Our People

Marcus Sandmann joined HeartKids in February 2023 and is a senior management professional with over 25 years of experience in marketing and sales for products and services to businesses and consumers. He has supported the launch of products and services into new markets across 10 countries in Asia Pacific. Marcus has industry knowledge across diverse sectors including Information Technology, Media, Professional Services, and Telecommunications. Within the Not-for-Profit sector, he has built experience in both board member and senior executive positions, supporting fundraising and growth objectives for several NGO’s and Community Services organisations.

Jessica joined HeartKids in April 2020 to lead the delivery of the National Strategic Action Plan for Childhood Heart Disease. Jessica is a Registered Nurse and holds a Master’s of Public Health and a Master’s of Health Administration. She is passionate about patient-centered models of care and health innovation with a strong focus on improving the health outcomes of people with complex health needs.

Jessica spent the first part of her career working as a primary care nurse, with a special interest in the care and management of patients with chronic conditions in the community. This interest led her to step away from direct clinical contact and move into public health project roles. She has since worked on and lead many public health initiatives and pilot projects, all with the general themes of patient-centered care, health reform, using innovative technology to improve patient outcomes, and improving the health care journey for those with complex health needs.

In her spare time, Jessica frequents the local music scene in Melbourne and volunteers for a dog rescue organisation, with unruly rescue puppies often attempting to join her in video conference meetings.

Simon leads HeartKids' commercial, property, and legal operations alongside its financial stewardship, ensuring the organisation's resources work harder for the families and children it supports.

His career spans more than 30 years across transport and logistics, port management, public sector, and not-for-profit organisations, including senior roles as Acting CEO and CFO. He has served as a non-executive director in the disability charity sector. A Fellow of CPA Australia, Simon brings a commercial mindset that asks: "How does this decision move us closer to our mission?"

He focuses on making sound commercial decisions that strengthen HeartKids' capacity to deliver for the families who need it, keeping children and families at the heart of every choice.

Outside work, Simon enjoys public speaking, using storytelling to make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

Sami Glastonbury is a passionate advocate, business leader, and mentor dedicated to making a difference in both our Heartkids corporate and community settings. As a mum of two HeartKids, she has been deeply involved in the congenital heart disease community, serving as a State and National Non-Executive Director for HeartKids from 2015 to 2020.

Sami has sat as a consumer representative with the Women’s and Children’s hospital in Adelaide and on surgical committees with SA Health since 2018. She is also the co-host of our podcast ‘From the Heart’, providing a platform for meaningful conversations about CoHD.

With over 15 years of experience in national strategic roles, Sami has built a strong reputation as a business leader and mentor, guiding individuals and organisations toward growth and success.

Sami is currently studying neuroscience, applying cutting-edge insights to her work in leadership, strategy and human connection.

Roseda is strategic senior leader with a background in allied health and many years of experience leading multi-site health and NDIS operations, national teams, growth, advocacy and business transformation projects across Healthcare, NDIS services, NFP’s and purpose led sectors.

Roseda has a background in Speech Pathology and also holds a Graduate Diploma in Health Management and a Master’s of Business Administration.  Roseda is also an experienced NFP Board member in addition to being a Fellow of Governance Institute of Australia and an Associate Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Management.

Roseda brings a passion for purpose-driven work and for improving health and wellbeing outcomes to HeartKids, inspiring her team to take meaningful actions that make a real difference to the individuals and families HeartKids support.

Rachael is an experienced and values-driven leader with a strong background in governance, operations, and strategy.

With over a decade at HeartKids, Rachael has helped guide the organisation through significant growth and national alignment. She leads key operational functions, including policy development, digital transformation, and internal systems improvement, always with a focus on people, purpose, and practical outcomes.

Rachael has a collaborative and inclusive approach, working across teams to help translate strategic goals into practical, achievable outcomes. She focuses on building clear processes and supportive systems that make it easier for others to do their best work.

Rachael is a people-focused leader and is motivated by creating positive, lasting impact through thoughtful operational design.