Our Team

Coordinating Team

Brad was appointed as the CEO of the Fit to Drive Foundation Inc on 11 May 2021. Prior to this Brad served as a senior policy maker with both the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments including in executive and ministerial advisory roles. Brad has a Bachelor of Economics (first class honours) from the University of Queensland, holds a Certificate of Foundations in Trustee Governance with the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Melissa joined the team at the Fit to Drive Foundation in 2015 and now serves as General Manager, leading our dedicated team in delivering a range of valuable road safety education programs for school students, young drivers, regional communities and those new to the Australian road system. With a strong focus on community engagement and advocacy, Melissa is committed to creating safer roads and saving lives through informed, strategic, and compassionate leadership.

“I believe in the power of people working together to make a difference.”

Maria joined Fit to Drive in 2023 as an Engagement Officer with over 30 years of experience in the field of Industrial Relations. Maria has held various pivotal roles within unions, working tirelessly to advocate for the rights and safety of workers in diverse industries. Driven by a profound sense of purpose, Maria continues to be deeply passionate about advocating for the rights and safe conditions of employment, she remains steadfast in her mission to effect positive change. This now extends to safety for Apprentices, especially when they use the road for employment, via the new Apprenticeship program, Work Smart Drive Smart.

With a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree, majoring in International Politics from the University of Adelaide, Maria brings an academic background to her professional endeavours. Maria’s extensive experience, coupled with her unwavering dedication to this cause, makes her a valuable asset to the Fit to Drive team.

When Jack isn’t playing netball or watching a B-grade horror movie, they can be found combing the Merri Creek Trail for trinkets or dancing under the warm glow of a full moon. A lover of all things esoteric, if you need to banish an ex or have your birth chart analysed, Jacks your guy!

Jack first started with fit to drive as a facilitator in 2015, while completing their Bachelor of Science and Education at Deakin University. Jack took a short break from the foundation in 2020 to work in mental health outreach, returning in 2024 with a renewed passion and belief in the power of young people to affect change and to create a better, safer world for themselves.

Amanda is a qualified teacher with extensive experience across educational, council, private, and community settings. She holds a Master of Education, a Bachelor of Geomatics (Applied Science), and Diplomas in Event Management and Early Childhood. Her professional background spans classroom teaching, program management, leadership, and training roles. Amanda is passionate about empowering young people to make safer, more informed decisions through high-impact education programs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at the beach or outdoors, watching, playing, or coaching sport, and going for walks with her family.

Originally from Walyalup (Fremantle) Western Australia, Matthew started at the Fit to Drive Foundation in 2026 when he moved to Naarm (Melbourne) ro begin a Master of Social Policy at the University of Melbourne. Matthew holds an Honours degree in Anthropology and Sociology from the University of Western Australia, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Politics & International Studies from the University of Melbourne.

Matthew is an experienced facilitator who greatly enjoys working with young people. His background is in youth policy and consultancy, and he also holds ten years of experience as a community dance teacher.

In his spare time, Matthew loves reading, swimming, and riding his bike. He is passionate about urban design and active transport, and ensuring that communities have access to safe and vibrant built environments.

Mikayla joined Fit to Drive out of a strong passion for road safety, health equity, and primary prevention. She brings a diverse background spanning health promotion, health services research, and volunteer tutoring for young people. After completing a Bachelor of Public Health from Monash University, Mikayla developed a strong foundation in community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and social justice. Guided by these principles, she is committed to ensuring all community members have equitable access to the tools that enable them to make informed and safe choices on the road. Outside of work, Mikayla enjoys going on walks and reading.

Facilitator Team

Hi! My name is Joandrea, and I’m one of the facilitators at Fit To Drive.

I’m currently studying to become a secondary teacher and have had the opportunity to gain experience working with students in schools—supporting them in activities and teaching topics like English.

Outside of work, I love drawing and discovering new cafes around Melbourne—especially ones that serve great matcha.

What I love most about working at Fit To Drive is being able to travel around Victoria to different schools and connecting with students. I’m passionate about helping young people stay safe and confident on the road.

Jack is a performer and facilitator based in Melbourne, Australia. When he isn’t educating on road safety, he runs roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons professionally to the young and young at heart.

Jack is extremely passionate about giving young people the tools to take care of themselves and their mates, that he never had the chance to learn when he was young.

Fabio joined the facilitation team out of a strong commitment to road safety and a desire to help create safer, fairer streets for all. Having lived in several countries across Europe, he brings diverse experience in community engagement and active transport. He believes that educating young people is key to long-term change and values the opportunity to contribute through workshops. Outside of work, Fabio enjoys riding his motorbike and eating pizza.

Manni is a queer, non-binary musician from so-called Bendigo, Vic. They completed a Bachelor of Music Industry, majoring in Music Composition at the Box Hill Institute in 2024. Last year they released their debut self-titled album under the name ‘Flora’ and are in the process of making their second album now. Manni loves being a part of community groups that are empowering and serving a deep purpose in people’s lives.

Having spent over 20 years in the wheelchair accessible vehicle modification industry, Jared has worked closely with the TAC, Local, State and Federal Governments, Not-For-Profits and Individuals. Having witnessed the effects of road trauma through previous roles, Jared has a passion to reduce that toll through education and empowering others to continue the conversation with their community. As well as being part of the Work Smart Drive Smart team, Jared is also a qualified Educator in the primary school setting, an Educator for Kidsafe Vic and the owner operator of his own business.

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Our Team

Coordinating Team

Brad Crofts

Melissa Burns

Maria Kaplanis

Jack Carpenter

Amanda Dean

Matthew Clancy

Mikayla Reboe

Facilitator Team

Joandrea

Jack

Fabio

Manni

Jared