Meet our Fellows

Charlotte Allen 

Credentialed Children and Young People’s Nurse

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Department of General Paediatrics, Perth Children’s Hospital

My first ward in 1976 was paediatrics, which ignited my love of Paediatrics. Started in NICU at my training hospital and did Neonates for 10 years, did Paediatric Nursing course at PMH, moved into Paediatrics and stayed there! My proudest achievement is setting up the first Paediatric hospital in Australia and NZ, to provide in home enzyme replacement therapy for children with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA. This saves the child a day a week in hospital and the subsequent impact on the family. A day a week is a year and a term of missed school over the 5 high school years. It took 6 months of work to make it happen and many obstacles, but I was like a dog with a bone, I wasn’t giving up!

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Keep your options open. Challenge yourself. I have often thought, I don’t know how to do that, but I’ll give it a go and I’ll work it out. Don’t get despondent when you don’t get it first time, you’ll get there. And don’t be afraid to fail, at least you tried.

Charity Chola

Credentialed Children and Young People’s Nurses

Child Consultant, CentreCare

Mental Health Nurse Royal Perth Bentley Group

Charity Chola RN MNurs(GradEntry) MMHN GradDipFDR  GradCertHCLM GradCertMH  GradCertDER BA(Psych&Couns) FACCYPN, CCYPN, CMHN

Charity is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with extensive experience in child, adolescent, and family mental health. She is credentialed with the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses and the ACCYPN. Charity provides therapeutic interventions and works as a Child Consultant at a Family Relationship Centre, supporting child-focused outcomes in family dispute resolution. Her clinical background includes roles in CAMHS, Perth Children’s Hospital, emergency, and acute psychiatric settings. With a strength-based, evidence-informed approach, she is passionate about promoting family wellbeing. Outside of work, Charity volunteers with the Australian Air Force Cadets, reflecting her commitment to supporting young people.  

Associate Professor Jennifer Fraser

Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Sydney

Jennifer Fraser RN MN PhD

Jennifer completed her Post Registration Paediatric Nursing Certificate 1981 Princess Margaret Hospital for Children Perth, WA. Worked across PMH, Brisbane, and Adelaide Children’s Hospitals before completing Master of Nursing in Child Health QUT and PhD from GU in 2000. Worked as a nurse academic until retirement from the University of Sydney in 2025 and currently provide expert reports, research and evaluation services through my professional consultancy service.

Her interest in paediatric and child health nursing began in Darwin where she gained experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and communities. This led her to undertaking further studies in paediatric nursing and child health and eventually a passion for promoting the role of nurses in child protection.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses?

I am excited by the emerging generations of nurses which bring a wealth of knowledge and critical thinking to the profession.

Professor Fenella Gill

Professor Acute Paediatrics at Curtin University School of Nursing, a joint appointment with Perth Children’s Hospital, WA

Fenella Gill PhD, RN, BN, Paed Cert, MN (research), Grad Cert Tertiary Teaching, FACCCN

Fenella is Professor Acute Paediatrics at Curtin University School of Nursing, a joint appointment with Perth Children’s Hospital, Western Australia.  Fenella leads a research program “Safer care for children in hospital”. Her research has culminated in the paediatric ESCALATION System adopted by more than 120 West Australian hospitals and the pre-hospital emergency response service (St John Ambulance WA).  Her implementation science training and research leadership have culminated in development of a uniform approach to recognising and responding to paediatric clinical deterioration that includes integrated family involvement and promotes early recognition of sepsis. Fenella guides, mentors and supports new nurse researchers and early career academics by providing opportunities for hands-on experience and supervising Master of Philosophy (MPhil), PhD and post-doc research fellows.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Plan your career, if you are going to take on an academic pathway -  complete a PhD early and enjoy the rewards of a clinician -researcher career.

Associate Professor Bronwyn Griffin

Professor of Nursing, Deputy Head of School Research, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University

Bronwyn Griffin, BNurs, GDipEmerg, PhD

Bronwyn's paediatric nursing career began in 2000 at the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, where I learned the value of rapid, evidence-based care. The formation of the PREDICT research network introduced me to clinical research and its impact on improving outcomes. After another decade in paediatric emergency and trauma, I pursued a PhD to address persistent clinical questions. Since then, I have worked across clinical research management, academia, and leadership. I am now Professor and Deputy Head of School (Research) at Griffith University and an Honorary Research Fellow at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, focusing on research translation and child health equity.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Stay curious and stay connected to clinical questions—most of the best research ideas begin at the bedside. Seek mentors, surround yourself with people who elevate your thinking, and lean into opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone.

