Our Mission & Purpose
Transforming lives through learning
At Catalyst Education, we are dedicated to making a lasting positive impact by empowering individuals with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to excel in the care and education sectors. Through our commitment to innovation, growth, and inclusivity, we strive to build a brighter, more compassionate future for Australia.
OUR PURPOSE
Our purpose is to make a significant contribution to a more capable, caring and compassionate society through contemporary, quality education and training, and advocacy, for the Care and Education sectors across Australia.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to build and skill Care workforces for Australia; to lift the success of our learners and partners to new levels, and benefit communities for generations to come.
OUR VALUES
Our values go to the ambition, diligence and good grace we have in serving the binding purpose of our business and the positive social impact we can make.
Our Investors
Catalyst Education is proudly owned by FP Education Australia (FPEA), a not-for-profit holding company managed by For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP). FPIP is a not-for-profit social impact investment manager, bringing private sector capital and capabilities into sizeable businesses and projects to create significant social impact.
FPIP acquired Catalyst Education in April 2021 through FPEA, with a vision of building a transformative leader in the skills education sector focused on training in the key social sectors of early childhood education, aged care and disability care. Central to FPIP’s investment in Catalyst Education is the values alignment of the Catalyst Education team in delivering social impact in the communities it operates in.
Since 2021, the team at FPIP has partnered with the Catalyst Education team to navigate the challenges of operating Registered Training Organisations coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborated with the Catalyst team to develop and implement an impact management and measurement strategy, and assisted brokering strategic partnerships with aligned organisations’ across the care sectors.
Our People
We believe in a future where compassion thrives; where people support each other to connect, belong and to feel valued at every stage of their lives.
The Catalyst Education team brings a wealth of experience and know-how in their areas of expertise. The team’s primary focus is to empower staff to deliver a unique, human-centered education and training approach that delivers future-ready professionals, armed with the knowledge, skills and capabilities needed to create a compassionate society.
Our Board of Directors comprise highly-skilled individuals with specific industry knowledge and experience in building and growing successful businesses.
David Barnett
Non- Executive Chair
David has spent thirty-six years in the education industry, holding a number of senior leadership positions in Australia and across the Asia Pacific region at Pearson, the global education company. He was particularly closely involved in leading Pearson Australia’s transformation from a print and analogue business to a significant provider of digital products and services, with a greater focus on the learner.
In recent years, David has taken on various new roles in the education field, further showcasing his dedication to the industry. In 2022, he joined the board of E2, an edtech company, as a non-executive director and Chair. He has also provided advisory services to Adventus, an international student recruitment platform, and KordaMentha, an advisory and investment firm.
In 2023, David served as the Interim Chief Operating Officer & Vice President at the University of Canberra. He has also joined the Board of Victoria University Online, where he currently serves as the Chair.
David has held previous non-executive roles, including serving as the Chair of Robert Menzies College, a residential college at Macquarie University, and as a Director of the Copyright Agency.
He is a graduate of Macquarie University, MGSM, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Michael Trail
Non-Executive Director
Michael was the founding CEO of Social Ventures Australia from 2002 -14. Prior to this role, Michael spent 15 years as a Co-Founder and Executive Director of Macquarie Bank’s private equity arm, Macquarie Direct Investment. In his time there, the Macquarie Direct Investment team invested in 43 businesses generating a gross rate of return of 32.3%. Michael chairs Australia’s largest charitable foundation, the Paul Ramsay Foundation, is a Director of Australian Retirement Trust, MH Carnegie & Co., Australian Philanthropic Services and Hearts & Minds Investments and was previously Chair of Goodstart Early Learning.
Michael Chairs the Federal Government Social Impact Investing Taskforce and is the author ‘Jumping Ship – from the world of corporate Australia to the heart of social investment’, Winner Ashurst Business Literature Prize 2017.
Michael holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Melbourne and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Pam Christie
Non-Executive Director
Pam has extensive experience working in the NSW and Australian governments in senior executive roles in the areas of vocational education and training, higher education, regulation and aged care.
Pam is Executive Director, Strategic Capability with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Pam previously led TAFE NSW through a period of transformational change as Managing Director. She commenced her career as a secondary teacher and is passionate about empowering people through education and training.
Pam holds a BA (Macquarie University), Dip Ed and Grad Dip Ed Studies. She is an AICD graduate and Senior Fellow, University of Melbourne.
