Gavin Fingleson

CEO / Director

It is a pleasure to introduce myself and explain why I am dedicated to Feel the Magic and the lives of grieving kids.  My twin brothers Marc and Clive are the reason why.  They were not with us for a long time, but they taught our family everything we needed to learn and know about the feelings of loss, connection, meaning and empathy .

The twins were born on 30th May 1980.  Marc died in November of 1980 at the age of 5 months from complications related to a congenital heart condition and Clive died in January of 1983 after falling into a pool.

In 1980, My Dad was 32, my Mum was 28, I was 4 and my brother Larry was 8.   Very young to bury a son and a brother.  To have to go through it again 2 years later was inconceivable.   My Mum and My Dad did all they could to keep Larry and I protected and supported while dealing with their own grief - and they did it well.  Up to now, we have been on a 40-year grieving Journey .  We have found our own ways to cope - individually and collectively.  If Feel the Magic existed 40 years ago, I know that we all would have benefited and been empowered by the experience.

As CEO I am focused on ensuring that our Team is in the best position we can be to ensure that Camps and all other programs run effectively and efficiently for all involved.   I am looking forward to establishing meaningful and enduring partnerships with companies, families or people who are aligned to the Vision and purpose of Feel the Magic.

Lauren Galbraith

Program Intake Lead

Lauren is the Intake Lead at Feel the Magic. She speaks with all our new families and volunteers about our services and helps them find the right program for their family. Her qualifications include a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Social Science, and a Diploma of Human Resources. Lauren started with Feel the Magic as a volunteer mentor and talk-time facilitator at Camp Magic, and Administration Assistant to the National Program Coordinator prior to role as Program Intake Lead. She is mother to two daughters, a son, and a stepson, and loved ballet when she was growing up.

James Thomas

Co Founder & Business Development Manager

As a young entrepreneur, James ran his own business and was an active property investor committed to living a successful life.

In the wake of losing his mother, James realised the life he had created was unfulfilling and unrewarding. Trading his time for money doing the things he didn’t enjoy did not sit right with him.

In 2012, he decided to sell his business and set out on a path of self-discovery. James was desperate to make purpose of his life and wanted to honour the memory of his much loved mother and father. James has since dedicated his life to giving grieving children a voice and providing a safe place for children to grow and thrive during their grief.

James’ greatest achievement in life has been the recent birth of his first-born son Madden. Together with his beautiful wife Kristy, they love spending time with Madden as a family.

James also likes to test his physical and mental strength by participating in challenging adventures around the world. James strives to share his passion whilst sharing his story and inspire others to chase their dreams, being an example of living a life filled with purpose despite the many challenges of life.

Nicole Suffling

National Program Coordinator

Nicole joins our team having worked in the Early Childhood and Primary School settings for the last 10 years. Nicole has studied and has completed specialised training in the area of special needs and interventions. She has completed her certificate IV in Business Management, along with holding a current First Aid and CPR Certificate. Nicole has a strong passion for dancing where she has taught and choreographed for the last 9 years. Nicole has been a part of the Feel the Magic family for the last four years as a dedicated volunteer, mentor and talk time assistant. After experiencing loss herself, Nicole brings a wealth of experience dealing with grieving children.    

Leanne Pearce

  Leanne joins the Feel the Magic Team with first-hand experience. After losing her husband in 2014, Leanne’s youngest son attended the first Camo Magic program.  Leanne could see the growth in him after the first camp and knew she wanted to get involved. Leanne has volunteered at many of our events such as Golf Days, Night of Magic, Family Day Camp and Camp Magic Program. Leanne has a passion for volunteering and has dedicated many years volunteering with Erskine Park Physical Culture Club and St Clair Comets Junior Rugby League Club. She brings to the team over 25 years of experience in the administrative field.

Peter Maloney

National Learning & Development

Peter has been a coach, counsellor, and educator for the last 10 years.

His life and work are about aligning people with their hearts, dreams and creating a powerful, passionate and fulfilling life.

He started his journey of self-discovery when he arrived back from the UK in 2004, where he started seeing a counsellor to help him with big changes such as grief and the myriad of feelings that come with permanent change and loss.

After years of growth and education, Peter has a thriving counselling, coaching and education business and is now the head facilitator and educator of our Camp Magic program.

“My aim is to support and empower you to unlock your natural potential and purpose in life as a powerful human being. I do this via mental fitness, emotional resilience and educating you in new skills to heal, grow and thrive.”

Kristy Thomas

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher and Business Woman are just some of the talents she brings to her work in the world. Kirsty has a Bachelor of Dance Education majoring in Dance and minoring in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. She has taught hundreds of children in both the NSW Department of Education and her private dance studio over the last 12 years. Kristy is the creator and owner of Bust-A-Move School of Modern Dance. She uses dance as an expressive metaphor and taps into each child’s desires and dreams. She raises them to this vision with her students absolutely knowing that they are powerful beyond measure. A continual student of human and personal development herself, she has trained in a kaleidoscope of modalities, philosophies and creative spiritual arts.