TEAM

Dr Judy Friedlander

Founder and CEO

Judy’s expertise and impact in environmental advocacy stems from her varied and professional background in high-level journalism, academia, campaigning and sustainability research. Before founding the PlantingSeeds organisation, Judy had an impressive media and journalism career. She worked as a newspaper editor and feature writer for The Australian, The Sun-Herald and The Sydney Morning Herald, and was a current affairs producer at Channel Nine. Judy’s passion for environmental issues has always been at the forefront of her work and studies with much of her media work devoted to sustainability interests and investigations. Her PhD at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney developed expertise in proven strategies for engaging corporates and the public in impactful environmental initiatives. Judy believes that biodiversity issues have long been seen as subsidiary but are finally receiving the vital attention they need – with species loss at an all-time high and practical actions now absolutely imperative. She is also a passionate believer in the ability of urban areas to regenerate and increase biodiversity. Judy is also an Adjunct Fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

Anthony Kahn

Director

Anthony has worked in the finance industry for over 30 years, including six years as a CEO of an ASX top 30 company. Over the past 12 years, Anthony has been active in the not-for-profit sector, in particular, with food-based organisations.   Anthony was integral in the establishment of OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation. He served as the chairman of the board for six years, from the organisation’s birth in 2004 until 2010. Anthony is passionate about developing sustainable practices at every stage in the life cycle of food.

Kate Fraser

Chief Operating Officer

Kate has worked with PlantingSeeds for over 8 years and previously in communication and marketing. Her diverse experiences span from big business to start-ups across a range of brands fashion, retail and not-for-profit industries. As COO, Kate coordinates PlantingSeeds’ ongoing projects, keeps the team on track and manages our external comms and administration. Her long-held passion for sustainability and biodiversity became a work-priority after the birth of her first child 10 years ago.

Nicole Lewis

B&B & Education Manager

Nicole has been an environmental educator for 25 years and is passionate about instilling awe and respect for nature in everyone through education and hands-on experiences. Completing a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Science), a Master of Science in Environmental Studies and Certificate III in Early Childhood has enabled her to follow my passion through a number of avenues including working for State and Local Government, schools and community groups educating and inspiring people across all ages from preschool to adults about all aspects of sustainability. Fundamental to her work is fostering a deep connection to the Earth, which is best achieved through outdoor experiences and education.

Dr Francisco Garcia Bulle Bueno

Consulting Meliponist & Entomologist

Francisco has a PhD from the University of Sydney specialising in the Australian stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria, or sugarbag bee. Fransisco completed his undergraduate degree at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He is currently based in the US as the Director of Research & Conservation at the Butterfly Pavillion in Denver. He continues to consult with PS.

Ella Swan

B&B Highway Coordinator (NSW)

Currently studying environmental studies and education at Sydney University, Ella is incredibly passionate about caring for the environment and connecting people to nature through outdoor learning. Her goal is to cultivate meaningful experiences that inspire wonder, creativity and understanding of all our beautiful pollinators and how we can best support them.

Lindsay Donde

B&B Highway Coordinator (VIC)

Engineer, mother, biomimicry enthusiast, environmental scientist. I am deeply passionate about urban greening as a strategy for climate resilience. The benefits of urban green spaces for mental health and community development are a significant source of inspiration for me. My approach involves synthesizing insights from diverse resources and perspectives, and then presenting this information in a clear and impactful manner. Gardening serves as a source of personal solace and a medium for meditation. Moreover, engaging with nature alongside my children has proven to be my most effective parenting tool, strengthening our connection and facilitating emotional regulation. My objective is to demonstrate the universal accessibility of this practice.

Hilary Albert

Database & GIS Specialist

Hilary has a Bachelor of Engineering degree and is an experienced computer analyst and database manager. She is responsible for modifying and maintaining the PlantingSeeds database. She is also developing a Geospatial App for Planting Seeds which will help people to understand and better provide for endangered and threatened pollinators.

Susan Schmid

Grants & B&B Research

Susan is passionate about educating others on how precious nature is. We all can do something to protect animals and our habitat. PlantingSeeds is designed to involve and inspire others to heal the planet. Susan works with our B&B teams to help coordinate logistics.

Alistair Gunn

Graphic & Multimedia Design

Alistair is a gifted graphic and multimedia designer, having worked for many years in pharmaceutical and medical education who is now freelancing. When he’s not bringing messages to life with still and moving images he is learning new software skills; walking in his local bushland reserves; riding motorcycles or devouring Japanese food! He was most excited to learn about the Blue Banded and Teddy Bear Bees!

Greta Shields

B&B Educator (VIC)

Greta has over a decade experience in design, architecture, carpentry and landscaping, and seeks to bring them all together to better understand the world around her. Her passion for the natural world is the unifying element across her varied experience. PlantingSeeds has afforded her the platform to share her passion for environmental systems and all the intricacies of it all. She loves sharing, learning, community involvement and being a part of such in any shade that may present.

Nat Wolffe

B&B Educator (QLD)

Natalie is currently completing her bachelor of Science, majoring in Wildlife biology and Marine biology. She's always loved plants and animals, particularly those close to home and in our backyards.

