Katrina Bercov, Director
Evolve WA is directed by owner and principal, Katrina Bercov, who has more than 25 years of training, education and consultancy experience along with nationally award-winning event management skills.
An adult education and human development specialist, Katrina draws on a tertiary background in business and psychology, with a Graduate Diploma in Education (Training & Development).
Katrina also brings many years of experience in the community and mental health sectors, including four years managing training and events for peak body, the WA Association for Mental Health. While there, Katrina established Western Australia’s largest mental health training curriculum and the inaugural WA Mental Health Conference.
In addition to traditional classroom training, Katrina has unusual skills in the design of experiential learning programs, created to explore issues, such as corporate challenges, hypotheticals, simulations, survival events, trading and negotiation games, interactive theatre, and role-play events.
Katrina works extensively in Evolve’s curriculum design and content writing and has built a reputation for quality content with innovative and high-impact delivery.
Our Team
At Evolve, our mission is to deliver innovative, high-quality training and special initiatives, which help people, organisations and communities evolve.
To achieve this, we have gathered a team of diverse and highly skilled professionals, who we are pleased to introduce below.
Cath Harper
Cath Harper is a former lawyer who practised corporate law in Sydney before spending a decade working in Spain. Upon returning to WA, Cath has built a new career in fundraising, events and communications.
Cath worked in event management, business development and communications roles for Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Cancer Support WA, and the WA Association for Mental Health, before joining Evolve in mid-2018.
Cath plays a key role in quality control for our training program as lead editor for the organisation, as well as managing the organisation’s communications and systems.
Cath initially worked as Evolve’s conference organiser, with particular focus on sponsorship management. In addition to positive financial outcomes, Cath possesses a special talent for building and maintaining real relationships with funding organisations.
Laura Young
Laura Young is a skilled administration professional, who has worked extensively with local businesses and brings strong attention to detail and outstanding customer service skills to the Evolve team.
In addition to coordinating both our public and custom training schedules, Laura provides a high level of customer service and handles most enquiries. Laura is also our booking specialist, who will ensure a smooth and effective registration system and assist with reporting requirements. Laura’s background aligns well with the Evolve values, as she has previously hosted workshops based around personal growth, acceptance, and building self-esteem.
Jane Sherwood
With a strong administrative background, Jane has extensive experience in managing accounts for numerous organisations. Jane manages the financials and accounts at Evolve, as well as being responsible for office management.
In addition to this, Jane is an essential figure in the delivery of conferences, including the People with Disabilities Conferences held in 2020 and 2022, and the WA Tenancy Conference 2021.
Willhemina Farmer
Willhemina Farmer is a proud noongar woman from the great southern with cultural and personal networks from Broome to Esperance.
She draws on 30 years of experience in government partnerships and community initiatives delivering services in community development, health and mental health. Her experience includes working at an advisory level on national, state and regional projects.
Willa studied at Curtin University and Marr- Mooditj college in narrative therapy, aboriginal community management and development.
Willa is also qualified aboriginal mental health first aid instructor and has managed trainers across Australia.
Willhemina has a strong commitment and passion for justice and equal rights of all Australians, including “stolen generation” issues and issues related to recovery from alcohol/drug addiction and substance use.
Our team of trainers
Hayley Grant
Hayley Grant is a registered psychologist who also holds a Graduate Diploma in Education, a Certificate IV in Training and Development, a Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety, and a Certificate IV in Mental Health. She is also an accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
Hayley is an experienced and passionate adult educator, with a particular interest in mental health training and facilitation. In her work she draws on many years’ experience delivering psychological services, counselling, training and facilitating in the public and private mental health sectors. Working directly in the community mental health sector, she has extensive skills and knowledge related to the assessment, treatment, support and advocacy of people with a mental illness.
Hayley has also undertaken university studies in law and has expertise in communication skills, legal issues for community organisations, youth work, AOD issues, and advocacy skills.
Jessica Sharp
Jessica Sharp is a senior social worker and experienced adult educator, holding both a Bachelor of Social Work and a Diploma of Facilitation.
