Alexandra Hamilton
Chief Executive Officer
Our CEO, Alex Hamilton brings over a decade of experience working with bereaved families in the not-for-profit sector, with expertise in business strategy, relationship building, marketing, fundraising, and sponsorship.
Originally from the UK, Alex began her career as an actress, performing to audiences through storytelling on stage. Little did she know that her most profound and impactful stories would arise from her own life. In 2011, Alex became a mother to her first child, River, whose tragic passing at just four months old from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) profoundly reshaped her world.
Through unimaginable heartbreak, Alex found a deep calling to transform her grief into purpose. She has since become a powerful advocate for resilience, compassion, and connection, sharing her story to inspire and support others. Alex has spoken to diverse audiences, including health professionals, first responders, emergency department staff, corporate and community groups, offering insights into navigating grief, trauma, and the profound strength found within vulnerability.
Her speaking engagements blend her personal journey with actionable insights, making her a sought-after presenter for businesses and organisations. Whether addressing corporate teams, healthcare professionals, or community groups, Alex motivates audiences to embrace resilience, reframe challenges, and harness the power of passion to create meaningful change.
Now a proud mother to two “rainbow” children, Shiloh and Bodhi, Alex channels her lived experience into empowering others. Her talks are not just about overcoming loss but about finding hope, purpose, and strength to make a positive impact in the world.
Alex’s authentic, heartfelt approach resonates with audiences across industries. By booking her for your next event, you’ll leave inspired, empowered, and reminded that even in the face of adversity, passion and connection can fuel meaningful growth and transformation.
Ann Smith
Member
Ann grew up in a large family and began her career as a nurse, dedicating over 25 years to the healthcare sector. Specialising in Intensive Care, Ann later transitioned into hospital leadership as a CEO, demonstrating her commitment to helping others. For 30 years, Ann and her husband built their life in Melbourne, raising two wonderful children.
Ann’s life changed profoundly when her daughter, Danni, began experiencing mental health challenges as a teenager. Despite Danni’s resilience, including her pursuit of work and travel, tragedy struck when, at the age of 26, Danni took her own life. This devastating loss left Ann and her family shattered, beginning a long and difficult journey through grief and healing.
Returning to work after Danni’s death, Ann recognised the need to help her colleagues navigate conversations about loss and grief. Her openness not only helped others support her but also inspired her to assist those experiencing similar tragedies. While working in a large public service agency, Ann began offering guidance to other bereaved parents, finding purpose in helping them navigate their own grief journeys.
Four years after Danni’s death, Ann discovered Compassionate Friends, an organisation committed to helping families in their time of grief. She trained as a phone support volunteer and continues to provide support to grieving families every fortnight. In 2024, Ann joined the Board of Compassionate Friends to contribute actively to its mission of supporting families overwhelmed by loss.
As an experienced facilitator, executive coach, and business leader, Ann is passionate about helping workplaces and communities foster environments of compassion and understanding. She works with groups and organisations to build awareness and practical skills for supporting colleagues and friends as they navigate life after loss, helping them find their footing in a new and unfamiliar world.