Meet the team
Donna Rendell
Chief Executive Officer
Born in the tiny country town of Corrigin, Donna has gone from humble beginnings to the exciting heights of launching a brand new Australian radio station, before a life changing journey brought her to Breast Cancer Care WA.
After beginning her radio career as a receptionist for 96FM, Donna worked her way to the top and within just a few years became the Director of Marketing and Promotions for Perth’s 92.9. After enjoying this role, the bright lights were calling and Donna headed to Melbourne to launch NOVA FM, which in an unprecedented move, went straight to number one in only its second survey.
Four incredibly successful years followed and then, after having been in the industry since she was 21, Donna knew the time had come to make the tough decision to stop work and do what she had always dreamed of – travel the world. She took a yearlong sabbatical and headed to India, a holiday that was to alter her way of thinking forever.
Doing volunteer work with under privileged children and sharing the lives of the inspirational people she met saw Donna come back to Perth with new priorities and perspectives. She decided on a career change and on finding a job that not only would be challenging and stimulating, but would also fill her heart and soul and give her a sense of pride.
Knowing she wanted to help people and lead a team with the same passion has brought Donna to Breast Cancer Care WA. Her mission is to make sure everyone in this state knows about Breast Cancer Care WA and is able to benefit from the excellent support and services it provides.
“I feel extremely privileged to be working with such a passionate team who strive on a daily basis to support each person who reaches out to us for help. You cannot measure the satisfaction and although some days emotions run high and it can be very difficult, the strength shown by the men, women and families who we are able to support is truly inspirational”
donna@breastcancer.org.au
Maree Daniels
Fundraising & Marketing Manager (Second in charge)
Maree’s early career was spent developing a strong background of skills in finance ending with a long tenure at SGIO working in financial systems. She spent several years on IT projects as a Business Analyst and went on to become their Systems Accountant.
Maree left this challenging role to pursue her dream of becoming a fulltime musician, which saw her working up to six nights a week for many years, entertaining audiences at a wide range of corporate functions, weddings, pubs, clubs and festivals. So if you think you recognise Maree from somewhere you probably do!
During this time she also took on a volunteer PR role at the RSPCA. This later led to a fulltime position as the Society’s Event Coordinator, where Maree managed all the high profile fundraising events and set about developing new fundraising programs. From here she moved to the Public Transport Authority, heading up the New MetroRail community relations portfolio for the Mandurah railway project and overseeing the inaugural journey from the new Perth underground station.
Giving of her time and energy for others has always been close to Maree’s heart. She continues to be involved with many not-for-profit organisations and currently resides on the voluntary Fundraising Committee for The Dog’s Refuge.
“What impressed me about the Breast Cancer Care WA is that it is helping real WA people and we can see the results on a daily basis. I love the fact it is a grassroots organisation that truly makes a difference on an individual level”
maree@breastcancer.org.au
Denise Kiff
Specialist Breast Care Nurse
With over twenty five years experience in nursing, Denise began her career in the UK but soon after emigrated to Perth and worked in paediatrics, renal and cardiothoracic care. She completed a Bachelor of Nursing at Edith Cowan University and after developing a passion for women’s health, completed the Breast Care Nurses Course at La Trobe University.
But it was while working as a client assessment nurse for BreastScreen WA that Denise really began to understand how significantly breast care nurses can help improve the outcome for those diagnosed with breast cancer, which is why she has been drawn to the Breast Cancer Care WA.
Denise has also worked at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital caring for women and families following a cancer diagnosis and so has seen the great benefits that come from dealing one on one with patients. Married with a teenage son, Denise now calls Australia home and is excited about this new opportunity to provide even more personalised care to those touched by breast cancer.
“I believe the journey of people diagnosed with a breast cancer should be supported as much as possible. Breast Cancer Care WA’s goals are very unique and I believe my role can improve the support and help smooth the journey for individual people and their families with the provision of holistic health care.”
denise@breastcancer.org.au
Heather Martindale
McGrath Breast Care Nurse
Prior to moving to Australia six years ago, Heather trained in oncology and was a chemotherapy nurse in the UK for over a decade. There she also gained palliative care qualifications and worked as a surgical ward manager with breast and colorectal patients.
