Our Team

Michelle joined PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in August 2019. With a background in medical research funding, foreign investment attraction, digital health and international clinical trials, she has spent many years working across global, transformational projects. Michelle was a key member of the team that transformed the research funding environment for brain cancer from ‘forgotten cancer’ to national health priority in the capacity of Head of Research Strategy and then CEO. Michelle has served on many committees including advisory to Cancer Australia for the Australian Brain Cancer Mission, and was Co-Chair of the Global Patient Advocacy Committee for GBM AGILE. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Advanced Science and Masters of Public Health, both from The University of Sydney. Michelle is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Lisa is the Foundation’s National Volunteers and Event Manager and has been with the Foundation since 2016. She has a background in advertising, event management and television production in Australia and internationally. She wanted a job that would “give back” to the community and after meeting with Caroline Kelly she knew that she had found the perfect fit.

Kristjan joined PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in November 2018 with a long and diverse background in media, marketing, social and content management at high profile Australian based organisations throughout his career. Key projects in recent years have been focused on digital transformation and data-driven marketing, and he is specifically passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences, and compelling stories that connect brands to their key audiences. Kristjan is active in his community contributing his time to local sporting and community-based organisations in a volunteer capacity while managing his full-time role with PanKind.

Sofia Casbolt joined PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in November 2019. Sofia has had significant experience managing cancer research investments and impact reporting for grant programs. She is a science communicator and has previously created successful research communication programs in the NFP sector. Sofia manages PanKind’s impact programs including the National Patient and Carer Hub and Research Grants program. She has degrees in science and social science and a background in program management and communications.

Caroline joined PanKind in July 2020 with an extensive background in media, working for 16 years in the largest radio group in the UK in radio advertising, running advertising sales teams before eventually running a radio station in the South of England. She then moved to Australia with her growing family and changed her focus to not for profit, starting at Cerebral Palsy Alliance, where she spent 5 years working on the fundraising campaign Steptember as Corporate Strategy Manager. Caroline’s strength’s lie in building strong partnerships based on understanding the significant benefits two organisations can bring to each other when working towards a common purpose.

Mel joined PanKind in January 2023 to lead a growing Partnerships and Community Fundraising Department. Following a successful 10 year career in a full service Marketing agency, Mel moved into the charity sector in 2017. Mel combines her marketing, client service and fundraising experience to create inspiring programs and events that attract fundraising revenue from corporates and individuals who have a connection to pancreatic cancer. Outside of work, Mel is passionate about health and wellbeing and can often be found riding a bike or swimming in the ocean.

Noah joined PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, in February 2023, bringing forth his expertise as the data specialist. With a focus on managing Salesforce, Noah orchestrates the intricate data landscape crucial to our operations. Beyond his role as a data specialist, Noah dons the hat of an IT stalwart, ensuring a seamless technological environment for the team. One of Noah's contributions lies in his knack for troubleshooting, offering steadfast support to team members encountering diverse tech-related challenges. Always ready with a 'Happy to help' mantra, Noah extends his support whenever others are in need.

Chantelle joined PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in October 2023. She takes care of the finances as the Financial Controller and holds a degree in Chartered Accountancy as well as various other accounting certifications and accreditations. Having started her career in South Africa, Chantelle has held significant roles within the audit, finance, consulting, manufacturing, and not-for-profit sectors over the past decade. Chantelle’s passion has always been accounting and numbers, with a specific interest in financial analysis and reporting. Beyond the world of numbers, Chantelle finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. She considers herself a bookworm who loves reading and collecting books. She is also a history enthusiast and enjoys exploring museums and historic towns with her husband and 3 little girls over weekends.

Cristy joined PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in November 2023. She has qualifications in social work and counselling and has background working in the not for profit sector providing individual and family counselling and case management services. Cristy seeks to provide individuals and families with holistic and comprehensive support by providing compassionate care, practical and emotional support and resources and information to navigate challenging circumstances. Cristy is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and Oncology Social Work Australia & New Zealand (OSWANZ).