Education & Advocacy Team

Education & Advocacy Team

Our Advocates work with children, siblings, schools and families to deliver tailored, trauma-informed education support.

They help restore learning routines, manage school transitions and coordinate support across health and education settings.

Caroline Crofton

Senior Regional Advocate

BBus, GradDipEd

Caroline leads Back on Track’s regional engagement across Western Australia, supporting families who are often navigating treatment and recovery far from major services. She understands the added pressure distance places on parents and works to ensure support feels accessible, coordinated, and steady.

With experience across education systems and regional service delivery, Caroline builds strong partnerships with schools, health teams, and community organisations to ensure children receive structured, consistent advocacy wherever they live.

Stuart Shields

EDUCATION Advocate

BSc, GradDipEd, GradDipPsych, GradDipPsych (Adv)

Stuart connects quickly with children who may feel overwhelmed, disengaged, or unsure of their academic ability following treatment. He brings creativity and flexibility to his work, helping learning feel achievable again.

With formal training in both education and psychology, Stuart integrates cognitive insight with practical planning. He works closely with families and schools to align expectations with each child’s emotional readiness, energy levels and learning profile.

Marita Putland

EDUCATION Advocate

BEd

Marita brings warmth, optimism, and steady encouragement to the families she supports. She understands how treatment can disrupt routines and confidence, and she helps children regain a sense of progress and belief in their abilities.

Alongside this relational approach, Marita provides structured education advocacy, guiding families through school planning, communication and transition processes with clarity and care.

Brooke Phillips

EDUCATION Advocate

BA (Education – Early Childhood)

Brooke specialises in early childhood education and recognises that younger children recovering from treatment often need safety, patience, and gentle rebuilding of learning foundations. She supports both children and parents through early transitions back into structured environments.

Her work focuses on developmentally appropriate planning, close collaboration with educators and practical strategies that rebuild confidence in the early years.

Karen Howlett

EDUCATION Advocate

BA Ed, BA Arts

Karen meets children exactly where they are — academically and emotionally — helping rebuild both skills and confidence following disruption. Families value her steady presence and clear advocacy during periods that can feel uncertain.

She works closely with parents and teachers to adapt learning plans to reflect medical realities, cognitive changes, and wellbeing needs, ensuring support is both realistic and forward focused.

External Advocate Team

In-Person
Our External Advocates provide personalised academic instruction that bridges learning gaps and rebuilds children’s confidence after cancer treatment. They work closely with Back on Track Education Advocates to deliver consistent, curriculum-aligned support.

Online (Tutero + External Advocates)
Through our partnership with Tutero, online tutors deliver flexible, specialist support to students who require remote access or extended recovery timeframes. This ensures continuity of learning regardless of location or health status.

Additional External (2025 Cohort)
We have expanded our tutoring capacity this year to meet rising demand across WA.