After arriving in Perth Heather worked in a number of hospitals as a chemotherapy nurse, then as a specialist cancer nurse, which sparked a passion for assisting breast cancer patients.
In 2007 Heather became a breast care nurse and currently works in local hospitals in addition to her role at Breast Cancer Care WA. She is accredited with the Cancer Council of Victoria and has a Specialist Breast Cancer Care qualification from La Trobe University.
"I strongly believe all women should have equitable access to information and support from a breast care nurse whether they access public or private services and whether they live rurally or in the city. I am very pleased to be working as part of a dedicated team whose aim is to provide specialised emotional, practical and financial support to women living with breast cancer"
heather@breastcancer.org.au
Cathie Smith
Support Services Coordinator / Counsellor
Cathie has a Master of Counselling from The University of Notre Dame where she is currently completing her PhD on breast cancer and stress. Over the last few years she has been developing and implementing her own individual and group counselling sessions through Notre Dame’s breast and prostate cancer survivor program and she has also been tutoring in counselling and communication skills.
A registered nurse and midwife, Cathie has a special interest in family and couples therapy and has run a private practice specialising in relationship and women’s issues and cancer support work.
One of her other passions is wine and after studying a Master of Business she and her husband managed a wine business down in Margaret River for over a decade.
“My desire is to help and empower women to find better ways to deal with some of the issues they face throughout their lives. Breast Cancer Care WA gives me a great opportunity to continue my work and I feel very privileged to do this.”
cathie@breastcancer.org.au
Karina Higginson
Counsellor and Support Services Assistant
In the decade since graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling from Curtin University, Karina has worked across the human services industry in WA in both private and government organisations.
Karina has worked as a counsellor for Centrecare, Relationships Australia, MercyCare, Parkerville Children’s Home, Victim Support & Child Witness Service and the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network. She has also worked as a psychologist in private practice for IPS Worldwide, KidsFocus Psychology Clinic and PACT Psychology.
Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, Karina has developed extensive networks and strong contacts within the local health care industry. She is passionate about clients being able to access the most relevant and cost effective services available which is what has driven her to join Breast Cancer Care WA
"I feel honoured to be able to walk alongside women and families living with breast cancer. I believe Breast Cancer Care WA is unique in the holistic care and support it can offer to women and their families to assist with the emotional, financial and practical struggles they may be facing".
karina@breastcancer.org.au
Anne Carter Preston
Volunteer Coordinator
Anne's working life began with RIC Publications, a Perth-based publishing company specialising in education resources. Fifteen years with RIC saw her responsible for the training and development of 20 staff in her role as production manager, overseeing publications for Australia and across the globe. Anne is still involved with RIC through her husband Chris and last year spent seven months working in the Irish branch of the company training new staff in the publishing area.
Looking for a career change, the door opened to the non-profit sector when Anne took up a role as the Volunteer Coordinator with Volunteering WA. Here she went on to develop the corporate employee volunteer program, offering employers and employees rewarding opportunities to help others.
Anne then enjoyed an opportunity to develop the volunteer program for AnglicareWA, as well as a coordination role in their Christmas giving project.
These roles provided Anne the opportunity to talk to many groups and to share her passion for volunteering, during which time she recognised that there are many in our community that simply lack the knowledge needed to become active and passionate volunteers.
Anne's previous management experience has combined well with her new-found passion for the volunteering component of the non-profit sector and she brings a broad and varied experience to her role with Breast Cancer Care WA.
With a strong sense of community involvement, Anne was an active member of Soroptimist International, a worldwide organisation for women, and was President of the Joondalup branch for two years. Anne's hobbies include quilting, camping and fishing.
"Following the loss of a close friend to cancer, I felt the planets were aligned when the chance arose to work with Breast Cancer Care WA. Everybody loves to feel needed and volunteers are great people to work with - each one a special contribution to our community."
anne@breastcancer.org.au
Amy Green
Event and Sponsorship Coordinator
Even since she was young Amy has had events in her blood - her father was in the industry and she would follow him around whilst he was on the job. Following in his footsteps years later she found herself working for international sports presentation company Great Big Events. This saw her take on managerial roles for functions for Cricket Australia, World Cup Rugby, Western Force and most recently she travelled to India as part of the organising committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Murdoch University, Amy’s first job was as personal assistant to high profile financial writer Noel Whittaker. She then held positions as the Events Coordinator for Fremantle Football Club and Perth Glory before becoming the Sales Consultant and Function Manager for Beaumonde’s Catering.
