“The sum of each of our stories is where we find the impact story”
— The philosophy behind everything I do
Every changemaker has an impact story worth telling. I help you find it, shape it, and share it — through deep listening and honest inquiry that starts with community voice and ends with real change.
A story-first approach
I stay to the end
I'm a community practitioner first, consultant second. I walk alongside you from design to delivery — no frameworks handed over and forgotten.
Community-led, story-first
I work with communities — not on them. Those who matter most stay in control of their own story, while contributing to a larger picture of impact.
Practical and achievable
Real budgets. Real capacity. Real context. I help you find what will actually get you where you want to go — and build a plan your team can implement.
Free Resources
The Story-First Framework — a one-page cheat sheet.
Finding the stories in your work and using them as impact data.
The Story Way Guide — a three-page guidance document
A Story-First Approach to Project Design, Research, and Evaluation
"Having the opportunity to work with Mel is just that — an opportunity. To learn, grow, laugh more, and get deeper insight into the world through Mel's empathetic, experienced, and thoughtful lens. Mel is able to make true impact both inside a team and with those the team are working to support. Her deep presence is both impactful and gentle. It's not often we get to work alongside amazing people like Mel — but the world certainly needs more of it."
Tara O'Connell, Director, NSW Reconstruction Authority (formerly CEO, Vets for Climate Action)