Our People

Shahleena Musk

Shahleena is a Larrakia woman from Darwin, Northern Territory and is the current Children’s Commissioner in the Office of the Children’s Comissioner NT. Shahleena has over two decades experience working in legal, policy and advocacy roles with a focus on child rights and youth justice.

Danni Taylor

Acting Assistant Children's Commissioner.

Danni started her career as a Social Worker in Darwin nearly 20 years ago and since then has worked with families and Aboriginal communities in WA and Vic. Danni’s job is to make sure that people making decisions about services for children and young people look at what is already working well and what children and young people think should happen.

Natalie Maher

Natalie is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the office including finance, travel, human resources support, governance and records management. Natalie has over 15 years of corporate services management experience.

Tanya Geddes

Acting Manager Monitoring & Investigations.

Tanya is responsible for looking at ways children can feel safe in their homes with their families. Tanya grew up in the northern part of Canada and moved to Darwin with her son in 2012. He is all grown up now.  Tanya has been a Social Worker for almost 20 years and has worked at the OCC for 5 of those years.  She hopes all children have at least one special person in their lives that believes in them no matter what, so they can be the best person they can be.

Sophie McKay

Acting Senior Monitoring and Investigations Officer.

Sophie is a Darwin local with over 15 years’ experience in the criminal justice system across the NT. Sophie’s job is to make sure young people in the NT are getting the services they need to be safe and happy. Sophie talks to young people and their families about their concerns and works with them to find solutions.

Emma-Lee Francis

Acting Senior Monitoring and Investigations Officer.

Emma is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints regarding services provided to vulnerable children in the Northern Territory. Emma was born and raised in the Northern Territory and has strong ties to the Darwin community.  Emma listens to the voices of children and young people, and feels passionate about empowering them to have their voices be heard.

Jessica Fernandes

Jess is a social worker who was born in Darwin and has always enjoyed exploring different cultures and communities. Jess has worked in the Northern Territory Government for nearly 20 years in roles in Health, child protection and alcohol and other drugs. Jess has spent a lot of time supporting people in the community across Darwin and the Northern Regions. Jess works to ensure children’s voices are heard with the services providers by acknowledging and resolving complaints, monitoring services provided to young people and use evidence based and best practice recommendations to help services make things better for children and young people in their care.

Robert Jacobs

Acting Complaints Officer.

With extensive experience in the public sector, serving vulnerable populations, Robert is tasked with managing incoming complaints and collaborating with the OCC to monitor activities. With a strong track record of building rapport with people from all walks of life, Robert is dedicated to providing compassionate and respectful service to every individual he interacts with, always prioritizing empathy and kindness in his approach.

Clare Patterson

Acting Manager – Strategy, Rights and Advice.

Clare is responsible for the strategic direction of research, policy advice and engagement with kids across the NT. Clare centres children at the core of all OCC work. She is passionate about children’s rights and has worked in the space for 9 years. Her favourite thing about her job is seeing change as a direct result of children’s participation.

Jeannie Peckham

Jeannie is a proud Jingili/Mudburra/Arrernte woman born and raised in the Northern Territory. Jeannie has a wealth of experience in community education and engagement and has spent the last 6 years working in various remote communities across the NT. Its Jeannie’s job to ensure the OCC is engaging with children in a meaningful way and putting their voices at the forefront. She is committed to making a positive impact in all the work she does.

Elle Jackson

Elle is the Acting Strategy and Rights Officer at the OCC. In this role she is responsible for the OCC’s strategic policy advice and report writing, making sure it is grounded in the voices, experiences and ideas of children and young people. Elle has had the privilege of working in the social justice sector for over 13 years with a focus on young people in contact with the youth justice system. She is a passionate advocate for young people and systemic reform that promotes their rights.