Regina Thompson

CHAIR

With senior leadership experience in the Department of Education, Regina’s expertise lies in developing and leading teams, providing pedagogical leadership and professional learning to support the development of staff. With an ambition for understanding neuro science in young children, she enjoys expanding her knowledge in the area of child development. Educating for over 30 years, she is a committed advocate for quality early learning and investment in the earliest years of a child’s life, and holds a leadership position with the B4 Coalition, supporting Tasmanian children, families and communities.

Eric Gooi

VICE CHAIR & SECRETARY

Eric is a purpose-driven leader with over 14 years of experience in human resources and organisational management across the community, government and private sectors. He believes employees are the heart of every organisation and is passionate about creating workplaces defined by empowerment, engagement and accountability. Eric brings a strong governance lens to his work, with board and advisory experience that informs his strategic and inclusive approach.

Driven by values of service, connection and integrity, Eric is committed to fostering networks that empower individuals and support a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. He is also a strong advocate for access to high-quality early learning and care, recognising its critical role in shaping Tasmania’s future through the development of confident, capable young leaders.

Sam Simpson

TREASURER

Sam is a dynamic and strategic leader, currently serving as the General Manager of Dental Operations at St Lukes, a Tasmanian-owned private health company.

With an extensive background in strategic planning, project management, business development, finance management, and experience in the Department of Health, Sam brings a wealth of expertise to Thrive. He leverages his professional experience to support Thrive’s governance and strategic decision-making processes, focusing on delivering exceptional staff experiences. His commitment ensures high-quality services, safety, and personal growth, providing evidence-informed care that meets the needs of children, families, and the Tasmanian community.

Elizabeth Daly OAM

BOARD MEMBER

Retired Educator, Elizabeth, has held positions of Principal, Senior Superintendent Early Years, Senior Superintendent North and Director of Education. She has acted as Commissioner for Children and Young People, as well as Co-Chair of B4 Coalition. She chaired UTas Alumni organisation for 10 years; served on UTas Governance Council and chaired the Tasmanian Early Years Foundation. Passionate about Early Learning, she believes every child has the right to access quality education and care. Her highly respected voice is a strong advocate for the industry.

Karen Wielstra

BOARD MEMBER

Possessing over 20 years’ experience as a teacher, Karen holds the current position as Business Manager and Executive Secretary at John Calvin School. “My passion is education and the well-being of all students.” As a business owner as well, she finds herself involved in real-world issues and identifies the affect this has on the wellbeing of young people in our care.  She has qualifications in Leadership, Copywrite Law, SASS, Board organisation, WHS and Governance and Risk Management, as well as expertise in bookkeeping, policy and procedure and HR management.

Simon Wood

BOARD MEMBER

Simon is managing director of a commercial and industrial refrigeration manufacturing company, he has over 37 years of experience in field of mechanical engineering and for the last 20 years has led businesses through strategic change for long term stability and profitability.

Having travelled around the world with work to understand diverse cultures and working environments he has a passion for implementing robust processes and continuous improvement along with developing and fostering respectful workplaces.

Jade Kaye

BOARD MEMBER

Naturally collaborative and highly responsive in his approach, Jade specialises in major infrastructure and major project delivery. Jade has a strong and diverse background in brining stakeholders together to achieve shared visions and objectives, with a strong passion toward contributing to community benefits and outcomes.

Jade has a well-earned track record for leadership and drives great culture with a sound strategic mindset. Jade actively contributes to the community and various industries such as engineering, social infrastructure, mining, renewable energy, project management and supply chain with a strong passion for change management and business transformation such that the industries stay ahead of the curve. Jade is very passionate toward mentoring young and mature aged emerging industry professionals or return to work professionals within the industry.

Jade has a very strong passion toward equipping young minds with skills and values for a meaningful, purpose-driven life to prepare them for responsible citizenship in our big world, literacy rate is very important to our children who enter early learning, Jade very much champions reading for young children and the importance it plays in literacy rate improvement(s) for Tasmania.

Oliver Pye

BOARD MEMBER

Ollie is an Analyst at St Lukes, a Tasmanian not-for-profit private health insurer. He has a passion for education, having previously worked for the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and the Queensland University of Technology. Ollie brings his broad experience spanning the education, government and not-for-profit sectors to help deliver quality education for the young people of Tasmania.

Alex Purdon

BOARD MEMBER

Alex brings over 10 years’ experience in the Community Services sector, with a career that began in Disability Services and now spans both disability support and Aged Care. With statewide experience across Tasmania, Alex understands the unique challenges of service delivery, particularly in regional and remote communities. Having worked across frontline, leadership and operational roles, Alex offers strong insight into workforce planning and the impact of regulation on service delivery. Alex is passionate about person-centred practice and is community-minded, supporting approaches that place individuals at the centre of high-quality, responsive care.