Our Board

Passionate about our community

Peter Hartley

Peter is a chartered accountant and business leader. He has been a national CFO, general manager or board member in several industries and worked with several not-for-profits. A member of the AICD, Peter brings board experience, strategic decision making, good governance and a desire to see CommunityLIFE SA well equipped to make a difference to vulnerable people in South Australia.

Chair

Chris Matthews

Chris is a retired teacher and has lived in her local neighbourhood for more than 30 years. She has experience serving in the not-for-profit board space in the past, and brings that combination of local and governance experience to her work with MarionLIFE. She has a strong commitment to giving back to the community and helping others be the best they can be.

Deputy Chair / Secretary

Robert Ewers

Robert is an experienced University administrator (retired) who set up and managed a successful student internship scheme. He has served on not-for-profit, commercial, and education boards over many years, including for the University of Adelaide. Robert is motivated by a belief in the worth of every individual, seeking the best for every person through community services that provide faith, hope and love.

Board Member

Chris Ellinger

Chris is a post-graduate qualified social worker and leader with two decades experience in social services, and not-for-profit board experience. He blends a strong understanding of data-driven system development, and a grounded, human focus, and is driven to ensure staff, volunteers and community thrive in an environment of empowerment and growth.

Board Member

Dedicated and Professional

Our Staff

Chris Ellinger
Executive Director

Chris is an experienced social worker and leader who blends strong systems and a human focus, with a drive to ensure staff, volunteers and community are healthy and thriving.

Amanda Eckert
Operations Manager

Amanda is a social worker and relationship counsellor with years of experience in organisational leadership and management. She is passionate about helping MarionLIFE be the strongest it can be.

Joyce Zhang
Finance Officer

Naturally analytical and passionate about data-driven problem solving, Joyce delivers transparent and actionable financial insights and keeps us financially healthy.

Nuri Bosio
Emergency Relief Coordinator

Nuri has had a career in social services going back 25 years and is passionate about serving the community, meeting people where they are at, empowering them to grow.

Callan West(Community Development Coordinator), Callan is a dedicated community worker, passionate about working alongside people and community, and creating spaces that facilitate connection and wellbeing.

Judy Spadavecchia
Community Connections Coordinator

With a background in wellbeing and youth-work, Judy is committed to helping individuals grow and thrive, walking alongside as they develope confidence and reach their full potential.

Callan West
Community Development Coordinator

Callan is a dedicated community worker, passionate about working alongside people and community, and creating spaces that facilitate connection and wellbeing.

Amanda Eckert(Operations Manager), Amanda is a social worker and relationship counsellor with years of experience in organisational leadership and management. She is passionate about helping MarionLIFE be the strongest it can be.

A man with a beard and short hair standing outdoors next to a tree, wearing a dark blue floral shirt and a name tag that says 'MarionLIFE,' with a yellow brick wall in the background.

A woman with short dark hair and a beige sleeveless top smiling in front of a food bank sign and standing with food bags.

Joyce Zhang(Finance Officer), Naturally analytical and passionate about data-driven problem solving, Joyce delivers transparent and actionable financial insights and keeps us financially healthy.

Silvana Morcos(Adult Community Education / Boost Business Coordinator), Silvana empowers community members to build their future through small business support, mentoring, skill-development, and practical learning.

Tristan Prentice
Youth Facilitator

Tristan is an experienced youth worker with a background in education, media, and sports. He is a youth community program creator with a strong practice of supporting a variety of needs and outcomes.

Silvana Morcos
Adult Community Education / Boost Business Coordinator

Silvana empowers community members to build their future through small business support, mentoring, skill-development, and practical learning.

Rebecca Wu
Adult Community Education Coordinator

A talented educator and skilled entrepreneur, Bec brings vibrancy and care to her work with adult learners across our region.