Our Team
OUR Board
Dr Coral Kemp
Founder and Non-Executive Director
Dr Coral Kemp is an experienced practitioner, consultant, program director, teacher educator, and researcher in the field of early childhood intervention (ECI). Coral’s practical experience in ECI has included: special educator on a transdisciplinary home-based early intervention team, Preschool Special Education Consultant for the NSW Department of Education, and Academic Team leader of the Early Years programs at Macquarie University. Her work in ECI at Macquarie University included co-ordinating the Post-Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention and co-editing Early Links, a magazine for early childhood practitioners and the families of infants and young children with additional needs. Coral is a member of the Coordinating Committee for the International Society on Early Intervention (ISEI) and is also a Founding Director of the Institute of Special Educators (InSpEd) which supports children with disabilities in regular childcare. Coral is on the editorial board of Infants and Young Children. She has published research in Australian and International peer-reviewed journals.
In addition to her work in ECI, Coral has taught children in regular and special education classes and has been a special education consultant for the NSW Association of Independent Schools. She was teacher-in charge of a two-teacher school in a remote mining town in Western Australia and has been Deputy Principal and Acting Principal of the Special School at Macquarie University. Coral has supervised research students at Macquarie University where she is currently an honorary senior lecturer.
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Prof Rebekah Grace
Chair and Non-Executive Director
Professor Rebekah Grace is Director, Transforming early Education and Child Health (TeEACH) Research Centre at Western Sydney University and has been a member of the STaR Research Committee since 2014.
Rebekah is passionate about understanding and addressing the support needs of children and families who are vulnerable. Her research has engaged with a broad range of families, including those who have children with disabilities, those who have been identified as ‘at risk’ by the child protection system, and those who live in communities that experience disadvantage. She also has extensive experience working in partnership with Australian Aboriginal communities, and a strong commitment to walking alongside Indigenous people to acknowledge and address the profound inequities that exist as the result of past and current legislation and practice
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Margaret Meaker
Non-Executive Director
Margaret was part of the committee of parents and professionals who established The STaR Association in 2001. She held the positions of Treasurer and President until 2005, when she was employed as the General Manager. She was appointed as CEO in 2019.
Margaret’s daughter, Lilian, was among the first children to enrol in the STaR program in 2002. Her motivation remains very personal, as she knows her daughter’s ability to learn and participate socially was forever enhanced by attending a STaR centre for three years and discovering Special Education.
Margaret has over 30 years of experience working in the community services sector, holding management positions in disability, aged care, and youth services. She studied Social Welfare and was trained in Social Role Valorisation (SRV) early in her career, and the principles of SRV continue to underpin the values of STaR.
Margaret's lived experience as the mother of a child with a significant disability has guided STaR from its initial phase as a struggling organisation to the professional, viable organisation it is today.
Margaret retired in June 2024 and continues as a Non-Executive Director on the STaR Board.
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Valentina Borbone
Non-Executive Director
Valentina is a seasoned marketer with more than 20 years’ experience driving marketing excellence across a wide range of industries. She now works as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, helping organisations shape their marketing strategy and leadership with confidence.
Valentina has been a dedicated supporter of STaR since 2013, when her daughter Angelique joined the program. With lived experience as a parent and a deep commitment to inclusion, she brings both personal insight and marketing expertise to her role as a long-standing Board Member, after serving as Chair for 10 years. She continues to support STaR’s mission to extend services beyond school years and into adulthood for people with disabilities.
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OUR Staff
Melissa North
Chief Executive Officer
As a parent who experienced STaR’s life-changing Early Years Program firsthand, becoming CEO is both a privilege and a passion. I lead STaR’s strategy and operations, empowering our educators to create meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
I oversee governance, finance, stakeholder engagement, people and culture, marketing, communications, and IT systems to ensure STaR’s continued success. Passionate about social impact, inclusion, and equity, I thrive on building networks to advocate for special education. Professional affiliations include MFIA, MAHRI, and GAICD credentials, reflecting my commitment to excellence.
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Megan Cooper
Manager, Special Education & Family Support
I began my journey coordinating an orphanage in Egypt and remain inspired by the impact of positive reinforcement and presuming competence. At STaR, we're now expanding our support to assist students with disabilities, their families, and teachers navigate successful transitions from high school to post-school pathways, continuing our commitment to lifelong learning and inclusive education for all.
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Dr Sarah Carlon
Head of Research & Special Education
As an Early Childhood Teacher, I was inspired to create inclusive environments where all children could thrive. This passion led me to pursue a Master of Special Education and a PhD, focusing on evidence-based practices and informed early intervention.
With experience as a STaR Special Educator and university lecturer, I combine research and practice to support inclusive education. I find great fulfillment in seeing early childhood educators apply our training in their settings and contributing to the evidence base through STaR research projects. I am also an Honorary Affiliate of InSpEd and an Adjunct Fellow of TeEACH Research Centre, Western Sydney University.
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Phillipa Wong
Special Educator
I believe that collaboration with families, allied health professionals and educators is essential to creating a cohesive and supportive network around each individual child. I thrive on delivering professional development that are engaging and relevant.
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Elise de Jong
Special Educator
I am passionate about inclusive lifelong education for individuals with disabilities and believe in the importance of educating educators to engage in best practices to support individuals with disabilities as valued and contributing members of the community.
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Sarah Roberts
Early Childhood Teacher, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
At STaR, I’m lucky to work alongside like-minded educators, supporting families and promoting inclusion through my roles in marketing and communications, and at our MyTime playgroup. I believe inclusive environments help all children thrive—socially, emotionally, and academically. It’s a joy to be part of each child’s learning journey and to celebrate those moments of progress with families and educators.
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Jodie Toohey
Early Childhood Educator, TripleP Facilitator and Family Support
I believe that early education is a collaborative journey, and I am dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families, empowering them to learn and grow together. Through strong relationships, open communication, and a nurturing environment, I strive to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and support the holistic development of every child.
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Nicola Howells
Early Childhood Educator
I am deeply committed to modelling best practices in Early Childhood Education, demonstrating positive interactions, effective teaching strategies, and a nurturing approach. My previous experience within a long day service and an intervention centre has provided me with a strong understanding of the diverse needs of children and their families.
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Ljiljana Subotic
Special Educator
I strongly believe in a strengths-focused approach, recognising and celebrating each child's potential. By emphasising their abilities rather than limitations, I aim to ensure that every child has equitable opportunities to grow, learn, and build confidence. I strive to help nurture environments where children develop a sense of belonging and the foundation for lifelong learning.
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Tracey Pope
Special Educator & Occupational Therapist
As a STaR Special Educator, I love discovering each child or young person’s unique areas of strength. I work closely with the child or young person and the adults around them to make sure they can take part in their daily activities in a way that makes sense and feels comfortable for them.
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Melanie Coughlin
Office Manager
My 10+ years of administrative work in a healthcare setting, combined with my compassion and empathy for others, helps me in my role each day. My passion lies in allowing everyone to have a voice and be able to learn and grow at their own pace. I feel so privileged to be working with these inspiring women at STaR and helping to make the world a more inclusive place.
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Join our team
Interested in joining our team? Complete our “Contact Us” form or
Email [email protected] letting us know what position you are interested in and your current CV.