Meet Our Team
Emma Saddington
Chair
Emma Saddington, an alumna of Korowa Anglican Girls School in Melbourne, brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Chair of Children of Cambodia, originally commencing as a member of the board in 2010. Her career is rooted in nursing and healthcare management, leading complex healthcare systems across both the public and private sector in a range of diverse roles. Holding Master's qualifications in Nursing (Emergency Care), Masters of Public Health, and a Masters of Health Administration, Emma's professional journey has been marked by a deep commitment to
improving healthcare and education outcomes, driving equity and equality, both locally and internationally. Emma currently serves as the Senior Nurse Advisor within Safer Care Victoria.
Having travelled and worked extensively through South East Asia, including stints in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar, Emma's experiences have fuelled her passion for the development of primary education, and by extension of the communities that support these
facilities, particularly within the Cambodian context. Her firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by vulnerable communities has further ignited her dedication and been a catalyst to making a meaningful impact on the lives of these children and the communities in which they live.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Emma finds joy in spending time with her family and friends, as well as embarking on adventurous long weekends away. Her multifaceted interests and unwavering
commitment to social causes make her a valuable asset to the foundation's mission of supporting children in Cambodia.
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Therese Foley
Deputy Chair
Therese Foley's journey from the serene landscapes of Broke in the Hunter Valley of NSW to her current role as Deputy Chair of Children of Cambodia is a testament to her diverse experiences and unwavering dedication to making a difference.
Having spent time in Tokyo and completing an Arts degree with majors in Geography and Japanese, Therese discovered her passion for teaching. In 1990, she made the move to Geelong, where she embarked on a fulfilling career as a Geography teacher at The Geelong College.
While teaching part-time at The Geelong College, Therese found herself drawn to charitable work, particularly those focused on supporting children's welfare. Her involvement with Children of Cambodia blossomed over the last decade, energised by the school's Fulfilling Lives program, which saw her lead numerous trips with students to Cambodia.
Therese's deep connection with Children of Cambodia, nurtured through her work with The Geelong College, led to her appointment as a board member. Her dedication to the organisation's mission
and her commitment to empowering vulnerable children in Cambodia are evident in her tireless efforts to drive positive change.
Beyond her professional and philanthropic pursuits, Therese finds joy in various interests, including reading, yoga, theatre, cinema, and leisurely walks with her dog along the picturesque Barwon River in Geelong and 13th Beach. However, her greatest joy lies in spending quality time with her family
and friends. Therese's multifaceted interests and genuine compassion make her an invaluable asset to Children of Cambodia's leadership team.
Meredith Liddle
Co-Founder
Meredith Liddle, one of the founders of the foundation, brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of compassion to her role. With a background as a qualified draftsperson, Meredith has honed her skills through significant tenures at VicRoads and Thomson Perrett Golf Course Architects.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Meredith's true passion lies in giving back to her
community. Her volunteering experience with Camcare, a community service agency associated with the City of Boroondara in Melbourne, speaks volumes about her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
In addition to her philanthropic pursuits, Meredith finds joy and fulfillment in various creative interests, including crafts, musical theatre, and movies. Her diverse skill set and genuine compassion
make her a driving force behind the foundation's mission to support children in Cambodia and provide them with opportunities for a brighter future. Meredith's unwavering commitment to social change and her invaluable contributions as a co-founder exemplify her as a true champion for children's rights and education.
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Brendan Foley
Treasurer
With nearly four decades of experience in the accounting and financial planning profession, Brendan is embarking on a new chapter as he transitions from his full-time workload. His journey with the Children of Cambodia foundation is a testament to his unwavering dedication to giving back to the community.
Having travelled the landscapes of Cambodia and immersed himself in the daily lives of its children,
Brendan has witnessed firsthand the challenges they face in accessing education. Recognising the
importance of addressing basic needs, such as school uniforms, supplies, and bicycles, Brendan is
committed to breaking down barriers and empowering children to pursue their education without hindrance.
Beyond his professional endeavours and philanthropic pursuits, Brendan enjoys a variety of
interests, including golf, watching footy, leisurely walks with his dog, and catching up with friends.
His diverse interests and genuine compassion make him a valuable asset to the foundation's mission of providing educational opportunities to children in Cambodia. Through his involvement, Brendan's contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the lives of countless children in need.
Bec Liddle
Secretary
Bec Liddle brings unwavering dedication to education as Secretary of Children of
Cambodia. With over a decade's experience in public healthcare as a midwife and nurse in both metropolitan and regional areas in roles including clinical midwife specialist and clinical nurse educator, Bec's passion for nurturing and supporting others is evident throughout her career.
Having travelled throughout South East Asia, including memorable visits to Cambodia, Bec has cultivated a deep connection to the country and its children. Motivated by a desire to make a
meaningful difference, she contributes her energy towards supporting educational initiatives that uplift and empower Cambodian youth.
Outside of her professional commitments, Bec has a variety of interests, including yoga,
snowboarding, and surfing. Her adventurous spirit and commitment to philanthropy make her an invaluable asset to the foundation's mission of providing educational opportunities to children in Cambodia. Through her role as Secretary, Bec's contributions will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Ashley Beyer
Board Member
Ashley's journey as a student of Law/Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Monash University is deeply intertwined with her appreciation for education and the humanities. Inspired by the transformative influence of her teachers, Ashley strongly believes that every child deserves access to quality education and the joy of learning.
In 2023, Ashley's worldview was forever altered during a visit to Siem Reap, where she was captivated by the warmth and generosity of the Cambodian people. Witnessing firsthand the impact of the Foundation's work on the community, Ashley was moved to action by the pressing need for continued support and the tangible difference it makes in students' lives.
Balancing her academic pursuits with her commitment to philanthropy, Ashley has shared her knowledge and passion as an English tutor and currently serves as a ward clerk at Sandringham Hospital. Her dedication to nurturing young minds extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her involvement in supporting educational initiatives in Cambodia.
On top of her work, studies and commitment to charitable activities, Ashley enjoys creative pursuits, including reading, writing, painting, sewing, and baking. Her diverse interests and dedication to making a positive impact exemplify her as a true advocate for education and social change. Ashley's boundless curiosity and genuine compassion make her a valuable asset to Children of Cambodia.
Jessica Hocking
Board Member
Jessica Hocking, an educationalist and business manager, holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master of Business Administration and has a diverse career spanning the private sector and public health arena. With over 15 years of dedicated service in public health, she has been a driving force in advancing healthcare education globally, particularly in developing and low-resource areas of the Indo-Pacific, Asia, and the Middle East.
Having lived and worked both in Melbourne and overseas, Jessica has been instrumental in projects across the globe. Her expertise and passion for education equity and global development have propelled her to lead complex initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare access in underserved communities. From delivering critical education to health workers in low and lower-middle-income countries, to coordinating COVID-19 response efforts impacting thousands of Victorians, Jessica's impact is palpable.
Appointed to the Board in 2023, Jessica brings her knack for business operations and her lifelong passion for education and global development programs to the Foundation. She is deeply committed to making a tangible difference for children in Cambodia, leveraging her expertise and experience to drive impactful change. Outside of her professional pursuits, Jessica finds joy in traveling, music, and living life to the fullest with her husband, two young children, dog, and 32 goldfish.
Geoff Shanks
Retired
Geoff was a founding board member from 2010-2023
Pam Shanks
Retired
Gary Liddle AO
Retired
Pam was a founding board member from 2010-2022
Gary along with his wife Meredith is one of the two founders of the Children of Cambodia Foundation.
Following a short battle with MND, Gary passed away in 2023. He has left his legacy in Children of Cambodia.