Our people

Following the devastating loss of her mother, Teresa, in 20216, Suz immediately set about making a difference. Suz launched The Aftershock with a start-up attitude, to shine a light on the lesser known ‘forgotten’ cancers that don’t receive anywhere near as much research funding as the more commonly diagnosed ones. Suz has a double Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Management and currently works at REA Group. She’s an avid Fremantle Dockers and Boston Celtics fan, just like her mum.

Chris joined The Aftershock upon its establishment. After the passing of his mother, Teresa, he wanted to help put the fight against high mortality rate cancers on the map. Chris works at CVS Lane as an Investments Analyst. He rode his bicycle from Fremantle to Melbourne in 2018 – covering over 3,500 km in 21 days! Chris rode alongside his dad, Geoff, who accompanied him in a caravan for the whole journey. They raised an amazing $40,000 for high mortality rate cancer research.

Robyn has been a teacher in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 30 years. She met Teresa when they worked together, teaching in the ELC at Carey Grammar. Robyn and Teresa developed a close friendship based on care, humour and mutual support.

James was a friend of Teresa Neate, and also lost his brother-in-law Steve Ashton to mesothelioma. James was an Airbus A380 Captain when he retired after a career spanning thirty-one years. He is now back in Melbourne after having lived in Dubai, Bahrain, Vietnam, England and Malta since 2002. Prior to becoming a pilot he was a freelance writer and photographer and spent eight years running his own marketing and promotions business, Rally Promotions. He is the author of five books, and just released “23 Tips To Survive A Long Flight”. James’ eclectic photography, and much more, can be found at www.jamesnixon.com.

James joined the board of the Aftershock in 2023 and has been a long time friend of the Neate family.  He has held a number of positions at Evans & Partners where he has worked for 10 years, most recently in the role of Director – Senior Investment Adviser. Like too many other families, James has had relatives impacted by cancer and is therefore committed to doing what he can to assist the incredible team at The Aftershock raise awareness and funds to combat rare forms that are currently underfunded and under appreciated.

Mike is a Sales Director for a leading SaAS company in Australia. Mike has been closely affected by cancer and brings a lot of drive to The Aftershock. Mike loves all sports, however has a particular soft spot for the Hawks.

Chris currently works in infrastructure consulting and previously cut his teeth in construction project management. This is his first time in a formal NFP role; he brings passion to a cause which is very close to heart.

Matt Pallozzi joined the board of The Aftershock after year 1 of its existence. He is a physiotherapist and has worked across multiple fields within the industry. He has worked with clients affected by cancer, and key philosophies include remaining fit and active throughout the life cycle.

Prof Mark Shackleton is the Director of Oncology at Alfred Health, a Professor of Oncology at Monash University, a Victorian Cancer Agency Clinical Research Fellow and Chair of the Australian and New Zealand Melanoma Trials Group. After training in medical oncology and at the Ludwig Institute in Melbourne, he undertook PhD studies at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and post-doctoral work at the University of Michigan, USA. He has consistently published in the world’s top medical and scientific journals, and been the recipient of several major prizes for his research: the 2006 Victorian Premier’s Award for Medical Research, a 2010 NHMRC Achievement Award, a 2011 Pfizer Australia Fellowship, and the 2012 Australian Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year.

Rochelle’s involvement in The Aftershock came about following the heart-breaking loss of her Mum, Judy, in 2016 from soft-tissue sarcoma. Rochelle is passionate about raising awareness of these terrible cancers and aims to do so through her design background. She specialises in experience and user interface design and is responsible for The Aftershock’s visual identity and online presence, along with the Melbourne and New York based agency DUO.