With over seven years at St John, Kathy brings energy, compassion, and a wealth of experience to every training session she delivers. As a Training Team Leader and active volunteer First Responder, Kathy is passionate about empowering people with life-saving skills they can use anytime, anywhere. 

Kathy’s journey began in the education sector, managing first aid and nursing placements, and her dedication only deepened through personal experiences, like responding to her own children’s injuries. Today, she teaches first aid to both corporate and public groups, making learning approachable and practical for all. 

Kathy’s impact goes beyond the classroom. She’s had past trainees use their new skills in real emergencies, reinforcing the value of what she teaches. For Kathy, it’s all about confidence and connection: “I love seeing people gain confidence as they learn new skills.” 

When she’s not training or responding at events, Kathy enjoys crafting and gardening with the “St John family” she’s built through years of volunteering. 

With a background in heavy industry and a practical approach to learning, Howard brings real-world experience to every training session. 

He began as a St John volunteer and quickly identified where he could make the biggest impact, teaching. “I saw the need for trainers and thought, ‘I can do that.’” 

For Howard, training is personal. His family has a long history with St John, and one of his daughters is now a paramedic. “I’m proud to be part of something with such a noble history.” 

He finds great reward in empowering others: “If just one or two students I teach go on to save a life, that’s incredible.” 

Howard’s message to future trainers? 
“The best way to learn is to teach.” 

Katie has been a trainer with St John Ambulance for over 12 years and, as a keen beach volleyballer and mum to a fast-paced toddler, she is passionate about sharing her first aid knowledge.

Prior to becoming a trainer, Katie was a veterinary nurse and trainer of new nurses in the clinical field for many years. Now, she not only creates new and stimulating course content, but she develops and mentors other trainers in first aid, passing on her industry expertise.

Our students always remember Katie’s smile and passion when delivering the fundamental steps that will help them save a life.

Irene has been a Trainer with St John since 2019.

She is a Registered Nurse with a career spanning more than 23 years, and has had extensive experience with infection control.

Holding a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Education and Training plus a degree in Nursing, Doreen has over 20 years’ experience training units of competency from the health package, including first aid.

She can speak Cantonese and has a wealth of knowledge across various industries, giving her the ability to relate with many types of students.

Alison has been with St John for over seven years, starting in Community Education and progressing into leadership through the First Aid in Schools program. In 2019, she stepped into the role of Training Team Leader, and today she leads the Commercial Training team with passion and purpose.

“Seven years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined myself in leadership,” Alison says. “But St John gave me the opportunities, mentoring and encouragement to discover strengths I didn’t know I had.”

Alison is driven by the belief that quality training saves lives, and that starts with great trainers. “We don’t just put you in a room and expect you to learn on the job. We coach, guide and support you every step of the way.”

Her proudest moments often come from former students, especially children, who share stories of using first aid in real life. “When an eight-year-old tells you they helped their parent because of what you taught them, it’s incredibly moving.”

Alison encourages anyone with a passion for education and community impact to consider training with St John.
“We don’t just teach skills; we empower people to save lives.”