Our People
Miracle Babies Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors who meet quarterly. The Board was formed in 2009 and originally Chaired by Morris Iemma. Miracle Babies Foundation staff are mostly based at head office in Moorebank NSW, although several staff are based across Australia working in programs with hospitals and families. Our Ambassadors are a passionate and dedicated group, supporting the Foundation with their time to raise awareness and promote the Foundation.
Board, Staff, Ambassadors and Volunteers all work toward our vision 'To improve, support and enhance all lives impacted by a premature or sick birth.'
CEO, Co-Founder, Board Director, & Consumer Representative
Kylie Pussell Co-Founded Miracle Babies Foundation in 2005 and has been a Board Director since 2009. After suffering a miscarriage and losing twin babies at 16 weeks, Kylie gave birth to her daughter Madeline at 30 weeks and was diagnosed with Cervical Incompetence. Madeline was cared for in Liverpool Hospital’s NICU for 6 weeks. Two years later, following a further miscarriage, Kylie delivered twins at just 25 weeks. Both were resuscitated at birth and cared for by the NICU. Sadly Kylie’s son Marcus passed away due to complications from his extreme prematurity. Her daughter Scarlet required ventilation and surgery. Scarlet was cared for in the NICU at Liverpool and Westmead Children’s Hospital and was discharged home just before her due date, 4 months later. Kylie’s son Liam was born at 38 weeks through planned c-section following a transabdominal cerclage. Kylie, a qualified counsellor, has played an integral role in the expansion of the Foundation’s program NurtureTime, the introduction of Miracle Babies Foundation to hospitals nationally and the development of national resources. She developed and implemented Miracle Babies Foundation’s successful volunteer program, designing National Volunteer Induction and Training with TAFE NSW. Kylie was selected in the inaugural The Growth Project in 2015. Kylie delivers presentations and forums on the Foundation to community and corporate, both nationally and internationally and shares her personal journey with her children, delivering parent support and positive change for premature and sick babies. Kylie highlights the needs for parents and families in the NICU and the years ahead. Kylie leads support for our bereaved families and assists families and educational institutions in the learning, social and emotional challenges some of these miracle babies experience in the early years, school aged years and adulthood. Kylie has been an instrumental leader in many new services the Foundation delivers, most recently Nurture ‘E’ – The EEE Impact. This information hub is designed to assist families through different life stages of their growing and developing child beyond the baby, infant and toddler years and supporting families through primary and high school right through to adulthood. Nurture E - The EEE Impact has been created in collaboration with parents and health professionals to provide families with Evidence, Education and Empowerment. She is CEO of the Foundation and is passionate in driving the expansion of services and resources across Australia for all families to be supported, educated and empowered. Kylie was Secretary of the Board from 2009 to 2017 and appointed as CEO by the Board in 2017. In July 2019 Kylie became a Founding Committee member of GLANCE and in December 2019 was appointed to the Chair Committee of GLANCE. During 2019 and 2020 Kylie was a member of the Working Group on the ICHOM Preterm and Hospitalized Neonates Standard Set and in September 2020 was named Western Sydney Women – 2020 Community Woman of the Year. Kylie was also awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Western Sydney University Women of the West Awards for Community 2020. In July 2021 Kylie became a member of the World Prematurity Day Parent Advisory Board and the World Prematurity Day Global Planning Group. In September 2021 she joined NSW Health Agency for Clinical Innovation as a consumer representative on Paediatric and Neonatal Clinical Care Task force and the ACI Maternity and Neonatal Executive Committee. Kylie is a parent representative on numerous research projects, a previous member of the PSANZ Perinatal Palliative Care Special Interest Group and current member of the PSANZ Perinatal Ethics Special Interest Group. In April 2022 Kylie was awarded as a Finalist in the NSW Women Of The Year Award – Woman of Excellence. In May 2022 Kylie presented the Nurture ‘E’ – The EEE Impact information hub at the global EFCNI Parent Summit in Germany. In 2022 she was invited to join the Advisory Board of parent organisation Prematuridade in Brazil. 2022 Kylie co-authored the article Impact of current Australian paid parental leave on families of preterm and sick infants published in the Journal of Paediatric and Child Health. Kylie also contributed to the published book Neonatal Nursing: A Global Perspective. Kylie is a consumer representative on the National Preterm Birth Prevention Collaboration and in 2023 was elected to the EFCNI Parent and Patient Advisory Board.