Jessica has extensive experience in case management, service provision, and advisory and leadership roles across the community and public sectors, including Anglicare, The Smith Family, The Ardoch Youth Foundation and the Department of Child Protection.
Her experience includes working in the foster care system, in child protection roles, at-risk youth programs, Indigenous and multicultural groups and extensively as a professional educator for clinicians and sector workers.
While a skilled practitioner and experienced organisational leader and team manager, Jessica’s true passion is adult education. She has been facilitating groups for more than 20 years, including five years for the WA Health Department’s Training Centre.
Trish Hill Wall
Trish Hill Wall is an Aboriginal woman from the Southwest of Western Australia and belongs to the Wadandi, Bibbulmun and Minang bloodline on her father’s side and Ballardong, Wilmen and Whudjuk on her mother’s side (Calgaret).
Trish holds a Bachelor Applied Science with a major in Mental Health and Counselling, a VC Award (Curtin) University, a Graduate Diploma in Education and is a Nationally Accredited Trainer and Assessor.
Trish has been an educator for over 20 years, including positions as senior lecturer, courses coordinator mental health, Acting Dean Centre for Aboriginal Studies, and senior educator at Marr Mooditj Aboriginal Health College.
Her experience includes lecturing at Curtin and Notre Dame Universities and extends from teaching undergraduates to master students in psychology, nursing and midwifery, medical schools, and arts and science. She has particular experience in developing training packages that are conducive to the needs of Aboriginal people.
Wayne Coles
Wayne Coles is a senior Noongar man who is fluent in Noongar language.
Wayne holds a Certificate IV in Community Service – Drug and Alcohol Services, a Certificate IV in Aboriginal Education and a Certificate IV – Frontline Management, and also has qualifications in Counselling and Narrative Therapy. He is a Noongar Language teacher and an accredited Master Trainer for Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid.
Wayne has worked extensively with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups around Western Australia, including many regional and remote locations, holding a range of senior roles in community services organisations.
He now specialises in training and mentoring, drawing on many years’ experience in counselling, education and mental health to deliver these services to both Aboriginal people and those working with Aboriginal communities.
Wayne is passionate about mental health education and Aboriginal wellbeing, as well as issues of social justice, disempowerment and caring for the vulnerable.
Chris Bedding
Chris Bedding has held leadership roles in community, aged-care, not-for-profit, trade union and educational contexts. He is a highly skilled adult educator who has taught in school, community and university settings.
In 2020, Chris completed the National Progress Fellowship, which complements his work as a community organiser, social change activist, and trainer in nonviolent direct action.
He has a passion for community development, having established programs to build connections between people of diverse age, culture and religion. He has also represented WA at the Theatresports National Championships, and appeared in a range of arts festivals around Australia.
Whether on radio, in front of a crowd, teaching school children or facilitating group dialogue, Chris is a skilled communicator with a knack for engaging audiences with humour and storytelling.
Eunita (Nita) Collins
Nita Collins is an experienced adult educator, coach, and counsellor with a Bachelor of Arts (English), a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and coaching accreditation from Growth Coaching International. She is also an accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
Nita has over 25 years of experience in recruitment and training and has a passion for leadership development to help people grow and flourish, learn how to better look after themselves, and support others around them. Areas of special interest include emotional intelligence, communication techniques, team development, and mental health support and wellbeing.
With experience across both corporate and not-for-profit organisations, Nita is comfortable working with individuals or large teams to help identify training needs, assist with instructional design, and delivering short courses and longer workshops.
Nita has an engaging and enthusiastic style of facilitation and will share appropriate real-life experiences to add context to the sessions she delivers.
Dr Christian Mauri
Christian Mauri is a sociologist, community organiser, author, and small business owner with award-winning outcomes in facilitation and training.
Best known for his extensive public work bringing together stakeholders, professionals and community leaders, Christian is an engagement expert. From workers clubs and pubs to town halls and corporate offices, his events foster well-connected and highly proactive communities. These efforts saw him awarded as 2023 Fremantle Citizen of the Year.
