Each member of our team is a thought leader in their own right. We are all experienced in our fields as published writers, journalists, professional speakers and facilitators, and as researchers, strategists, trainers and mentors in national and international contexts.
Project teams are assembled according to the brief and the unique needs of the agencies that engage our services. Our teams are well known for their relationship capabilities, attention to detail, completing tasks on time and in budget, and communicating and exchanging ideas effectively. Each team member has an impeccable track record in their ability to produce quality work.
Want to join our team? Explore our Current Opportunities.
“My thanks to you [Prof. Kerry Arabena] for your guidance, wisdom, laughter and support in creating space to hear what people wanted – which directly informed the design and development of this plan – the first Vic Govt policy frame for First Nations communities in Victoria… it was a pleasure working with you and again our thanks for your work and willingness to collaborate.”
Managing Director
Professor Kerry Arabena
A descendant of the Meriam people from the Torres Strait, Kerry’s work has brought her to the forefront of Indigenous affairs in Australia. A former social worker with a Doctorate in Environmental Science, Kerry has worked in not for profit, community controlled and academic institutions, holding senior positions such as the inaugural Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, Executive Director of Apunipima Cape York Health Council, Chair of Indigenous Health at the University of Melbourne, lead researcher of First 1000 Days Australia, CEO of the Lowitja Institute and Director of Indigenous Health Research at Monash University, former Interim Director of Victoria’s Self-Determination Fund, and former Trustee at Arts Centre Melbourne. Internationally, Kerry was President of Ecohealth International, consulted for the World Health Organisation, was a Scientific Commissioner on the Lancet Pathfinder project and completed a Fellows program with the Rockefeller Foundation in Italy.
With an extensive background in public health, administration, community development and research, Kerry has led a wide range of organisations and committees and consulted across Oceania, Norway and Indonesia.
Currently, Kerry holds honourary professorial positions with the University of Melbourne and Federation University, manages her burgeoning consulting and education and training companies, and has several entrepreneurial programs in development including the most recent launch of her new business, Ilan Style.
Management
Kate Kloeber - Executive Manager
Kate is the Executive Manager at Karabena, where she leads the team’s activities and strategic direction. She has been with Karabena for four years, initially working in digital marketing before joining management to focus on team and business growth and development. With over a decade of experience in marketing and management, Kate brings extensive expertise to her role, enhancing our strategies and partnerships.
When she's not working, Kate enjoys gardening, going to the beach, and spending time with her husband, two kids, a sausage dog, and a few chickens.
Consultants
David Reid – Senior Consultant Associate
David is a descendent of the Awabakal people from the Lake Macquarie region, and a proud father to two children. He brings his curiosity and passion for First Nations programs and initiatives to the role. As Senior Consultant Associate, he leads day-to-day project management, collection and analysis of data, culturally-safe consultations, and the development of project outputs.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History, Literature and Linguistics, and a Post Graduate Diploma of Education. In his fourteen years in the state education system, he held many leadership roles such as Leading Teacher and Pathways Leader, and an important part of the lives of young people from early adolescence to their final years of school.
David is effective at fostering relationships with all key stakeholders and community members through stakeholder engagement and communication skills. He has a strong ability to connect with and mentor people from a myriad of backgrounds, and deep empathy for all walks of life.
He is an avid reader of literature, and enjoys playing guitar, staying active, and exploring nature with his family.
Sharon Pittaway - Senior Consultant Associate
Sharon is a descendant of the Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung people of north-eastern NSW. With a wealth of experience as a senior secondary Drama and English teacher, ABC Radio presenter and producer, teacher-educator, researcher, and learning designer, Sharon brings a unique perspective to our team. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Hons) and a PhD in Education.
Sharon loves learning and exploring different ideas, perspectives and ways of seeing through reading, movies, performance, photography and travel. As a photography enthusiast, she enjoys capturing fine art, flowers, and portraits. On a personal note, Sharon is a proud mother of five adult children and grandmother to 14 grandchildren.
Lauren Penny – Consultant Associate
Lauren joined the Karabena Consulting team as a Researcher in August 2020. She has experience carrying out research and writing tasks in a wide range of areas through her previous work in both legal and small business settings. She has a strong interest in social justice and human rights issues, including those affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Lauren is currently a Community Education Volunteer for the Australian Red Cross in its 'In Search of Safety' program, and she also volunteers at a local asylum seeker and refugee support group in Brisbane.
