Dr Brooke Feltis, GAICD, is a Forensic Psychologist with over a decade of experience in clinical practice, using her expertise in human behaviour to deliver evidence-based psychological services. As a Company Director, she brings this insight to support effective, ethical, and community-focused decision-making.

Brooke has served on multiple boards, contributing to strategic planning, risk oversight, and strong governance frameworks. As Founder and Director of Myall Psychology, she combines leadership with a passion for innovation and quality in service delivery. A committed advocate for lifelong learning, she continually builds her skills to enhance her professional and governance impact.

Brooke is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Doctorate in Psychology. She has been recognised with the 2024 Australian Leadership Hub AICD Australian Governance Summit Scholarship, the 2023 Future of Work Regional Education and Skills Program Scholarship, and the 2022 Australian Scholarships Foundation Women’s Rural and Remote Diversity Scholarship.

1.    What drew you to become involved with Embrace People & Place?

I was drawn to Embrace People & Place because of its willingness to think differently about complex social challenges. Rather than accepting the status quo, Embrace focuses on identifying unmet needs, testing new ideas and creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive. That commitment to innovation and learning, coupled with a genuine focus on people, strongly aligned with my own values.

2.    What do you love most about the work Embrace People & Place does?

What I love most is the courage to try something new. Embrace People & Place creates space for innovative ideas that might not otherwise be explored. It brings together people with different experiences and perspectives to create meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable people. I also admire Embrace’s willingness to listen, learn and adapt, ensuring that lived experience remains at the centre of our work. There is a genuine sense of optimism and possibility that underpins everything Embrace People & Place does.

3.    How do your personal or professional experiences shape your contribution as a Board Member?

As a psychologist, I’ve spent much of my career working alongside people navigating adversity, trauma and significant life challenges. That experience has reinforced the importance of listening carefully, understanding different perspectives and keeping people at the centre of decision-making. As a Board Member, I bring a focus on governance, strategic thinking and ensuring that innovation is balanced with accountability and positive community outcomes.

4.    Is there something specific that you’ve been involved in at Embrace People & Place that’s especially meaningful to you? Why?

The Women in Community Program has been especially meaningful to me because it is innovative, desperately needed and has the potential to create lasting change for vulnerable women. The passion, courage and lived expertise that have been brought to the development of this program have been truly inspiring. As the program enters the early implementation stage, I am excited to see that energy translated into real outcomes. It gives me hope for what can be achieved when women are supported to connect, lead and help shape the future of their communities.

5.    What does community mean to you—and how do you see Embrace People & Place helping it to thrive?

To me, community is about connection, belonging and people feeling valued. Strong communities are built when individuals have opportunities to contribute, participate and support one another. Embrace helps communities thrive by creating pathways for people to connect, build capacity and develop initiatives that are driven by local needs and strengths.

6.    What have you learned from your time on the Board so far?

During my time on the board, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the value of diverse perspectives in strengthening decision-making. I’ve learned the importance of listening to lived experience, embracing innovation and being prepared to take calculated risks in pursuit of better outcomes.

7.    In your view, what makes Embrace People & Place different from other organisations?

Embrace People & Place isn’t afraid to experiment, learn and adapt.  Rather than simply responding to problems, Embrace seeks to create new possibilities, build community capacity and develop initiatives that will have a lasting impact on people’s lives.

8.    What gives you hope when thinking about the future of our communities?

What gives me hope is the incredible capacity of people to come together in times of challenge. Across communities, I see individuals who are passionate, creative and committed to making a difference. When those strengths are supported and harnessed, positive change becomes possible.

9.    Outside of your role on the Board, what do you enjoy doing or feel passionate about?

Outside of my Board role, I’m passionate about psychology, lifelong learning and supporting people to achieve meaningful change in their lives. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, connecting with family and friends, and staying involved in activities that promote wellbeing and community connection.

10. If you could share one message with the Embrace People & Place community, what would it be?

Never underestimate the impact that one idea, one conversation or one act of kindness can have. Communities are strengthened when people are willing to contribute, collaborate and believe that positive change is possible. Every person has something valuable to offer, and together we can create opportunities that make a lasting difference.