The Team Behind Stories by the Lake

"As a mother, my fondest memories are of unhurried days spent experiencing life's little moments together. In an increasingly digital world, we created Stories by the Lake to bring children and parents back to the joy of real-world, sensory, and shared experiences. I have always believed that parents are at the heart of a child's development. Stories by the Lake is your annual date with your child—a day to step away from the daily grind and see the world through each other's eyes."

"Equipped with a Master's in Child & Human Development and a Doctorate in Transformational Leadership, I have spent over three decades in education, specialising in child development, curriculum design, teacher training, and parent education.

Over the years, I have watched childhood change. As screens have become central to everyday life, books, storytelling, and meaningful family experiences have gradually taken a back seat. I believe it is time to bring them back.

To me, books are more than a tool for learning—they spark imagination, empathy, curiosity, and connection. Stories by the Lake was created to help families rediscover the joy of reading, spend meaningful time together, and create lasting memories through stories and real-life experiences.

I believe learning is a lifelong journey, and curiosity is its greatest catalyst."

"Books have always been at the centre of my journey—whether through founding Books Barista, creating the Pen and Paper Awards, or my 13 years with Crossword Bookstores. Each of these experiences has allowed me to work closely with readers, authors, and the many people who bring stories to life.

Over time, I've seen how powerful stories can be in bringing people together—creating conversations, sparking curiosity, and building lasting connections.

Stories by the Lake comes from a simple belief: children should have the chance to experience that magic firsthand."

"As a Chartered Accountant, I've learned that the smallest details often make the biggest difference. Every memorable experience is made up of countless thoughtful details—many of which go unnoticed, yet shape how people feel long after the day is over.

That is what Stories by the Lake means to me.

Working behind the scenes, I bring together partners, schools, collaborators, and experiences, with a single question guiding every decision: Would I want this for my own children? If the answer is yes, I know it is worthwhile.

My goal is to ensure that every element of the festival reflects the care and purpose behind it—not just in what families see, but in how they feel.

I hope every family leaves with more than just books. I hope they leave with conversations to continue at home, memories they'll revisit for years, and a renewed appreciation for the simple joy of spending time together."