OUR TEAM
Meet us!
Dr Judy Friedlander
Founder and Director
Judy’s expertise and impact in environmental advocacy stems from her varied and professional background in high-level journalism,...Dr Judy Friedlander
Founder and Director
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...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
Manager
Kate has worked with PlantingSeeds for over 3 years and previously in communication and marketing. Her diverse experiences span from big...Kate Fraser
Manager
Kate has worked with PlantingSeeds for over 3 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 Manager, 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.
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...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
Meliponist & Entomologist
Francisco has a PhD from the University of Sydney specialising in the Australian stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria, more commonly know...Dr Francisco Garcia Bulle Bueno
Meliponist & Entomologist
Francisco has a PhD from the University of Sydney specialising in the Australian stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria, more commonly know as the sugarbag bee. Fransisco completed his undergraduate degree at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His work with PlantingSeeds involves assessment, development and installation of native stingless bee hives in B&B locations as well as educator for the B&B Highway.
Zoe Lyons
Landscape Architect
Zoe is a landscape architect with over 7 years professional experience on a broad range of projects throughout Australia. She focusses on...Zoe Lyons
Landscape Architect
Zoe is a landscape architect with over 7 years professional experience on a broad range of projects throughout Australia. She focusses on inner city design, integrating complex landscapes that engage and respond to the surrounding environment. Zoe aims to create landscapes that help support and expand urban habitat through thoughtful planting that incorporates native and exotic species.
Tyler King
B&B Highway Research & Educator (VIC)
Tyler King is a PhD candidate in the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University, where his research is...Tyler King
B&B Highway Research & Educator (VIC)
Tyler King is a PhD candidate in the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University, where his research is exploring the entanglements between pollinators, people and plants in the urban space, which will feature his upcoming work on the B&B Highway in research and education. With a background in environmental science, Tyler has worked on projects that range from awareness campaigns protecting endangered shorebirds, to using museum records to reassess bat distribution in northern Australia.
Monique Burns
B&B Highway Educator (VIC)
Monique completed her honours year in 2022 at the University of Melbourne investigating urban bee communities at different vegetation...Monique Burns
B&B Highway Educator (VIC)
Monique completed her honours year in 2022 at the University of Melbourne investigating urban bee communities at different vegetation types. She is now working as an indigenous nursery retail assistant and an educator at the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuay. Monique also works as a research assistant at the University of Melbourne on a range of projects in the field of urban ecology, including the research and maintenance of a seed-production area for direct-seeded indigenous meadows.
Ella Swan
B&B Highway Coordinator
Currently studying environmental studies and education at Sydney University, Ella is incredibly passionate about caring for the environment...Ella Swan
B&B Highway Coordinator
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.
Kelly Dumesich
B&B Coordinator & Admin
Kelly has a background in Biomedical Science, Education and Environmental Toxicology. Kelly loves working at PlantingSeeds and helps the...Kelly Dumesich
B&B Coordinator & Admin
Kelly has a background in Biomedical Science, Education and Environmental Toxicology. Kelly loves working at PlantingSeeds and helps the B&B Team at local schools and other projects. She loves seeing students so engaged with nature in the outdoor workshops.
George (Clancy) Lester
B&B Highway Educator (VIC)
Clancy, a passionate researcher and nature enthusiast, hails from Yorta Yorta land in country Victoria. Currently pursuing a Master of...George (Clancy) Lester
B&B Highway Educator (VIC)
Clancy, a passionate researcher and nature enthusiast, hails from Yorta Yorta land in country Victoria. Currently pursuing a Master of Bioscience at the University of Melbourne, he researches the plant-pollinator interactions of Northern Territory native bees in collaboration with the Yolŋu First Nation of North-East Arnhem Land. Clancy grew up with a love for nature and the environment inspired by Steve Irwin and David Attenborough. Now 22 years old, as part of his commitment to conservation, Clancy has started a project involving native bee hotels through the Wattle Fellowship with the goal of motivating the urban community to contribute to native bee conservation by making their own.
Hilary Albert
Database & GIS Specialist
Hilary has a Bachelor of Engineering degree and has worked as a computer analyst and database manager for many years. She is responsible...Hilary Albert
Database & GIS Specialist
Hilary has a Bachelor of Engineering degree and has worked as a computer analyst and database manager for many years. She is responsible for modifying and maintaining the PlantingSeeds database. She is also currently 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....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.
Alan King
B&B Educator & Support
Alan is a committed permaculturalist. On his urban block in Lane Cove he has an award winning veggie patch, an aquaponics system, chooks,...Alan King
B&B Educator & Support
Alan is a committed permaculturalist. On his urban block in Lane Cove he has an award winning veggie patch, an aquaponics system, chooks, European honey bees and native bees. He loves pollinators of all sorts - from bees to birds to butterflies and everything in between. Alan is very keen to develop the same passion for pollinators in children so that they can begin their journey in life with a deep respect and empathy for our natural world!
Alistair Gunn
Graphic & Multimedia Design
Alistair is a highly experienced graphic and multimedia designer, having worked for many years in pharmaceutical and medical education. He...Alistair Gunn
Graphic & Multimedia Design
Alistair is a highly experienced graphic and multimedia designer, having worked for many years in pharmaceutical and medical education. He currently works as a freelancer. When he’s not bringing messages to life with still and moving images he can be found 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 (QLD)
Greta has over a decade experience in design, architecture, carpentry and landscaping, and seeks to bring them all together to better...Greta Shields
B&B Educator (QLD)
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...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.
Zeerak Ayaz
Writer
Zeerak has completed a Bachelor of Communication (majoring in Journalism). She contributes to PlantingSeeds by researching and writing...Zeerak Ayaz
Writer
Zeerak has completed a Bachelor of Communication (majoring in Journalism). She contributes to PlantingSeeds by researching and writing about various pollinators and other plant and animal species that play a crucial role in the conservation of our Australian environment.
