Our Team
Equipping young people to choose safer paths
Meet our facilitators who deliver the Be Wise Presentations with passion and impact, engaging every audience.
Aidan Phelan
Facilitator
With a background in education and assisting students with special needs, Aidan is a natural when it comes to engaging with young people in a classroom setting. Passionate about the Foundation and challenging “skewed ideals of masculinity”, he is of the firm belief that a significant shift in attitudes to violence is entirely possible by connecting with the current generation.
In his spare time, Aidan is also a keen scholar of history and artist, with an intense interest in the history of Australia’s bushrangers and the paths that led them to a life of violent crime. He curates a website on the topic, showcasing years of research, and has been closely involved in several books.
Alan Latu
Facilitator
Alan is a seasoned public speaker, a respected sports coach, and an invaluable member of the Pat Cronin Foundation team.
He is deeply committed to teaching young people to think before impulsively acting on emotions, including anger. And, like all our speakers, he offers a distinct and valuable perspective to the role.
With a natural aptitude for coaching and mentoring, Alan is the Director of Rugby at Xavier College in Kew, Melbourne, and was recently appointed to the Board of Rugby Victoria. In addition, he has 400 games of rugby experience, five Dewar Shield Premierships and a stint in Spain.
Cathryn Mahon
Facilitators
Cathryn is a passionate advocate for empowering young people and fostering positive change.
With over three years in student support, she has worked across seven Central Victorian schools, helping them stay in school and explore career opportunities. Her expertise in mentoring, workshop facilitation, and problem-solving enables her to guide young people in discovering their strengths and potential.
Beyond education, Cathryn has a diverse background in leadership, community engagement, and business. She has collaborated with small businesses to improve customer experiences and led initiatives that connect people with opportunities for growth and success. Her ability to engage with diverse audiences makes her a compelling and relatable speaker.
Personally impacted by the devastating consequences of violence, Cathryn is deeply committed to preventing coward punches and promoting safer choices. As a mum of two and an avid motorbike enthusiast, she brings energy, experience, and a strong sense of purpose to her role as a speaker for the Pat Cronin Foundation.
Martine McKee
Facilitator
With a lived experience of mental illness and substance use, Martine brings a profound understanding to her role as a distinguished mental health advocate and educator. Her personal journey has shaped her dedication to mental health first aid and trauma-informed care.
As an experienced and sought-after presenter, Martine is known for her compelling workshops that blend professional expertise with personal insights. Beyond mental health education, she is actively engaged in efforts to reduce senseless violence, including the fight against the coward punch. Her commitment to fostering empathy and resilience extends to advocating for safer, more supportive communities.
Through her work, Martine inspires others to address mental health challenges and societal violence with compassion and informed action.
Peter Kennedy
Facilitator
A close family friend of the Cronin family and with children of a similar age, Peter has always been passionate about spreading the messages of the Foundation.
Additionally, as an experienced TAFE lecturer, Peter is able to connect with audiences of all ages and wants to use that ability to inspire a shift in the next generation’s attitudes to violence.
Peter Treseder
Facilitator
Peter, a highly trained and skilled presenter, spends a significant amount of time educating AustralianSuper members on the superannuation and age pension systems. But it’s not just his speaking skills that make him a valuable member of the Pat Cronin Foundation’s presenting team.
As a family friend of the Cronin’s for over 45 years, he witnessed the impact of Pat’s death firsthand, as well as the ripple effect of the cowardly attack throughout the community. Peter’s personal connection to Pat’s story gives him a unique and powerful perspective, which he shares when he speaks on behalf of the Foundation with skill and passion.
Stacey Dvorak
Facilitator
Stacey, a passionate presenter for the Pat Cronin Foundation, is deeply committed to guiding young individuals in thoughtful decision-making. Stacey story is nothing short of a triumph of the human spirit. Despite a childhood marred by trauma, poverty, and homelessness, Stacey refused to let her circumstances define her.
Stacey’s remarkable journey has been marked by her courageous decision-making, as she refused to be defined by her past or limited by her circumstances.
Through sheer grit and determination, she clawed her way out of poverty and built a life that is a shining example of what is possible when one refuses to be defeated.
With a wealth of lived experiences and street-smart wisdom, she empowers audiences to unlock their full potential. Stacey’s inspiring journey and powerful messages have made her a sought-after speaker, leaving a lasting impact on stages across Australia. Join her transformative presentations and embrace courageous choices for personal growth.
Warren Richards
Facilitator
Warren recently transitioned away from the financial services industry after a 20-year career, the last 5 of which he spent working with Matt Cronin at his financial planning practice.