Chief Operating Officer
Danielle is mum to sons Owen and William and joined Miracle Babies in 2017 with a strong marketing background, bringing 9 years experience working in the Corporate sector on Australian leading personal care and baby brands. Today, Danielle leads the day-to-day operations of the fundraising, marketing and communications functions at Miracle Babies Foundation and is responsible for driving the development of marketing and fundraising strategies, along with building and nurturing strong relationships with Corporate Partners, supporters and within the community. Danielle's previous experience, along with compassionate nature and adaptability is well suited to Miracle Babies Foundation. With a passion to continue to raise awareness of prematurity and sickness at birth and it's challenges, increase access to important support for more Australian families, and inspire the Australian community to get behind the cause, Danielle is committed to driving the Foundation's vision.
Office Manager
Olivia is mum to Miracle twins, Ethan and Mary. Ethan and Mary were born at 27 weeks. It was so sad and an emotional time not knowing what was happening with little understanding of why and how this happened. With the support of Miracle Babies, Olivia and her family were able to stay strong. The twins are now 7 years old and thriving. Olivia is passionate about her position with Miracle Babies as the Office and Volunteer Coordinator. Olivia is proud to be a part of the team and supporting other families.
Grants Officer
Felicity is a proud mum to Poppy, Connor and Georgia. She has a strong background in administration, and a passion for writing. After leaving the corporate world to study communications and raise her children, Felicity joined Miracle Babies as Grants Officer in 2022. She is excited to work in the not-for-profit space for such a wonderful organisation.
Marketing & Communications Officer
Jamie-Lee joins Miracle Babies with extensive experience in Marketing, Events, Sales and Administration and after becoming a new mum with a threatened early delivery, she understands how vital the role Miracle Babies plays in the mental health of parents with premature or sick newborns. Jamie-Lee was diagnosed with an incompetent and dynamic cervix at 19 weeks gestation which meant there was no knowing how long her baby would hold on for. After an emergency cervical cerclage was placed, she did 4 months of bed rest wishing everyday the outcome would be positive. The doctors didn't expect her baby would make it past 22 weeks gestation but against all odds, Olivia made her safe entry into the world at 38 weeks. The first few weeks of her life were daunting and with jaundice and IUGR complications, there were frequent visits to the hospital. Jamie-Lee has such an appreciation for parents who have no choice but to leave their children in the care of the NICU or SCN. Jamie-Lee loves being part of the Miracle Babies journey and the support they provide to families in their most trying time.
Fundraising Officer
Nicole is a proud mother of 3 beautiful children Max, Lexi and Lily. Nicole has a strong background in Corporate Events and Business Development but was looking for a more rewarding role where she could give back and help others in the community. She joined Miracle Babies Foundation in 2022 as the Community Activities Coordinator and is excited to part of such a wonderful organisation.
Resources and Campaigns Officer
Chantelle is a mum to 3 beautiful children Elijah, Zayn and Zahra. 2019 when pregnant with Zahra she was told she had placenta accreta. Due to the high risk the doctors decided to bring Zahra into this world early to prevent any major complications later. Zahra came into the world at 35 weeks and was admitted to Liverpool NICU for two weeks due to oxygen levels and feeding difficulties. Chantelle knows how isolating NICU can be and is so proud to be part of Miracle Babies Foundation team and to help support all the families going through this journey with all the amazing resources.
Marketing Coordinator
Thalia recently graduated with her Marketing degree from Western Sydney University. She has a strong background in Customer Service but always had a passion for Marketing. She has a partner who was born prematurely and suffers from breathing difficulties in his adult life, and she understands the real issues that happen beyond the NICU. Thalia has recently joined us in April 2023 and is very passionate about making a difference and supporting the values here at Miracle Babies Foundation. She will contribute to raising awareness through her marketing initiatives and providing support in all areas of the foundation.
Fundraising Coordinator
‘I’m Minerva, a psychology student at Macquarie University, approaching my last year. My most notable experience in the workforce includes being a swim and sport instructor due to my passion for fitness and working with children. In my spare time, I attend kickboxing and belly dancing classes, but outside of those classes I’m probably at the gym. I am motivated to drive change in the community and advocate for mental health. I currently also work as a Psychosocial Support Worker and am committed to helping individuals in any way I can. Miracle Babies is a perfect fit with aligning values of empathy, community, commitment and respect.’
Fundraising Coordinator
Michelle is a proud mother to her son, Luca and soon to be second time mum to her son in August 2024. Michelle has a strong background in Marketing, Events and Administration, working in local clubs, retail centre management and local government. In 2023, she joined Miracle Babies Foundation as the Fundraising Coordinator. She will use her knowledge and skills to actively communicate with the fundraising community who work hard at raising funds and awareness for Miracle Babies Foundation. Michelle enjoys being part of the Miracle Babies Team and is amazed by the generosity of the community so that as a team, we can help to improve, support, and enhance all lives impacted by a premature or sick birth.
