Our Team

Shannon Anderson is an experienced non-profit executive who has worked in the non-profit sector for the past 20 years and joined Melanoma Patients Australia as CEO in early 2025. Shannon’s qualifications include an MBA and Graduate Certificate in Corporate Management from Deakin University.

Prior to joining Melanoma Patients Australia, Shannon was the CEO of Mental Health First Aid Australia. In this role Shannon led the organisation through a significant period of growth and transformation in response to COVID-19 with increasing demand for community-based mental health education and support services.

Increasing access to health and related social support services for all Australians to meet their needs across their lifespan wherever they reside, is a passion for Shannon. Shannon has a strong track record of working in partnership with government, industry groups and the community to increase awareness, referrals and delivery of quality community-based health and support services at scale.

Natalie joined Melanoma Patients Australia as National Manager, Communications and Engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, leadership, and operations.

With a strong background in the not‑for‑profit health sector, Natalie has dedicated recent years to supporting patients and families through clear, accessible, and compassionate communication. Her previous roles with Diabetes Australia, the Glycemic Index Foundation, and Endometriosis Australia focused on translating complex health information into practical, supportive education and resources.

Community engagement and advocacy are central to Natalie’s approach. She believes every patient deserves to feel understood, empowered, and heard—and she is committed to ensuring the voices of people affected by melanoma are recognised, validated, and supported.

Natalie is passionate about helping individuals navigate their diagnosis with clarity and confidence, and she brings this commitment to every aspect of her work with Melanoma Patients Australia.

Claire Kelly is a specialist oncology nurse and experienced cancer and supportive care leader with more than 30 years’ experience across clinical nursing and strategic leadership roles in Australia and the UK. Her qualifications include a Master of Public Health, BSc in Health Science and postgraduate qualifications in research, oncology nursing and palliative care.

Claire was a founder of the United Kingdom Oncology Society and was recognised as one of the nation’s Top 10 Cancer Nurses by the Royal College of Nursing for leading collaborative and innovative strategic cancer nursing programs in the North-East of England. She has held senior roles including Director of Nursing, Executive Manager at Cancer Council, and previously worked with Melanoma Patients Australia as National Support Manager.

Claire is passionate about improving access to evidence-based, person-centred care throughout and beyond cancer treatment. She has a strong history of developing and leading innovative services and programs that bring research into real-world practice and deliver meaningful outcomes for patients and practitioners alike.

Emma Zurawel has 25 years’ experience as an oncology nurse and joined the Melanoma Patients Australia team in 2022. Emma’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Nursing and a Graduate Diploma in Oncology and Palliative Care.

Prior to joining Melanoma Patients Australia, Emma was Unit Nurse Manager in the day oncology centre at The University Hospital Geelong and prior to that an Associate Nurse Unit Manager on the in-patient oncology/haematology ward.

Emma was drawn to oncology nursing for its evolving nature; however, what she values most is the privilege of being part of what is often a difficult period in patients’ lives, and the meaningful relationships formed with patients and their families to help make that time a little easier.

Shannon Beagan has over 12 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector and joined Melanoma Patients Australia in December 2024.

Prior to joining Melanoma Patients Australia Shannon’s roles included Senior Coordinator Peer Support at Cancer Council Qld and Department Coordinator at Happy Paws Happy Heart. Shannon also has experience working in the disability and justice systems.

Shannon’s work has focused on advocacy, community engagement, and supporting vulnerable communities. Since joining Melanoma Patients Australia, Shannon has worked closely with the melanoma community to improve support services, strengthen peer support volunteer programs, and build connections with patients, carers, and health professionals.

Peta Holly is a Registered Nurse with a strong foundation in allied health and cancer nursing. Peta joined the Melanoma Patients Australia team in 2025 as Melanoma Telehealth Nurse.

Peta has specialised expertise in ocular melanoma and experience as a clinical research nurse. Prior to joining Melanoma Patients Australia Peta was a Clinical Nurse Consultant at Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital   and Senior Clinical Research Nurse and Clinical Trials Coordinator at Cerulea Clinical Trials – Centre for Eye Research Australia.

Peta is passionate about supportive care and patient education, and is committed to advocacy and care navigation, helping improve outcomes across the cancer care continuum.

Clare has been a Registered Nurse for almost 30 years and joined Melanoma Patients Australia in November 2025.  Clare’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Nursing and a Graduate Diploma of Counselling.

Clare has worked at The Austin Hospital and Eastern Health in Melbourne on Surgical wards and in Medical Imaging.  She has also worked in a school setting as a counsellor and is a volunteer at Lifeline.

Clare understands that a patient’s needs extend beyond the clinical setting. By combining her expertise in Nursing and Counselling, she provides compassionate emotional support to people affected by melanoma, creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and cared for at every stage of their diagnosis.