Amy says a passion for making people feel good and the need to work in a rewarding environment is what has drawn her to Breast Cancer Care WA.
“I am really excited to be working for an organisation that actually makes a difference. Breast Cancer Care WA is so unique in how it cares and supports women and their families affected by breast cancer. I am surrounded by inspiring women on a daily basis and am thrilled to be part of such a passionate team.”
amy@breastcancer.org.au
Deida Nicholls
Fundraising Coordinator
For the past two decades Deida has worked in a range of administrative, marketing and communications roles in both community and commercial organisations.
Since 2000, Deida has worked mainly for personal care provider Silver Chain, firstly as their Marketing and Communications Support Officer and then more recently as the Marketing Relationships Officer. In these roles she coordinated fundraising events, developed event strategies and sponsorship opportunities, worked on branding initiatives, produced promotional, advertising and media material and recruited and managed volunteers.
Prior to this Deida worked with international consulting engineers Norman Disney & Young where in the role as Marketing Assistant she organised all corporate events and client functions. Her administrative experience also includes working for Merchant Bankers AIDC and executive recruitment firm KPMG.
“I am grateful that a new door has opened at Breast Cancer Care WA where I will be part of the passionate and dynamic team where I can work in a role I enjoy whilst making a difference to people affected by breast cancer and contributing to the charity’s success.”
deida@breastcancer.org.au
Stacey Kyle-Johnson
Fundraising Officer
After leaving school and working in a range of retail jobs Stacey realised she had a passion for customer service and decided to go to university to study communications. During this time she was the Communications Assistant for the Red Bull Air Race and the Advertising and Subscriptions Coordinator for Scoop Publishing.
In 2008 she came to the Breast Cancer Care WA on professional placement to complete a work experience unit, but was so taken with the charity that she voluntarily stayed on to help organise the Long Table Lunch and annual Purple Bra Day.
Stacey has since graduated from Edith Cowan with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Public Relations and Advertising and has taken on the important role of Fundraising Assistant.
“I thoroughly enjoy working with a supportive and passionate team of people and am lucky to be in a position where we are in touch with generous West Australians who help us make a difference.”
stacey@breastcancer.org.au
Jocelyn Wilmot
Fundraising Assistant
It was while working as a Senior Administration Assistant for accounting firm McKinley Plowman and Associates that a shock medical diagnosis changed Jocelyn’s life, and eventually, her career passion.
When told that her six year old son had type 1 juvenile diabetes, Jocelyn decided to put her extensive financial and communication skills to the test by setting up a charity in her workplace to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. With the support of staff, businesses and clients the program proved so successful it was also able to give donations to a variety of other local charities, including Breast Cancer Care WA.
Jocelyn felt so fulfilled by what she achieved she knew she needed to find a job where she could use her advanced administrative and fundraising skills to help families who were dealing with serious illness and disease.
With a long history in travel consultancy and vast experience in managing client databases, credit control and debt recovery, Jocelyn says her new role feels like a dream come true.
"My family, like many others, has been affected by breast cancer, which is why I am so happy to join the team and work alongside other compassionate, caring and motivated women. I hope my own skills and enthusiasm can help make a difference."
jocelyn@breastcancer.org.au
Heather Atcheson
Administration Officer/Reception
For almost thirty years Heather has worked in a wide range of public service and private organisations in administrative, IT, training and office management roles.
Her career began at the Public Service Board and then progressed to the Premier’s Department and Industrial Relations Commission. After returning to study she gained qualifications in programming and operating systems and then ran her own computer repair and technical support business. Heather has also worked in accounting and real estate, has run a family day care centre and is an experienced horticulturalist.
Most recently Heather was the Membership and Merchandise Coordinator for the Perth Football Club. This position saw her manage everything from the database, advertising, website, daily accounts and computer systems to assisting with events and functions. She recently has taken a break from work to spend time raising her three daughters and is excited to be working in a charity that helps so many people.
“I offer my skills to this fantastic team of such professional ladies at Breast Cancer Care WA. They provide an amazing wealth of counselling and financial support for so many people in need and I take great pleasure in being a part of this important organisation.”
admin@breastcancer.org.au