Frazier Evans
Graphic Design & Animation
A recent UTS Bachelor of Visual Communication's graduate and ethics focused graphic designer currently working with PlantingSeeds to create...Frazier Evans
Graphic Design & Animation
A recent UTS Bachelor of Visual Communication's graduate and ethics focused graphic designer currently working with PlantingSeeds to create brand accurate videos and graphics pieces that help further our mission and teach effectively.
Emma Chan
B&B Research & Educator
Emma is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at UNSW and will graduate at the end of 2025. This degree enticed her as...Emma Chan
B&B Research & Educator
Emma is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at UNSW and will graduate at the end of 2025. This degree enticed her as it combined a love of drawing and the environment. Working with PlantingSeeds allows her to gain work experience with plants and further enhances her knowledge of sustainability. Interventions at the community scale are crucial in order for change to occur and she has witnessed this through PlantingSeeds.
Tasneem Alshareef
Website & Social Administration
Tasneem Alshareef is an enthusiastic IT learner with a Diploma of Information Technology Networking from TAFE QLD. With a passion for...Tasneem Alshareef
Website & Social Administration
Tasneem Alshareef is an enthusiastic IT learner with a Diploma of Information Technology Networking from TAFE QLD. With a passion for environmental sustainability and workplace safety, Tasneem brings her experience in network administration, system security, and server solutions. Trained in troubleshooting various operating systems, Tasneem is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and contributing to organizational goals. Currently, Tasneem is helping with the setup and development of our new website. As a recent resident to Sydney, Tasneem is excited to join the Planting Seeds team and apply her IT skills to support their mission.
Nisita Pradipta
B&B Research
Sita believes in the power of empathy — for nature and for one another — in shaping resilient and inclusive cities, which inspires her...Nisita Pradipta
B&B Research
Sita believes in the power of empathy — for nature and for one another — in shaping resilient and inclusive cities, which inspires her in what she does. During her time at PlantingSeeds, she contributes through research around biodiversity laws and assessments. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Japan, had experience working on urban governance initiatives in Indonesia, and is currently pursuing a Master of Sustainability in Sydney.
Chuks Odoh
Threatened Species Research
Chuks Kenneth Odoh is a researcher and academic with a background in environmental and biomedical sciences. He is an advocate for a safe...Chuks Odoh
Threatened Species Research
Chuks Kenneth Odoh is a researcher and academic with a background in environmental and biomedical sciences. He is an advocate for a safe and sustainable environment and has extensive experience working in the environmental industry in Nigeria. Chuks holds a PhD in Biochemical Engineering and is currently building a formidable career in Environmental Sciences at the University of Newcastle through his research on contaminants remediation. He has published numerous research works spanning agrobiology, environmental, and biomedical sciences. Chuks is contributing to PlantingSeeds by working on the Threatened to Thriving project.
Michele De Sousa Belitardo
Biodiversity Research
Michele is a passionate sustainability professional dedicated to the environment. With a background in Sustainability and Environmental...Michele De Sousa Belitardo
Biodiversity Research
Michele is a passionate sustainability professional dedicated to the environment. With a background in Sustainability and Environmental Engineering, she has experience promoting sustainable project management and facilitating collaboration amongst diverse stakeholders. Michele has contributed to the team's research on Australian biodiversity, particularly focusing on pollinators and their practical applications in sustainability
Thanks to all who give and have given their time:
Brendan McCool, Marjaneh Ghafari, Lilli Barto, Kristine Abalos, Leanne Donde, Jane Hemmelgarn, Rebecca Blascak, Emma Penzenstadler, Jason Schadow, Stephen Blaxhall, Christian Abad, Eric Liebl, Ky Haus, Casey Miller, Skylee Lawton, Haley Olexa, Mark Anthony Peña, Olga Ivanishena, Stephen Peterson, Brooke Diviak, Victoria Karutz, Justine Hice, Maxwell Hogue, Rachel Solberg, Hayley Clebanoff, Angela Jung, James Balzer, Jessica Teo, Emily Tresize, Jing Ng, Jason Wang, Smita Pandey, Susan Loewensohn, Margaret Purcell, Riley Connors, Rachel Fieldhouse, James Balzer, Samantha Lawrence, Valentina Mascaro, Milena Abreu, Dr Mark Tayar, Peri Bertolami, Sophia Kloosterman, Franscois McHardy, Elisa Trepp, Darcy Song, Nejra Salihbegovic, Nadia Thonpanich, Lilly Aggio, Sophie Fierz, Anne Homann, Emily White, Somayyeh Solymanzadeh, Adryelle Moireira, Blake Van Zanden, Sue Saxon, Casey Raudaschl, Zara Chowdhury, Zac Albert, Nicky Ta, Hang Yin, Mark Manzano, Riana Willsie, Johannah Rohkamper, Naomi Shaw, Jeff Silberbach, Casey Forster, Bhavana Penmatcha, Emily Laing, Daniel Varrica, Hamish Kats, Urte Simonyte, Xuan Henderson, Lovanne Gallo, Dr Meng Xia, Jess Wiggins, Sanziana Timis, Casey Forster, Bhavana Penmatcha, Dunai Warwar, Zhiyuan Liu, Carolina Aleman, Kevin Chan, Duncan Turner, Julie Morse, Gautam Mishra, Alexandra Zimbicki, Madeline Taylor, Jessica Mannion, Trudie Taylor, Selma Mesanovic, Avril Richardson, Kimberley Perez Neuta, Judi LeVine, Lucas Brown and Garry Hopkins.