Our board

Nicole has a background in Finance, Governance, Community Services, and Strategic and Risk Management. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently works for Volunteering Tasmania. She is past Treasurer of Laurel House and Playgroup Tasmania. She is passionate about making a difference, particularly in the areas of equity and human rights, and was inspired to join Laurel House to ensure local Tasmanians had access to the best possible services and support. Nicole has more than twenty years' experience in business and financial management in a diverse range of organisations including local small business, government, large corporations and not for profits. Nicole holds a Masters in Financial Planning and a Bachelor of Business. In her spare time Nicole loves to read, bush walk and travel, and is looking forward to her next adventure.

Jane is currently the State-wide Manager of the Family Violence Counselling & Support Services (FVCSS) within Department of Communities. She has held that position since 2012. This position entails Jane travelling to all regions of Tasmania and supporting FVCSS work practice and service development and more widely maintaining a community awareness of matters relating to family violence. Jane has held other senior roles including within Student Support Services in the Department of Education (DoE).

Victoria is an experienced social worker who enjoys helping people to achieve their goals for change through identifying barriers to wellness and articulating strategies to overcome and balance these. Victoria is a born and bred Tasmanian, and has lived extensively in rural and remote areas both in Tasmania and the mainland, and understands what it is to live rurally in Tasmania and the complexities and gifts of living in a small community. In her spare time, Victoria likes being at the beach, bushwalking, reading and playing music.

In his current role as Principal Solicitor withOdin Lawyers, Sebastian aims to provide survivors with an avenue to justice ina trauma informed and fair way. He also works to prevent systems fromcontinuing to put children at risk.  Sebastian believes that no one shouldbe faced with professional or personal risk as a result of speaking out about the abuse of children and heworks to provide avenues to avoid that occurring. Sebastian has acted forvictim survivors throughout his career, initially in Melbourne before moving toTasmania in 2018 following the removal of limitation periods. His arrival in Tasmania led to Sebastianincreasing his involvement in advocating for systematic reform with a focus onexamining how and why children, particularly those in Government institutions, havebeen able to be abused. Sebastian has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws double degree from Monash University and he began is legal career with afirm representing victim survivors of abuse in Melbourne.

Amanda has a background in promoting health literacy, including death literacy and mental health literacy. She is interested in opening up conversations about the elephant in the room, to reduce stigma and empower people to seek help when they need it. Amanda is a passionate volunteer in her local community, including with parkrun and Citizen Advocacy and previously with Specialist Palliative Care and Encore Theatre Company. In 2024, she has joined the board of Laurel House as well the Northern Palliative Care Auxiliary. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Commerce (marketing) from the University of Tasmania and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from Monash University. In her spare time, she enjoys candle making and hiking in Tasmania’s national parks.

As a proud Palawa woman, Darisha has more than two decades of experience in the community sector, working across various services to support individuals and families. For the past six years, Darisha has served as the Manager of Counselling and Support Services at Relationships Australia Tasmania, overseeing a diverse range of programs that cater to an even broader community profile. With a degree in social work, a Graduate Diploma of health, and nearing completion of a Bachelor of Psychological Science, Darisha has developed expertise in trauma-informed practice, clinical supervision, counselling, community and group work. Darisha is passionate about fostering meaningful change.

Sarah is an experienced Human Resources Consultant who is passionate about supporting organisations to meet their strategic objectives and individuals to reach their professional goals. Sarah has worked and across a diverse range of sectors and has developed a generalist skillset through her employment and volunteer activities supporting the Tasmanian community. Holding a Diploma of Leadership & Management and a Diploma of Community Services, Sarah is currently studying a Bachelor of Human Resources (Psychology) and is also an Accredited DiSC and Five Behaviours of a Cohesive Team Facilitator. Sarah enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach and hiking.