Meet the team

Paul Crossley, President

Paul has been involved in campaigns against animal experimentation with a number of organisations for 13 years. He works as a management consultant and has experience assisting medium sized business through to large corporations as well as government departments and not-for-profit organisations in strategy development and operational improvement.

Steph Geddes, Vice President/Secretary

Steph first became involved in the animal welfare movement approximately 25 years ago when she became a member of The Humane Society of Australia (Vic.). After some years on the committee she was elected President. During this time she was also employed by Animals Australia as Office Administrator and retired after 20 years.

Cheryl Veitch, Treasurer

Cheryl worked for an energy company for most of her career in CapeTown, London, Singapore and Melbourne. She completed the Graduate Certificate in Animal Welfare at Monash in 2007 and is a volunteer member of various animal welfare bodies in Australia. She is currently involved in corporate governance at a government agency in Melbourne.

Shatha Hamade, Committee Member

Shatha recently completed a Juris Doctor in Law at the University of Melbourne. Prior to a career change into law, Shatha enjoyed an eight year career as a Project Manager for a major financial institution. Shatha is currently working as a Judge's Associate in the Federal Court and is the national coordinator of the Secretariat to the Barristers Animal Welfare Panel. Shatha is a longstanding member of the animal protection community and regularly assists animal charities on a pro bono basis to help with their legal affairs.

Emma Burgess, Committee Member

Emma has been a passionate animal advocate for many years and continues to work closely with a number of animal protection groups. Vivisection continues to be the issue which engages her most. Emma has a special interest in human anatomy and physiology, especially in relation to natural and preventative medicine as a safer alternative to the potentially dangerous drug treatments developed through animal models. She is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) degree.

Helen Marston, Chief Executive Officer

Following a 12 year career in investment banking, Helen pursued a number of projects specific to animal welfare/rights. She was employed by Animals Australia for eight years, during which time she participated in the NHMRC’s public consultation on xenotransplantation, and founded Humane Charities Australia Inc. a project aimed to identify health charities that do not conduct nor support animal-based research.

Helen left Animals Australia in 2004 to produce ‘Animals Matter’ – Australia’s first television program about animal welfare and rights issues. In 2005 she completed the Grad. Certificate in Animal Welfare at Monash University.

Caley Otter, Research Assistant

Caley is a recent Honours graduate from the University of Melbourne. For her thesis research, she examined how effectively the international community addresses animal welfare standards. Caley has long had an interest in animal protection issues and has been an active volunteer with several animal protection organisations. Caley is thrilled to be bringing her research skills and practical experience to a position at Humane Research Australia.

Megan Johnston, Director, Communications and Events

Megan has been an active and dedicated advocate and volunteer for numerous animal welfare organisations for most of her adult life. Prior to joining Humane Research Australia Megan enjoyed a 12 year career in the media industry specialising in business development, advertising, client relationship management and marketing/promotions for community & newsstand publications. Megan is delighted to have the opportunity to combine her skills and passion in the role of Event Manager for Humane Research Australia.