Meet our Team
Verity Hawkins
Verity is a talented executive who has led high impact partnerships between the not-for-profit, government, philanthropic and corporate sectors. Most recently CEO of Playgroup Australia and Life Education Australia, Verity is a skilled and respected social responsibility leader with over 25 years of experience. She brings an exceptional understanding of the ACT’s health and community sectors and extensive operational experience managing complex organisations and designing programs aimed at increasing philanthropic income. Verity maintains a strong focus on cancer prevention, support, research, and advocacy, to identify and implement opportunities that will support those most in need in our community.
Mark Ginswick
Mark has worked in public service for almost 20 years and joined Cancer Council ACT so he could continue to support the community. With experience in corporate and client services, systems and processes, both in Australia and overseas, Mark brings a new perspective to the organisation. As the Senior Executive Officer, Mark will lead the organisation’s HR and Corporate Services as well as embedding a robust governance framework. While providing parental leave cover as the Client Services Manager, Mark is exploring gaps in service delivery and seeking to introduce new support programs for the benefit of the community.
Megan Salic
Megan has worked in business development for 20 years across a variety of roles in many different fields of work. Together with a bachelor’s degree in business management and master’s degree in sports management, Megan has a strong track record in delivering effective results. Megan guides the Fundraising and Marketing Team in delivering national and local campaigns, aimed at raising funds to increase the resources distributed to the Client Services Team. She effectively manages and supports Cancer Council ACT events, communications, and donor relations to meet our overall goals.
Suzanne Barnes
Suzanne brings over 20 years of experience in supporting teams with her charming professional manner and exceptional communication. Suzanne works with the whole team to provide support that ensures the smooth running of the Cancer Council ACT office so that client-facing staff can focus on engaging with clients as much as possible. Suzanne also supports our CEO, enabling her to spend time on activities that make a long-term difference to people’s lives.
Alison Hall
Alison combines her creative talents, qualifications in business marketing and experiences in social, digital and traditional media in managing the communications activities for Cancer Council ACT. Alison works closely with the Client Services and Fundraising and Marketing teams on delivering campaigns and communicating the activities of Cancer Council ACT. Alison looks after brand management for Cancer Council ACT and manages partnerships with local media outlets, including marketing and advertising opportunities.
Kathlene Robson
Kathlene is a Registered Nurse who specialises in cancer nursing and has a passion for haematology. She has worked in cancer care across various nursing roles for many years. As a Cancer Support Coordinator for Cancer Council ACT Kathlene provides support, information, and education to the community for cancer patients, their families and friends, medical professionals, and the public. Kathlene also supports the wig service and prevention team when required.
Alex Dreyer
Alex joins our team from Cancer Council Western Australia where he delivered the adult and child nutrition programs. Alex was an Accredited Practising Dietitian for 5 years prior to joining Cancer Council in 2021. He has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and Master of Dietetics as well as experience in prevention services in community outreach scenarios. Alex looks forward to combining a little of all his expertise and experiences together in his role supporting the delivery of Cancer Council ACT’s prevention programs - SunSmart and Tobacco Cessation - to schools, workplaces and across the community through education and individual sessions.
Nikki Kayatz-Monahan
Nikki has worked in nursing and community support for over 4 years and is currently undertaking a double degree in Nursing and Paramedics where she is in her third year at the ACU. Her time in community and disability support saw her work across varying needs from social support to high needs behaviours. Nikki brings these skills and expertise across to her role in delivering the Cancer Council ACT SunSmart and Tobacco Cessation programs to schools, workplaces and across the community through education and individual sessions.
Mary Harrison
Mary has worked as a nurse for 32 years, with experience across oncology, chemotherapy, and palliative care. She has also been involved in several volunteer roles across special needs and community programs. As a Cancer Support Coordinator for Cancer Council ACT Mary provides support, information, and education to the community for cancer patients, their families and friends, medical professionals, and the public. Mary also manages the Wig Service and provides support to the prevention team when required.
Jannah Sani
Jannah has worked across management in hospitality and entertainment in Canberra and brings these experiences to the Fundraising and Marketing team at Cancer Council ACT. As the Events Coordinator, Jannah will be looking after major campaign events such as Relay For Life and Daffodil Day, supporting both the logistics and participants to ensure these campaigns are successful.