The Team

Sarah Hunstead

RN (B. Nurs), Cert IV TAE, MN (Clin. Prac)

Founding Director

In 15 years of paediatric emergency nursing, Sarah Hunstead has treated children with all kinds of injuries and illnesses. She has also seen countless parents come through the doors of the Children’s Hospital, distraught that they didn’t know how to help their child.

Becoming a mother reinforced to Sarah how valuable her professional experience was. “I realised how lucky my husband and I were – as paediatric nurses, we’d know what to do if anything ever happened to our girls,” she says. “It got me thinking about how wonderful it would be if every parent and carer was armed with that knowledge, and the confidence and security that come with it. I wanted families to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to act quickly and help save their child’s life, rather than feeling powerless should the unimaginable happen.”

Determined to share her knowledge, experience and passion for paediatric care, Sarah founded CPR Kids in 2012. CPR Kids delivers a range of classes taught by experienced clinicians, nurses and midwives, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-life scenarios. From intensive sessions to seasonal refresher courses, each class is tailored to suit participants and address the specific needs of babies, toddlers and older children.

A life. A finger. A pea up a nose.

Sarah’s book A life. A finger. A pea up a nose: a practical guide to baby and child first aid was first published in 2013 and is now in its third edition. The title was inspired by an incident where Sarah’s toddler stashed a pea in her own nostril, in case she got hungry later!

Sarah has a Masters Degree in Clinical Practice, and has held various roles in paediatric emergency departments in Sydney and Melbourne, including Nurse Unit Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Sarah lives with her husband, two daughters, dog and fish. When she’s not teaching, writing or speaking at events, Sarah likes to explore the bushwalks and beaches of Sydney’s National Parks with her family. Already inspired by the difference their mum is making to so many lives, Sarah’s daughters want to grow up to be doctors, nurses or wildlife warriors.

Nicole Ovens

RN, CM, NICC, Dip Admin (Nursing)

Operations Manager

My nursing career spans many years and I have vast experience caring for babies, children and their families in many settings. Though my practice has been diverse, I know that the goal always remains the same and encapsulates not just love and care for children but also requires exemplary skills & knowledge in order to achieve the positive health outcomes we strive for. I have 2 young adult daughters and more than 20 nieces & nephews ranging in age from newborn to adults so I also bring my experience as a mother and aunt. I consider myself lucky because my life is filled with the joy of children. When I’m not at work I help my daughters at their dance school. This means I am surrounded by an abundance of healthy, happy and bubbly 2 – 10 year olds six days a week. I am deeply honoured to be able to share my knowledge and experience with so many so that children, our most precious commodity, can live the healthy life they deserve. I am passionate about equity in health for all children and am driven to achieve this by empowering parents and care givers with the knowledge and skills they need if ever faced with an emergency. I know you can do it! Have faith in your ability. We’re here to guide and support you.

Lisa Hewitt

Customer Service

From the day my son was born, I started to think about what would happen the day he decided to jump off our fireplace calling out: “Mum, I can fly!” or the day he cut his lip or bumped his head… The list could go on! Knowing that these things can happen in a split second, I armed myself by attending a CPR and First Aid class and instantly felt better prepared in knowing what to do. It’s so important to have the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency situation. It’s something we all should have as it’s such an important tool – as a parent, guardian, carer, grandparent, aunt or uncle. I love working for CPR Kids and hope you enjoy your class with us. I also hope to provide you with an excellent customer service experience!

Casey de Farria

BBus

Social Media & Digital Community Manager

I completed a CPR Kids class with my Mum when my daughter was starting solids and I was returning to work. We both wanted to make sure we knew what to do in the event of choking, and in any emergency situation for that matter.

I instantly loved what CPR Kids offered. The class left me feeling confident and prepared with such an important set of skills and knowledge. Being a part of a company I am passionate about and working to spread the word about what we do is so important to me – I wish I could tell every single person how beneficial it is to know baby and child first aid.

Jessie Hand

RN (B. Nurs)

Educator

I am a paediatric registered nurse with a background in oncology/haematology nursing, working in a major children’s hospital.  I have also worked in medical assessment and isolation units.

As well as being a nurse, I am also a mother to a very busy toddler and I have had to put my medical knowledge to use many times with him.

I am passionate about empowering families to confidently provide effective first aid and I love sharing my experiences both as a nurse and as a mother.

