OUR PURPOSE
To enable academically high-ability students navigating economic and social adversity to flourish in their communities.
Our work at Skyline supports high-ability VCE students who face adversity in reaching their full potential.
Skyline helps students who may be at risk of leaving the school system early to support themselves and their families. We stop students ‘falling through the cracks’ as they deal with financial, emotional, physical, and family-related challenges and adversity.
In many cases, Skyline Program graduates are the first person in their family to complete secondary school.
The Foundation fulfils its mission for our students through the unique Skyline Program.
Since our first cohort in 2006, 96% of our students who graduate from the Skyline Program have completed their VCE studies and then transitioned to tertiary studies or the workforce.
The Foundation also advocates more broadly for high-ability students with resilience in the face of challenges in Victoria. We also identify the educational changes needed to help these students achieve their potential and fulfil their dreams through education.
“Not only can I say that Skyline has changed my life, but it is one of the best experiences in my life. Through the networks I have been introduced to, I believe I am surrounded by many people who support me.” – Andreas, Student
Our Board
Stephen Adrian
Board Chair
Stephen is Consultant Director at ShineWing Australia, an organisation he has been with for more than three decades.
Stephen’s skill areas include finance, tax and business structures. He is a director of several private companies and a former director of listed public companies. He is currently a Director of the Australian Ballet School and Waterski and Wakeboard Australia, and a member of the MLC Foundation. Stephen authors the Company Directors Manual, recommended by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Stephen is a Chartered Accountant, a Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a key member of the Skyline Hatch Advisory Team guiding the establishment and growth of Skyline’s social enterprise since late 2020.
Amanda Derham
Board Director
Amanda Derham, B.A., FAICD, an experienced non-executive director, is a Venture Partner at Significant Capital Ventures. Amanda’s portfolio career includes co-founding a manufacturing start-up and 10 years in marketing and stakeholder management in large corporates and federal politics. Focused on the innovation sector, Amanda advises female founders through Scale Investors and is a director of The Agile Director. Amanda’s hallmarks are an eternal curiosity and a preference for listening.
Amanda’s connection with Skyline goes back many years, when seeking career guidance with her determined eldest child. She is eternally grateful for John Cheetham’s perceptive, wise counsel.
Clare Harper
Board Director
Clare Harper has a passion for education with over 20 years of experience in a broad range of international education and leadership roles within universities, including recruitment and admissions, student services, scholarships and student enrichment and employability.
She has been a member of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne, as well as having worked at Monash College and the University of Nottingham.
Clare holds a Master in International Education and a Bachelor in French and European Studies.
Clare is currently the Senior Manager, Student Programs and Study Melbourne Hub, in Global Victoria’s Study Melbourne team. Study Melbourne is a Victorian Government initiative that provides support and information to the international student community, helping them have the best possible time while studying and living in Victoria.
Thely Nguyen
Board Director
Thely is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a financial services and management consulting professional. Thely joined Skyline in 2014 to help strengthen the Alumni community.
Today, she remains driven by the opportunity to help more students overcome challenges and find their path. She has a Bachelor of Commerce (Actuarial Studies) and Master of Applied Finance from the University of Melbourne.
Roger Page OAM
Board Director
Roger began teaching in 1980. He began in the Technical School division and became heavily involved in leadership roles in well-being and professional development.
He developed an interest and involvement in integrated curriculum and gifted education early in his career, and has been involved in the design and planning of several new schools.
Roger is the Foundation Principal of Nossal High School, Victoria’s first purpose-built co-educational government selective-entry school. He was responsible for the physical design of the school buildings and teaching spaces; the appointment of all staff; and the development of an ICT-rich 21st-century curriculum for high-performing students.
Although only 6 years old, Nossal is one of the highest-performing schools in the state, and Roger is committed to ensuring the school continues to implement innovative and creative approaches.
Susan Ogden
Board Director
Susan has been a staff member of Dandenong High School, a large, co-educational, government secondary school in Melbourne’s South East, for 30 years. Appointed Principal in 2012, she has led the community through a period of intense change, focusing on building a culture of collective and continuous school improvement.
Susan studied at the University of Melbourne, where she completed an Arts Degree and a PG Diploma in Education.