Our Leadership Team comprise highly-skilled individuals with specific industry knowledge and experience in building and growing successful businesses.
Kean has an enduring passion and commitment to advancing the transformative effect that harmonised education and training can have to advance the economic, social and cultural care, wellbeing and prosperity of our society and the diverse communities in which we work and live, for future generations.
Over the last twenty-five years, Kean has built a broad and significant portfolio of achievement as a senior executive, CEO and board director across the intersecting lenses of vocational, industry and higher education and training in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
As Group CFO and Company Secretary, Salil brings dual expertise in financial leadership and strategic governance to Catalyst Education. With an MBA in Finance, CA designation, and GAICD credentials plus 17+ years in commercial finance, he combines analytical rigor with forward-thinking strategy.
Since joining Catalyst, Salil has driven growth and profitability while building robust operational systems. He champions data-driven decision-making, creating an analytics culture that delivers stronger commercial outcomes and innovation.
Balancing risk management with strategic partnership, he ensures sustainable operations while supporting organizational growth. Catalyst’s values-driven approach to compassionate care has profoundly shaped Salil’s leadership philosophy and work methodology.
In her role as Group Corporate Governance Manager, Danielle ensures the smooth running of board and executive operations, helping Catalyst to meet legislative obligations while also supporting strategic decision-making processes.
With her significant background in public sector governance, Danielle is well-versed in creating systems that foster integrity. Danielle takes pride in supporting teams to achieve their individual and shared goals, and values working within a company that makes a real difference.
Danielle holds a BA (Otago), GradDip Education (Monash) and a GradDip Applied Corporate Governance and Risk Management (GIA). She is also a member of the Governance Institute of Australia.
For over a decade at Catalyst, Syachfri has been the quiet force behind our digital transformation. What started as fixing servers evolved into reimagining how education technology can truly serve people.
From Infrastructure Coordinator to Head of Data and Technology, he’s built systems that don’t just work, they work beautifully. Armed with his RMIT Business IT degree and pursuing CISSP certification, Syachfri creates solutions that strengthen connections between educators, learners, and families.
Esther Wong, a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), is a strategic finance leader with nearly a decade at Catalyst Education. She has progressed from Finance Manager to Head of Finance, where she plays a critical role in driving sustainable growth, regulatory excellence, and meaningful impact in the care and education sectors.
Esther brings cross-sector experience from Toll Logistics, Motorola, and Colonial First State, blending sharp financial strategy with a deep understanding of compliance and forecasting.
Known for her pragmatic, people-first leadership style, she is passionate about creating value through purposeful decision-making—inspired by personal experience as a family caregiver.
Jeanne is passionate about building people-centred workplaces where compliance, care and culture go hand in hand. With a background in administration and customer service in community-focused organisations, she brings practical insight and warmth to her leadership.
Since joining Catalyst Education in 2022 and growing her career in HR, she has overseen the full employee lifecycle, focusing on enhancing the employee experience through effective HR operations, compliance and organisational development. Complemented by a Bachelor of Business (HR Management),
Jeanne brings a collaborative and values-led approach, partnering with managers to lead with clarity, confidence and compassion, ensuring people and ultimately communities thrive.
Tiana has been with Catalyst Education for five years and currently leads Marketing and process coordination across its diverse portfolios. She is passionate about creating innovative, learner-centred strategies that enhance the student experience and strengthen client engagement.
Her approach focuses on designing impactful initiatives that improve communication, streamline processes, and deliver effective marketing outcomes. Tiana thrives on finding practical solutions that achieve measurable results and support lasting positive impact.
With a strong background in youth-focused programs and deep ties to the care sector, she remains committed to creating meaningful learning journeys that make a real difference.
Katherine is an impact driven leader with a passion for making a positive difference in peoples lives. She has over 20 years experience in Early Childhood Education and care and the Vocational Education and Training sector, as well as extensive experience in leadership and management. These skills allow her to lead effective teams, drive innovation and contemporary practice and embed sector advocacy into our Training and Learning delivery.
Katherine brings a strong commitment to creating meaningful change and leading teams through care, empowerment, enrichment and collective purpose to deliver high quality training and assessment outcomes for learners.