Before leaving higher education to start his own business, Christian was an associate lecturer specialising in sociology and international development. He holds a PhD in Sociology and a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Disability Studies. His academic research in sociology and human factors can be found in numerous international publications. He has also published numerous books on private commission for families and businesses.
As an Evolve Trainer, Christian draws on expert knowledge and real-world stories to deliver engaging courses that have a clear use-value for clients.
Rosalie Kickett
Rosalie Kickett is a Wilman, Beelya – Bibbulmun Nation Nyoongar Yok, who has an Associate Degree in Aboriginal Mental Health and Counselling and has been working in the Mental Health and Social and Emotional wellbeing industry for 29 years.
Rosalie is also an accredited Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Mental Health and Youth Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid – Principal Master Instructor and Lifeline DV (Domestic Violence) – Alert Indigenous Trainer.
In addition to her extensive experience as a trainer and facilitator, Rosalie works as a Cultural Operational Supervisor, mentor, and counsellor specialising in trauma, grief and loss.
Rosalie has an abundance of knowledge to share and a unique approach to social and emotional wellbeing which focusses on the four pivotal points of wellbeing; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and building strong communities and best practice working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Marni Galvanin
Marni Galvanin has a tertiary background in psychology, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Needs, and a postgraduate qualification in Family Therapy.
Marni has broad experience working in the community and mental health sectors with young people, adults and families. This work has included the provision of counselling, support and advocacy in relation to complex health issues.
Marni is also a skilled educator, specialising in delivering training services in the areas of positive psychology, wellness and resilience. She has extensive experience in group facilitation and adult education, both in Perth and interstate, and is known for her empathetic nature and insightful teaching style. She has a particular interest in trauma recovery and is currently undertaking specialist studies in the area.
In addition to her clinical qualifications, Marni is a qualified yoga instructor and has completed training in mindfulness, which she uses to complement her clinical training.
Rachel Pemberton
Rachel Pemberton is a communications professional with a degree in Arts Management and a postgraduate qualification from the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute.
Rachel has more than 20 years’ experience managing and delivering community projects and strategic communications campaigns. She has extensive experience in media liaison, public relations, events management and community engagement as well as significant social media and digital campaigning skills. She has also developed and implemented many strategic communications plans.
A specialist in sustainability and community engagement skills, her experience in the government sector, both as an employee and elected member, provides a solid foundation in governance issues, policy development and implementation, and the legislative framework.
Rachel is an outgoing public speaker whose personable style and fascinating experiences bring real-life examples to enrich her training sessions.
Paul Montague
Paul Montague is a gifted communications specialist and a qualified educator, holding a degree with a double major in Drama and Education and a postgraduate qualification in Theology. He is also an accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
He has served on the national nomination panel for the Helpmann Awards (Comedy) and the WA Workshop Co-ordinator of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s ‘Deadly Funny’ Indigenous Comedy Program.
Paul has decades of experience in training and group facilitation and has worked extensively with corporate, government and community sector clients, covering areas such as communication skills, advocacy, community building, engaging stakeholders and mental health. He also has extensive experience in writing and directing, mentorship, and leading and managing diverse teams.
In addition, Paul has more than 25 years’ experience as a performer and multi-award-winning professional comedian and actor, with credits in film, television, theatre and too many TV commercials.
Jess Lally
Jess Lally is a qualified educator, holding a Bachelor of Education (ECU) and a Certificate of English Language Training for Adults (CELTA, Cambridge University).
An experienced teacher of all ages from school children to adults in tertiary and vocational sectors, Jess is passionate about sharing knowledge. She is also an actor, speaker, director and coach, and loves nothing more than what others often fear most: public speaking and facilitating a group. In addition, Jess also has extensive skills in writing and speaking training and interpersonal interaction management.
Drawing on her personal experiences in classrooms, theatres and varied workplaces, her relaxed and accessible approach encourages the sharing of ideas and a collaborative learning experience which is respectful, insightful, informative and fun.