Sophie Souchon
Board Director
Sophie is a digital transformation and not-for-profit sector specialist with extensive experience helping purpose-driven organisations strengthen their capability, systems and impact.
Sophie is currently Digital Transformation Manager at Infoxchange, where she leads digital capacity-building initiatives for the not-for-profit sector. She manages a team of consultants and training designers and works with philanthropic partners to develop programs that help organisations make better use of technology, data, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Her work has included designing and managing major capacity-building programs and advising not-for-profits on digital strategy and organisational transformation.
Previously, Sophie held roles with the International Women’s Development Agency, spanning business transformation, operations and fundraising. Her experience includes organisational change, technology strategy, CRM implementation, process improvement, risk and operational management.
Sophie holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Sustainability from Monash University and brings to Skyline a strong commitment to using technology and organisational innovation to increase the impact and capacity of the not-for-profit sector.
Dr David Challis, PhD
Board Director
David brings more than 30 years of experience across finance, education and the cultural sector, with particular expertise in governance, risk management, strategic planning and organisational leadership. He has held senior executive positions in both Melbourne and London and has served on Skyline’s Governance, Risk and Finance Committee since 2023.
David spent almost two decades with National Australia Bank, including as Global Head of Debt and Capital Markets and Head of Markets Division, Europe. He served on senior leadership teams within NAB’s Markets Division and Institutional Bank, then worked in investment management as a senior consultant and investment committee member. Profile
David is also an academic and researcher at the University of Melbourne, where he completed a PhD in Art History and has taught across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. His research has been published internationally, and in 2020 he was awarded a Paul Mellon Centre Postdoctoral Fellowship.
David is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds qualifications in finance and art history. He brings to Skyline a valuable combination of financial, risk and governance expertise, alongside a strong commitment to education and research.
Our Ambassadors and Patrons
Our amazing Ambassadors and Patrons collaborate with us to advocate for the importance of supporting high-ability students and more equitable access to education resources.
Kwong Lee Dow AO
Skyline Patron
Professor Lee Dow, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne and distinguished education scholar, is keen to support the approach which Skyline uses to build the confidence of talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds at a critical stage in enlarging their educational opportunities – both short-term and long-term.
For many years as chair of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, and some of its predecessor bodies, Professor Lee Dow has been committed to easing and improving the transition which students make through the last years of school and in choosing courses and tertiary institutions for their subsequent professional careers and personal development.
There are many aspects to this process, spreading over years, and Skyline highlights and successfully enhances student self-awareness and knowledge of options and prospects
Campbell Bairstow
Skyline Patron
Campbell Bairstow grew up on a farm in Western Australia and was the first in his family to study at University. He has degrees in Politics and History, and Education.
He started his professional career as a History and English teacher in independent schools in Perth and Melbourne. He held senior roles in his first schools and, in 1990, became Principal of St Anne’s and Gippsland Grammar School in Sale, Victoria, an Anglican Kindergarten to VCE school in Gippsland. Campbell then returned to Western Australia, where he worked as an educational consultant and then for Scotch College as the head of marketing. In that time, he was also the Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in WA.
In 2003, he returned to Melbourne to work in philanthropy and alumni relations at Trinity College, University of Melbourne. In 2005 2006, he was General Manager of Alumni Relations at the University of Melbourne before returning to Trinity as Dean of the Residential College and Deputy CEO.
Campbell oversaw the welfare and academic progress of more than 1,500 university students during his 12 years as Dean. He also led all Indigenous programs at Trinity and worked closely with the University of Melbourne to develop new curriculum and scholarship opportunities. Reconciliation with the First Peoples of Australia, and all those who have followed, remains a continuing passion for Campbell.
In 2019 Campbell moved to a part-time position as Scholarships Registrar at Trinity. He also has occasional consultancy work with the University of Melbourne, Teach for Australia and the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland. He has recently served as a trustee on the Stuart Stoneman Foundation based at Mt Macedon, and as a member of the Human Ethics Research Committee at the University of Divinity. He is an enthusiastic Action Planner at Braybrook Secondary College. In that role, he mentors and advises more than 50 Year 12 VCE students each year.
Campbell is learning French through the Alliance Francaise Melbourne, loves to travel with his wife Jill, and rarely misses the opportunity to watch the Geelong Football Club in action.