Hannah Jones

B&B Educator (SA)

Hannah is a nature-loving creative with over twelve years of experience in conservation, horticulture, and landscape design. Obsessed with native plants and the intricate stories they tell, Hannah is especially fascinated by the ecological relationships between native flora and local wildlife. Her work is grounded in a passion for biodiversity and a belief that greater awareness and understanding of our local ecosystems can lead to meaningful change. Based on Kaurna Country on the Fleurieu Peninsula, she draws daily inspiration from habitat gardening, exploring native bushland, and sharing life with her partner and their two adventurous young kids.

Mayumi Kintanar

Data Coordinator

Mayumi has a Bachelor in Business Management and has extensive experience in administration, finance and public service. Her interest in nature and the environment has grown with the current impacts of climate change. Joining the organisation is her way of contributing beyond making personal sustainable choices. She researches local councils' biodiversity strategies and updates data on B&B school projects. She is delighted to be working with the passionate and inclusive team at PlantingSeeds.

Simi Olutayo

B&B Research

Simi is a Bachelor of Environmental Science graduate who is passionate about sustainability and environmental stewardship. She contributes to PlantingSeeds through her research, writing and education.

Macarena Vasquez

Landscape Architect

Macarena is a landscape architect with over 6 years of experience in large-scale open space design. She specializes in sustainable landscapes, green infrastructure, and park design. She is passionate about maintaining nature within cities, believing that thoughtful design can help mitigate climate change and create positive, lasting impacts on urban communities.

Deidre Knight

B&B Educator (SA)

Deidre is a passionate environmental educator who is a convenor of the Australian Association of Environmental Education SA. She is a dedicated supporter of the Bringing Back the Butterflies SA program. She also works with Western Adelaide Coastal Residents Association WACRA on the My Tree Project with primary and secondary schools in the city of Charles Sturt.

SUPPRIYA KANAGARAJ

Administration Assistant & Grant Writer

Suppriya Kanagaraj is an Administration Assistant with a Bachelor of Engineering degree. She currently contributes to Planting Seeds, supporting biodiversity research by managing images and information, and assisting with administrative tasks. Suppriya is passionate about biodiversity research, environmental education, and promoting awareness through accurate and organised data management.

Arihant S

GIS Specialist & Designer

Arihant is a GIS and Remote Sensing specialist with 4 years of academic and commercial experience in the field. He has a background in Marine & Environmental Science and loves map making and exploring cartography, alongside analytical use of geospatial data and software. Arihant supports PlantingSeeds with geospatial & remote sensing applications and map making.

Katherine Murray

Research & Grant Writer

Katie is currently studying Environmental Science and Public Policy at the University of Pittsburgh. She is interning with Planting Seeds while on exchange at UTS, as she is passionate about helping the environment in any way she can.  Within Planting Seeds, her work can be seen through biodiversity assessments, grant writing, and article writing.

Yvonne Connell

B&B Highway Support

Yvonne is a social science graduate with an honorary masters in philosophy and since moving to Australia from Europe & prior to retirement, worked for Ministry of Health IT. She supports the B&B Highway program from education to coordination of schools.

Elise Leano

Illustrator & Designer

Elise is a freelance multimedia designer with a passion for creating art that sparks positive change. She contributes to PlantingSeeds through visual storytelling, graphic design, and illustration.

Alaina Parr

B&B Highway Support & Writer

Alaina is currently studying History and Social Policy with a focus on Environmental Policy. She is passionate about environmental justice and community-centered climate action, and hopes to combine her love of nature with a commitment to advocacy to help build a future that is both environmentally sustainable and equitable for all.

Blair Wigham

Project Manager

Blair is a Project Manager with 18 years’ experience delivering complex projects across healthcare, digital, and not-for-profit sectors. He holds a Master’s in Sustainable Development (Humanitarian Action) and a Bachelor of International Studies, bringing a strong interest in sustainability and global development to his work. He enjoys supporting purpose-driven organisations and initiatives that aim to create positive, lasting impact. Blair is particularly interested in work that strengthens communities, supports environmental sustainability, and contributes to meaningful social outcomes.

Amelia Parsons

B&B Highway Educator (VIC)

Amelia is a plant and fungi enthusiast and has recently completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Botany. They are passionate about making scientific research accessible and interesting foreveryone, and believe that the most important factor in conservation is education.

Griffin Clements

B&B Highway Educator (VIC)

Griffin has an honours degree in both Botany and Marine Biology. He is passionate  about the environment and about native plants. When he’s not working on his thesis, he is engaged in guerilla gardening, in little parks or nature strips, digging out invasive plants and replacing them with natives.  

Ijeoma Okpalanzekwe

Administration Assistant

Ijeoma (Ij) has a background in Business Information Systems, program administration, and environmental and public health. At Planting Seeds, she volunteers as an Administration Assistant, currently focused on organising and tidying up the team's drive and folder systems. She has a keen interest in the relationship between environmental health and human wellbeing, and the ways health inequalities show up in communities. For her, volunteering is a passion, and she is excited to be part of the Planting Seeds journey.