Churchill Fellow and co-founder/co-chair of the National Infant & Child Disaster Mental Health Advisory Committee, Michelle Roberts, is a nationally respected psychologist and subject matter expert in child trauma, disasters and disaster psychosocial recovery. She was previously the Director of The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network (ACATLGN) at the Australian National University.
In her career, Michelle has led government teams, shaped national policy, developed sector leading professional learning programs and co-authored Infants and Children in Disasters: A Practice Guide (with Emerging Minds and The National Workforce Centre for Child and Mental Health). She also established and managed the Student Critical Incident Recovery Unit, Department of Education (Victoria).
Currently, Michelle is a consultant to the Psychosocial Services Panel, Emergency Management Branch, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (Victoria). She advises executive leaders and works with clients including individuals and communities, Primary Health Networks, headspace National, Red Cross and major corporate groups. Her work is grounded in deep sector expertise, lived experience and systems-level thinking.
Expertise in Professional Learning Design: Michelle leads the design and delivery of learning experiences that build the capability of communities and organisations to prepare for, respond to and recover after disasters, emergencies and critical incidents. Her approach blends research-informed insights with authentic, actionable strategies.
Commitment to Strengths-based Practice: Michelle champions capability-building approaches that honour the existing expertise within individuals, communities, families and schools. She works collaboratively to strengthen mental health, preparedness and recovery, with a focus on inclusive, empowering and developmentally appropriate practices.
Deep Sector Knowledge, Networks and Child-centred Perspective: With decades of experience, Michelle is deeply trusted by clients across the education, health, emergency management and community sectors, including Red Cross Australia, the Attorney-General’s Department, the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement and the Department of Human Services. Her work is informed by systemic insight and a strong commitment to continuous improvement and wellbeing across the lifespan.
