About Us

Meet the CanToo Team

Our dedicated team is passionate about supporting your health and fitness journey as well as making a difference in the fight against cancer. Supported by an incredible community of participants, volunteers and expert coaches, we work together to inspire individuals to achieve their goals while funding early-career cancer researchers.

About the foundation

Lisa Hresc

Lisa Hresc

Chief Executive Officer

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 Le Roux

Finance Manager

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

Conchita Casteigt

Head of Marketing and Fundraising

Conchita is a senior marketing professional with over 20 years experience in both Australia and internationally. Her experience spans across multiple industries including FMCG, toys and education, as well as leading Marketing and Fundraising teams at a number of NFPs.

Conchita is dedicated to developing insights driven marketing and fundraising strategies to drive meaningful change and make a positive impact for the communities she works to support. With a proven track record in brand strategy, consumer brand marketing, leading and growing fundraising campaigns, corporate partnerships and more.

With a strong belief in the importance of a good balance in life, Conchita keeps fit and healthy by attending outdoor cross gym classes and is inspired by our CanToo-ers to even start running.

"Cancer will affect all of us at some point in our lives and I'm no exception, having lost family members and friends to this terrible disease, including my dad at a very young age. That's why I believe in the work of CanToo; not only because keeping fit and healthy is the best prevention, but because I am passionate about supporting young innovative researchers in the critical work they do to break new ground in cancer prevention, treatment and care."

Lara Bisley

Lara Bisley

Head of Operations, Program Delivery & Experience

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!







Melissa Clifford

Business Growth and Engagement Lead

Melissa joined CanToo in 2025, bringing over 15 years of experience in strategic marketing and business development across the FMCG and consumer goods sector. She holds a degree in Business and brings with her a strong background in feasibility studies, integrated marketing strategies and project management.

Melissa loves how staying active helps you feel good - both in body and mind - and how it brings people together through shared goals and meaningful moments. Outside the office, she’s often at a bootcamp session, out for a run, on the tennis court, or spending time with her three kids.

Having seen the effects of cancer up close, Melissa is driven by CanToo’s mission to support life-changing research and empower people to challenge themselves through fitness.

“Being part of a team that champions both health and hope is incredibly motivating. It’s a privilege to help grow this powerful community and amplify its impact.”

Stacie Smith

Associate Programs Manager

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.”

Lucy Boon

Lucy Boon

Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager

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

Community Engagement Manager

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. If you check her diary, Kat will always have a new race lined up!

"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."

 

Addy Andrasova

Community Engagement Coordinator

Originally from Slovakia, Addy made Australia her home in 2019. With a background in project management and operations, she has spent the last few years working closely with people - leading group fitness classes and inspiring others through movement. She fell in love with the energy, connection, and empowerment that exercise brings, and now channels that passion into supporting others on their fitness and wellbeing journeys.

Addy holds a Master’s degree in Health Communication, as well as Certificates III and IV in Fitness. She also works as a Pilates and Fitness Instructor, helping people of all ages improve their strength, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

A dedicated runner, Addy has completed both marathon and half marathons. She thrives on the sense of accomplishment that comes with setting and achieving big goals - and she’s passionate about helping others experience that same joy. Through her role, she hopes to inspire people not only to reach their personal milestones, but to come together in support of life-saving cancer research.

Movement has always been a central part of Addy’s life. She loves being outdoors - hiking, skiing, and dancing - and expresses her creative side through painting and drawing. At her core, Addy believes in the power of community, and she’s excited to bring people together to make a meaningful impact.

Dani Knowles

Programs Coordinator

Dani joined Can Too with 7 years experience in the sports and leisure industry. A qualified swim teacher in both the UK and Australia, Dani has worked at leading leisure organisations delivering high quality lessons to children of all ages.

With a Bachelor (Hons) Degree in Psychology, Dani has a keen interest in health promotion and using physical activity to improve quality of life. She believes in “passionate participation” over “perfect participation”, and that there is a space for everyone in sport.

Outside of work, Dani loves to travel. She spent 8 months backpacking Europe, and most recently completed a 3 month road trip across Australia.

Kirk Zhao

Kirk Zhao

Financial Accountant

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!"

Challenge yourself. Challenge cancer.

Fundraise now and help power early-career cancer research!