Meet the Smiling Mind team

It's probably hard to imagine the faces behind the Smiling Mind tools and resources you use every day, but we're so glad you've dropped by to get to know us! The Smiling Mind team is a small group of very passionate people—yep, there's just over 20 of us. We come from a range of professional backgrounds—from psychology, to research, to software development and communications—and we all draw on our unique skills to ensure that each day, we're getting closer to our vision to create generational change in mental health.

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Our Leadership Team

Sarah La Roche

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Sarah La Roche is a highly accomplished C-Suite executive with over 20 years’ experience within high growth sectors, including, consumer goods, healthcare, tech and media.

Layla Foord

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Layla Foord is the Chief Operating Officer at Smiling Mind, with over 30 years’ experience in technology and business leadership across the UK and Australia.

Dr Kerrie Buhagiar

Chief Programs Officer (CPO)

Dr. Kerrie Buhagiar is the Chief Programs Officer at Smiling Mind, with over 20 years’ experience in health program design and delivery across Australia and the UK.

Dr Addie Wootten

Director of Strategic Engagement

Dr. Addie Wootten is the Director of Strategic Engagement at Smiling Mind. With a background in clinical psychology and e-health, she previously led Smiling Mind as CEO.

Solange (Sol) Mardones

Chief Growth Officer (CGO)

Solange Mardones, is the Chief Growth Officer at Smiling Mind, with over 15 years’ experience in marcomms, strategic planning, and business development.

Our Board

We are a unique organisation governed by a passionate and experienced Board. Their ongoing support, dedication and commitment ensures that we are 100% focused on achieving our vision.

Jane Martino (Newton)

Jane Martino is an experienced entrepreneur and leader with a strong track record in media, martech, fintech, and digital health. She has co-founded multiple organizations, focusing on building high-performing teams, and is an active investor and advisor in Australia's start-up ecosystem. In 2024, Jane launched Kintsugi Way, an enterprise dedicated to helping individuals reach their full potential.

James Tutton

Smiling Mind Co-founder, Director Neometro, Founder of Moonlight Cinema, Founding Board Member of Contemporary Arts Precinct (CAP), Co-Founder of The Plato Project

Professor Frank Oberklaid, AM

Member of the Order of Australia, 2023 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year, Founding Director at the Royal Children's Hospital, Co-Group Leader of Child Health Policy, Equity and Translation at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and an Honorary Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne, Chair of the Victorian Children’s Council

Neil Thompson

Corporate Advisor, Former CEO at Velocity Frequent Flyer, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD), Advisory Board Member for The Australian National University, Australian Centre In China and the World, Non-Executive Directorfor Horizon Power

Ben Hensman

Venture capital investor at Square Peg Capital. Formerly an Investment Analyst at Fidelity International.

Héma Prakash

Co-Founder Ponti Health (Specialist Menopause Medical Practice), previously Vice-President and Managing Director Asia Pacific, MINDBODY Inc. Board Member and Start-Up Strategy Advisor, The Style of Mrs V Media. Head of Client Development & Partnerships - Asia Pacific, Studiosity.