Warren’s son Kane played football and cricket against Pat from age 10 to senior football, so the loss of Pat was very close to home for the Richards family. Warren’s personal connection to the Cronin family adds emotion and authenticity to his presentations, which always resonates with his audience.
Always actively involved in local sporting clubs—being a Life Member of the Greensborough Junior Football Club and Lower Eltham Cricket Club, Warren and his family have enjoyed countless seasons of active involvement both on and off the field, which has led to many close lifelong friendships.
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.
Meet the dedicated team working to bring Pat’s story and the Foundation’s mission into schools and communities. From strategy to delivery, each team member contributes expertise to ensure our programs are impactful, professional and sustainable.
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.
Our Board has been carefully appointed to ensure the highest standards of governance, accountability and professionalism, guiding the Foundation with strategic oversight and a strong commitment to its mission.
Matt Cronin
Chair (Founder)
Matt is Pat’s father. Matt has been a partner in a financial planning business since 2004. Matt has been a board member of the AMP Financial Planners Association and Chair of Our Lady Help of Christians’ school board. Matt has served on the Committee of the Research Junior Football Club for 9 years including 3 years as President and as Secretary of the Lower Plenty Football Club. Matt is also a current member of the Victorian Government’s Victims of Crime Consultative Committee. Matt spends much of his free time cycling to stay fit and with his wife Robyn and children Emma and Lucas.
Robyn Cronin
Board Director (Founder)
Robyn is Pat’s mother. Robyn has been involved in many different community roles such as President of the Parents and Friends of Our Lady’s Primary School, merchandise manager at Research Junior Football Club and Lower Plenty Football Club and Team Coordinator at Eltham Calisthenics College. Robyn enjoys spending her spare time with her family Matt and her children; Emma and Lucas.
David Hrovat
Board Director
David is a secondary teacher at Ivanhoe Grammar School Plenty Campus where he has gained experience in developing and implementing curriculum through his roles as wellbeing coordinator and deputy head of year. He comes to the Foundation with a knowledge of the education system, further studies in adolescent counselling and a passion for the wellbeing of young adults.
David became involved in the Foundation after facilitating one of the first trials of the classroom education programs in 2018. After seeing firsthand the impact Pat’s story has on young adults, he wanted to assist in the growth of the Foundation and development of its educational programs.
Michael Bishop
Board Director
Michael is a partner with Pointon Partners Lawyers and has been practicing as a commercial lawyer for over twenty-five years. His practice areas include mergers and acquisitions and employment law.
Apart from his role with the Foundation, he is a long-standing committee member of several other not-for-profit bodies. As part of his legal practice, he regularly establishes not-for-profit entities for clients and provides advice to charities and not-for-profit bodies. In his spare time, Michael enjoys golf and running.
Phillip Ralph
Board Director
Phil is the CEO & Founder of The Leadership Sphere. Phil’s capability and passion is working with senior leaders and teams to achieve high levels of individual, team and organisational performance.
Through his personal connection to the family, Phil and TLS have been longtime supporters of the Pat Cronin Foundation. He is proud to have partnered with the Foundation on numerous occasions and recognises the impact the Foundation has on young people across Australia.
Stella Pruscino
Board Director
Stella is an Account Director and Shareholder at Edgewise Insurance Brokers, bringing over 30 years of expertise in Global Placement, Client Service, and Business and Product Development within the Risk and Insurance sector. Renowned for her passion for continuous learning and fostering connections, Stella empowers individuals and organisations to achieve their business and personal objectives.
A confident speaker and presenter, Stella has over 12 years of board experience and her leadership extends beyond professional achievements, as she champions community engagement and inclusivity through strategic governance and advocacy. As a mother of two young men, Stella’s commitment to child safety has been a lifelong priority. This dedication has evolved into a broader mission to create safe, supportive environments across her professional and community endeavours.
Grant Nichol
Board Director
Grant runs the Wholesale Operation for The Flavorite Group, Australia’s largest glasshouse producers of fresh produce. Grant has traded in the Melbourne Fruit Markets for almost 40yrs seeing many industry changes. Grant holds board positions on a variety of industry groups supporting the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable industry.
Grant, a father of two boys Lachlan (25) & Liam (22) living in the Diamond Valley followed Pat’s story and that of Matt & Robyn Cronin. Meeting Matt & Robyn at the Be Wise Ball in ’22 inspired Grant & his close friend Rick to set about preparing to take on the challenge of riding their push bikes from Alice Springs to Darwin (1,496km) in May ’23 in the “Ride 2 Be Wise”. The ride raised over $126,000.00 for the Foundation. Quite a challenge given Grant didn’t even own a bike when he agreed to the challenge let alone having never ridden any distance.
