Our Team

In 2020 a team of researchers, academics and psychologists recognised 3 important gaps in suicide prevention material for the community:

  1. lack of free, detailed, easy to access information for the public that instills confidence,

  2. information relevant to autistic people,

  3. information relevant to LGBTIQA+ people.

They made it their mission to develop an evidence-based and co-designed tool for the community which fills these gaps.

  • Karien Hill (she/her/hers)

    Dr Karien Hill is an alumnus and external collaborator of La Trobe University and a Clinical Psychologist. She is passionate about responding to Australia's high suicide rates, especially the high rates in the LGBTIQAP+ and neurodiverse communities. She believes suicide is preventable through a more educated community, both in terms of suicide prevention awareness and advocacy and acceptance of neurodiversity and sexual and gender diversity

  • Darren Hedley (he/him/his)

    Dr Darren Hedley has been working with neurodivergent people for over 20 years. He is passionate about identifying the societal changes that are needed to ensure that all people can lead meaningful and fulfilling lives irrespective of challenges they may face.

  • Josephine Barbaro (she/her/hers)

    Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro is a psychologist and researcher who has worked with autistic children and their families for over 15 years. She is passionate about early detection and implementation of supports and services for vulnerable and underserved communities, so that everyone has the opportunity for the best outcomes in life.

  • Carina Chan (she/her/hers)

    Dr Carina Chan is a social-behavioural scientist with expertise in understanding psychosocial factors and behaviour change. She is passionate about translating evidence to real-life practice. She is keen to build capacity in the general public for suicide prevention and accelerate the process for disseminating accessible educational materials to support suicide prevention.

  • David Murphy

    David Murphy has worked in broadcasting, journalism and public relations; holding degrees in social sciences and communications. He is passionate about bringing the topic of neurodiversity to the attention of a wider public, and has experience of living with autism.

  • Mark Stokes

    Mark Stokes is an Associate Professor in Psychology at Deakin University, is a registered psychologist, and has been involved in Autism research since 1992. Mark established the Healthy Autistic Life Lab (HALL) in 2002. HALL’s programs address Intersectionality in autism; Mental Health in Autism; Suicide in Autism; LGBTIQ+ and sexuality in autism; relationship development; the female profile of autism; transition to adulthood in autism; and neurobiological aspects of autism. Mark is a life member of and former President of Kidsafe Australia, is a Life Member and former President of ASfAR, and is National Lead for Australia to INSAR.