ABOUT US
OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Aroha Liebhart
I joined the White Bear Foundation committee because I deeply care about children and families, and because I wanted to honour Pete’s legacy after being touched by his friendship during my time at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
After attending White Bear events for several years, I joined the committee in 2020 and have loved being part of the experiences we create for the children and families we meet.
I am a qualified counsellor, holding a Master of Counselling, alongside degrees in Journalism and Arts (Political Science) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Communications. I now work as a counsellor with a strong interest in child development and supporting family connection, which informs the care and perspective I bring to my role with the foundation.
Becoming a mum in 2023 has deepened my connection to White Bear even further, and I’m genuinely excited about what the future holds for the foundation.
Bettina Dungworth
Bettina is passionate about youth reaching their full potential. She believes our youth needs to be equipped with leadership skills together with foundational values and beliefs that will create resilient adults. Bettina is an author, poet, and business owner.
She is a strong advocate of personal growth and development and over the last twenty years this has been a focal point in her life. Bettina has travelled the world extensively. She has three teenage children and is passionate about touching the hearts of our youth and raising happy, successful, resilient adults. Bettina has served on the Committee of the White Bear Foundation since 2017.
Natalie Lee
My name is Natalie and I have a passion for working with and helping children from all walks of life. I currently work in Child Protection, and have previously worked as a Coordinator in OSHC, and in the field of forensic psychology. I hold a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from the University of Queensland and I am currently studying a Masters of Counseling at the AIPC.
I have joined the White Bear Foundation as a committee member as I have a passion for helping children; offering them guidance and enhancing their skills to excel in life.
Alanna Philp
When I attended my first White Bear Foundation workshop in 2015, I was a very shy nine-year-old. I have now become more confident, resilient and have excellent leadership qualities. I hold the position of Senior Leader Cub and the honour of becoming the first child to be on the WBF Committee.
Through WBF workshops Maria coached me which has enabled me to become more confident within myself to the extent of delivering speeches at our annual fundraising event to over 100 people, this has been a huge achievement for me.
I enjoy being a part of this wonderful foundation because I know firsthand how much it can help even the shyest of kids, because with every workshop enables them to stretch and to grow in wonderful confident ways.
Lea Philp
I enjoy being on the committee of the White Bear Foundation to help out at the leadership children’s workshops. I saw an incredible change in my child Alanna who has now participated in a number of workshops.
I have always loved children and enjoy helping the cubs at the workshop become involved in the various activities. My nature is naturally cheerful and I am a person who loves to laugh and find that I am able to encourage our cubs to have fun and enjoy living in the moment.
At the workshops I find that I am naturally able to help the cubs feel comfortable. The children gain so much enjoyment participating in the games.
Seeing the smiles & giggles emerge on what was once shy faces is so rewarding! It’s such an amazing foundation and brings great joy to my heart!
Gabrielle Taylor
BBus, MPM, MSPM, AAICD
Gabe is an Army Officer with a passion for developing leadership qualities in young people. Throughout her career she has led small teams in high-risk environments and is acutely aware of the value of resilience under pressure, and how it can be understood, fostered and grown. Gabe has instructed at the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Afghan National Army Officers Academy, where she worked closely with junior officers to help them to know themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to harness their attributes to achieve their goals.
Gabe is actively involved in her community and hopes to use her experience to assist the White Bear Foundation continue to work with children and young people to develop their self-esteem, confidence and resilience.
Megan Thorpe
Hi I’m Megan. I first became involved with the Foundation several years ago through my husband, Mike, when he began dressing up as a giant white bear and walking the Bridge to Brisbane with the White Bear Foundation. Since then, I have attended many events in support of the foundation and still do the Bridge to Brisbane every year with a giant white bear and now my two young children as well.
I have always felt a strong connection with the mission of the foundation to empower young people to be confident and resilient. I had a rocky start to my high school years, dealing with bullying and isolation but I was able to get through that and stay true to myself due to the amazing people I had in my life. So, at a very personal level I completely agree with the importance of building self-esteem, self-confidence, and resilience in the years before high school when everyone is trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in the world around them.
Georgie Leaney
I have worked with young children for over 20 years and believe that each child is unique and individual. My qualifications are Certificate 3 in Children Services, Certificate 3 in Education Support and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. I am passionate about supporting all children to develop a love of learning. My philosophy of learning is not only about reading and writing but also experiencing through play, building self-confidence, caring for others, being inquisitive and having fun along their journey.
It is a privilege to work with young children, supporting and celebrating each of them as they grow, following their interests, exploring and building new skills and assisting them to grow socially not only themselves but as part of a team.
I have attended events and supported the White Bear Foundation since it’s inception and have known the Founder Maria Bach and her family for over 25 years. I’m happy to be able to contribute to such a worthwhile endeavour.
Kaye Reid
I was first drawn to the White Bear Foundation when I came across a stand showcasing the organisation, and something about it immediately stood out to me. The genuine care and purpose behind the foundation really resonated with me.
I believe strong leadership and community support play a vital role in creating safe, positive environments for children and families, particularly during challenging times. Having worked in leadership roles focused on encouraging others and building confidence, I understand the impact positive role models can have. I am grateful to call Australia home and believe in leading by example, giving back, and helping create meaningful change within the community.
Cynthia Hoffman
After attending a White Bear Foundation workshop in Stanthorpe with my daughter and a friend’s daughter, I immediately recognised the positive impact such programs could have in my own community. Inspired by the experience, I became a passionate advocate for bringing White Bear’s mission to Warwick and proudly joined the committee.
I am deeply committed to creating safe, supportive spaces where children and young people feel seen, heard, and empowered and bring warmth, dedication, and a strong belief in the power of healing and personal growth. Through my involvement I continue to support White Bear’s mission to build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience in young people and their families.
Currently I hold Diploma – Graduate Certificate – Case Management and Client Assessment, Graduate Certificate – Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice, Diploma – Community Service Coordination, Mental Health First Aid / Indigenous MHFA / Psychological First Aid, Psychosocial Recovery Coach and School Chaplain.
Maja Lunderstedt
I joined the White Bear Foundation because I’m passionate about helping children build confidence, resilience, and a healthy sense of self-worth. I truly believe that when children are encouraged to believe in themselves, they can face life’s challenges with strength and compassion.
I hold a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Derby in England and am currently completing my Master of Social Work at the University of Queensland. My career journey has taken me through the airline industry and teaching experiences that have enriched my understanding of people and strengthened my communication, leadership, and empathy.
Right now, I’m completing my placement and finalising my degree while looking forward to the next chapter of making a positive difference in the lives of young people. I feel honoured to be part of the White Bear Foundation and to contribute to its mission of inspiring and uplifting children in our community.