Meet our speakers
ABA is happy to introduce the live speakers for our 2025 Brisbane seminar.
Dr Mairaed Crawford
BMedSci MBBS DRANZCOG FRACGP
Mairaed is a specialist general practitioner who works supporting parents in their transition to parenthood, from preconception through pregnancy, birth, the first (wonderfully challenging) 12 months of life and beyond. Her interests are supported by additional qualifications including DRANZCOG, Neuroprotective Developmental Care and the real-world experience of raising two low-sleep-needs, rambunctious boys.
Naomi Drew
BNurs, GradCert (Neonatal Care), ProfCert (Allergy Nursing), IBCLC
Naomi is a registered nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant with extensive experience in primary health care. She has worked across Brisbane in various roles supporting women and children and ran a private lactation consultancy for over a decade. Currently completing a Master of Public Health, she balances study, family life, and clinical work (with lots of coffee!).
Nicola Kett
BHealthSc
Nicola has worked as a health promotion officer at the Australian Breastfeeding Association since 2021. She majored in health promotion and nutrition at university and has experience promoting healthy eating and skill development in a community kitchen setting. In her current role, Nicola coordinates ABA’s online education offerings for expectant and new parents.
Bekki Cavallaro
RN, RM, MMid Grad Cert, IBCLC
Rebecca Cavallaro is a registered midwife, neonatal nurse, and IBCLC with 19+ years’ experience across Australia and the UK. Founder of Full Circle, she brings clinical expertise in breastfeeding trauma, complex perinatal care, and lived experience as a mother of four. Rebecca offers deeply informed, compassionate care shaped by both professional skill and personal journey.
Emma Shipton
BMid, MClinEd, IBCLC
Emma Shipton is a registered midwife, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and PhD candidate who is passionate about supporting women in their breastfeeding journey. She works both as an associate lecturer and a practicing midwife, blending academic knowledge with real-world experience. Emma’s research explores how midwives can best support women by focusing on women’s experiences across the pregnancy continuum.
Brigitte Corcoran
B App Sc, Post Grad Dipl Dietetics and Nutr
Brigitte is a highly skilled accredited practising dietitian with 29 years of experience, specialising in infant and toddler feeding. Guided by a deep passion for breastfeeding and early childhood nutrition, she brings warmth, empathy, and practical support to the families she works with. Her diverse career spans hospitals, community health, and private practice across Australia and internationally.
Gemma MacDonald
BSc (Hons), Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education (Counselling)
Gemma is a medical researcher working in diabetes clinical trials. Previous work as a medical researcher at St Vincent’s Hospital (Sydney) ignited a passion for patient perspective and compassionate healthcare in diabetes. She was a breastfeeding counsellor (ABA) for eight years and has lived experience of diabetes (personal and partner).