Professor Alison Hutton     

Conjoint Role (Professor of Nursing (Paediatric) between University of Western Sydney and South Western Sydney Local Health District

Conjoint Professor in Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney / Sydney Local Health District

Research Affiliate, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSA

Padjadjaran University, School of Nursing, Bundung Indonesia

Conjoint Scholar, Hunter New England Health District, NSW

University Airlangga, School of Nursing, Surabaya, Indonesia

Conjoint Scholar, Central Coast Local Health District, NSW

Australian Pill Testing Ambassador

Fellow CIFAL United Nations

Honorary Professor, University of Newcastle

Professor Alison Hutton PhD MN BN DipAppSc

Professor Alison Hutton is a recognised expert in adolescent health, specialising in promoting well-being at mass gathering events. With a strong foundation in nursing and public health, she focuses on creating safer environments for young people at festivals and large-scale events. Her research emphasises harm reduction, health promotion, and co-designed strategies with youth to improve safety and mental health. Collaborating with event organisers, policymakers, and communities, Professor Hutton champions innovative, evidence-based approaches that empower young people to make informed health choices, advancing youth health and safety on a broad scale.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Follow your dreams

Dr Lauren Lines

Credentialed Children and Young People’s Nurse

Senior Lecturer in Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University

Dr Lauren Lines, RN CCYPN, BN (hons), MNg, PhD

Beginning her career as a paediatric nurse, Lauren witnessed the deep impact of social determinants on child health, inspiring a transition into research and advocacy. Her PhD explored nurses’ roles in responding to child abuse, laying the foundation for a career focused on prevention and early intervention. Over the past decade, she has led research projects awarded over $1.76 million, developed national guidelines, and championed the role of nurses and midwives in child protection. Her work spans research, education, policy, and community engagement, with a strong commitment to co-design, workforce development, and systemic change in child and family wellbeing.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Stay curious and committed. Build strong partnerships through trust and authenticity. Seek mentorship, embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, and never underestimate the power of your voice in shaping policy and practice.

Catherine Marron

Credentialed Children and Young People’s Nurse

Nursing Director, Child Health Service, Child and Youth Community Health Services, Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service   

Catherine Marron, RN MClinNurs BHS(Nsg) MACN FACCYPN CCYPN

Cathy began her nursing career at Launceston General Hospital in 1986, becoming a Registered General Nurse in 1989 and a Child Health Nurse in 1991. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing (Child and Family Health) from the University of Tasmania. With over 30 years’ experience, she has worked in acute paediatrics, primary health, and adolescent health, including roles in Brunei and Queensland. Currently, Nursing Director of Child Health Service at Children’s Health Queensland, she led Tasmania’s 1998 Measles Control Campaign, coordinating the vaccination of 50,000 children and establishing the state’s first Nurse Immunisation Training program.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Embrace life-long learning – stay current with clinical guidelines, technology and leadership strategies.

Articulate your leadership ‘philosophy’ – what do you stand for? Live your values.

Build your network to guide, support and encourage you in your leadership journey.

Prioritise self-care and resilience – look after you, so you can look after your team.

Chelsea Meintjes

Credentialed Children and Young People’s Nurse

Quality Programs Nursing Director, Safety and Quality, Department for Health and Wellbeing South Australia 

Chelsea Meintjes RN, MNurs (Paediatrics), GCertNurs (Mental Health), Dip Leadership & Management, FACCYPN CCYPN

Chelsea is a passionate paediatric nurse and emerging leader in child health. Beginning her career in 2010, she quickly found her calling in paediatrics and progressed to Paediatric Clinical Nurse Consultant while balancing postgraduate study and raising a young family. She has led service innovation, held senior leadership roles, and now contributes to statewide quality improvement with the Department for Health and Wellbeing. Her work focuses on trauma-informed care, health equity, and workforce inclusion. A proud member of the LGBTIQA+ community, she was awarded the 2023 SA Health Nursing and Midwifery Emerging Leader Award.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Take some chances and find a mentor who challenges and supports you!

Dr Anita Moyes 

Researcher and lecturer at Edith Cowan University, Perth

Anita Moyes, BSc(Nsg), MNurs GBQ GDipYMH Cert IV TAE PhD

With a 30-year career spanning diverse clinical and educational roles, [Your Name] began as an enrolled nurse at Prince Henry Hospital before completing her degree at Curtin University. Her passion for child health nursing was sparked through school-based sexual and reproductive health education. Specialising in school nursing, she supports children, families, and schools navigating complex health and developmental needs. A credentialed mental health nurse, she now teaches child, adolescent, and perinatal mental health at university. Her key interest lies in youth mental health, and she is proud to have led the Australian Nurses Working in Schools Research Project and to be a Fellow of the ACCYPN.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Keep learning! This is not a field in which you can ever ‘know it all’. Also, stay open. Young people are some of our best teachers, but we have to be really listening to understand what it’s like to be a young person today.