When she is not teaching and training, she is often performing or producing theatre around Perth.
Emma Boyne
Emma Boyne holds a postgraduate qualification in Health Promotion and a Bachelor of Science, as well as a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Certificate IV in Mental Health. Emma is also an accredited instructor for Standard and Blended Mental Health First Aid Courses.
An experienced adult educator and mental health trainer and facilitator, Emma has worked for more than 20 years with government, not-for-profit, universities and community groups delivering training and health promotion programs.
She has a particular interest in mental health and wellbeing, and in developing and delivering programs that enhance wellbeing and quality of life in individuals and the community. Emma is part of UWA’s national award-winning Fit for Study program.
Eddie Stowers
Eddie Stowers is a New Zealand born trainer and facilitator, who has developed and delivered training across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the United Kingdom, for a raft of industries and organisations over nearly 30 years.
With a degree in Social Anthropology, DiSC accreditation and a variety of other credentials, he specialises in leadership, management, sales and cultural change.
Eddie’s style is energetic and engaging, and he is equally comfortable with large groups on remote mines sites to one-on-one coaching in city boardrooms.
Lynn MacLaren
Lynn MacLaren is a well-known social justice and human rights advocate whose passion for community representation led to her being elected to Parliament for two terms. She was the first American elected to the WA State Parliament, where dual citizenship is not a barrier.
In addition to her parliamentary experience, Lynn has many years of experience as a writer, a small business operator and as a project and policy officer with the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS). An experienced leader and media spokesperson, Lynn has extensive experience in project management, networking, leading and managing teams.
In addition to training with Evolve, Lynn consults with community organisations around capacity building and volunteers on not-for-profit boards.
Dr Andrew Lewis Smith
Andrew Smith is a veteran educator and academic who holds two Masters degrees and a PhD in Theatre Storytelling Devising Practices.
He served as Head of Performance at the nationally recognised Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts for 20 years. Andrew has extensive experience in senior management and is skilled in managing diverse teams and embodies inclusive practice. He is a skilled collaborative practitioner with a strong track record in developing professional partnerships, both locally and internationally.
He is passionate about sharing knowledge, energising relationships and improving communication. He has evolved as a facilitator and coach and specialises in mindfulness, leadership, team building and collaboration.
Nathaniel Taylor
Nathaniel Taylor (they/them) brings professional experience from across the health, education and community sectors, including as Manager of Disability Services for a top tier university, and managing a youth service for at-risk young people. With a degree in Behavioural Science and further study in Law, Theology, and Clinical Pastoral Education, they are skilled at working in multidisciplinary teams to ensure client wellbeing and advocate for their needs.
With lived experience of stroke, Nathaniel can speak confidently about how workplaces and society can better serve people with disabilities. They have also been involved in advocacy for legislative change, particularly as part of the LGBTI+ community.
Every week, Nathaniel plays basketball and Dungeons and Dragons, having previously been a nationally ranked athlete. For the last ten years, Nathaniel has been a volunteer, team leader, and theatre manager at PAX (Australia’s largest gaming convention). They are passionate about personal and community wellbeing.
Carmen Braidwood
Carmen Braidwood is a media trainer, presenter and commentator with more than 20 years’ experience on commercial radio and TV.
Carmen has a Bachelor of Arts, (English), post graduate qualifications in Radio Broadcasting & Program Direction, and draws on her extensive experience as a presenter, newsreader and producer for the country’s biggest media companies to deliver her training. Her style is accessible and highly practical, leaving attendees on a high.
Seen around Australia as a travel presenter on the Nine Network’s Destination WA, she’s notched up appearances on Nine News, The Today Show, The Project, Sky News and others. She is also a sought-after, highly experienced MC, with a passion for signature tourism events in her much-loved home state of Western Australia.
Her keynotes, programs and workshops take people safely out of their comfort zone, so they can trade awkward moments in the modern media (traditional and digital) for the polish of a broadcast professional.