David Howes is the Deputy Secretary, Schools and Regional Services, Department of Education. He began his career as a teacher in the western suburbs of Melbourne. He has had several senior executive positions in the department. In 2021, David was awarded a PSM for his commitment to deliver educational equity and excellence for Victoria's school students. David holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Diploma of Education, Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Melbourne. David also holds an Executive Master of Public Administration from ANZSOG

Bryan Jeffrey started his Psychiatric Nursing career in 1995 in Scotland, specialising in working with young people in ‘out of home care’ settings. Now with over 30 years of clinical experience in the field, he shares his learnings, clinical skills and stories with audiences to assist others in understanding those often forgotten and misunderstood young people, who are most deserving of our care and support. As Director of MOAT: Mental Health Services, Bryan presents at conferences, delivers a range of mental health related training sessions for staff groups, and provides classroom consultancy services for schools looking to increase their capacity to support students.

Glenn Melvin is a practising clinical psychologist and Professor and co-lead of the Centre for Child and Family Mental Health Research at the School of Psychology, Deakin University. For the last fifteen years, Glenn has been developing and evaluating supports for students who are experiencing challenges with attending school and their families. He has developed psychological interventions, parenting programs, and is currently evaluating a school-wide multi-tiered approach to improving attendance in three states. Glenn holds an adjunct position at University of Warwick (UK) and is a co-founder and current president of the International Network for School Attendance.

Sandra brings over 35 years of experience in education across country, suburban and inner-city settings. She has held a range of roles, including teacher, Assistant Principal and Campus Principal, and played a key role in establishing the Oakwood schools in Melbourne. Most recently, she was the inaugural Assistant Principal at Monash Children’s Hospital School. Sandra is known for her ability to empower others, nurturing growth through her insight, generosity and warm, authentic approach. With a delightful sense of humour and a genuine connection to young people, she inspires both colleagues and students to see the very best in themselves.

When Maria Ruberto founded Salutegenics, she ensured its practices were grounded in neuroscience, strengths-based practice, and emotional intelligence. With more than 30 years of clinical and organisational experience, she supports individuals and teams to build mental fitness, navigate adversity, and lead with authenticity. At the heart of her work is a clear mission: to help people understand how their brains influence behaviour, and to equip them with the tools to make informed, lasting change. By demystifying the biology behind emotions, responses and decision-making, Maria empowers people to shift from reactivity to resilience. Her approach is clear, direct, and deeply human. Maria’s mission is to help people flourish by reconnecting with their strengths, acting with purpose, and working in a way that aligns with who they truly are.

Dr Suba Rudolph attained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Melbourne, and completed her internship at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Suba went on to train in general and developmental behavioural paediatrics and she is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Suba has clinical and research interests in eating disorders, acute paediatric medicine, autism and neonatal medicine. She has a Specialist Certificate in Clinical Leadership and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Suba is the Deputy Director of the Women's and Children's Clinical Institute at Epworth HealthCare and chairs the Epworth Paediatric Audits. She had an ongoing commitment to public health at Austin Health and the Mercy Hospital for Women. Suba is a Board Director of the Australian Boys Choral Institute. Suba is involved in the national strategy for eating disorders management, and has been elected as the chief convener for the 2026 Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Eating Disorders Clinical Services Symposium in Melbourne. Suba is an educational supervisor for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and an examiner for the University of Melbourne Medical School.

Dr Bronwyn Sacks is a paediatric palliative care specialist, with an interest in clinical ethics and palliative care service development. She holds postgraduate qualifications in Master of Bioethics, and Associate Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators. Bronwyn holds positions at Very Special Kids Hospice, the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital Melbourne. She has contributed to research, advocacy and policy in paediatric palliative care, and is current Director of the Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program. Bronwyn draws on two decades of experience in the challenging & rewarding healthcare of children receiving palliative care to inform her clinical practice.

The word inspirational is so frequently overused, it’s almost lost its meaning. However, when it comes to describing Rhiannon Tracey and her incredible life, it really is an understatement. Already doing more in her years on this earth then many hope to achieve in their lifetime, Rhiannon is a motivational speaker, wellness advocate, model, and lifestyle influencer with a beautiful point of difference. While many may let a life-changing injury hold them back from living their dreams, Rhiannon has used it as further motivation to create a life she loves, helping and inspiring thousands along the way.After a pool accident made her a quadriplegic just before her 21st Birthday, Rhiannon’s big plans for the future were suddenly put on hold. Understandably, she initially struggled to come to terms with her diagnosis of never walking again, but Rhiannon’s tenacious drive and determination saw her set out to prove the doctors wrong. Everything happens for a reason - While it took many years to believe it, Rhiannon says her injury has given her a newfound purpose she had never felt before, enabling her life to blossom into what it is today. In addition to now being able to walk short distances with the assistance of crutches, drive and live independently, Rhiannon also founded and started a spinal cord injury rehabilitation charity and recovery centre called The Next Step. Rhiannon is raw, she’s real and she is a magnificent light that shines a light on own possibilities and the power of turning our pain into purpose!