<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Lionheart Team</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Lionheart Team</h2>

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Meet our team of amazing staff, facilitators and volunteers.

They play a pivotal role, providing support and care to children and their loved ones as they navigate through the grieving process. They share a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families, bringing a wide range of skills and expertise and working together as a team to ensure that every child receives the best possible care and support.

They are the heart and soul of our organization, and we could not do the work we do without them.

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CEO &amp; Founder

Shelly is the Founder and CEO of Lionheart Camp for Kids.  With a passion and commitment to working with children and their families following the death of a loved one Shelly is committed to working towards building a community where grief is seen as a healthy and positive response to death and life challenges and where everyone is taught the skills to grieve in a healthy and safe way.

Since graduating from The University of Western Australia in 2001 with a Bachelor of Social Work, Shelly has worked as a hospital Social Worker in the fields of Oncology, Palliative Care, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Injury and Emergency Medicine within Western Australia and the United Kingdom.

Shelly has significant experience in Social Work management roles specifically working within the paediatric field. 

In addition to her role as CEO for Lionheart, Shelly also works as a Senior Social Worker in the Emergency Department at Perth Children’s Hospital.

Shelly is a registered member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Oncology Social Workers of Australia (OSWA), and The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement (ACGB).

Program Development Coordinator &amp; Volunteer Coordinator

Family Liaison &amp; Facilitator

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CEO &amp; Founder
Shelly is the Founder and CEO of Lionheart Camp for Kids.  With a passion and commitment to working with children and their families following the death of a loved one Shelly is committed to working towards building a community where grief is seen as a healthy and positive response to death and life challenges and where everyone is taught the skills to grieve in a healthy and safe way.
Since graduating from The University of Western Australia in 2001 with a Bachelor of Social Work, Shelly has worked as a hospital Social Worker in the fields of Oncology, Palliative Care, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Injury and Emergency Medicine within Western Australia and the United Kingdom.
Shelly has significant experience in Social Work management roles specifically working within the paediatric field. 
In addition to her role as CEO for Lionheart, Shelly also works as a Senior Social Worker in the Emergency Department at Perth Children’s Hospital.
Shelly is a registered member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Oncology Social Workers of Australia (OSWA), and The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement (ACGB).

Program Development Coordinator &amp; Volunteer Coordinator

Family Liaison &amp; Facilitator

Creative Director &amp; Facilitator

Christian Barratt has been working as a volunteer, media creative, program facilitator and mentor with Lionheart Camp for Kids since 2018.
Christian is a musician, illustrator, writer and filmmaker who worked in children’s therapy with the Starlight Children’s Foundation from 2012 to 2022.

Christian graduated from Edith Cowan University in 2009 with a BA (Writing), GradDip (Professional Writing) and Masters of Communications (Screen Studies).

Christian has received several local awards for filmmaking and scriptwriting, performed on stage, produced radio shows and podcasts, and illustrated four children's books.

Office &amp; Camp Manager

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Lead Facilitator

Claire Hickey is a Social Worker and Early Childhood Teacher. She graduated from Curtin University of Technology in 2008 with a Bachelor of Social Work, going on to work at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (PMH) and the Child Development Service.

Claire then went on to complete her Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) in 2014. She currently works as a Kindergarten Teacher.

Claire was a volunteer and facilitator of Blue Skies children’s bereavement program from 2010-2013.

Creative Director &amp; Facilitator
Christian Barratt has been working as a volunteer, media creative, program facilitator and mentor with Lionheart Camp for Kids since 2018. 
Christian is a musician, illustrator, writer and filmmaker who worked in children’s therapy with the Starlight Children’s Foundation from 2012 to 2022.
Christian graduated from Edith Cowan University in 2009 with a BA (Writing), GradDip (Professional Writing) and Masters of Communications (Screen Studies).
Christian has received several local awards for filmmaking and scriptwriting, performed on stage, produced radio shows and podcasts, and illustrated four children&#8217;s books.

Office &amp; Camp Manager
&nbsp;

Lead Facilitator
Claire Hickey is a Social Worker and Early Childhood Teacher. She graduated from Curtin University of Technology in 2008 with a Bachelor of Social Work, going on to work at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (PMH) and the Child Development Service.
Claire then went on to complete her Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) in 2014. She currently works as a Kindergarten Teacher.
Claire was a volunteer and facilitator of Blue Skies children’s bereavement program from 2010-2013.

