staff

Kirsten Bickendorf, Chief Executive Officer                           

Kirsten was appointed as Doxa's Chief Executive Officer in 2009.  Kirsten joined the Doxa team in April 2008 and was drawn by the organisations unwavering focus on creating a positive and lasting change for disadvantaged young people in Victoria.  Kirsten has worked for many years within the not for profit sector including senior positions at the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund/ United Way and Mission Australia  for Vic, SA and Tasmania and St Vincent de Paul Society. Kirsten has extensive experience in philanthropy and community investment, government relations and partnerships.   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 currently a member of the Melbourne Day Committee, has held Board positions with the Eating Disorders Foundation, the 100% Project and mentors young women. Kirsten is also a co-founder of a women's not for profit CEO network.

 Murray Wilson, Chief Operating Officer

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, Partnerships and Communications Manager

 Dianne 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. Dianne is committed 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 vulnerable children and young people.

Andrew Cameron, General Manager - Camps and Outdoor Participation

Andrew commenced with Doxa Youth Foundation in January 2013. He has tertiary qualifications in Psychology and has worked across multiple sectors. He has been involved in outdoor education and training over the past 15 years where he has worked with US College Football teams, corporate team building conferences, long term unemployed youth, families in crisis and engaging children from a wide variety of backgrounds at camps in Australia and the United States. He loves the outdoors and has hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked on 6 continents.

Andrew brings to Doxa a passion and first-hand understanding of the power of outdoor education to assist children in developing increased self esteem, resilience and life skills. Partnering with teachers and camp leaders, he works to ensure that a Doxa Camp experience contributes to educational outcomes, provides a genuinely positive experience, operates to the highest possible safety standards and is a whole lot of fun!

 Chef/Assistant Manager Malmsbury

Karen Edwards (further details to come)

 Anthony Callaghan, Site Supervisor/Activity Leader, Malmsbury Camp

Anthony, fondly know as Ant, comes to Doxa with a broad range of skills. He has worked as a Climbing and Technical Consultant, an Access and Environment Officer, a Climbing Instructor and an OH&S Officer. He has many years of experience as a freelance outdoor adventure guide where he devised programs for participants while ensuring their safety. He lives and breathes outdoor activity with personal skills in rock climbing, snorkelling, scuba diving, cross country skiing and snow camping.

Ant looks forward to providing innovative educational and recreational activities at the Malmsbury Camp while maintaining the highest levels of safety for the children and young people who attend. 

Kylie Tranter Camp Support

Karina Culpin Camp Support

Paul Walshe, City Camp Coordinator

Paul started with Doxa in June 2012 initially to manage the Doxa City Camp and his position has evolved to be the Doxa Camps Co-ordinator managing aspects of both Doxa’s City & Malmsbury Camp.  Paul has a wide range of community based experience with nearly 20 years as a Victorian Police Officer where he performed many roles up to the rank of Detective Sergeant.  Paul's strong work ethic and attention to detail saw him awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2003. Being a father of two teenage boys he understands the issues young people face on a daily basis. Paul's interest in the community sector is evident as he has volunteered with Beyond Blue for the past 8 years. "I am really looking forward to working with some of Victoria's most disadvantaged schools and helping children get the most out of their educational experiences whilst at Doxa City Camp."

 Philippa Macdonald, Manager Cadet Development 

Philippa joined Doxa in early 2013 to drive and develop the professional skills and personal development of cadets in the Cadet Development Program. In previous roles she's recruited for KPMG, Sensis and Hudson which fostered her interest in career counselling, employee professional development and training. Prior to her years in HR she spoke with Year 12 students about their career paths and guided them in their education choices. She's excited to facilitate the development of these talented young people and keen to help them strengthen their connection and professional brand in the workplace. Philippa has a passion for social media, personal branding and high levels of energy to bring to the program.

 Ashleigh Kingston, Administration Manager Cadetship Program

Ashleigh started with the Youth Foundation in September 2009; she has 11 years experience in event management and administation.  Ashleigh had previously divided her time between the Doxa Youth Foundation and the Doxa Social Club.  In January 2011, Ashleigh began her role with the Cadetship Program. Ashleigh's skills and youth bring a new dimension to the Cadetship Program. She says," I find it fullfilling to see the Cadets grow throughout their time in the program. The support that the Cadets and Doxa receives from the sponsor companies and the mentors is invaluable."

Sophie White, Personal Assistant / Office Manager

Sophie  joined the Doxa team in February 2012. Sophie's experience includes 19 years of sales and marketing in the fashion industry. Sophie founded and developed her own successful business. Sophie has always demonstrated a keen interest in not for profit organisations and was an integral member of the fundraising committee for the Lighthouse Foundation. She also juggles the care of 3 young boys whilst renovating her home. She says, "I am privileged to have joined an organisation that not only cares about young people but is also changing their lives forever."

Audrey Chin Finance Officer Image not available

John Russell, Principal Doxa School Bendigo (On leave term 2,2013)

An initiative of the Catholic Education Office in the Sandhurst Region.

Doxa Youth Foundation is proud to be a philanthropic partner of the School

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.

Staff:

Peter Carr Acting Principal

Vanessa Gillies Teacher

Anthony White Teacher

Paul Dickeson Teacher

Jude Lingard Teacher

Tony White Student Support Staff

Sally Livermore Student Support Staff

Kylie Heasely Student Support Staff

Jacinta Quin Student Welfare Officer

Colleen Lingard Administration

Josephine York Finance

Peter Hoskin Teacher

Carina Johns Student Support Staff