Larissa is the Head of Growth and Partnerships at Catalyst Education where she leads the growth and partnerships team for Selmar Institute of Education and Practical Outcomes. She is passionate about shaping the future of education and care by empowering professionals across early childhood and aged care through high-quality training.
With over 10 years’ experience in early childhood, including leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams as a Centre Director, Larissa brings deep sector insight. She holds a Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cultural Analysis. Larissa is committed to cultural inclusion and uniting professionals through strong, impactful partnerships.
With over a decade in the vocational education and training sector, Aruna is driven by purpose, compassion, and a commitment to meaningful impact.
As Head of Quality and Curriculum, Aruna oversees compliance, curriculum development, and continuous improvement with focus on empowering others to embed quality from the outset and developing flexible and inclusive training programs that respond to learner and industry needs.
Aruna’s parental journey deeply informs her work and fuels her dedication to improving access to education and care for children with additional needs.
Sally brings over 20 years of aged care experience, beginning as a personal care worker and now leading as Selmar’s Aged Care Training Manager. Her deep industry knowledge shapes practical, compassionate training.
Sally is driven by a passion to uplift aged care by developing skilled, empathetic carers who truly make a difference. She leads with kindness and energy, ensuring every program meets evolving sector needs and inspires growth in both trainers and learners.
Katherine is an impact driven leader with a passion for making a positive difference in peoples lives. She has over 20 years experience in Early Childhood Education and care and the Vocational Education and Training sector, as well as extensive experience in leadership and management. These skills allow her to lead effective teams, drive innovation and contemporary practice and embed sector advocacy into our Training and Learning delivery.
Katherine brings a strong commitment to creating meaningful change and leading teams through care, empowerment, enrichment and collective purpose to deliver high quality training and assessment outcomes for learners.
Larissa is the Head of Growth and Partnerships at Catalyst Education where she leads the growth and partnerships team for Selmar Institute of Education and Practical Outcomes. She is passionate about shaping the future of education and care by empowering professionals across early childhood and aged care through high-quality training.
With over 10 years’ experience in early childhood, including leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams as a Centre Director, Larissa brings deep sector insight. She holds a Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cultural Analysis. Larissa is committed to cultural inclusion and uniting professionals through strong, impactful partnerships.
With over a decade in the vocational education and training sector, Aruna is driven by purpose, compassion, and a commitment to meaningful impact.
As Head of Quality and Curriculum, Aruna oversees compliance, curriculum development, and continuous improvement with focus on empowering others to embed quality from the outset and developing flexible and inclusive training programs that respond to learner and industry needs.
Aruna’s parental journey deeply informs her work and fuels her dedication to improving access to education and care for children with additional needs.
Nikita is deeply committed to ensuring children receive the best possible start in life through high-quality early learning experiences. A passionate and supportive leader, Nikita is dedicated to guiding and inspiring a team of trainer and assessors. She empowers others through effective training, mentorship, and leadership, helping to build strong, knowledgeable teams.
She believes that ensuring a meaningful learning journey for educators will mean they have the skills and knowledge to provide nurturing and engaging learning environments for children.
Nikita brings nearly 10 years of experience in training and assessment and over five years of expertise in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector.
Ashley is passionate about the power of education to change lives. Having come from a background in government social services, she has seen firsthand how access to training can open doors, build confidence, and create lasting opportunities for individuals and their communities.
With nearly a decade of experience in the VET sector, she has worked across admissions, student services, and program coordination. Ashley’s career has been driven by a commitment to student outcomes and a deep connection with learners from diverse backgrounds and industries.
Stephanie is passionate about ensuring that vulnerable Australians receive the quality care they deserve through strong, practical education and training. With a career spanning child protection, education, disability, and aged care, she brings deep insight into the needs of frontline care services.
Stephanie’s professional background includes roles in the Department of Education, Healthcare Education, vocational and higher education, with a focus on improving outcomes through capability development. She believes that well-trained, compassionate professionals are the key to delivering real impact in the care sector, and is committed to shaping education that supports both learners and the communities they serve.
With over 36 years in vocational education and training (VET), Maria Luisa began as a trainer in business and hospitality and built a career across training and assessment design, compliance, and quality assurance.
She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Education (PUP), a Master of Education (UTS), and a Diploma of Quality Auditing (TAFE). Maria is passionate about the impact of VET in transforming lives,
believing in its power to provide practical skills that lead to employment opportunities and personal growth.