Lead Facilitator

“I learnt early on in life the impact that death of a significant person can have on someone, their family and friends. My own personal experience sparked my interest in learning about grief and ways to support others throughout such a difficult time.
I am a fully registered Psychologist, with postgraduate qualifications in Grief &amp; Palliative Care Counselling, Counselling Bereaved Children along with modules in art therapy.
I have been working &amp; volunteering in the field of bereavement for over 10 years with organisations such as the Bereavement Care Centre (National Centre for Childhood Grief), Davidson Trahaire Corpsych, SIDS and Kids QLD (now Red Nose), CanTeen QLD and CanTeen WA.
I am married to an amazing husband and we have a little boy who is almost 2yrs old and a little baby girl, both who are rapidly growing.”

Lead Facilitator

&nbsp;

Lead Facilitator
“I learnt early on in life the impact that death of a significant person can have on someone, their family and friends. My own personal experience sparked my interest in learning about grief and ways to support others throughout such a difficult time. 
I am a fully registered Psychologist, with postgraduate qualifications in Grief &amp; Palliative Care Counselling, Counselling Bereaved Children along with modules in art therapy. 
I have been working &amp; volunteering in the field of bereavement for over 10 years with organisations such as the Bereavement Care Centre (National Centre for Childhood Grief), Davidson Trahaire Corpsych, SIDS and Kids QLD (now Red Nose), CanTeen QLD and CanTeen WA. 
I am married to an amazing husband and we have a little boy who is almost 2yrs old and a little baby girl, both who are rapidly growing.”

Lead Facilitator
&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Lionheart Team</h2>



Meet our team of amazing staff, facilitators and volunteers. 



They play a pivotal role, providing support and care to children and their loved ones as they navigate through the grieving process. They share a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families, bringing a wide range of skills and expertise and working together as a team to ensure that every child receives the best possible care and support.



They are the heart and soul of our organization, and we could not do the work we do without them.


{&#8220;id&#8221;:&#8221;tiles&#8221;,&#8221;tiles&#8221;:[{&#8220;tile&#8221;:{&#8220;sourceUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Shelly-Skinner-close-up-e1680681056445.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;alt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;linkText&#8221;:&#8221;Shelly Skinner&#8221;,&#8221;fromColour&#8221;:&#8221;#6E214B&#8221;,&#8221;toColour&#8221;:&#8221;#FCD600&#8243;,&#8221;expanderContent&#8221;:&#8221;CEO &amp; Founder<\/strong><\/p>\nShelly is the Founder and CEO of Lionheart Camp for Kids.\u00a0 With a passion and commitment to working with children and their families following the death of a loved one Shelly is committed to working towards building a community where grief is seen as a healthy and positive response to death and life challenges and where everyone is taught the skills to grieve in a healthy and safe way.<\/span><\/p>\nSince graduating from The University of Western Australia in 2001 with a Bachelor of Social Work, Shelly has worked as a hospital Social Worker in the fields of Oncology, Palliative Care, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Injury and Emergency Medicine within Western Australia and the United Kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\nShelly has significant experience in Social Work management roles specifically working within the paediatric field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn addition to her role as CEO for Lionheart, Shelly also works as a Senior Social Worker in the Emergency Department at Perth Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/span><\/p>\nShelly is a registered member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Oncology Social Workers of Australia (OSWA), and The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement (ACGB).<\/span><\/p>\n&#8221;,&#8221;expanderUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Shelly-Skinner-full-length.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;expanderAlt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}},{&#8220;tile&#8221;:{&#8220;sourceUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Laura-Butshiire-close-up-e1680767313544.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;alt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;linkText&#8221;:&#8221;Laura Butshiire&#8221;,&#8221;fromColour&#8221;:&#8221;#6E214B&#8221;,&#8221;toColour&#8221;:&#8221;#FCD600&#8243;,&#8221;expanderContent&#8221;:&#8221;Program Development Coordinator &amp; Volunteer Coordinator<\/strong><\/p>\n&#8221;,&#8221;expanderUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Laura-Butshiire-full-length.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;expanderAlt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}},{&#8220;tile&#8221;:{&#8220;sourceUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Emma-Claessen-Close-Up-e1680767665839.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;alt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;linkText&#8221;:&#8221;Emma Claessen&#8221;,&#8221;fromColour&#8221;:&#8221;#6E214B&#8221;,&#8221;toColour&#8221;:&#8221;#FCD600&#8243;,&#8221;expanderContent&#8221;:&#8221;Family Liaison &amp; Facilitator<\/strong><\/p>\n&#8221;,&#8221;expanderUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Emma-Claessen-full-length.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;expanderAlt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}}],&#8221;title&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}

