Our People
Meet the people behind Clown Doctors Australia
Our work is powered by people who are passionate about our purpose to enhance wellbeing through the uplifting power of humour. From our dedicated board, who provide strong governance and guidance, to our passionate leadership team, each member brings heart, humour, and deep commitment to delivering impact. Together, we’re working to create a future where people don’t fear hospital visits or ageing alone.
OUR BOARD
Rebecca Ong
Chair Person
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Bachelor of Laws
Rebecca was appointed as a Director on 21 September 2016 and Chair in October 2021. Rebecca is currently General Counsel and Company Secretary at MA Financial Group Limited with responsibilities for legal, compliance and company secretarial activities across the group. Previously she was Regional Counsel at UBS, with responsibilities for UBS’ Asset Management businesses covering Asia Pacific. Rebecca has over 15 years of experience across a broad range of areas that include mergers and acquisitions, funds management, corporate, regulatory and governance. She was admitted as a Solicitor in New South Wales in 2005 .
I love being a board member because it it is a way in which I can contribute to an organisation that provides services that are both tangible and meaningful to the community at large. It is fantastic to be a part of an organisation that continues to evolve with the support and commitment of its wonderful directors, management and performers.
Mike O’Brien
PhD, FRCSI (Paed), FRACS (Paed)
Mike was appointed as a director on 8 March 2017. He went to medical school at University College Cork, graduating in 1989. His early career was spent working in a number of UK hospitals, before relocating to Melbourne. Mike is a Paediatric Urologist at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne and has been the Medical Ambassador for the Clown Doctors since 2015.
I love being a board member because it gives me the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way to an organisation that gives so much to others.
Peter W Jess
Diploma of Business Studies (Accounting), Post Graduate Diploma Finance & Planning, Masters of Commercial Law, Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Tax Advisor, Chartered Secretary & Administrator
Peter was appointed as a Director on 17 January 1997. Peter was a founding member of the Foundation and is currently Treasurer. Peter is the principal of PJA Accountants and a Director of the Nova Peris Foundation, Image Sportivo Internationale Pty Ltd, Sports Health Check Foundation and the Community Concussion Research Foundation.
As a co-founder of the organisation, I believe the power of humour to be a powerful agent of diversional therapy. Diversional therapy is not fully explored as an adjunct to traditional clinical medicine, but the results we have been observing in both the paediatric and aged care sectors underscore why it is such a powerful medium. The need for work is evident through the demand for the programs delivered.
David Pettigrew
Bachelor of Arts History and Economics
David was appointed as a director on 24 June 2009. David has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years and is currently the Founder and Director of Nourish NFP Pty Ltd, a consultancy to the not for profit sector. He is also the Director of Nourish Analytics a software provider to the not for profit sector.
I love being a board member because Clown Doctors and Laughter Care specialists bring joy and support to two groups that need us most at very vulnerable times of their lives; helping children in hospital when they are sick and those in aged care with dementia. In both cases Clown Doctors Australia is using the proven health benefits of humour to bring real change to the lives of the people we visit. As a board member I’m intensely proud of the work our team does and I’ve seen at first hand the magic that our Clown Doctors bring to children in hospital and our Laughter Care specialists to our older friends.
Trudi Cassin
Appointed to the Board in November 2025, Trudi brings 25 years’ experience guiding executives and boards in shaping strategy and culture across the health, disability, emergency services and corporate sectors.
As Managing Partner of Brand Council, a certified B-Corp, she has advised organisations including NSW Health, Goodman Group, MCRI and DuluxGroup. Recognised for her curiosity, creativity and focus on impact, Trudi helps build purpose-driven strategies that deliver enduring benefits. She is a Graduate of the AICD and the Wharton Leadership Excellence Program, and named 2024 Transform Awards ANZ Strategist of the Year.
I’m proud to be a Board member supporting the incredible work of Clown Doctors and Laughter Care specialists, whose talent and skills bring proven benefits to children, older people and health professionals across Australia.
Clint Holland
Clint Holland is the General Manager of Sandoz Australia and New Zealand, a leading manufacturer of biosimilar and generic medicines across the region. With over 16 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Clint has held senior leadership roles at global healthcare companies including Novartis and Eli Lilly. Clint was appointed to the Board in November 2025.
A passionate advocate for equitable healthcare, Clint leads the Sandoz ANZ team with a clear mission: to expand access to essential medicines and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients across Australia and New Zealand.
Before entering the pharmaceutical sector, Clint worked with children & adults with disabilities — an experience that continues to shape his deep commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
Clint also serves on the Board of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA), where he champions greater access to affordable, high-quality medicines nationwide.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and has completed the Company Directors’ Course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Clint lives on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with his wife and two young daughters.
