Kirsty has built her career around creating the conditions for young people to thrive, bringing over 20 years of deep experience across education, youth advocacy, and community health – designing and leading youth-centred programs, driving advocacy and policy change, and turning values like equity, intersectional feminism, and social justice into practical, real impact.
She has worked across schools, government, and the community sector with a consistent focus on addressing complex social issues, breaking down systemic and structural inequality, strengthening youth voice, and backing young people as leaders in their own right.
As Head of Programs, Kirsty is able to draw on a unique understanding of the education system, having delivered drug education and sexuality education workshops in schools across the entire education spectrum. She also taught for many years at a small progressive school founded on student voice – a profound experience that demonstrated the transformative impact that mutual respect and genuine youth empowerment can have on a school community.
Outside of work, Kirsty is an avid reader, keen Taiko drummer, lapsed singer, Pilates participant, seasonal snowboarder/surfer, curious traveller, nature lover, word nerd, sometime writer, and lifelong learner.