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Journalism, a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Queensland University of Technology.
Jide Onademuren – Consultant
Jide holds a PhD in Health Services Research & Social Policy from University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand and has extensive experience in designing evidence-based initiatives utilising a variety of quantitative and statistical methods. Jide is also adept in research communication, utilising effective knowledge translation strategies to reach diverse communities.
Jide has previously held the role of Researcher with the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, working on a range of projects, including Ageing-in-Place policy initiatives responding to the cultural needs of ageing Māori people. He has also worked with the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Australian Red Cross developing funding submissions through evidence synthesis.
Derek Villaceran - Junior Consultant Associate
Derek Villaceran has worked as a facilitator for three years, educating tertiary education students in gender-based violence, anti-racism, and physiology. His enthusiasm for community also led to running community events as a volunteer and for work, for the past three years. After having completed his Bachelor of Public Health, Derek is eager to continue learning. At the end of the day, he is passionate about people, health, and evidence!
In his spare time Derek is always up for some self-care, whether this is exercising, going for a swim at his local pool, having a nap, playing video games, watching anime, or catching up with friends. As a fan of learning languages, he is always up for practicing his French or Bisaya, and even learning a new language (Tagalog, at the moment).
Gwen Garnier - Junior Consultant
Originally from Hammond Island in the Torres Strait, Gwen has a background in social work. After studying in Brisbane, she has gained valuable experience as a Preventative Health Counsellor. Gwen recently worked as a telephone counsellor for Queensland Health, with a particular focus on helping people quit smoking.
In her free time, Gwen enjoys reading, exploring YouTube for both learning and entertainment, embarking on spontaneous adventures, and savouring delicious food—especially sweet treats.
Operations
Kim Reid - Operations Manager
Kim is a descendant of the Awabakal people of the Lake Macquarie region. Currently completing a Diploma of HR Management at Victorian Chamber of Commerce, Kim is responsible for ensuring the operations of Karabena Group run smoothly.
Before joining the Karabena team in 2021, Kim has had more than a decade of administration and support experience mainly across the tourism/hotel sector, where she worked in reservations, sales support and administration at a large hotel chain. She is very keen on upskilling and has recently completed a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.
Outside of work, Kim is a mum of a 6-year-old boy and enjoys travel, music, basketball and netball.
Andrew Pritchard - Office Administrator
Andrew Pritchard is a dedicated professional with a background in meteorology and a passion for sustainability. He previously worked as an aviation forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, following his completion of a Graduate Diploma in Meteorology. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Software Systems from the University of Melbourne, Andrew brings a strong technical foundation to his work.
Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew has been actively involved in committees focused on empowering youth, supporting rural communities, and promoting sustainable practices. In his spare time, he enjoys playing badminton, practicing yoga, and exploring nature on long walks.
Digital and Marketing
Tess McArthur-Dowty - Digital Marketing Manager
Tess has worked in Digital Marketing for seven years and is passionate about the power of media to impact change. All her work has been politically engaged, and she has been lucky enough to work across the world - from Melbourne to Buenos Aires. She always strives to align her work to her values, having worked across in environmental, LGBTQI+, women’s rights and First Nations rights spaces. Tess holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from The University of Melbourne and a Master of Film and Television from the Victorian College of The Arts.
Outside of work Tess’ main passion is all things film, whether it’s attending local film festivals or creating her own short documentaries. She also loves learning languages and spending time with her cat.
Peter Jay Imboy - Digital Marketing Coordinator
Jay is a Digital Marketing Coordinator at Karabena Consulting who is responsible for setting up and troubleshooting our backend systems as well as the team's technical support. Jay also edits all our video content, sets up integrations and contributes to graphic designs.
In his free time Jay enjoys the outdoors including bike riding and playing Ultimate Frisbee, he also enjoys attending social events such as sports fests and concerts.
Camille Gonzal - Digital Marketing Coordinator
Camille is a Digital Marketing Coordinator at Karabena who is responsible for integrations between systems, troubleshooting any technical issues, scheduling social media content, crafting an designing digital collateral (social media posts, worksheets, imagery for online courses, etc), optimizing web and landing pages and any digital marketing related tasks.
In her free time, you will find Camille on her tablet drawing cartoon characters, developing her art style, lying in a swing while listening to music or playing with her niece.