Our Board
Rebecca Martin
Chairperson
Christine Ryan
Deputy Chairperson
Hannah Stenning
Director
Rebecca joined Delta Therapy Dogs in 2013 as a volunteer. Seeing first-hand the power of pet therapy, she then joined the board in 2018 as a Non-Executive Director before being appointed as Chair in 2022. The Founder and CEO of Shift Happens, providing consulting, coaching and training to create a shift in business, leadership and teams, she has held senior roles in sales and marketing with Ford Motor Company, in both Australia and overseas. She was CEO of a Joint Venture for a subsidiary of Macquarie Leasing before establishing successful businesses in hospitality, finance, education, and online retail. She loves to read, write, garden and spend time with her family and friends and is known to be a little bit obsessed with her two whippets, Aston and Remy and her flock of chooks. She is constantly amazed at the impact animals have on people’s lives.
Christine joined Delta as a volunteer in 2013 with her dog Marley at the Randwick Children’s Hospital and quickly found visiting hospitals and aged care as a therapy dog team is the most rewarding experience ever. Christine joined the Board in 2017 as Non Executive Director and as Deputy Chair in 2019. After a career with Australia’s largest retailers, Christine brings to the Board expertise in marketing and integrated communication strategies, managing large cross function budgets, people management, customer service and change management. Christine is now managed by her rescue dog Astro who, due to his horrific start to life and his resultant appalling manners, will sadly never be a therapy dog. She also works as a mentor with The Retail Mentors.
Hannah is a Walkley Award winning journalist and digital newsroom leader. She has worked as Head of Video for Newscorp Australia, Commissioning Editor of News.com.au and as a producer of 60 Minutes. She is passionate about both people and animals and lives with her husband, twin daughters and a bernese mountain dog named Pumpkin.
Shane Matthews
Director
Julie Harris
Director
Zara Boland
Director
Shane is a corporate lawyer with over 20 years’ experience across several industries, including education, professional services, government and veterinary services. Shane is currently General Counsel and Company Secretary at Australia's largest group of veterinary clinics and hospitals. Previously, Shane was General Counsel and Head of Compliance and Governance for a large international education company and held a senior in-house legal position at one of Australia's universities. Shane has a combined Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degree, and a Masters of Laws from ANU. Shane's work as an in-house lawyer has earned him recognition as a finalist in the Corporate Counsel awards in 2016, 2017 and 2020. Outside of law, Shane enjoys spending time with two miniature Dachshunds, Diesel and Elle.
Julie Harris has over 20 years experience in the Veterinary Industry, with expertise in People and Culture functions. Julie's experience includes, Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Learning & Development, Payroll, Recruitment and Safety. Julie currently works as the Chief People Officer for a large Not for Profit organisation, in the employment services industry, focusing on people and culture initiatives. Throughout her career she has had a strong focus on leadership. Implementing programs to develop leaders to feel engaged in their work and life, and drive positive organisational culture.
Zara is a clinical veterinarian and an experienced, senior corporate external affairs & communications specialist, currently working in the field of veterinary external affairs. Originally from Ireland, she has over 15 years’ experience in the global pet food and pharmaceutical industries, which has led her to live and work all over the world. Zara has served as a Board Director for the British Veterinary Association and was the founding Director and CEO of Vet Voice Ltd, an independent veterinary communications consultancy based in London. She has also served as Board Director for the non-profit organisation Born Free, both in the UK and USA. She has broad experience as a media spokesperson on both proactive and reactive PR issues and campaigns and looks forward to bringing some of these skills to Delta. Zara is currently owned by a rescue cat named Scamp, having lost her beloved 11-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog just 12 months ago. She is also fostering Lenny the Labrador puppy, who she hopes will grow up to be an Assistance Dog and transform the life of one very lucky human.
Candice Crawford
Director
Neil Makepeace
Director
Candice is an experienced business executive and Chartered Accountant. Her background encompasses strategic planning, financial management, and fostering strategies to optimise customer experiences. With over 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles, Candice now serves on several boards and is passionate about helping organisations grow and communities thrive. Candice is passionate about Delta’s work and is focused on creating more opportunities for humans and animals to bring joy to one another. She lives in Newcastle with her husband, two sons and beloved labrador, Jaz.
Neil is a passionate leader and director with 30 years’ experience solving complex problems to deliver tangible business and social value. He has a strong track record in governance, executive leadership, management consulting, strategic planning, systems development and operations, and is known for leading with integrity and trust. Through his socially responsible leadership, Neil has made a difference in areas like child safety, youth justice, disability, domestic and family violence and the environment. He was founding chair of the Open Data Institute Queensland, a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating value in government, business and society through open data, and previously co-founded Mates4Mates in support of injured members of the Australian Defence Forces. He currently serves as Board Chair of Autism Queensland. Neil spends his weekends doing ocean swims and spending time with his family, including two border collies, Josie and Toby.