I am incredibly excited to join the Board of Clown Doctors Australia. It’s a privilege to support work which brings humour, connection and healing to people and families during some of their most challenging healthcare moments.
James Horne
James was appointed as a Director of Clown Doctors Australia in November 2025. He has been involved in digital and marketing strategy for 30 years and has built and run a number of successful small businesses.
Laughter is powerful medicine – bringing real healing, reducing stress, and reconnecting people at their most vulnerable, whether in hospital wards or aged care homes. Our evolving aged care work is especially close to my heart, giving hope, comfort, and meaningful connection to seniors, including those living with dementia or feeling isolated. Helping to create genuine joy, better health outcomes, and brighter days for people of all ages is serious business…
OUR LEADERSHIP
Emma Pollard
Chief Executive Officer
Emma Pollard is the Chief Executive Officer of Clown Doctors Australia. As CEO, Emma leads with purpose and positivity – enabling performers, and staff to deliver uplifting programs that bring joy and connection to vulnerable Australians. Her collaborative leadership shapes the organisation’s strategy, values, and culture, ensuring that how we work is as meaningful as what we do.
Emma brings over 15 years’ experience in the for-purpose sector, including senior roles at the Climate Council and Taronga Conservation Society Australia. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds qualifications in law, finance, environmental law, and tertiary education management.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her in the mountains or the ocean with her husband and two daughters—recharging in wide open spaces.
David Symons
Artistic Director
David Symons is the Artistic Director of Clown Doctors Australia. His role is to inspire highly skilled performing artists to bring their valuable skills to the benefit of people of all ages across all the programs of Clown Doctors Australia. He also oversees the research and ongoing professional development that help to inform and continually refine all the work we do.
He is a passionate arts-in-health practitioner. David has worked as a Clown Doctor since 1998 and Laughter Care Specialist since 2012. He has decades of experience as a teacher, director and performer. He is a recipient of the George Fairfax Theatre Award and a Churchill Fellowship. He is co-author of a number of published research papers on healthcare clowning and has presented at numerous conferences, both in Australia and overseas.
Away from work David loves riding his bike or walking in beautiful and remote places, doing the odd cryptic crossword, and being forever moved and fascinated by the pursuits of his kids and grandkids.
Jackie Coles
Chief Operating Officer
Jackie Coles is the Chief Operating Officer of Clown Doctors Australia. As COO, Jackie makes a difference in bringing her operational, planning and financial discipline to work in collaboration with our Artistic team – blending operational efficiency with artistic creativity requires striking a balance between structured processes and imaginative freedom, fostering innovation while maintaining functionality.
Jackie brings over 15 years’ experience in the for-purpose sector, around half of those with Clown Doctors Australia, and the 5 years prior in senior roles with National Breast Cancer Foundation. Additionally, Jackie has extensive leadership experience in a range of industries from large multi-national corporations to smaller for-purpose organisations.
Outside of work Jackie loves spending time and playing with her 3 young granddaughters, spending time at the gym, reading a good book with a cat on her lap, or enjoying a walk in nature.
Craig Alt
People and Culture Manager
Craig Alt is the People and Culture Manager of Clown Doctors Australia. He loves to see people working together towards common goals and is passionate about establishing people practices that support our staff and performers to thrive in their roles, enabling our work to have the greatest impact possible.
Craig held management roles in the cinema and film production industry before changing tack and returning to university to study his masters in HR and IR. Since 2007 he has mainly worked in People and Culture/HR roles in non-profit organisations with the occasional contract or project in corporate organisations.
Craig loves travel and if you run into him overseas you will probably find him wondering why he is punishing himself by hiking some path or (small) mountain somewhere, only to do it all again the next day. Outside that, he loves sport (especially Test cricket!), reading, and alternative music and movies.
Rachel Brine
Head of Fundraising and Marketing
Rachel Brine is the Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Clown Doctors Australia. She leads the organisation’s fundraising strategy and marketing communications, building meaningful connections with supporters and amplifying the impact of Clown Doctors’ work in hospitals across the country. Rachel’s role spans campaign development, brand storytelling, and strategic partnerships all designed to grow awareness and inspire generosity.
With over 15 years of experience in the for purpose sector, Rachel brings deep expertise in donor engagement and sustainable giving. She was the co-founder of a regular giving agency for 12 years, where she helped charities build long-term supporter relationships. Her leadership is central to Clown Doctors Australia’s rebrand and digital transformation, shaping a more engaging and accessible supporter experience.
Outside of work, Rachel loves spending quality time with her family, enjoys a great coastal walk, and has a keen eye for interior design.
