Our Staff
Susan Watson
Chief Executive Officer
Susan is a results-focused leader with extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, focusing on young people, families, and disability and aged care services in Australia and the UK.
Beginning her career as a registered nurse, she transitioned into senior governance and stakeholder management roles, combining clinical expertise with managerial insight into social services.
As Managing Director of a major UK charity, Susan spearheaded a pandemic initiative that provided 27,000 meals to those in need. She also served as CEO of the Sydney Drug Education and Counselling Centre, where her implementation of a comprehensive outcomes framework led to national recognition and doubled the organisation’s revenue.
At Fams, Susan aims to deliver a clear vision supported by an outcome-driven process, enabling member organisations to build on their capacity and capability.
I love working at Fams because: We have an incredibly innovative team who are passionate about making a difference in the sector.
Daniel Wong
Director, Policy & Practice
Daniel is a skilled leader in policy and practice, with a strong ability to drive evidence-based change that strengthens services for children and families. Guided by values of social justice, authenticity, and empathy, Daniel partners with communities to build solutions that are responsive, culturally safe, and impactful.
He brings over a decade of sector experience and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counselling, with a proven track record of working alongside diverse communities across Darwin, Perth, and Sydney.
I love working at Fams because: I thrive on collaboration and am committed to creating lasting, community-led change through early intervention and prevention.
Lisa Smajlov
Manager, Sector Support
Lisa has extensive experience spanning frontline operations and strategic management. This is supported by almost 25 years of expertise across industries including corporate training, human resources, information technology, community youth, family and domestic violence work.
Lisa’s passion for the sector translates into projects, opportunities and collaborative work, privileging lived experience and empathetic approaches. Her youth work experiences, witnessing the transformative changes with young people, are an embodiment of her approach to her work.
One of Lisa’s career highlights is working with high schools, to lead the coordination and facilitation of relationship violence prevention workshops.
She is an advocate, campaigner and thought leader. This is witnessed in her leading of social impact, data and improvement projects at Fams and for the sector such as the ‘Amplify Our Sector’ project, network leadership and program design.
I love working at Fams because: I love seeing the light bulbs of knowledge light up in workers eyes, and the ripples that flow onto the families and communities they support!
Fiona Morrison
Coordinator, DEX Support
Fiona is a for-purpose sector strategist who specialises in social impact and stakeholder engagement. With 25+ years in Community Sector service development and delivery she has a background in developmental psychology working in child, youth and community services in frontline roles and all levels of management.
Fiona is dedicated to working with individuals and organisations who are supporting children and families in their communities and highlight the boundless impact they achieve. Her priority is their capacity to both deliver and capture their activities; to be able to report the positive outcomes they are achieving every day in their work with families in our communities.
I love working with Fams: because I am able to engage with such an innovative and essential sector across NSW, providing people with the information and tools that empower their practice.
Cass Ngurah
Program & Communications Officer
Cass brings a wealth of experience in working with diverse communities across various sectors, emphasising community development and engagement. Holding a Bachelor of International Studies, she is particularly passionate about initiatives that empower culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and First Nations communities.
Her broad background in social services includes a range of roles, from participating in civil society initiatives to assisting families with psychosocial disabilities in rural Indonesia, as well as delivering online business skill development courses to communities in Southeast Asia. As a strong advocate for justice, equity, and innovation, Cass is dedicated to making a positive impact.
I love working at Fams because: I get to support a team doing incredibly innovative work and a sector that lifts communities
Our Board
Ashleigh Daines
Chairperson
Since December 2018, Ashleigh has been a dedicated member of the Fams Board, showcasing strong leadership in the not-for-profit sector. She is passionate about community collaboration and enhancing governance practices for sustainable social outcomes.
With extensive experience in frontline service delivery and executive management, her expertise includes child, youth, family services, community development, homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence support. Currently, she is the CEO of The Family Co, a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting communities through child, youth, and family services, parenting support, and education and training on domestic violence.
Melanie Andrews
Vice Chairperson
Melanie has over 20 years of experience in the Community Services sector and has been on the Fams Board since January 2018. Starting her Social Work career in community development in disadvantaged areas of Sydney, she has spent 15 years in senior leadership roles at major non-profits, managing child and family services, mental health, disability, and aged care programs.
Passionate about enhancing outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, and families, Melanie is currently the CEO of Woodville Alliance, a nonprofit supporting community in Western Sydney.
Kate Melhopt
Secretary
Kate is a seasoned leader with 25 years of experience in strategic management within the not-for-profit and local government sectors. As CEO of South Eastern Community Connect (SECC) for 13 years, she has effectively led initiatives that promote social inclusion and enhance quality of life in South Eastern Sydney.
Her expertise in community engagement and program delivery has made a significant impact on local and international fronts, addressing barriers and fostering responsive social services across all life stages.
Veronica Goudie
Treasurer
Veronica is a Partner leading the Government team at Baringa. She is passionate about modernising the justice ecosystem and integrity agencies, helping to improve outcomes for their teams and the citizens who come into contact with them.
A former criminal barrister, Veronica specialised in defending young and vulnerable defendants, including those with mental health difficulties. Veronica was also an administrative law barrister in London, specialising in claims against the UK government, and is admitted as a qualified NSW solicitor.
Michelle Guthrie
Board Member
Michelle is a professional presenter on Aboriginal models of practice which prioritise embedding cultural intelligence into everyday decision-making. With over 30 years professional sector expertise and experience in practice across Housing, Out of Home Care, Family Preservation, Targeted Early Intervention services and Early childhood learning, Michelle actively challenges systemic oppression which leads to siloing the needs of families and children and, therefore our communities.
Michelle believes the dignity of choice will lead to self-determination and empowerment of Aboriginal people, caring for all elements of identity and connection to one another and Land. A well-considered strategist for programs and projects that enable change and strengthen kinship and family networks. Focussed on dignity-centred practice, inclusion, and incorporating difference. Data sovereignty and governance are critical to redirecting the deficit-based narrative that surrounds Aboriginal communities, undermining opportunities for empowerment. Michelle brings to the Fams Board genuine connection to our work through lived, cultural, and academic perspectives.
Rosa Ciravolo
Board Member
Rosa serves as the General Manager for Safety & Prevention in NSW/ACT at Barnardos Australia. With over 26 years of experience in the field, she has worked extensively in both the statutory child protection system and the Not For Profit sector.
Rosa possesses strong expertise in navigating transitions, enhancing organisational capability, and fostering responsiveness, alongside a natural talent for facilitating change. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Sydney, a Bachelor of Arts in Welfare Studies from the same institution, a Master of Social Policy and Planning from Charles Sturt University, and a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Sydney.