Our Board
Playgroup WA is governed by a voluntary Board with direct playgroup experience or connection.
Sandy Davidson – 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 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.
Victoria (Vicky) Jansen - Vice President
With over 13 years project management experience across the university, government and non-for-profit sector, Victoria is incredibly passionate about developing and implementing best-practice programs to make a difference. She has a diverse skill-set and background in creating evidence-based public health programs and campaigns, along with experience in engaging, recruiting, onboarding, and meaningfully involving volunteers and community members. Her most fulfilling role to date is currently as stay-at-home mum to her two young children.
Victoria has experienced first hand the value Playgroup provides in not only creating strong social connections for her children but also for herself and enjoys being part of shaping it for the future.
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.
Allison Ross
Allison is mum to 3 boys who all formed their earliest friendships at playgroup.
Allison has over 20 years senior leadership experience across a range of industry sectors. As a strategic People and Culture leader, practitioner and change manager, she is passionate about working with leaders and teams to create environments where people can thrive and be their best each day.
Allison's extensive background spans both commercial and non-profit sectors and she is recognised as a Fellow Certified HR Professional (FCPHR) by the Australian HR Institute.
Bridgitte Clune
After completing a degree in Occupational Therapy, Bridgitte pursued a career in rural health across the Midwest, Kimberley, and Gascoyne. She has four small children and has been part of playgroup for seven years, holding President and Secretary roles. Bridgitte values how Playgroup nurtures connection, learning, and development for young families in the bush and hopes rural challenges are considered in board strategy and planning.
Jessica Valentine
Jess is a mum of two sons and a passionate advocate for children and their rights. Jess specialises in international children’s rights and has worked in academia, policy and law. Jess has worked as a child rights advisor for both UNICEF Georgia and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
Jess’ background includes legally representing children and parents involved in the child protection system. This cemented her passion for early intervention and improving communities through connection. Joining her local Playgroup added a lot of joy to Jess’ early parenting experience.
Patrick Ndlovu
Patrick Ndlovu is an experienced executive with nearly 20 years of leadership experience, including 15 years in the disability sector. As a CEO, he has led transformative changes in rebranding, workplace culture, and organisational restructuring. Patrick's expertise in NDIS compliance, governance, and operational efficiency has driven significant improvements.
He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Social Science. As a member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Patrick focuses on governance, strategic planning, risk management, and financial oversight to drive organisational success.
He is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, enhancing services for individuals with disabilities and culturally diverse communities. With a young family, Patrick fully understands the benefits of playgroups for families and aligns with Playgroup WA’s inclusive mission.