Dr Katrina Reynen-Woodward OAM
Ambassador
Katrina joined the Board over a decade ago, impressed with Skyline’s comprehensive development program for students with unique needs. She believed that Skyline should be available to more equally worthy students, and she has worked to make this a reality.
In May 2017, Katrina was appointed Chair of Skyline’s Board. With a Master’s degree in Gifted Education, she contributed to the Gifted Students Program in the Victorian Department of Education as a Policy Officer, and for over 17 years, she has held senior positions in the Department, including Director of Global Education at Cisco. She was the Education Lead for SingTel/Optus and Vice President- Schools (Australia), at Pearson Education.
“My involvement with Skyline is one of the most meaningful experiences in my life. Working with these students and seeing them overcome their challenges gives me hope for the future and immense pride in them. We see potential in students where they don’t yet see it in themselves and help them define and fulfil their dreams. What a privilege it is to be a part of this.”
Tina Reddrop
Skyline Patron
Tina and her husband Michael own and operate independent supermarkets across Victoria and New South Wales. Having lived in regional Victoria for more than a decade, they became increasingly passionate about abating multi-generational poverty. As such, through their business and partnerships with local community groups, they have made it a priority to provide local teenagers with pathways to own their future.
After several years as a donor to the Skyline Program, they extended it to Alexandra, Yea and Mansfield to give local VCE students the opportunity to thrive through education and personal growth.
Tina says, “Skyline provides a unique opportunity to invest back into our community by assisting young people to maximise their ability and transform their lives through a rewarding and sustainable career. We are delighted that community leaders in Alexandra, Yea and Mansfield have generously joined us to grow the number of student positions we can offer and therefore the impact for our local gifted and academically talented students to enable them to realise their dreams”.
Allison Gibson
Skyline Patron
Allison is a businesswoman, an entrepreneur and humanitarian who has supported and empowered some of the most vulnerable citizens and communities in Australia and around the world. Her pursuit of social justice has given her intimate insight into the issues and injustices faced by marginalised communities. Allison believes systemic change and education are the vehicles for social, economic and political transformation and advocates for multi-dimensional approaches to education which include core education, personal development, life skills and economic competencies.
Before joining the Skyline board, Allison had over five years’ experience as an engaged philanthropist with the Skyline Education Foundation. Allison was touched by the Program’s impact, not only on recipients but also on their families, their school, and our society in general.
Allison served as a non-executive Board Member at Skyline for 10 years and is now an Advisor to Skyline Hatch, where she works with the team alongside the Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne, to develop a sustainable social enterprise model.
As a donor, she can also provide the Foundation with first-hand insight into donor expectations and access to other donor networks.
Wendy Bonnici
Skyline Patron
Former Skyline Director, Wendy Bonnici is a company founder and innovator who has launched, built and led high-growth businesses as start-ups and within large enterprises alike. An experienced advisor, she has also contributed knowledge, capital, and connections to mid-market and emerging ventures.
Wendy’s leadership in the seeding of Skyline Hatch, our social enterprise, has been instrumental, initially as a Skyline Director and now pivotal in the Skyline Hatch Advisory Team.
Wendy’s professional background includes 25 years’ experience in Human Resource Management across a variety of industries.
Wendy’s priorities are specific but wide-ranging:
Empowering female leaders in early-stage businesses through scale, Australia’s only women-led angel investment group;
Collaborating with trusted non-profit organisations, as well as initiatives that build a more creative, equitable, and inspired society.
Concurrently with her Skyline Hatch Advisory Team commitments, Wendy sits on the advisory board for MPower Mecca Cosmetica and chairs her Family Foundation. Wendy also mentors young professional women who have begun their leadership journey.
Our Operational Team
Our dedicated and passionate team support our students to be the best they can be.
Samantha MacRae
Chief Executive Officer
Samantha is an accomplished CEO and Board Director. She has over 20 years of diverse international experience, which includes C-suite management in the healthcare sector, serving as a Board Director for a member organisation, educating gifted high school students with specific learning disabilities in reading and writing, spearheading business start-ups, and leading fundraising initiatives.
