About Us

Vision Statement
A world full of healthy hearts and free from anxiety and depression

‘Happiness [is] only real when shared’ – John Krakauer, Into the Wild

In 2016, SEEDS Newcastle began with a goal: promote health by empowering community health ambassadors to become part of the prevention and management of heart diseases and mental illnesses that are leading cause of death in Australia. We offer evidence-based programs, a variety of practical workshops and health clubs to support individuals and organisations journey towards optimal health. In this, we also gather data for current lifestyle medicine research, contributing to the global solution and a better world to all of us.

We are based in Newcastle City, and we are currently entirely supported by volunteers, donations and sponsorships.

Team

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Camila Ito Skaf

Co-founder & CEO

I have studied and been trained in multiple disciplines, but my biggest passion is to empower people to live their best life. I am adventurous and challenge-driven. After achieving corporate success in the financial markets for over ten years, in São Paulo and New York City, and traveling around the world, ending up in Australia doing a Masters Lifestyle Medicine, I decided to pursue a dream: a sustainable not-for-profit business which would empower people to take control of their health and transform communities. From this desire SEEDS was born. I am married to my best friend, Joseph. We have a precious girl Catarina Akemi, and together we enjoy people, nature, music, arts, cycling, traveling, and great food. 

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Geraldine Moran

Chairman & Strategic Planning Consultant

Geraldine Moran is the founder and CEO of Centre For Hope. She feels really privileged to be part of The Seeds Newcastle board. Geraldine is creative and organised in her work, but above all else she wants young people to find their feet, create their future and inspire others. Geraldine is a solicitor, has studied psychology and is an author and success coach. She created a space where she thrived and in turn allows others to do the same. All with the common goal of supporting young people to be the best they can be and to find their way in the Universe. To create pathways to wellbeing across mind, body and soul. Fun is important. It is the best way to learn. Geraldine will talk to an iron pot, but she has addressed peers, organisations, government representatives and networking groups. She was a keynote speaker at the International Coach Federation Australasian Conference 2013. She was awarded Lake Macquarie Citizen of the Year 2016, Rydon Youth Sector Worker 2016, Hunter Hero 2016 and Centre For Hope was awarded Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Award NFP 2017.  She is a wife and mother who is passionate about creating a wonderful life for all.

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Jesus Romero

Volunteer & Program Facilitator

Starting in Venezuela after finishing rescue squad training, I have been a volunteer for over 18 years. My rescue team specialty was radio-communications. I was also passionate about health and first aid, so I studied to become a paramedic. I started to work at Instructor of American Heart Association programs such as Basic Life Support and CPR. In Australia, I am a CHIP facilitator and a certified leader/facilitator of the Chronic Diseases Self-management program. I love helping my community  learn how to live healthy lifestyles. I try to combine my healthy lifestyle with hobbies:  bushwalking, 4-wheel driving and camping.

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Eunice Castro

Programs & Volunteer Coordinator

I have been studying all my life to fulfill what I think is my purpose:  help people to improve their health. In Venezuela, I worked as an OH&S consultant and certified Instructor of the American Heart Association programs. In Australia, I am a registered nurse (RN) in aged care, a certified community health educator, a certified facilitator of CHIP, and a certified leader/facilitator of the Chronic Diseases Self-management program, at the same time that I am finishing my Masters’ in Public Health. I am passionate about positive thinking, lifestyle medicine, plant-based cooking, bushwalking and camping.

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Erin Keegan

Lifestyle Medicine Coach & Program facilitator

I am passionate about quality food & exercise which optimises our bodies & minds. I love being outside by myself or with loved ones, and eating foods as grown. It gives me great joy to see people enjoy connecting over meals that does their insides good & not harm. Let’s support each other as we all journey towards better versions of ourselves!

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Dr. Emma Campbell

Board Member & Program Facilitator

Emma Campbell is a Newcastle trained General Practitioner with special interests in women’s health and lifestyle medicine. Knowing that at least 70% of our health problems are related to lifestyle choices and an environment that promotes obesity, she is passionate about empowering people to make better choices, and live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

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Kellen Rosa

Volunteer IT Support & Communication Assistant

I’m from Brazil, graduated in Information Technology, completed a Master in Business Management and I’m currently living in Australia.
All my life, I have always been passionate to help others and to make a positive difference in people’s life.
I learned about Seeds in 2019 and since then i have been a volunteer in this amazing project that promotes better health for the community and fights anxiety and depression.
I love dancing salsa, samba, tango, forro and being around friends.

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Michelle Barnes

Nutritionist & Health Coach

Michelle is a qualified clinical nutritionist and wellness coach. Michelle’s passion is to support and empower clients on their wellness journey to make mindful diet & lifestyle changes.

With a special interest in paediatric nutrition Michelle became aware of the lack of wholesome and nutritionally sustainable information available to new parents when she became a mum herself. Experiencing firsthand the challenges of fussy eating and knowing what foods are essential for kids growth and development, she knows the importance of nurturing children’s taste buds at an early age to enjoy nourishing and nutritious foods which will ultimately establish long term positive eating habits.

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Erika Suyama

Volunteer

Erika holds a Bachelor in Property Economics (second-class honours) and works full time in the Property sector and outside of work, she has always been passionate to volunteer her time to help others.
Dating back to her school days, Erika served as a representative of the group, Students Take Action. Erika volunteered time to take part in the Red Shield Appeal, local council environmental programs, and in organising charity fundraisers.
One of her fondest volunteer memories has been a mission trip to Cambodia to help build a playground and shelter, and to teach the local community about healthy habits. There she had the privilege to run a yoga class for the community.
Erika is accredited in First Aid and Mental Health First Aid. Through her work, Erika has been involved with Property Industry Foundation and Two Good Foundation, which focus on providing ongoing assistance to vulnerable people and homeless youth.
In her spare time Erika loves being in the outdoors, especially camping or bush walking, with her husband and girls.

Help SEEDS Grow

All donations are tax deductible

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