OUR TEAM

**LUKE MCKENNA (FOUNDER & DIRECTOR)**

UPP founder, Luke McKenna is an educator and author who specialises in working with schools to build growth mindsets, grit, wellbeing and leadership for all students. Over the last 15 years, he has worked as a classroom teacher, middle leader and Assistant Principal. Luke has worked with educators and students across Australian Primary and Secondary schools from the Independent, Catholic and Public sectors.
**He holds degrees in Business and Education, a Masters of Educational Leadership, and a Professional Certificate in Positive Education.**
Luke has spoken at The Positive Schools Conference; the Adolescent Success Conference; Griffith University's Professional Development Network Conference; and ACU's Advisory Conferences in Canberra and Brisbane. His work has been published in the Australian Journal of Middle Schooling, Happy Schools and The Positive Times, and he is also the author of "Thrive: Unlocking the truth about student performance" (2015), Making Wellbeing Practical (2019) and Making the Shift- Becoming a Leader worth Following (2022).

IMG-1126 (1).JPG — **CODY KILPATRICK (HEAD OF TEAM & SENIOR FACILITATOR- QLD)**
Cody has a huge passion for helping young people unleash their potential in order to become the best version of themselves. He is highly committed, and dedicated to continuous improvement and growth in both himself and those around him. In high school, at Iona College, Cody held the position of house captain and prefect. He is currently enrolled in a double degree in Business and Creative Industries at QUT, however has deferred to focus on his role at UPP.
Since starting with UPP at the start of 2017, Cody has worked with over 60,000 students. He has enjoyed every challenge and joy our work brings, and looks forward to sharing those experiences and learnings with our team as we continue to grow. He continues to intentionally hone the craft of engaging young people in UPP workshops.
Cody has completed the Discovering Positive Education course, run by Geelong Grammar’s Institute of Positive Education and continues to develop his understanding and passion for helping students to learn, live and lead better.

Gil Website Photo.jpg — **GILBERT MEIN (OPERATIONS LEADER & SENIOR FACILITATOR- VICTORIA)**

Gil has a passion for empowering young people to reach their fullest potential in life. After graduating from Penola Catholic College in 2012, Gil spent the next 8 years leading and creating leadership and development programs for secondary schools and youth groups across Australia. In 2015, he returned to his former college as a Campus Minister, giving him the opportunity to play a direct role in the journey of empowerment with students in year 7 to 12.
A firm believer in the importance of mindfulness and continual self development, Gil has completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at the University of Melbourne, and looks forward to combining this knowledge with his passion for youth empowerment through facilitating at UPP.

REBECCA HOOD (LEARNING LEADER & SENIOR FACILITATOR - QLD)

Becky has recently moved to Brisbane with her partner having been born and raised in the UK. After graduating with a degree in Physical Geography from Newcastle University, Becky completed the Teach First training programme and worked in a secondary school in the North East of England as a Geography teacher for 4 and a half years. Becky is passionate about education and leadership and is excited to be able to continue positively shaping the lives of young people with UPP!

Becky enjoys both playing and watching sports and loves being part of a social netball team. She also loves wildlife and all things Geography and is super excited to be able to explore Australia with her partner.

**PETE MCAULIFFE (HEAD OF UPP RETREATS & SENIOR FACILITATOR)**
Pete served as college captain in 2012, and this experience cemented his passion for authentic leadership and challenging young people to be their best. He had the opportunity to do two years of youth work, in both Sydney and Canberra. He has since worked for two years alongside the student wellbeing team of Iona College, as a behaviour management coach, wellbeing coach and campus minister. This gave Pete the opportunity to lead, develop and run retreats, programs and camps, for young people from age 7, up to 30 years old.
Pete has been a key member of the UPP team since 2016. He has worked with more than 90,000 students during his time at UPP. In 2018, he completed the Discovering Positive Education course, run by Geelong Grammar’s Institute of Positive Education.
**Pete now leads UPP in Ireland, as we endeavour to spread our valuable messages far and wide. Now that he is back in Australia, Pete is UPP’s Head of Retreats.**
**Pete greatest joy in life is spending time with his wife Niamh and their sons Tobias and Boaz.**

**LAURA MCKENNA (STRATEGY AND CONTENT DEVELOPMENT)**

Laura McKenna has been with UPP from the beginning. Laura contributed through the strategic direction of UPP. She has also developed and written many of UPP’s Personal Wellbeing Practices. She is a Registered Nurse, author and instructor of Yoga, Meditation and Wellbeing. After more than a decade in the health industry in a number of roles in hospitals and community nursing, Laura has identified a huge need for proactive wellbeing strategies. She brings a health professional's perspective to Wellbeing and Positive Education. Laura and Luke live in Brisbane with their three gorgeous kids – Elijah, Oscar and Ava.

