At St John Ambulance Victoria, careers are built on passion, perseverance, and the belief that no role is out of reach. For Kristi, now Head of Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT), her story is proof that women can succeed anywhere, from mining sites to boardrooms, and that St John offers limitless opportunities to grow.

From Pharmacy to the Mines and the Mines to St John

Kristi’s career began in pharmacy, where she worked in both community and hospital settings for more than a decade. Then came an unexpected twist, she moved to Western Australia to drive 200-tonne trucks in the mining industry, following her sister’s footsteps.

“It was very male dominated at first, but by the end it was nearly 50-50,” Kristi recalls. “They even said women were sometimes the better drivers!” She laughs.

The experience taught her resilience, adaptability, and the importance of backing herself, lessons she still carries today.

When Kristi returned to Victoria, she was searching for a career with more meaning. With her father a flight paramedic, healthcare had always been on her radar. When she discovered St John’s NEPT service, she saw an opportunity to combine her skills with a role that truly made a difference in the community.

She started as a Patient Transport Officer (PTO), the entry point into the industry. From there, Kristi took the next step up and joined St John’s Ambulance Transport Attendant Pathway Program, gaining valuable on-road experience while building her qualifications.

Her career accelerated quickly: Team Leader, Operations Manager, and now Head of NEPT. In just six years, Kristi has progressed through five roles, each one preparing her for the next.

“I think it benefits me that I started as a Patient Transport Officer and worked my way up. It keeps me grounded and helps me connect with the crews, because I know exactly what it’s like out on the road.”

Like many women in traditionally male-dominated industries, Kristi has faced moments of self-doubt.

“It’s natural to question yourself, especially when you’re stepping into senior roles,” she says. “But you have to back yourself. If someone encourages you to apply for a role, it’s because they see something in you. Say yes to the opportunity.”

Recognition and Respect

In 2024, Kristi’s leadership was celebrated when she received the Overall Staff Excellence Award, nominated by her peers.

“I didn’t expect it at all; it was a shock. But it meant so much to be recognised by colleagues who believe in the work I do.”

Finding Balance Beyond St John

When she is not leading the way at St John, Kristi enjoys an active lifestyle filled with sport and adventure. A big fan of swimming, cycling and netball, she is always happiest when there is a game or race to get involved in, and she is a proud Collingwood supporter when it comes to footy.

Kristi also loves a thrill, never shying away from skydiving or bungee jumping, but at the same time, she values the quieter moments too. Whether it is doing laps in the pool, catching up with friends and family, or visiting her grandparents in Gippsland, Kristi balances her busy work life with a mix of fun, fitness and connection.

Advice for Other Women

Kristi believes that with the right support, anyone can succeed in their career. Her message is simple but powerful: women can thrive in any role. Whether it’s frontline patient care, leadership, or corporate services, there are no limits.

“You can’t do it alone. Surround yourself with a team that lifts you up, and you’ll achieve things you never thought possible. We regret more when we don’t try, so my advice is simple: say yes. There’s no harm in giving it a go.”

A Future with No Limits

From pharmacy, to mining, to leading one of St John’s critical services, Kristi’s journey proves that careers don’t follow one path, and that at St John, there is space for everyone to succeed.

“More women are stepping into leadership roles, and that’s only going to grow, not just at St John, but across every industry. The opportunities are there. You just have to take them.”

People like Kristi show that with courage, determination, and support, there are no limits to what women can achieve.