Allison Roberts

RN. BHlthSci. Grad. Cert Paediatric Intensive Care. Grad Cert. Certificate Midwifery

Educator

I have over 20 years of nursing and midwifery experience both in NSW and Victorian hospitals. I have worked in various nursing fields including, midwifery, community nursing and Dermatology nursing. I also worked as an intensive care nurse at a leading Children’s Hospital and during this time I completed my paediatric intensive care certification. I hold a graduate certificate, and previously practiced, in midwifery. Since having 3 children (now 16, 17 and 19) my biggest achievement has been surviving motherhood and keeping my kids relatively safe (more good luck than good management perhaps). I am a dedicated surf lifesaver and I love teaching people their Bronze Medallion and competing in various masters events, and most of all I love the people I meet. Parents and carers often don’t back themselves and realise how much knowledge they actually have.  I believe that as parents we should trust our instincts more. Prevention is always key but even with the best intentions your kids and other peoples kids can still become unwell or get injured.  Knowing what to do might be the difference between an amusing story told later or a devastating hospital admission or worse.  That’s why I love teaching first aid and CPR to empower people and give them an improved level of their own instinctive skills. I enjoy seeing people go from “oh my goodness I couldn’t cope – to ‘this isn’t so hard when you understand why’.

Alyson Chapman

RN (B. Nurs)

Educator

I have been working in healthcare for over 15 years with paediatric nursing experience in Australia, the UK and the developing world.  As a Registered Paediatric Nurse, I have spent most of my career working in the neonatal intensive care setting. I love the challenges of the ICU environment but by far the best part is sending babies home with their families.  I think it is so important to equip parents with the knowledge and confidence to keep their kids safe at home.  As a mum myself I know how challenging and scary that can be sometimes!

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Becoming a mother reinforced to Sarah how valuable her professional experience was. “I realised how lucky my husband and I were – as paediatric nurses, we’d know what to do if anything ever happened to our girls,” she says.

“It got me thinking about how wonderful it would be if every parent and carer was armed with that knowledge, and the confidence and security that come with it. I wanted families to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to act quickly and help save their child’s life, rather than feeling powerless should the unimaginable happen.”

Determined to share her knowledge, experience and passion for paediatric care, Sarah founded CPR Kids in 2012.

CPR Kids delivers a range of classes taught by experienced clinicians, nurses and midwives, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-life scenarios. From intensive sessions to seasonal refresher courses, each class is tailored to suit participants and address the specific needs of babies, toddlers and older children.

A life. A finger. A pea up a nose.

Sarah’s book A life. A finger. A pea up a nose: a practical guide to baby and child first aid was first published in 2013 and is now in its third edition. The title was inspired by an incident where Sarah’s toddler stashed a pea in her own nostril, in case she got hungry later!

Sarah has a Masters Degree in Clinical Practice, and has held various roles in paediatric emergency departments in Sydney and Melbourne, including Nurse Unit Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Sarah’s book A life. A finger. A pea up a nose: a practical guide to baby and child first aid was first published in 2013 and is now in its third edition. The title was inspired by an incident where Sarah’s toddler stashed a pea in her own nostril, in case she got hungry later!

Sarah has a Masters Degree in Clinical Practice, and has held various roles in paediatric emergency departments in Sydney and Melbourne, including Nurse Unit Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Sarah lives with her husband, two daughters, dog and fish. When she’s not teaching, writing or speaking at events, Sarah likes to explore the bushwalks and beaches of Sydney’s National Parks with her family. Already inspired by the difference their mum is making to so many lives, Sarah’s daughters want to grow up to be doctors, nurses or wildlife warriors.

Angelique Brady

RN (B Nurs), Grad Cert in Critical Care Nursing

Educator

I am an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in child and family health, working with vulnerable families with kids ranging from 0-2 years of age.  We are a child protection supported program that specifically works on attachment between mums and their babies as well as supporting child development. I’ve moved into this role after 8 years of Emergency Nurses at one of Sydney’s major trauma hospitals, where I specialised in paediatrics and was specifically trained in advanced life support and higher acuity resuscitation for both kids and adults.

As an emergency nurse, I witnessed first-hand the role parents and first responders play in recognising and responding to sick or injured kids in an emergency, or children affected by adversity in the event of a crisis, and how that directly impact children’s outcomes. This is why I chose to become part of preventative management, inclusive of CPR Kids because I passionately believe you can do so much to improving the outcome of your kids, with recognition and knowledge.

