Our People
From all walks of life, Miracle Babies thrives through the passion, dedication, and lived experience of our incredible national team. Our Foundation is supported by a diverse group including our Board, NurtureProgram Support Workers, office and administration staff, Consumer Representatives, Ambassadors, and members of our Parent and Patient Advisory Groups. United by compassion and purpose, many of our team members bring personal experience of the neonatal journey, ensuring that the parent voice remains at the heart of everything we do.
As a Foundation built on lived experience, all of our NurtureProgram Support Team members are each parents themselves who have experienced the birth of a premature or sick newborn.
Together, we continue to drive change, provide support, and make a lasting difference for families across Australia.
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 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. GLANCE - a global project delivered by EFCNI from 2019 to 2025. 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 and Newborn Stabilisation and Resuscitation 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 GFCNI Parent and Patient Advisory Board. In August 2023 Kylie was appointed to the NSW ACI Paediatric Network Executive Committee. Kylie was awarded the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards – Community Services, Individual Leadership. In September 2024 Kylie joined the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) Consumer Engagement Advisory Panel and is a member of the NSW AIFPL Chapter. Kylie was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal, General Division in the King’s Birthday Honour List 2025.
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.
Accounts Officer
I am a mother of 2 beautiful children with one, my first born, unfortunately experiencing major trauma from 19 weeks gestation. He was born at 32 weeks (due to breathing complications) however he had severe IUGR and weighted a mere 938 grams. It was a scary time in my life, and I was grateful to be offered support from Miracle Babies Foundation. After a long 2 months in the NICU, at Westmead, he finally came home but was less than 2kg. The first few years of his life were a major struggle, but seeing him start high school last year, was a blessing. I joined Miracle Babies Foundation in 2024, with a strong accounting background. I am privileged to be able to give back to the charity that offered me so much support when I needed it.
HR & Training Officer
Gemma comes to Miracle Babies with a background in HR and People & Culture. She's worked in software start-ups and media agencies and she’s passionate about building supportive, people-first workplaces. Now a first-time mum to her son Micah, Gemma feels especially connected to the Foundation’s purpose and is proud to contribute to a cause that means so much to families in their most trying times.
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 a Neonatal Unit. 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
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.
Fundraising Coordinator
With a background in events and a wealth of experience in fundraising, Mena has always been driven by a desire to create meaningful connections and make a difference in people’s lives. She joins Miracle Babies as the Fundraising Coordinator, where she focuses on securing grants and sponsorships to support families of premature and sick babies. As a mum of two, Mena feels a deep personal connection to the organisation’s mission and understands the importance of providing care and hope during challenging times. She brings a thoughtful, compassionate approach to her work and is committed to helping Miracle Babies continue making a positive impact for families across Australia.
NurtureProgram Information and Consumer Representative Team Leader
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 since 2014, initially as a volunteer before joining the staff in 2015. After a break in 2017, she returned as a staff member in 2021. Philippa is deeply passionate about supporting families who have experienced time in the Neonatal unit.
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."
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