Kerry Murphy

Credentialed Children and Young People’s Nurse

Clinical Nurse Consultant Continence, Perth Children’s Hospital

Kerry Murphy RN PGCert Continence, PGCert Paediatric Nursing, MACN, FACCYPN, CCYPN

After completing my training at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, I specialised in adult nursing across complex ENT/craniofacial care, high dependency, diabetes, and short-stay surgery. Working with adults experiencing continence issues sparked a strong interest in improving continence care, leading me to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Continence in 1995. I became the first Continence Clinical Nurse Consultant at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, where I established a hospital-wide service. In 2000, I undertook a short-term contract involving paediatric continence and nocturnal enuresis management, followed by another contract in 2001 at Perth’s tertiary paediatric hospital, which soon became permanent. I completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing in 2007. For the past 23 years, I have focused on expanding the state-wide paediatric continence service, supporting children and their families to achieve optimal outcomes in managing bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Enjoy and take opportunities when they present themselves and learn from those around you, including the patients you are privileged to meet.

Lauren Roberts

Credentialed Children and Young People’s Nurse

Nurse Education & Research Coordinator Paediatrics, NT Health

Lauren Roberts BN, RN, GradCertPaedNsgStd, CCYPN, FACCYPN, MACN
Lauren is a dedicated paediatric nurse with a strong background in clinical care and education. Originally viewing nursing as a stepping stone, she quickly discovered it was her true calling—especially within paediatrics. For the past nine years, she has worked in paediatric nursing education, mentoring nurses and championing evidence-based, child-centred care, particularly in paediatric pain management. Now pursuing endorsement as a Paediatric Nurse Practitioner, she aims to expand her clinical and advocacy impact. In 2022, she received the Flinders University Award for Excellence in Nursing Education and is a proud credentialled Children and Young People’s Nurse.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Stay curious, compassionate, and open to growth. Paediatric nursing demands clinical skill, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. Learn from every source, colleagues, families, and the children themselves. Advocate not only for your patients but also for yourself and your profession. Seek mentorship and offer it to others; the relationships you build will sustain your growth.

Professor Amanda Ullman

Professor and Chair in Paediatric Nursing; conjoint between Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service and the University of Queensland

Amanda J Ullman, RN, BN, GradCert PICU, GradCert Higher education, MAppSci, PhD; Centaur Fellow, ACCYPN Fellow, Fulbright Scholar

Amanda is a dedicated paediatric nurse and researcher whose career began at the former Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. Over a decade in acute paediatric care—including time in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit both in Australia and overseas—shaped her clinical expertise. Inspired by mentors, she transitioned into research, spending ten years in the university sector. Since 2021, she has worked in a role that bridges clinical practice and academia, driving innovation in child health services. Passionate about equity and safety in healthcare, she is committed to ensuring services are accessible and family-centred for all who need them.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

You have an exciting opportunity to shape the future of healthcare, and you can each do it your own way. Find what drives you, build connections, learn and use your voice.  

Professor Donna Waters

Professor of Nursing at the University of Sydney, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery. Interim Head of School and Dean, Sydney Dental School, University of Sydney.

Donna Waters PhD, MPH, BA, Grad Cert (Harvard), Paed Cert, FACN

Donna is a Professor of Nursing at the University of Sydney where she was the former Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery. As a paediatric nurse researcher with more than 15 years’ experience, current academic interests are in evidence-based practice, person-centred approaches to health and care, and implementation science. Donna believes in the power of focussing care on the person – not the discipline, and she has worked as an academic leader across nursing, dental and medical schools. Donna is proud to have supervised 17 higher research degree students to completion. Approximately half of these have conducted their research programs in neonatal, children and young person’s health and care.  Donna was a Director of the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network Board (2010 – 2021) and continues to Chair the Medical and Dental Appointments Committed for the Network.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Think about reasons to say YES to opportunities before saying ‘no’!

Professor Jeanine Young AM

Professor of Nursing, School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast

Jeanine Young AM PhD BSc(Hons) Nursing, RGN, Registered Midwife, English National Board (405) Special & Intensive Care of the Newborn FACN FACCYPN

Jeanine is a registered nurse, midwife, and neonatal nurse with over 30 years’ experience in neonatal, paediatric, maternal, and child health care. She specialises in how infant care practices influence infant mortality, with a focus on breastfeeding, parent-infant bed-sharing, and shared sleeping. Jeanine is particularly committed to developing individually tailored, community-based interventions that support families experiencing social vulnerability and higher risks of infant mortality. She was awarded Member of the Order of Australia in 2020 for her significant contributions to medical research, tertiary education, and nursing.

Advice for emerging nurse leaders or early-career nurses

Value your role and share its impact. Stay grounded, curious, and compassionate, remembering families recall how you made them feel. Paediatric nursing is a profound privilege, let it inspire lifelong learning, reflective practice, and values-driven leadership. Nurture wellbeing, build supportive networks, learn from children, and let your courage shape healthcare’s future.