PRESIDENT

Valerie Dalton, PhD, joined PEDAL in 2017 from the UNE Business School with expertise in management and organisational learning.

She was Program Manager and Program Director of the Graduate School of Business at UNE from 2000 to 2015 before taking time to focus on finalising her PhD and academic work.

Her research, teaching and personal interests relate to sustainability across the triple bottom of line of environmental, social and economic considerations for all human activities. Her work at PEDAL sits predominantly within the social dimension of those commitments, providing support to a wonderful organisation doing critical work to give children 0-7 the best possible start in life despite the challenges they face.

She became President in 2023 and continues that work since leaving UNE in 2022 to work as a freelance writer, academic and actor.

GENERAL MEMBER

Rachel worked as a Primary Teacher in Melbourne for more than 11 years before commencing work as a psychologist. 

Her psychological work has included training and supervising volunteer telephone crisis support counsellors, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, career redirection counselling, organisational review and strategic planning, and consultancy, training and supervision for youth workers. Rachel then returned to the public education sector as a school psychologist.

Rachel has provided psychological, educational, disability and welfare services within schools for more than 20 years, initially in Melbourne and subsequently in regional NSW. 

She is committed to supporting children and young people, their families and teachers. 

Rachel’s current work in public education includes providing supervision and support to a team of counsellors while working in collaboration with schools, local agencies and educational services teams to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for students of all ages.

TREASURER

Alan is our Treasurer at PEDAL, a role that he is well qualified to fill, having first joined Bank of NSW in 1964 (which later became Westpac). Alan is a Fellow of the Bankers institute of Australia and a Fellow of an Affiliated Accounting Association.

When Alan and his wife moved to the New England, they ran a weaner steer operation and Alan became involved in serving his local community. Alan has been a treasurer for three community associations and has held several leadership positions within Rotary, as well as working for Guyra Shire Council.

Alan brings a wealth of experience to his role at Pedal. Alan and his wife enjoy living in the region and have been married for 54 years and have three sons.

GENERAL MEMBER

Nathalie has worked in governance for over 30 years. Nathalie has a degree in languages (French and Italian) and law.

Nathalie commenced her career in London working for Linklaters & Paines, her highlight at the time was being involved with the Terminal 5 Inquiry.  Since moving to Australia in 1996 Nathalie has had local government experience, specifically in the governance sector both in Queensland and NSW. She is drawn by frameworks and policies,and likes to help improve things by streamlining processes.  She has also worked in the education sector. 

Nathalie has held offices of University Secretary, Public Officer and has some board experience. She was a member of the Steiner School board and was employed as the the governance manager for Uralla Shire Council and held a similar role with Armidale Regional Council. She was elected to the Petal board in December 2023. Nathalie currently manages the Secretariat team at the University of New England.

Nathalie is a keen Parkrunner, she enjoys cycling and swimming. She enjoys travelling, visiting different countries, learning their culture and a smattering of their language. 

GENERAL MEMBER

Ang Karsten is a passionate Early Childhood Teacher with over 20 years' experience in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. During this time Ang has engaged in various leadership roles, including Director of both private and community-based services, and Educational Leader. In addition to teaching children at a local Preschool, she is currently inspiring other adults to explore a career in ECEC through teaching Child Studies at TAFE. 

Ang enjoys being able to share her professional experiences and expertise with others and joined the PEDAL Board in December 2022. She strongly believes in the importance of early learning, and that supporting children and families who require early intervention is essential in achieving successful lifelong learning for each child.

Ang loves reading, movies, socialising with friends, and spending quality time with her family. She loves to holiday and explore what the world has to offer. Her motto is "Life is short, work hard and play hard!"

VICE-PRESIDENT

As a dedicated member of the PEDAL board since 2019, Craig brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in sales and people management across diverse industries, including logistics, banking & finance, sales, allied health, and communications.

Craig has extensive experience in client relationship management, health sector experience, corporate & government compliance adherence, and nonprofit boards.  His reputation is built upon trustworthiness, discretion, and unwavering ethical standards.

In addition to his professional achievements, he is a father of three children (one of whom is a PEDAL Graduate) and is actively involved in the community, serving as a Justice of the Peace since 2018 and volunteering for organisations such as the NSW Rural Fire Service, the RSL Armidale sub-branch and as a local schools P&F Executive.

SECRETARY

Joanne is our longest standing member of the PEDAL Board with over 15 years of service, in various executive roles. Joanne currently holds the role secretary.

Joanne is a regular volunteer at St Vincent de Paul and tutors Ezidi students at the homework centre at Drummond Memorial Public School.

Joanne is the proud parent of two children, both teachers. We thank and acknowledge Joanne for her continued support and guidance.

GENERAL MEMBER

Steph is a proud mother to a beautiful and very energetic three-year old boy, who she shares with her wife. Professionally, she is a passionate educator who believes in the transformative power of education to shape young minds and inspire lifelong learning.

Steph has a double degree in Science Education and a Masters of Special Education and currently works as a science teacher in a local central school. She has always strived to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential and sees PEDAL as a great example of this.

When Steph is not busy with her family or her students, you can find her indulging in her love of sewing, motorbike riding, video games or seeking out new adventures in the great outdoors.