{&#8220;id&#8221;:&#8221;tiles&#8221;,&#8221;tiles&#8221;:[{&#8220;tile&#8221;:{&#8220;sourceUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1639796130836.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;alt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;linkText&#8221;:&#8221;Christian Barratt&#8221;,&#8221;fromColour&#8221;:&#8221;#6E214B&#8221;,&#8221;toColour&#8221;:&#8221;#FCD600&#8243;,&#8221;expanderContent&#8221;:&#8221;Creative Director &amp; Facilitator<\/strong><\/p>\nChristian Barratt has been working as a volunteer, media creative, program facilitator and mentor with Lionheart Camp for Kids since 2018. \nChristian is a musician, illustrator, writer and filmmaker who worked in children\u2019s therapy with the Starlight Children\u2019s Foundation from 2012 to 2022.<\/p>\nChristian graduated from Edith Cowan University in 2009 with a BA (Writing), GradDip (Professional Writing) and Masters of Communications (Screen Studies).<\/p>\nChristian has received several local awards for filmmaking and scriptwriting, performed on stage, produced radio shows and podcasts, and illustrated four children&#8217;s books.<\/p>\n&#8221;,&#8221;expanderUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1639796130836.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;expanderAlt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}},{&#8220;tile&#8221;:{&#8220;sourceUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Yvonne-Katin-close-up-e1680767460198.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;alt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;linkText&#8221;:&#8221;Yvonne Katin&#8221;,&#8221;fromColour&#8221;:&#8221;#6E214B&#8221;,&#8221;toColour&#8221;:&#8221;#FCD600&#8243;,&#8221;expanderContent&#8221;:&#8221;Office &amp; Camp Manager<\/b><\/p>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n&#8221;,&#8221;expanderUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Yvonne-Katin-Full-length.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;expanderAlt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}},{&#8220;tile&#8221;:{&#8220;sourceUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/File_080-1-e1723474428952.jpeg&#8221;,&#8221;alt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;linkText&#8221;:&#8221;Claire Hickey&#8221;,&#8221;fromColour&#8221;:&#8221;#6E214B&#8221;,&#8221;toColour&#8221;:&#8221;#FCD600&#8243;,&#8221;expanderContent&#8221;:&#8221;Lead Facilitator<\/b><\/p>\nClaire Hickey is a Social Worker and Early Childhood Teacher. She graduated from Curtin University of Technology in 2008 with a Bachelor of Social Work, going on to work at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (PMH) and the Child Development Service.<\/span><\/p>\nClaire then went on to complete her Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) in 2014. She currently works as a Kindergarten Teacher.<\/span><\/p>\nClaire was a volunteer and facilitator of Blue Skies children\u2019s bereavement program from 2010-2013.<\/span><\/p>\n&#8221;,&#8221;expanderUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/File_080-1-e1723474428952.jpeg&#8221;,&#8221;expanderAlt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}}],&#8221;title&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}

{&#8220;id&#8221;:&#8221;tiles&#8221;,&#8221;tiles&#8221;:[{&#8220;tile&#8221;:{&#8220;sourceUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8151-scaled-e1721951758641.jpeg&#8221;,&#8221;alt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;linkText&#8221;:&#8221;Kristy Felsea&#8221;,&#8221;fromColour&#8221;:&#8221;#6E214B&#8221;,&#8221;toColour&#8221;:&#8221;#FCD600&#8243;,&#8221;expanderContent&#8221;:&#8221;Lead Facilitator<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cI learnt early on in life the impact that death of a significant person can have on someone, their family and friends. My own personal experience sparked my interest in learning about grief and ways to support others throughout such a difficult time.<\/span><\/i> \n<\/span><\/i>I am a fully registered Psychologist, with postgraduate qualifications in Grief &amp; Palliative Care Counselling, Counselling Bereaved Children along with modules in art therapy.<\/span><\/i> \n<\/span><\/i>I have been working &amp; volunteering in the field of bereavement for over 10 years with organisations such as the Bereavement Care Centre (National Centre for Childhood Grief), Davidson Trahaire Corpsych, SIDS and Kids QLD (now Red Nose), CanTeen QLD and CanTeen WA.<\/span><\/i> \n<\/span><\/i>I am married to an amazing husband and we have a little boy who is almost 2yrs old and a little baby girl, both who are rapidly growing.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n&#8221;,&#8221;expanderUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8155-scaled-e1721951734757.jpeg&#8221;,&#8221;expanderAlt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}},{&#8220;tile&#8221;:{&#8220;sourceUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/OIP-3.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;alt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;linkText&#8221;:&#8221;Kristin Tovey&#8221;,&#8221;fromColour&#8221;:&#8221;#6E214B&#8221;,&#8221;toColour&#8221;:&#8221;#FCD600&#8243;,&#8221;expanderContent&#8221;:&#8221;Lead Facilitator<\/strong><\/p>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n&#8221;,&#8221;expanderUrl&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.lionheartcampforkids.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/OIP-3.jpg&#8221;,&#8221;expanderAlt&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}}],&#8221;title&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}

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