**JAIME URRUTIA (SENIOR FACILITATOR- VICTORIA)**

Jaime has a huge passion for being of service. He is dedicated to all disciplines of mindset training. A student of the martial arts, he has attained instructor levels in karate, kickboxing and boxing. His journey into personal development began at the age of 15 when his first martial arts instructor taught him how to master mindfulness and meditation as a precursor to mastering any self-defence techniques. Jaime has been privileged to be guided over the years by many great teachers, recently learning about the art of happiness and meditation. In recent years Jaime has had the pleasure of collaborating with life coaches, psychologists, counsellors and psychiatrists while delivering mind and body wellness training to disability and pre employment groups. Jaime has also delivered self defence classes to school children from the youngest years right through to university. Jaime considers himself a student of life, learning everyday. He is now in the fortunate position to be delivering the UPP program to students across Melbourne and country Victoria. Jaime resides in Melbourne with his two wonderful children.

**MATT GRANT (SENIOR FACILITATOR - NSW)**

Matt has 3 kids, is host of a podcast and has been in the fitness industry for almost 15 years. Throughout this time he has hosted events, workshops and retreats, has run outdoor bootcamps, corporate wellness days and has owned a gym. He also has a great social life and plays a lot of sport.
Some of his core values include family, community, connection, empathy, fun, resilience and leadership. He has joined the UPP team because he is extremely passionate about helping people live healthier and happier lives.

**QUINTON GILL (FACILITATOR - NSW)**

Quinton is a Canadian who has been teaching and living in Australia now for over five years as both a primary PE teacher and High school science teacher. His passion for teaching came from two teachers he had in high school that showed him the impact good leadership and strong character can have on the students within a school community. He wanted to become a teacher to give that same opportunity to more students.
After 5 successful years of teaching he realised that he wanted to reach out to more kids around Australia to help set them up with the tools they need to become successful in their own lives. Having joined the UPP team he now has the chance to do that every day!

**JAZZ COOPER (FACILITATOR- QLD)**

In 2016 Jazz was elected Vice Captain at her school, fulfilling a long term interest in leadership and serving others. The desire to positively impact others continued after graduating school and Jazz found herself volunteering as a leader and facilitator on camps and development courses for children and teenagers. She continues to be passionate about helping others achieve their goals and realise their self-worth and potential. Jazz is currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) which she intends to use to help vulnerable communities and children both in Australia and overseas.

**DAVID SUMPTION (FACILITATOR - QLD)**

Dave has a great passion for helping young people realise their own value and capabilities. His goal is to inspire as many people as he can to reach their full potential. This has led him to join the team at UPP. Dave has worked and volunteered in a vast array of roles including (but not limited to) OSHC, school tours with bands and extreme sports groups, childcare, sports coaching, and high school chaplaincy. Dave has a Diploma in Ministry and Cert IV in Youth Work. During his 7 years as a chaplain, he also took part in and facilitated several programs including Peer Skills and Drumbeats.
Dave enjoys just about any sport and outdoor activity. He owns several kayaks and bikes and loves everything outdoors from the bush to the beach. Where Dave loves to be most though is with his wife Mim and kids Ethan and Kate.

ALANAH AGIUS (FACILITATOR - VICTORIA)

Alanah is dedicated to empowering young people to realise their full potential. Recently earning her Certificate IV in Youth Work, she is passionate about mentoring and inspiring youth, guiding them on their journeys to becoming their best selves. Growing up, Alanah spent 3 years in East Africa with her family, where she attended an international school - having this experience fueled her passion to make an impact on the world around her.

Beyond her work with young people, Alanah enjoys singing, playing the piano, reading, and cooking. After completing Year 12, she refined her culinary skills as an apprentice chef in a fine dining restaurant, sparking a deep love for food that she now shares with friends and family.

Alanah loves to be connected and involved with the community around her. Above all, she strives to bring out the best in the people around her, and hopes to do so through joining the UPP team.

**MEGAN ROWLAND (FACILITATOR - NSW)**

Megan recently moved from the UK to Sydney, excited for a fresh start and new adventures. With a degree in Professional Policing, she spent four years as a front line police officer, focusing on supporting children and vulnerable individuals. During this time, Megan developed strong skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork—qualities she’s passionate about bringing to everything she does.
Megan loves connecting with people and creating spaces where everyone feels supported and encouraged. Her experiences have taught her a lot about resilience and working together, both in her career and in life.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys Sydney’s outdoor lifestyle. Whether she’s playing in her local netball league, surfing, or exploring scenic trails, she’s always up for an adventure and loves being part of a community.

ELISE O’CALLAGHAN (FACILITATOR - QLD)

Elise is passionate about helping people realise their potential and empowering them to pursue growth in every area of life. Guided by her core value of growth, she spent over six years in youth ministry, encouraging young people to live with purpose and intention. These experiences deepened her passion for supporting others in their personal development.

Elise is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and understanding human behaviour. She hopes to use her studies and experiences to inspire and empower others on their growth journeys.

In her free time, Elise loves spending time at the beach, making great coffee, and connecting with people. She’s excited to bring her enthusiasm for growth and learning to the UPP team and positively impact the lives of young people across Australia.