Our Story
Treehouse Kids Foundation grew from years of listening to children, families, clinicians, educators and community organisations across regional Victoria.
Through their work at Treehouse Paediatrics, an Allied Health service in Bendigo, our founders saw that many children and families needed support that went beyond what therapy services or government-funded programs could provide. While these services are important, there were still gaps in access, inclusion, community connection and support for parents and carers.
As a not-for-profit organisation, the Foundation allows us to pursue grants, partnerships, community programs, research, workforce development and innovative projects that help create better outcomes for children and families.
By working alongside children, families, professionals and community partners, we aim to build stronger and more inclusive communities where every child feels seen, supported and valued.
We believe every child and family deserves the opportunity to grow, play, belong and be well, regardless of their diagnosis, postcode or background.
We strive for:
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Greater disability representation in program design and decision-making
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Better health outcomes for rural and regional children and families
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Inclusive, safe and meaningful community connections
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Access to quality services, regardless of where families live
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Neurodiversity affirming and disability inclusive environments
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Strong local workforces and community capacity
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Evidence-based innovation that improves children's lives
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Increased opportunities for play, participation and learning in safe spaces
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Families who feel supported, understood and connected in their caring role
We know that meaningful change only happens when the people most affected are involved in shaping solutions. That's why we are committed to including young people and people with disability in our leadership and decision-making. We take co-design and disability led approaches seriously.
Our Leadership
Nerida Hyett (she/her)
Board Chair
Nerida is an occupational therapist, rural health researcher and health policy leader dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
With experience spanning clinical practice, community development, health policy and research, Nerida's work focuses on improving equitable access to services for rural and regional communities. She brings a systems-level perspective and a strong commitment to translating evidence into meaningful change.
Dale Pymer (he/him)
Non- Executive Director, Secretary
Dale is a health leader, data specialist and co-founder of Treehouse Paediatrics. With more than 20 years' experience spanning mental health, digital health, population health and Indigenous health, Dale has dedicated his career to improving access to care in regional communities.
As a parent of neurodivergent children and an ADHDer, Dale combines professional expertise with lived experience. His passion for health equity, inclusion and better access to support for rural and regional families is central to the vision and mission of Treehouse Kids Foundation.
Karen Riley (she/her)
Non- Executive Director
Karen is an experienced health leader, educator and consultant with a lifelong commitment to community health and rural health reform.
With a career spanning nursing, academia, executive leadership and health service planning, Karen has played a key role in shaping primary health and integrated care models across regional Victoria. She brings deep expertise in governance, partnership development and health system design.
Cai Lidgett (he/him)
Youth Board Advisor
Cai is a passionate young advocate, creative thinker and Youth Board Advisor with Treehouse Kids Foundation.
Cai is committed to ensuring young people, particularly young people with a disability, have a genuine voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Through leadership roles at school and in the community, public speaking and lived experience advocacy, he brings valuable insight into creating more inclusive and meaningful opportunities for children and young people.
As a Youth Advisor, Cai is passionate about helping build communities where everyone feels heard, valued and empowered to participate.
Ashlee Lance (she/her)
Executive Officer
Ash is a physiotherapist working with children, founder of Treehouse Paediatrics and co-founder of Treehouse Kids Foundation. Ash is Autistic and a parent of neurodivergent children.
With more than 15 years of experience in children's health, Ashlee's work focuses on neurodiversity-affirming practice, service innovation, community partnerships and improving access to support for rural and regional families, and has been acknowledged at state level by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Rural Workforce Agency Victoria.
Through Treehouse Kids Foundation, Ashlee works to create opportunities for children and families to thrive through greater inclusion, connection and access to high-quality support.