About A Brave Life

  1. Home
  2. »
  3. About
  4. »
  5. Our Team

Our Team

We have an incredible team that is passionate about encouraging and empowering young women to dream big and to LIVE LIFE BRAVE.

Mel Redsell

Mel Redsell OAM

Founding Director/CEO

Melissa has a Bachelor of Nursing Science, Graduate diploma in Midwifery & Postgraduate certificate in Sexual Health as well extensive experience both personally and professionally working with vulnerable mothers. Having been a teenage mother herself, Mel aims to see that vulnerable mothers have the support they need. Melissa was recently named the 2023 QLD Australian of the Year Local Hero.

Bianca Campling

Bianca Campling

Volunteer Coordinator

Bianca has a Bachelor of Nursing Science, Diploma in Early Childhood Education and many years of experience working as a Kindergarten teacher and working closely with families in the community as a Registered Nurse. Bianca is a mother of 4 girls (including twins) and is aware of the daily necessities required for infants.

Sophie-Jane-Adler-Magee

Sophie-Jane Adler-Magee

Director

Sophie-Jane is a Registered Nurse and was also a teenage mother herself. Sophie-Jane is eager to equip, empower and encourage other vulnerable mothers to pursue their ambitions, especially when it comes to education and employment pathways. Sophie-Jane is a mother to a gorgeous 4 year old.

Breanna Solomon

Breanna Solomon

Qualified Counsellor & Director

Breanna is a Registered Counsellor and Peer Support mentor with a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and a Diploma of Health Science . Breanna is passionate about working with vulnerable women in developing healthy choices and living a positive lifestyle.

Mandy Bell

Chair

Mandy is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in the finance industry, currently as the Senior Manager at a Community Bank. Mandy’s passion lies in supporting the community and the impactful work of not-for-profit organisations.

Her personal journey also aligns with the mission of A Brave Life—having faced challenges at a young age, Mandy became pregnant with her first child at 17 due to difficult circumstances at home. She is eager to contribute to an organisation that positively impacts vulnerable mothers and aims to contribute to their well-being.
Fiona Sarkissian

Fiona Sarkissian

Director

Fiona brings over a decade of People & Culture experience in corporate settings and prides herself on her leadership, emotional intelligence and commercial astute.

She is the Head of People & Culture at Collective Wellness Group, a mother of two under 3 years of age, Social Work degree qualified and very passionate about health and fitness (she is also a qualified Personal Trainer). Fiona’s unique combination of professional skills and life experience make her a well-rounded asset to the Board.
Leah Stangle

Leah Stangle

Director

Leah is a General Counsel with a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce and further studies in Commercial Laws and Corporate Governance. Leah is passionate about supporting local women in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast and helping the not-for-profit sector through stronger corporate governance and business systems.

Leah is a past chair/director of Brisbane Women’s Club, past chair of UN Women Australia Brisbane Committee and active committee member of National Council of Women Qld and her local school and community neighbourhood watch group. Leah is a mum, in a family of 5, with 3 girls aged between 7-18; mum life is fantastically hectic!