Most recently, Samantha was CEO of Keystone Radiology and a Board Director of the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from The University of Sydney, postgraduate credentials in management, education, and finance, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Samantha is passionate about removing barriers gifted and talented young people encounter when accessing the education system and supporting them in developing their gifts and strengths so they can realise their full potential.
Samantha is thrilled to join Skyline as CEO and to have the opportunity to further the organisation’s work supporting socially disadvantaged youth with high academic aptitude to complete VCE and flourish.
Kerryn Warner
Executive Assistant
As a member of the Skyline management team, Kerryn is inspired and enthusiastic to support the organisation’s valuable work and looks forward to contributing with our partners to potential life changing outcomes for our gifted and academically talented students who have been challenged early in life.
Kerryn believes that if our community is to flourish, we each have a responsibility to lead. It’s vital that we nurture our young people, empowering them to thrive, and providing them with access to resources. In doing this, we can make a difference.
Kerryn contributes 35+ years of experience working as an Executive Assistant across various sectors and has a love of working for smaller enterprises. She has worked with organisations at CEO, Director and Senior Executive levels, managing essential responsibilities. She is passionate and committed to providing high level support, creating enhanced solutions and positive outcomes, delivered with excellence.
Gaynor Borlase
Lead Program Manager
Gaynor brings over 12 years of experience in the public education sector. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) with Distinction and a Bachelor of Secondary Education with Distinction. Beginning her career as a secondary school teacher, Gaynor has focused on supporting disadvantaged students and promoting equitable access to opportunities through the performing arts.
Throughout her career, she has held a range of curriculum and co-curricular leadership positions, including Head of Learning Area and Director of Performing Arts. As an experienced VCAA assessor, Gaynor provides support and guidance to students, educators, schools, and accredited organisations across a variety of educational settings.
Her teaching experience extends internationally, having taught in England and the United States, where she worked with students from diverse backgrounds to help them discover their pathways through education and the arts.
Drawing on her leadership experience and ongoing professional learning, Gaynor has developed a strong philanthropic approach to education. She is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, engaging, and creative learning environments that empower students to participate fully, achieve their potential, and grow personally and academically.
Zoe Baeten
Program Manager
Zoe is an experienced educator and program and policy professional with a background spanning education, student wellbeing, project management and digital strategy. She brings particular expertise in designing and delivering programs that support student wellbeing, equity and positive community outcomes.
Prior to joining Skyline, Zoe worked with both the Victorian and NSW Departments of Education. Her roles have included leading strategic projects within Student Wellbeing Support, developing and evaluating programs, coordinating stakeholder engagement and using data to inform program improvement. Most recently, she worked as a Project and Policy Advisor with the Victorian Department of Education.
Zoe began her career as a classroom teacher, where she developed and implemented differentiated and trauma-informed teaching approaches, delivered student wellbeing initiatives and mentored early-career educators.
Zoe holds a Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Arts (Distinction), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development, with a focus on project design and evaluation, community development and social research.
Martha Noone
Program Manager
Martha is an experienced educator with a diverse background across mainstream and specialist settings. She has taught in roles including Drama Teacher, Literacy Learning Specialist, and Inclusive Education Teacher, designing innovative learning programs, directing school productions, and leading initiatives that support students with intellectual disabilities.
She holds a double degree in Business and Arts from Monash University, a Master of Teaching from the University of Melbourne, and a Master of Specialist Inclusive Education from Deakin University. Her work is grounded in a passion for inclusive, student-centred learning and a commitment to fostering creativity, confidence, and academic success.
Martha is deeply inspired by Skyline’s mission to support young people to achieve their full potential. She believes that talent and ambition should never be limited by circumstance, and is driven by the opportunity to remove barriers, nurture strengths, and equip young people with the skills and self-belief to thrive.
As Skyline Education Foundation Australia’s Advancement Officer, she is committed to fostering meaningful partnerships and driving initiatives that empower Skyline students to reach their full potential.
Grace Hill
Advancement Officer
Grace is a dedicated advocate for equity in education, with extensive experience in healthcare operations and compliance. With a strong background in quality assurance, accreditation, and safety coordination in the medical imaging sector, she has successfully managed state-level teams and complex regulatory frameworks.
As Skyline Education Foundation Australia’s Advancement Officer, she is committed to fostering meaningful partnerships and driving initiatives that empower Skyline students to reach their full potential.
