as a Teacher, Educational Leader and Director to empower children with a wide range of developmental needs.
Learning Links is honoured to have Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and Mr Dennis Wilson as Joint Vice Regal Patrons of the organisation.
We share a strong commitment to education and an understanding of the need to help those in the community who face disadvantage.
We are thrilled to have Her Excellency and Mr Wilson support our mission to empower children with learning difficulties and disabilities to realise their full potential.