I am blessed with a 5-year-old and almost 3-year-old who always keep me on my toes. I often take for granted my exposure and past experience with injuries or sick children. That being said, both children challenge me in different ways which I am sure many of you have had or had experience with. We are all capable of learning and knowing more about kids. I am driven to be a part of something that may one day save your child’s life.

Christine Page

RN and Midwife

Educator

I have over 37 years of Nursing experience in a variety of areas including Intensive care, Cardiac, Midwifery, Neonatal Intensive Care, Paediatrics and Education with both students and members of the community. I currently work across all areas of Midwifery and in education at a leading Sydney Hospital. More importantly I am a mother of two with over 25 years of experience in the field of parenthood. This by far is my greatest asset. Let me tell you, it was the steepest learning curve ever! more like a trajectory. They are now reasonably unscathed healthy young adults. Yay !!! I don’t think anyone or anything can ever prepare you for the fears and challenges of parenthood and the mischief they can get up too. My son was inquisitive and fearless, with absolutely no sense of danger. We called him the unguided missile and my husband and I quite literally needed eyes in the back of our head. Needless to say there were brakes, slings, stitches, a few hospital admissions and even a Helicopter Rescue. Even the most vigilant parents can get caught out, but if you arm yourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to rise to any occasion you can dramatically decrease the chances of a tragic outcome. My daughter on the other hand spent most of her young life wrapped around my leg which bought with it its own set of challenges, luckily none requiring first aid. I am passionate about educating parents by sharing my knowledge and experiences and empowering them with the skills and confidence to respond calmly to any child in an emergency and help keep our precious little ones safe.

Danika Biddle

RN (B. Nursing), Grad Cert Paediatric Critical Care   

I have been a Registered Nurse for over 17 years. Most of this time I have spent working in Paediatric Intensive Care at one of the major Children’s Hospitals in Sydney and in London. I am currently completing my Master of Nursing. 

As a mother of three young children, I certainly know that accidents and illness can happen at any time, and anywhere. With my critical care background, I know how to respond, this helps me to keep calm and think clearly so I can react as needed. 

I have looked after many lucky children who have had positive outcomes because CPR or first aid has been initiated by families or bystanders. I am excited to pass on my knowledge and experience by educating families and carers with the skills and confidence to handle any situation their kids might come across.  

Erin Bruce

RN, Grad. Cert. of Nursing (Emergency)

Jenna Jones

RN (B. Nurs)

Educator

It is very cliché, but, my greatest achievement in life is being a mother, I have two young children who teach me patience, strength and to always be curious. They have also taught me that children can be unpredictable and can find themselves in distress suddenly and unexpectedly.

I’m lucky enough to have over 8 years and counting of Emergency Nursing experience under my belt. I use this knowledge to prevent, recognise and respond to any emergencies.

When I’m at work I see children and families at the most difficult and worst time in their life. I see children with varying degrees of injuries and outcomes due to what happens before that child arrives to the emergency department.

I feel privileged it be an educator with CPR Kids because I can empower parents and caregivers to be confidence in these situations, to ultimately increase a child’s chance of survival and overall outcome”

Kirsten Newton

RN (B.Nurs), Grad Certificate Paediatric Critical Care, Grad Certificate Neonatal Intensive Care, Graduate Diploma Child and Health, MN (Clinical Leadership)

Educator

I am a registered nurse with over 20 years’ experience in paediatric and neonatal intensive care. Many parents don’t know what to do when their child is sick or injured. Knowing what to do and having the confidence to respond can make all the difference.  I am also a mother to two teenage boys. With two adventurous, unpredictable boys who have no fear, I have had to put my first aid skills to the test many times. I have learnt that children are unpredictable and things can change in an instant. Knowledge is the key. Working with CPR Kids allows me to share my knowledge and experience with families. It allows me to empower families with knowledge and skills so they can recognise and respond to their sick or injured child calmly and with confidence.

Lucy Colombo

Dip HE Nursing Studies (Child Branch), Grad Cert Child and Adolescent Mental Health Nursing

Educator

I have been a registered paediatric nurse for the best part of 15 years with a background in and a love for emergency nursing. As well as being a nurse, I am a mum to a very active little girl who is often putting my first aid skills to the test with all manner of things! I am passionate about empowering families and carers of children to feel prepared to deliver lifesaving CPR and effective first aid should the need ever arise.

Nikki Rae

RN (B. Nurs), Grad Cert. in children nursing

Educator

I have almost 10 years experience working as a paediatric Registered Nurse in a leading children’s hospital. During this time I have specialised in cardiology and emergency nursing.

