Meet Our Team

With more than 30-years’ experience in early years education, family and parenting programs, training and facilitation, and working with people experiencing mental health and family violence, Alison brings a wealth of learning, stories and practice wisdom to her role as Training Specialist at Innovative Resources. Alison’s training is not only imbued with stories and experiences, but also an insatiable curiosity about the world and what makes humans tick. She... 

With a background in warehouse management and small business ownership, Chris brings a strong business and organisational focus to Innovative Resources that perfectly complements the creativity he contributes to the team. Having seen a lot of changes over almost two decades with IR, Chris says one thing has remained constant, ‘the dedication and passion of the people working here’. Above all, Chris loves connecting with the people who use... 

Having used Innovative Resources’ card sets throughout her career, being a member of the IR team brings Gillian great satisfaction and pride. ‘I love the quality of products and training we offer and feel lucky to work within a team culture that aspires to the values of the strengths approach.’ Gillian has worked in the field of training for more than 25 years—including eLearning since the late 1990s—so brings... 

Involved in the writing and publishing industry for more than 25 years, John’s creative journey began with freelance copywriting and has had many adaptations along the way, including creative writing teacher, feature writer, newspaper columnist, and more recently as a communications manager in the education sector. John was Senior Editor at Innovative Resources from 2003 to 2009 and worked on many enduring card sets, such as Deep Speak, Signposts, Shadows and Ups and Downs.... 

If there was a role that encompasses all of Kirsty’s unique skills and experience, it’s that of Manager at Innovative Resources. With over 25 years in community services and social work, qualifications in graphic design and management, experience in the education sector, local government and retail, Kirsty and IR were destined for each other. ‘Innovative Resources brings together everything I’m passionate about. It’s creative, aligns with my core values... 

Creating colourful, eye-catching designs for both print and online platforms is Mat’s superpower, driven by years of studio experience in newspapers, greeting card design and the marketing industry. He is also a talented illustrator and first collaborated with Innovative Resources on the classic card set Mates Traits, recently reimagined as Respectful Relationships. Mat also illustrated the hugely popular Body Signals. ‘I love the optimism unleashed by IR’s diverse catalogue of card sets... 

Having worked at Innovative Resources for seven years, Nikki is the eyes and ears of the business and the first point of contact for customers. She not only processes and packages all the orders, but is also responsible for accounts, banking and debt collection. Nikki is also the go-to person when it comes to general administration, including functions, conferences and training packages. Clearly you need to be a bit... 

With over 20 years’ experience as a social worker, manager of human services teams, and educator, Sue has had a range of roles supporting children, families, young people and communities. She holds a PhD in creativity and social justice and is passionate about the role creativity can play in helping people share stories, advocate for themselves, connect, heal and grow. ‘I feel incredibly lucky to work with such skilled,... 

Tate has spent their career to-date in the not-for-profit sector, driven by a deep passion for social justice and advocacy. With experience spanning First Nations’ advocacy and communications consulting, Tate has contributed to research projects exploring the needs of marginalised groups and continues to prioritise lived experience as the most important voice of all. Joining Innovative Resources (IR) has provided the perfect space for Tate’s diverse skills to shine—from...