Meet the team whose tireless efforts keep our Foundation running.
Geoff Smith
General Manager
Geoff joined the Foundation in 2018, bringing more than 20 years of experience in research and management in non-profit settings, including social violence, healthcare, and strategy. Geoff leads the Foundation’s work in education, awareness, and research, with a particular emphasis on strategy delivery and organisational development.
Belinda Cerritelli
Operations Manager
Belinda is an operations, change management, and advocacy professional with experience across not-for-profit, government, and corporate sectors. She is committed to supporting individuals and teams to flourish, improving efficiencies in the way we work, and to promote well-being in the workplace. Joining the Foundation in 2022, Belinda is delighted to be working with such a highly regarded charity and fantastic team. Her role is to optimise business processes which will support the Foundation’s growth.
Steve Layt
Partnerships Manager
Steve has had a strong connection with the Foundation since its inception, having coached local football for over 15 years and having a solid understanding of what the Foundation stands for. Steve joined the Foundation in 2020 and has over 30 years of experience in major customer account management roles with various corporate high-profile businesses. As the Partnerships Manager for the Foundation, Steve is responsible for managing our key corporate partnerships as well as our relationships with the community and sports clubs.
Nadine Foster
Education Development Manager
Nadine joined the foundation in 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, local government, and running her own education business. Nadine’s role as Education Development Manager is to maintain ongoing relationships with all levels of the education sector throughout Victoria, thereby increasing the reach of the Pat Cronin Foundation message. She brings extensive networking experience and a passion to make a difference.
Sharyn Noy
Administration
Sharyn joined the foundation in 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in administration, customer service, and office management. Sharyn oversees organising and booking Be Wise presentations for schools, clubs, and community groups. She coordinates our presenters’ availability and ensures they have all the information they need to deliver empowering Be Wise presentations throughout Victoria. Sharyn manages and builds wonderful relationships with all the schools and groups with whom we work. Sharyn enjoys working with others and making a difference.
Shannon Bowkett
Marketing Coordinator
Shannon joined the foundation in 2025. Shannon is a creative and strategic Marketing Coordinator with a strong background in communications and design. Since the creation of the Pat Cronin Foundation, Shannon has supported their endeavours and been involved in helping wherever possible. Strongly resonating with the Foundation’s message, Shannon advocates for bringing an end to the Coward Punch and with her introduction to the team, she is deeply passionate about using innovative strategies to promote awareness, educate the public, and encourage positive change. As the Marketing Coordinator for the Pat Cronin Foundation, Shannon is responsible for creating and executing marketing campaigns and strategies, managing branding and social assets, and designing impactful content to raise awareness and drive engagement.
Darren Grant
Media Manager
A communications veteran skilled in creating content across a broad range of digital and traditional channels, Darren brings proven experience to the Foundation. Responsible for developing media and content solutions that elevate the Foundation’s exposure, he has an extensive background as a newspaper editor and public relations strategist across a variety of sectors. Darren was welcomed into the team in 2021.
Megan Bata
Marketing Lead
Megan brings a wealth of marketing experience and a proven track record across a wide range of marketing activities: customer marketing strategy and brand management, media planning, campaign development. Megan also brings her contagious energy and drive and will support the Foundation creating meaningful connections our brand and stakeholders.
Blaine Healy
Business Development Manager and Facilitator
Blaine joined the Pat Cronin Foundation with a motivation to engage and help those around him. Blaine has over ten years of experience in coaching and fitness and owns and operates a group fitness gym in Cranbourne with his fiancée. Blaine attended the same school in the same year level as Pat and was in the same pastoral/house group. Additionally, Blaine and his peers were involved in a similar incident to Pat’s story only weeks prior to the devastating occurrence in 2016, with a very different outcome.
As a facilitator and Business Development Manager, Blaine builds strong relationships and brings the Foundation’s message to new audiences, ensuring young Australians have access to life-saving violence-prevention education. His goal is to create broader pathways for long-term, positive change for individuals and businesses alike.
Robin Bailey
Diversions Coordinator
Rob is a retired Chief Inspector with experience in investigation, project management, change management and training delivery. Through this extensive experience Rob brings a comprehensive knowledge of the Victorian Justice system and procedures. Rob is passionate about the welfare of young people and is working with the Foundation to introduce our Violence Prevention Program to the police and courts to help young people avoid further problems.
Skipper the Owl
Pat Cronin Foundation Mascot & Champion of Kindness
Skipper the Owl is the official mascot of the Pat Cronin Foundation and a symbol of wisdom, kindness, and looking out for one another. His bright eyes and friendly presence help young people feel comfortable and engaged as they learn about staying safe and making wise decisions.
You’ll spot Skipper at school presentations, fundraisers, community days, and major events—always ready for photos, smiles, and spreading the Foundation’s message to End the Coward Punch.