I am a mother to an adventurous and inquisitive 18 month old daughter. She keeps me on my toes and has taught me that children can always surprise you with how quick they develop and learn how to do new things.

It is my passion to share my experiences and help families gain the confidence in how to respond to an emergency situation. Through my own hands on exposure with being a paediatric nurse and mother, I feel that I am in a great position to make a difference. There is always something new to learn and I am excited to share my knowledge- as knowledge is very powerful!

Rachel Lam

RN (B. Nurs)

Educator

I am a Registered Nurse with 10 years’ experience working with children & families, across many different services, including in the hospital setting & community service. I also have extensive experience in the field of Child and Youth Mental Health.

I’m also a mum of a 19 month-old toddler girl, who keeps me busy all the time! Since becoming a mother myself, I’ve come to realise that little humans are very good at giving you surprises by falling over, touching things that are not safe, or putting dangerous items in their mouths!

I’m passionate in teaching and now, more than ever, I want to share my experience and knowledge, as a nurse & mother.  I can’t wait to meet you and to give you the confidence to look after those precious little ones safely and to know what to do when the unexpected events happen!

A little extra about me, I am also fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, and I’m very excited to meet families in our Mandarin classes!

大家好，我是一名有十年在澳工作经验的注册护士， 并拥有多年照顾儿童的经验。我拥有在悉尼多个大医院和社区服务中心工作的经验， 除了普通医疗科目，我还有非常丰富的儿童心理学临床经验。

我本人也是一名母亲，目前有一个19个月大的女儿。自从当上了妈妈，我发现小孩子真的会不经意就发生各种意外，让父母忙的目不暇接。

自此以后，作为一名护士和母亲，我发现了拥有婴儿与儿童急救知识的重要性，并且非常希望能和更多的家庭父母分享这些知识！

我非常热爱教学，并且非常期待在课堂上与大家分享我的知识和经验，从此希望大家作为父母有更多的自信去安全的照顾孩子。

我本人掌握熟练的英语，国语，粤语， 并且将负责教授普通话课程，期待与大家见面!

Samantha Clutsom

RN (B. Nurs)

Educator

Sandra Kordić

RN (B. Nurs),

Educator

I am a Registered Nurse with over 19 years of experience, working in a tertiary hospital in
Melbourne’s south east. I have worked in a variety of areas including Emergency, Theatre,
Telehealth and Neonatal nursing, where I completed my Neonatal Intensive Care certification. I am
also a mother to 3 very active children who certainly keep me on my toes!

Using my experience as a nurse and as a mother, it is a privilege to empower parents with the
knowledge of what to do in an emergency situation, so they can respond calmly (as possible) and
achieve the best outcome for their precious children.

Tara Boyd

RN (B Nurs). Grad Cert. Critical Care (Emergency). Cert IV Training and Assessment

Educator

I have 20 years nursing experience in a variety of settings including medical, surgical, palliative, emergency and school nursing. I am a mum of two very active, sport-loving boys. We are always on the go! In my spare time, I love reading and am part of a book club, love watching tennis and eating out with friends and family. Since the dawn of time, babies and children have been inquisitive and adventurous. No matter what precautions we take, there will be occasions when they reach for that small object that looks tasty, fall, get stung or run toward that pool. Fear and panic create a barrier and stop us performing under pressure. I am passionate that at CPR Kids we empower and equip caregivers of children so they can react and calmly provide appropriate care to a baby or child in need. My most important piece of advice for parents and carers is arm yourself with theoretical and practical knowledge so you can spring into action at a moment’s notice. We should all have the opportunity to learn CPR and First Aid. They are essential life skills for any parent, grandparent or caregiver.

Trina Gill

RN (B. Nurs), 

Educator

Zoë Koopman

RN (B Nurs)

I am a paediatric Registered Nurse, and have worked in one of Sydney’s major paediatric Intensive Care Units and am now in Brisbane.  More recently and more importantly, I am a Mum!  Having lived in the UK and the Middle East and despite all the stark differences in cultures – there is a common thread – the love and protection parents and grandparents feel for their children. In Australia we are fortunate enough to have access to amazing advanced healthcare, but until that help arrives, there are ways we can prevent and promote with skills and knowledge – so we know we have been able care for our children the best we can. There can be two children in the Intensive Care with the same injuries but yet we see very different long term outcomes due to the way in which their carers responded – this is what motivates me to be an Educator.  A favourite quote of mine said by Nelson Mandela – “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world”