Meet The Board
Hayleigh Hocking
Co-founder
Hayleigh is the creative force behind the charity, she designs campaigns and merchandise that sparks conversations and helps spread a positive message in the community.
Hayleigh has a background in business, dental and is a huge asset to It’s Okay Not to Be Okay with authenticity and creativity.
Georgia Hocking
Co-founder
Georgia is a social worker with seventeen years of experience working with young people and families in the community services sector. Georgia has worked as a mental health clinician for Headspace, in youth crime prevention, and The Reach Foundation. Georgia uses her lived and professional experience to promote health seeking and reducing stigma around mental health.
Maddi Hocking
Co-founder
Maddi is a dedicated coach with over eight years of experience in health, fitness, and mental-health support. As co-founder of It’s Okay Not To Be Okay, she combines her passion for physical wellbeing with mental-health advocacy, creating programs and events that help people feel strong inside and out. Maddi’s mission is to empower individuals to break the stigma, find balance, and know that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Jodi Sharman
Director
Jodi is deeply passionate about mental health and supporting others, a journey that became profoundly personal after losing her father to suicide six years ago. This experience has inspired her to advocate for mental wellbeing, foster meaningful connections, and help create a world where no one feels alone in their struggles.
Outside of her work in the mental health space, Jodi is the National Business Development Manager for Corporate Australia at Gallagher Insurance Brokers, the second-largest insurance broker in the world. Jodi is dedicated to helping people and ensuring the insurance programs they invest in are tailored to their needs and provide the right solutions.
Karlee Sharman
Director
Karlee has two decades of experience in the property industry, including her tenure as a Director at JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), Karlee brings an extensive depth of expertise to the business. Now residing on the Peninsula, she is a Director of two companies and remains deeply committed to advocating for mental health.
Following the tragic loss of her father to suicide in 2019, Karlee is personally invested in raising awareness and supporting initiatives that promote mental well-being.
Her dynamic personality, combined with her genuine and authentic approach, allows her to quickly establish trust and build lasting relationships. These qualities make her an invaluable addition to our board.
Carl Nelms
Director
Carl is a psychologist and the director of Blokes Psychology, a clinic dedicated to supporting men’s mental health. He holds two master’s degrees in psychology and has a background in mental health and community services. Passionate about making mental health support accessible, practical, and relatable, Carl is committed to breaking down stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health. As a board member of It’s Okay Not to Be Okay, he brings expertise in mental health, business development, and community engagement to support the charity’s mission.
Lauren Gillett
Director
Lauren is the Principal Solicitor at LG Legal & Consulting with a practice that focuses mainly on estate planning and estate administration. A world champion trampolinist in her younger years, Lauren now lives on the Mornington Peninsula and is a keen golfer and member of the Rosebud Country Club. Lauren has previously volunteered her time over the years with other organisations including Vision Australia and FareShare. Lauren is now committed to working with the local community to promote financial welfare and raising awareness for mental health which aligns perfectly with the mission of IONTBO.
Julia Mugavin
Director
Julia grew up in Warrnambool before finishing her Bachelor of Education and moving to Mildura. After spending a few years teaching in Mildura, Julia moved to the Mornington Peninsula where she is now the Assistant Principal at a local primary school. Julia’s work has focused on wellbeing and mental health in primary schools for a number of years, further strengthening her passion for educating young people about emotional literacy, mental health and wellbeing.
Julia is passionate about embedding social and emotional education into everyday, ensuring that education about student wellbeing is at the forefront alongside academic learning to help shape confident, resilient young people who understand that it’s okay not to be okay and who know how to seek help when they find themselves or their friends needing support.
Andrew Joseph
Director
Andrew (AJ), born and raised on the Mornington Peninsula, is dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of the local community. He has over 18 years’ experience in the community services sector, including leadership roles in Youth Services, Community Wellbeing and Emergency Management within Local Government. A strong collaborator, AJ has been involved in suicide prevention initiatives such as the Chasing Change Walk for World Suicide Prevention Day and the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Suicide Postvention Protocol working group. He is passionate about contributing to grassroots organisations that create meaningful change for the community.