Joel Sardi
Board Director
Joel is a veteran and more importantly, a local. He grew up in Eltham and has connections throughout the community through sport and leisure.
Now involved with the Department of Veteran Affairs he finds purpose in improving the lives of those who have served and their families. No stranger to adversity, he brings a unique lens and perspective joining the Pat Cronin board to contribute to the incredibly impactful work already being done.
Geoff Dickson
Board Director
Geoff is a professor of sport management at La Trobe University. A Brisbane boy, Geoff started his academic career at Central Queensland University before a 14-year tenure at Auckland University of Technology. While in New Zealand, Geoff was a director of Gymnastics New Zealand, Tennis Northern, AFL New Zealand, and President of the Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand.
After failed sporting careers in Australian football, triathlon, and ultra-marathon, he considers golf to be his last chance to attain sporting mediocrity.
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.
Matthew Richardson
Ambassador
Matthew “Richo” Richardson was a successful AFL footballer, playing 282 games with the Richmond Football Club. Since retiring, Richo has become a strong media performer, featuring on a number of Channel Seven sporting shows, and as a football commentator on both television and radio.
Matthew Keenan
Ambassador
Matthew is Australia’s pre-eminent cycling broadcaster and leads coverage of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia for Australian audiences, as well as hosting The Bike Lane on SBS Television. Matt is also a regular on SEN, ABC and 3AW Radio, and is a frequent contributor to print media. In addition to Ambassador for the Pat Cronin Foundation, Matthew is an Ambassador for The Baker Institute.
Sam Switkowski
Ambassador
Sam Switkowski is a current player in the AFL at the Fremantle Football Club. Sam played junior football with Pat and is passionate about supporting the work of the Pat Cronin Foundation. Sam co-ordinated a Walk to Anywhere event in Perth attracting 30 supporters of the Foundation.
Mark Murphy
Ambassador
Previously principal at Marcellin College, Bulleen (VIC), Mark has been involved in Catholic Education for 30+ years and attended Whitefriars as a student, graduating in 1982.
Mark is our first Education Ambassador, and he was only too happy to add his voice to let others in the education sector know about our important work.
Mark is married to Caroline, and they have 5 children (including Luke who was in the same year level as Pat at Whitefriars).
Craig Huggins
Ambassador
Craig ‘Huggy’ Huggins is a radio broadcaster on Melbourne’s Gold 104.3 and is a family friend of the Cronins. Huggy got to know Pat through the Research Junior Football Club where his son Tye also played.
Huggy has been our MC and Ground Announcer at each of our Be Wise Walks and is always happy to promote our Be Wise message.
Sarah Rowe
Ambassador
From County Mayo, Sarah is a former Republic of Ireland football international who is now one of the stars of the AFLW for Collingwood. Sarah also studies neurolinguistics and loves exploring the part that psychology plays in sport.
Sarah said “After listening to Robyn, I came to understand they’ve gained an incredible sense of purpose in changing attitudes to violence, as well as raising awareness of its potential long-term impacts through an understanding of Pat’s story.
For me, if the initiative can save the lives of others, then the effort will have been worthwhile.”
Ash Riddell
Ambassador
Ash Riddell is not only one of the AFLW’s brightest talents — she’s also a passionate advocate for safer communities. As a former classmate of Pat’s, Ash carries a deeply personal connection to the Pat Cronin Foundation and proudly stands alongside us as an ambassador.
On and off the field, Ash leads with heart. She uses her platform to champion our mission to End the Coward Punch and supports our work to educate young Australians about violence prevention.
Peter Helliar
Ambassador
Peter Helliar is a well-known comedian, actor, television presenter and writer. Since 2014 Peter has been one of the regular hosts of The Project on Network Ten. Peter first participated in the 2019 Be Wise Walk to the Valley and cited it as one of his top 10 highlights of the 2019 year.
When Matt and Robyn approached him to assist the Foundation as an Ambassador, he didn’t hesitate to help us out.
Denis Walter
Ambassador
Denis is a popular tv and radio presenter and media personality His career as a singer spans forty years, 16 albums and one Be Wise Ball performance.
A proud grandfather of two boys, Denis was awarded the OAM in 2015 for service to the performing arts.
Denis is also a Patron for Cystic Fibrosis Australia and an Ambassador for Dementia Australia.