Volunteer Coordinator
Nellie is a proud mum to 2 beautiful girls, 13 year old Layla and 8 year old Lily. After spending 20 years in law, Nellie really felt like she wanted to do something that gave back to the community and families that are going through really tough times. "I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing foundation. As volunteer coordinator, I get to meet new people and listen to their amazing stories of courage and help them become part of the team at Miracle Babies Foundation."
NurtureProgram Support Worker WA, Information and Consumer Representative
Philippa is Mum to three children, two of which have spent time in either a SCN or NICU. Her son Tristan was born at 37 weeks with Strep B and spent a short time in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital SCN. At 6 weeks of age, Tristan contracted Bacterial Meningitis and spent time at The Prince Charles Hospital before being transferred to RBWH NICU, where he spent 6 weeks. Tristan has contracted Meningitis 5 times in total and suffers from an immune deficiency. Tristan has experienced many life long hurdles with the after affects of Meningitis including Epilepsy, Language and Motor delays, ADHD, Dyslexia, Cordial Dysplasia and Optic Nerve hypoplasia. Matteo was born at 39 weeks with Mast Cell disease and Inflammation Bowel Disease and has spent a week in Perth Children’s Hospital SCN. Philippa has been involved with Miracle Babies Foundation for the past 7 years as a volunteer and became a staff member in 2015 and again returning back in 2021. Philippa is very passionate about supporting families who have been in NICU and SCN.
NurtureProgram WA Services Team Leader & Community Engagement
After many years of travelling around the country with my Navy husband, we have now settled in Perth to be close to family. For years I have wanted to 'give back' and support families who are walking a similar journey to the one I did (twice). After discovering the work that Miracle Babies do, I started as a volunteer at NurtureTime and now delighted to take on the role of NurtureProgram Support Worker. After caring for other people's children as an Early Childhood Teacher, I decided the time was right to have one of my own. After what I thought was an uneventful pregnancy, Angus was born via emergency C section at 28+2 weeks due to severe IUGR. After the ups and downs of the NICU he came home, only to return to the PICU where he required a tracheostomy which he had for 11 months. After many years trying to conceive again and many miscarriages (including an angel at 19 weeks), I became pregnant with a baby that was not expected to survive. After a very stressful pregnancy and weeks in hospital I had Saxon at 28+4 weeks due to severe IUGR. Another roller coaster journey and he eventually came home after 16 weeks, continuing on oxygen for 6 months.
NurtureProgram Support Worker, VIC
Alyce gave birth to identical twin girls at 24+1 weeks gestation due to TTTS. Maddison, born at 667g, spent 118 days in NICU and Paige, born at 495g, passed away shortly after the birth. Maddison had a very tumultuous time in hospital and Alyce regularly attended the support groups that were run for current NICU families. She found talking to experienced premmie mums and dads so valuable. After Maddison was discharged, Alyce found the only Melbourne Miracle Babies NurtureGroup and began attending. After 2 years she started coordinating the group and volunteering for the Miracle Babies PBC expo. Maddison has experienced many life long hurdles from her premature birth, including being deaf, and Alyce has found that her range of experience in the premature birth journey really helps her to connect with other prem parents and support them in their own journey. Alyce has since gone on to have two full term daughters.
NurtureProgram Support Worker, NT
Sophia is mum to two premmie babies - Aria who is now 8 and Ezra, now 4 and delivers our NurtureTime and NurtureGroup services in Darwin. Sophia and her husband embarked on IVF to start a family, after several failed attempts their family was blessed with two beautiful children. Aria was born at 37 weeks and required the care of the Special Care Nursery. Sophia’s youngest, Ezra, was born at 33 weeks, spending time in the NICU. “The time spent at the NICU and SCN were hard and scary and I am so thankful to the staff at Royal Darwin Hospital for their compassion and care.” Sophia is passionate about providing support and building a connection with families through on her own personal experience.
Nurture Program Support Worker, WA
Rachael has been a NurtureTime volunteer for Miracle Babies since 2019 and became a staff member in 2023. As an advocate for mental health recovery, Rachael is passionate about using her lived experience to provide information empathy, and support to families and individuals. In between raising her two boys, Rachael works part-time for Miracle Babies Foundation, holds a role as a guest speaker at Wanneroo Community Mental Health, and runs wellbeing and life skills workshops as an educator for WA Recovery College Alliance. When Rachael’s first son was in neonates 13 years ago, there wasn’t anything like Miracle Babies Foundation available to provide her the support she needed. This is the main reason she is eager to provide parent-to-parent support to families now.
