Executive Team

Craig has joined the team as whole-of-business leader for Language Disorder Australia, manager of operating activities at Mancel College and also School Support Services. With several decades of executive leadership, a former teacher, vocational education and training CEO, and capability across commercial, operational and corporate portfolios, Craig has the necessary hands-on experience needed. He has been a Language Disorder Australia board director for almost 6 years and more recently, has led the internal development programme. Craig has a passion for the empowerment of others through skill and knowledge acquisition and associated developmental growth.

Laurie joined Language Disorder Australia as Chief Financial Officer in 2024 and is a chartered accountant with 20+ years experience as a senior finance leader including 11 years in CFO roles and 10 years in not-for-profit. He is particularly passionate about the delivery of leadership in finance and executive teams, the development and enabling of high performing teams, business planning and strategic growth initiatives. He has prepared private commercial companies for ASX listing (IPO) and a multimillion dollar private equity sale, project managed multi-company ERP implementations and managed major capital asset investment programmes. Laurie seeks to add value at all times with a focus on leading organisations towards optimal performance through continual improvement, bespoke process and systems development, reliable financial management and reporting, cooperation, communication and support between business units and stakeholders, as well as excellent organisational governance and risk management. Laurie believes that good financial management is a cornerstone of success for any organisation and actively seeks to build finance teams which are technically strong, engaged, approachable, collaborative, supportive, confident and resilient, and which exhibit everyday values such as honesty, integrity, authenticity and respect.

Athena is our Senior Manager for the Language Disorder Australia School Support Services team, with a decade of experience as a speech language pathologist. With a wealth of experience, including a background in private practice, Athena specialises in supporting students in accessing the curriculum, particularly those with Language Disorder and related challenges. In her role as Senior Manager, Athena leads her team with strategic oversight, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and driving governance initiatives that foster accountability and growth. Athena’s leadership is marked by her commitment to excellence, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, and advocating for best practices. Beyond her managerial duties, Athena actively contributes to professional development by presenting at conferences at a national level. Through these platforms, she passionately advocates for children and young people with Language Disorder.

Jodi Dew brings over 30 years of experience in education across Prep to Year 12 settings, with teaching and leadership roles in both the Department of Education and Independent Schools. Since joining Mancel College in January 2023, she has progressed from Literacy and Learning Coach to Deputy Head of College, where she leads with heart and integrity.

Jodi is a certified executive leadership coach and is passionate about neuroaffirming practice and inclusive education. She is dedicated to supporting staff in achieving their professional goals, and fostering a culture of kindness, accountability, and excellence that empowers both our staff and students to achieve extraordinary outcomes.