About A Brave Life

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Board of Directors

We have an incredible team of directors who oversee our strategic direction and management to ensure that all vulnerable mothers impacted by crisis, isolation and discrimination can thrive with their newborns, in their communities.

Mel Redsell

Mel Redsell OAM

CEO/Founding Director

Melissa has a Bachelor of Nursing Science, Graduate diploma in Midwifery & Postgraduate certificate in Sexual Health as well extensive experience both personally and professionally working with vulnerable mothers. Having been a teenage mother herself, Mel aims to see that vulnerable mothers have the support they need.

Melissa was named the 2023 QLD Australian of the Year Local Hero and also received a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to Social Welfare.  Melissa is a published author & a co-author on published research with the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Breanna Solomon

Breanna Solomon

Director/Mental Health Clinician

Breanna is a Registered Mental Health Clinician with a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and a Diploma of Health Science. Breanna is an advocate for young mothers with a focus on trauma-informed education and wrap around support during the Perinatal period.

Breanna is a co-author on published research with the University of the Sunshine Coast and a mother to two young daughters.

Leah Stangle

Leah Stangle

Chair

Leah is a General Counsel with a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce and further studies in Commercial Laws and Corporate Governance. Leah is passionate about supporting local women in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast and helping the not-for-profit sector through stronger corporate governance and business systems.

Leah is a past chair/director of Brisbane Women’s Club, past chair of UN Women Australia Brisbane Committee and active committee member of National Council of Women Qld and her local school and community neighbourhood watch group. Leah is a mum, in a family of 5, with 3 girls aged between 7-18; mum life is fantastically hectic!

Fiona Sarkissian

Fiona Sarkissian

Director

Fiona brings over a decade of People & Culture experience in corporate settings and prides herself on her leadership, emotional intelligence and commercial astute.

She is the Head of People & Culture at Collective Wellness Group, a mother of two under 3 years of age, Social Work degree qualified and very passionate about health and fitness (she is also a qualified Personal Trainer). Fiona’s unique combination of professional skills and life experience make her a well-rounded asset to the Board.