Management team
Our team
Brenda is a highly regarded and experienced executive with over three decades in the Community Services sector managing large operational areas, rural and metropolitan, specialising in child protection, care services and disability policy and operations.
Brenda was CEO at the Commission for Children and Young People for four years, before returning to the current department of Family Fairness and Housing in 2019 to be Executive Director of Service Enhancement in the Community, Operations and Practice Leadership division. This role focused on improving service delivery across the children, youth and families sector, driving innovation and leading system and performance improvement.
Brenda is passionate about building connection and resilience in vulnerable children, fostering self-reliance among families, and promoting tolerance across communities which aligns well with Lighthouse Foundation’s values and work.
Brenda holds a BA(Psych) and BSW from Melbourne University.
Susan Barton AM founded Lighthouse Foundation 33 years ago and has dedicated her life to helping the most vulnerable children and youth. Her mission is to change the way Australia looks at the issue of child and youth homelessness towards a more therapeutic approach where we create caring communities where all young people – from babies to young adults – can feel safe, form meaningful relationships and begin their journey to recovery.
Susan has co-authored two books on childhood trauma, was awarded an Order of Australia for services to youth in Australia, was named Melburnian of the Year in 2009 and was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her significant achievements and contribution to the Victorian community in 2012.
Susan is passionate about protecting Australia’s number one resource – our children and youth and believes that caring for children is everybody’s responsibility.
Qualifications and experience: Diploma of Administration and Diploma of Management.
Terrie was involved in the formation of Lighthouse Foundation prior to its incorporation in 1991 & served on the board of directors from 1991 – 2004. She has worked alongside Susan in all aspects of the organisation’s operations & now oversees the management of the central resource and administration centre located in Cremorne. Terrie also acts in the capacity of company secretary for the Lighthouse board.
Laura is a highly experienced clinical social worker and psychoanalytic psychotherapist with over 25 years’ experience supporting individuals, groups, and families with a range of complex and varied developmental and psychosocial presentations. Laura’s clinical breadth has also seen her work with diverse populations including Aboriginal families, those with drug-use histories, gender diverse clients, LGBTIQA+ and young people.
Laura’s work history includes leading a range of therapeutic programs and staff teams across some of Victoria’s preeminent community service agencies including Odyssey House Victoria, Bridgehaven Women and Women with Children Residential Program and the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), in the Aboriginal Children’s Healing Team.
Laura’s holds a Psychology degree, a Master of Clinical Social Work, and her qualification in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the Victorian Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists (VAPP). Laura is also an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AHMSW).
Karli is an award-winning Director of Marketing and Fundraising with over a decade of experience in the not-for-profit sector. Known for her inspiring leadership and results-driven approach, she has a proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive, profitable campaigns that drive growth and build meaningful, long-term relationships with stakeholders.
With expertise spanning corporate and community partnerships, major funders, and philanthropic support, Karli excels in designing and implementing impactful fundraising and marketing strategies. She has successfully led diverse initiatives in marketing, branding, public relations, social media, campaign design, event management, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in managing and expanding fundraising efforts for both national and international organizations, including The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and Variety the Children’s Charity.
Karli’s dedication to empowering teams and nurturing partnerships has been central to her success in fostering collaboration and achieving lasting results. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a passionate advocate for children and young people, volunteering her time to support youth development and the arts through her family's business. A proud mother of two, Karli is deeply committed to helping others reach their full potential—both personally and professionally.
Paul is a CA qualified accountant with over 25 years’ experience working across the Big 4 accounting firms, in the UK and Australia. Paul transitioned to the Not-for-Profit sector in 2013 driven by a desire to align work with his personal values. Working in the community and more recently the health sector, Paul discovered a renewed sense of purpose in supporting causes that positively impact communities and society.
Paul enjoys leveraging his expertise to enhance transparency, financial stewardship and strategic planning in a way that supports the greater good.
He has been recognised throughout his career for the ability to build and enhance strong team cultures and increase engagement outcomes. Paul was born and educated in the UK and has been living in Australia for over 12 years.
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma
Emma is a dedicated and compassionate professional with over a decade of experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and families across the housing, homelessness, and out-of-home care sector. With a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) achieved through studies in Australia, Canada, and India, Emma brings differing perspectives to her work supporting the community through a range of issues such as mental health challenges, family violence, alcohol and other drug use and experiences of trauma. She further specialised her expertise by completing a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma, deepening her understanding of neurobiology and complex care needs.
Emma joined Lighthouse in 2020 and since then, she has been instrumental in shaping and expanding the organisation’s services. Emma led the newly established Foster Care program and has successfully introduced the Family Support (Kinship Care) and Community Connect (Youth Outreach/Leaving Care) programs, ensuring comprehensive support for young people and their families.
Emma’s passion lies in creating safe, nurturing environments where young people can thrive, and her leadership continues to drive meaningful change in the lives of those she supports.
Ben has worked with children and young people for over fifteen years within a range of therapeutic environments, including therapeutic community, residential care, and educational settings.
Ben graduated from Middlesex University London, with a first-class honours degree in Teaching & Learning. His leadership skills in the out-of-home care sector were enhanced by completing a Graduate Management Scheme with Fairways, an award-winning children's services charity in England.
Ben graduated from Middlesex University London, with a first-class honours degree in Teaching & Learning. His leadership skills in the out-of-home care sector were enhanced by completing a Graduate Management Scheme with Fairways, an award-winning children's services charity in England.
It was while working at Fairways that Ben read the Lighthouse Foundation’s book titled ‘Therapeutic Residential Care for Children: An Attachment and Trauma-Informed Model for Practice’. The systemic psychodynamic approach to care practiced at Lighthouse, where young people are placed at the heart of the organisation, connected with Ben’s values. Subsequently, Ben joined Lighthouse Foundation in 2018, where he worked within our Secure Base, and Young Parents and Babies programs.
Ben’s natural reflective capacity and ability to connect with others, led him to become the Manager of Youth Services in 2021. Ben provides high level governance, management, and leadership to Lighthouse Foundation’s Therapeutic Tailored Care Programs.
As an empathetic and thoughtful leader, Ben takes inspiration from the resilience and determination of the young people he has worked alongside. Empowering young people to heal from past trauma and developing their capacity to live a meaningful life, is Ben’s passion.
