Our Board
Playgroup WA is governed by a voluntary Board with direct playgroup experience or connection.
Leanne Gordon – President
Being on the Board of Playgroup WA is an ideal match with Leanne’s skills and experience, the keen interest she has in child development, and as the mum of two sons. Having attended various playgroups over the years when her children were younger, Leanne has always recognised the benefits of playgroups for young children and their parents.
Leanne brings to the role the experience gained from many years in senior management roles in human resources and organization development, and her current experience of running a change management practice. Leanne has a Commerce degree, majoring in Human Resources Management and Strategic Management, and completed Executive Leadership programs with the Australian Graduate School of Management, AICD Governance training, and the Akimbo altMBA. Leanne has previous experience as the Chair and member of a range of industry Boards and committees.
Sandy Davidson – Vice President
Sandy has extensive and diverse experience in strategic management with specific competencies in finance, human resources and asset management. With many years working as a Chief Financial Officer for a large not-for-profit, Sandy brings specific sector knowledge to the Board of Playgroup WA. Sandy’s focus is on knowledge-sharing and is currently working as a trainer/assessor with international students who are studying business at Advanced Diploma level. She has a Master of Business Administration, focusing on Management and Leadership.
Sandy joined the Board of Playgroup WA in 2019 and is the Vice President. After watching what an important part of early childhood playgroup was for her daughters and their children, Sandy is passionate to give back to the community by serving on the Board.
Dr Melanie Henry – Secretary
Dr Mel Henry is a Diversity and Inclusion Practitioner with a background in Educational Psychology. Mel’s experience spans over a decade working in higher education across student support and transition services, management, research and policy roles. She has also worked in government and not-for-profit sectors and managed online counselling services. Mel holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Edith Cowan University, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Psychology from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne. Mel is published in the areas of online student engagement and learning, and equal opportunity.
Neil Stockdale – Treasurer
Neil has over 20 years experience in senior Finance, Risk, Strategy and Commercial roles. He has worked for a number of global energy companies in London, Singapore and Australia with a strong focus on supporting the transition to a low carbon environment in a sustainable and responsible way. Neil is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor Degree in Geology.
Neil joined the Playgroup Board in 2021 with the aim of using his experience to give back to the community through the positive opportunities that Playgroup offers.
Victoria (Vicky) Jansen
Giulia Stangle