staff

Kirsten Bickendorf, Chief Executive Officer                           

 Kirsten was appointed as Doxa's Chief Executive Officer in September 2009.  Kirsten joined the Doxa team in April 2008 and was drawn by the organisations focus on creating a positive and lasting change for disadvantaged young people in Victoria.  Kirsten has worked for more than thirteen years within the not for profit sector including the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund/ United Way and Mission Australia and St Vincent de Paul Society (WA) and has extensive experience in philanthropy and community investment.  In this time Kirsten has developed and managed corporate partnerships with some of Australia’s largest companies, including Boeing Hawker de Havilland, Fuji Xerox, NAB and the City of Melbourne.   Kirsten has a passion for the community sector and is on the Board of the Eating Disorders Foundation and mentors a young woman through Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service.

Murray Wilson, Cadetship Corporate Manager

Murray commenced with Doxa Youth Foundation in October of 2009.

After working with such diverse organisations as Whitelion, CARE Australia, MacKillop Family Services and the Victorian Institute of Sport, Murray has developed extensive experience in business relations, community development and project management which he has applied successfully to the not for profit sector.

A particular area of interest is working with businesses to develop the potential of young people. Murray is passionate about the role business can play in breaking the cycle of disadvantage and is looking forward to seeing the young people grow with the training and guidance provided by Doxa’s committed corporate partners.

Dianne Schmidtke, Business and Communications Manager

Dianne was inspired by the history of Doxa when meeting Fr. Joe Giacobbe. This meeting created a healthy interest in the work of the Doxa Youth Foundation and Dianne is thrilled to have the opportunity to work within the ethos of Doxa. She has varied qualifications in Nursing, Alcohol and other Drug work, Managing Community Services and Marriage Celebrancy. She has always worked in the community sector and has developed programs for young people experiencing disadvantage through alcohol and other drug abuse, homelessness and mental health disorders. She has worked in community development and adheres to the principles of community engagement and social inclusion in all she does. Most currently she has developed an initiative to encourage business and not for profit organisations to work together more effectively in North and West Melbourne. Dianne is looking forward to increasing partnerships in both business and community to secure a strong, healthy future for Doxa and therefore continue to positively impact the lives of disadvantaged young people.

Megan Moore, Principal Doxa School Melbourne

Megan has been the Principal of the Doxa School in  Melbourne for the past ten years.  She holds a Masters of Special Education and qualifications in Curriculum, Leadership, Welfare, Counseling and Social/Emotional education.  Megan also presents at Conferences and Professional Development seminars on many of the issues that present in mainstream classrooms.  The school provides an intervention program in partnership with mainstream schools for students 11-14 who are struggling to maintain their place in school as a result of social and emotional difficulties.  Megan has always had a passion for students who struggle. 

John Russell, Principal Doxa School Bendigo

John Russell has been principal at the Doxa School Bendigo since it opened in July 2006. Teaching for more than 25 years and currently studying for a Masters in Special Education, John is highly experienced and brings an extensive knowledge to the school. "Working with students at the Doxa Bendigo School has been the most rewarding position for me professionally".  John's wish is to increase the capacity of the school and offer greater numbers of disengaged children a fair go at a good education.  The dedication and support from our local community is both humbling and extraordinary and John is continually encouraged by their dedication. 

Anna Montgomery, City Camp Co-ordinator

Anna comes to Doxa with 20 years experience in Primary Education. Her career includes working overseas in the Middle East and Japan and she has worked extensively in her local community as an ongoing Casual Relief Teacher. She is excited to be working for Doxa in the role of City Camp Coordinator.  Anna is a qualified International Camp Director. Anna looks forward to making a meaningful contribution to Doxa Youth Foundation's work in the area of supporting disadvantaged schools from country Victoria.

Mark Tomney, Malmsbury Camp Manager

With a varied background of service sector and trade work, Mark completed his psychology degree in 1998. For the following 9 years Mark worked as a vocational tutor to disadvantaged young people and in higher education management in the UK, as well as outdoor education delivery around the world and qualified as International Camp Director in 2009. Relocating to Australia at the end of 2007 Mark first managed a campsite in South Australia before moving to the Malmsbury Camp in May 2009 where the combination of his experiences in management and youth work are being put into practice. Mark has experience as an Outdoor Educator with the Scouts, Prince’s Trust and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program; he has a passion for giving disadvantaged young people the opportunity to experience life away from the urban sprawl, promoting health, well-being and an interest in outdoor activities.

Lorraine Brown,   Cook / Assistant Manager

Lorraine, or Lou as she  prefers to be called, comes from a background in nursing,  and pre school childcare.  Lou is  a qualified pool lifeguard, fire warden and has also owned and operated several cafes and restaurants.  Her  passion for food combined with her  experience in the community wellbeing sector bring a healthy and wholesome approach to the meals at the Doxa Malmsbury Camp.   "I enjoy creating meals that appeal to children as well as providing the balanced nutrition they need for their fun filled days at camp!   

 Ashleigh Kingston,   Office Manager

Ashleigh started with the Youth Foundation in September 2009; she has 11 years experience in event management and administation.  Ashleigh divides her time between the Doxa Youth Foundation and the Doxa Social Club, who are a major donor of the foundation.   "I enjoy sharing time between both organisations  as it is extremely fulfilling to see how the money donated from the Social Club provides opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people that are assisted by the Youth Foundation.