NurtureProgram Support Worker, NSW
Belinda is a proud mother to her beautiful Step-Daughter, her Angel Baby, and her Rainbow / Miracle Baby. Both boys were born very premature with severe growth restriction, and both were very traumatic births. Belinda’s first Baby Boy was stillborn at 26 weeks (410g). And her second Baby Boy was born at 29 weeks (920g) and spent a few months in NICU until he was strong enough to come home. Along her journey to motherhood Belinda has had to overcome many complex health issues; and she did so with the support of her family and friends. Belinda describes her journey to motherhood as 'far from typical'. Belinda has spent her career working in the disability field, and continues to do so in the corporate world. Belinda is also a Pregnancy Loss & Trauma Informed Practitioner and is passionate about supporting women who are Parenting After Loss. Belinda started working as a Nurture Program Support Worker with Miracle Babies Foundation at the beginning of 2024. Belinda describes returning to the NICU at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital as ‘returning home’. Belinda feels very privileged to be able to offer support to families who are on a similar NICU journey.
NurtureProgram Support Worker, NSW
In 2023 Laura had her son Reggie, he was born unexpectedly at 27 weeks. In his first 4 days of life they went between 4 different hospitals- Wollongong, Royal North Shore, Westmead and then to Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick- which is where she had her first interaction with a miracle babies team member. They spent 60 very scary days in the NICU before being able to bring Reggie home. Before becoming a miracle mum, Laura was working as a specialised carer in dementia and palliative care and currently works for NSW SES as a flood storm call operator. she joined Miracle babies as a nurture program facilitator for Wollongong after receiving assistance through nurture time and nurture group. Noting the positive impact, it had and the comfort it brought, she is passionate about giving back and helping other families navigate their own journey in NICU, special care and at home.
Nurture Program Support Worker, SA
Suzi is a mum to two amazing boys, the youngest (Harry) being her miracle baby. Harry was born in 2013 at 24 weeks 4 days gestation and spent 114 days in the NICU/SCU at WCH, North Adelaide. "I was lucky enough to have access to some amazing support during this time, both within the hospital system as well as other parents I met during the hours spent cot side. Connecting to others who understood the fears, the highs and the lows, made my journey just that little bit easier, and I have some wonderful memories of time spent with these incredible families. I am excited to now be able to help support these families both in the hospital and out in the community. "
NurtureProgram Team Member
Robyn, the mum of 2 beautiful boys, joined our team as a Nurture Time Volunteer in 2023 because of her personal experience with her youngest son, Riley who was born at 35 weeks. “After a traumatic 3 months on bed rest at the John Hunter Hospital with a rare condition, and with a toddler at home and no family support in Newcastle, I felt alone and vulnerable.” Fast forward 12 years with now happy and healthy teenagers, Robyn feels both honoured and passionate to be able to support parents navigate their way through NICU and the Special Care Nursery at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
NurtureProgram Team Member
Marisa is Mum to two boys, her first spent time in SCN in Tamworth. When she’s not “Mumming”, Marisa is the Senior Psychologist in the Paediatric Psychology team at Tamworth Community Health Centre. Supporting the running of the Tamworth NurtureGroup is the best part of her job!
NurtureProgram Team Member
My journey began when my son was born at 26 weeks gestation after my waters broke spontaneously at 24 weeks. I spent 3 weeks at King Edward Memorial before he was born and later spent a total of 97 days between the NICU and SCN before returning home. Being from a country town it was soon apparent the lack of support that us country folk had access to which in turn led me to Miracle Babies where Megan helped to facilitate the Bunbury NutureGroup in the Southwest of WA. It is imperative that all families, including those living in country towns, have access to support, and a space they feel comfortable sharing their unique stories and for their children to flourish and feel loved.
NurtureProgram Team Member
I am a mum of two babes. Our second babe Evelyn was born in April 2023 at 29 weeks weighing 602g. We spent 132 days in the NICU at the royal women's Hospital in Melbourne. Evelyn's premature birth was a consequence of a dangerous blood clot forming in my placenta causing her to have severe fetal growth restriction (IUFGR) and also no amniotic fluid around her. I have been a kindergarten teacher for the last decade and really love being able to connect with other miracle babies and their families at NurtureGroup. The reason I began NurtureGroup was to be able to connect with families who had experienced what I had and be able to provide a peer support network for others too.
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