Lisa Hresc

Lisa has over 25 years executive management experience in commercial and not-for-profit organisations, having worked with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC), ABC commercial and The Benevolent Society. She has led teams across business strategy, development, digital transformation, brand, marketing, media and communications as well as fundraising and philanthropy.

Lisa holds an Executive MBA and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). She is also a Board Member and Committee Chair for ChildFund Australia.

Lisa has been a runner for the past nine years and has completed several half marathons, triathlons and completed the Queenstown Marathon in 2023. Promoting health and well being while raising funds for cancer research is an enduring purpose of Lisa’s.

“Joining Can Too Foundation is an absolute privilege. It’s an exciting time to join as the Foundation enters it 20th year and having raised almost $35 million since 2005.  The lifelong stories of our participants conquering their challenges and the incredible impact the research and our research candidates have had during this time has changed lives.”

Gavin Le Roux

Gavin has over 20 years of experience in finance across a range of industries including cellular agriculture, real estate and funds management. He is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and holds a B.Comm (Honours) degree from the University of Natal in South Africa.

Gavin enjoys running and being outdoors and helps out at his local junior rugby club.

“I have seen many orange CanToo runners in so many runs over the years and have always been blown away by their close supportive community and spirit. I can now call myself a 'CanToo-er' and it's great being part of this amazing community and playing such an important role in physical and mental health, and cancer research funding."

Conchita Casteigt

We know you'd love to read about Conchita, but her bio is coming soon. Stay tuned to learn more about the amazing work she does with our team at CanToo!

Lara Bisley

Lara brings extensive experience in operations management, program delivery and community engagement to the Can Too Foundation. With expertise in designing and implementing impactful programs, fostering collaborative relationships, and building high-performing teams, Lara excels at driving meaningful outcomes. Her strategic approach to operations and her ability to connect with diverse stakeholders reflects her commitment to making a positive difference.

Holding a degree in Public Health, she is deeply passionate about preventative health and supporting communities through innovative and sustainable approaches. Lara’s dedication to the not-for-profit sector aligns with her values of empowering individuals and fostering meaningful change.

When not working, Lara enjoys spending time with her young family and will soon be taking on the challenge of completing her first Half Marathon!

Stacie Smith

Stacie brings 25 years of experience as a small business owner, visual artist, and photographer. Originally from Southern California, she moved to Sydney from Denver, Colorado six years ago and has since become a dedicated grassroots organiser and fundraiser, building community as an advocate and parent activist to support her LGBT+ child.

Stacie’s connection to CanToo began when she arrived in Australia. Despite starting as a casual swimmer who could only manage 200 meters at a time, she found a welcoming community in the ocean swim program. Ocean swimming has become a big part of her life.

“I have lost friends and family, young and old, to cancer. I feel blessed to be part of an organisation that not only strengthens the mental and physical health of its participants but also drives forward groundbreaking cancer research.”

Penny Nolton

As Coaching Manager, Penny is responsible for sourcing the best coaches in New South Wales to ensure our CanToo-ers get over the line on race day fit, smiling, and injury free.

Before coaching, Penny had a career as an Art and Artefacts restorer working in Australia’s top museums but decided to leave the world’s treasures behind to pursue her passion for helping people achieve goals they never imagined possible.

A keen cyclist, Penny isn’t opposed to throwing on Lycra of any kind and is often seen on the running track or in the swimming lanes encouraging our CanToo-ers.

Lisa Polyblank

Lisa has many years of administrative experience which includes positions within the NSW Education Department and Competition Manager at Water Polo NSW.  In recent years, Lisa applied her Master of Counselling in her work with First Nations Peoples,  most recently a position at Wayside Chapel.

Lisa has enjoyed and attempted many forms of aquatic exercise, not always successfully. Her main involvement was playing, refereeing, volunteering and working with Water Polo community. 

Her son introduced her to CanToo, expecting her to find it enjoyable but not thinking that she would end up working there in less than 3 years. 

“Since joining my first CanToo swim pod, I have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people and am grateful to be able to call them friends.  I have seen friends conquer their fears supported by the amazing coaches and experienced participants. CanToo has rekindled my enjoyment of ocean swimming, which I get to enjoy with others, improve my fitness and continues to create challenges.”

Lucy Boon

Lucy has 5+ years experience in the NFP sector and specialises in fundraising and business development. Prior to joining CanToo, she worked in the performing arts sector as Bell Shakespeare’s Philanthropy and Major Gift Manager. She holds a Master of Business from Deakin University and was awarded Best Graduate of her 2021 class. In addition to her work in the NFP sector, Lucy is a PhD student at Australian National University, where she works as a Sessional Academic in English and Drama.

Lucy is an avid runner and couldn’t be more excited to be part of the CanToo team.

“CanToo perfectly combines my passion for fitness and my desire to make meaningful change. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to work among a very special community and find ways to support and empower early career researchers to fight the good fight against cancer.”

Kat Salmons

Kat moved to Australia from the UK in late 2024, bringing her 10 years of experience of the not-for-profit sector along with her. Kat has worked across various Fundraising and Comms teams for both small and large charities in this time.

In 2020, Kat took up running for the first time, having never completed a 5km before. Since then, she's developed a passion for health and fitness, and even completed the London Marathon in 2022. Kat will always have a new race lined up in her diary now, with Runaway Sydney Half 2025 being the next one for her to tick off!

"Over the years I have loved working for causes that truly make a difference to people's lives, and CanToo does just that as well. From helping people to keep fit and conquer challenges, to helping fund vital cancer research, it's a privilege to be part of the team."

Kirk Zhao

Kirk started with CanToo in late 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Finance and Master of Commerce. He is also a member of the CPA. He performs all processing of financial transactions for the Foundation.

“I’m very proud of being a CanToo-er. At CanToo I've met incredible Participants and work with amazing colleagues. I love the spirit of CanToo, to set a goal and never give up, you CanToo!"