Terese Hooper welcomed as new CEO of Life Ed NSW/ACT
Tuesday, 17 Feb 2026
From Healthy Harold Educator to CEO: Life Ed NSW/ACT has appointed Terese Hooper as the new Chief Executive Officer to lead the state's most trusted health and wellbeing education provider.
A qualified teacher, Terese’s journey with Life Ed began nearly a decade ago as an Educator delivering Healthy Harold’s programs in Sydney’s Northern Beaches mobile learning centre, where she’s witnessed firsthand how education transforms children’s futures.
With more than fifteen years’ experience across education, leadership, and organisational development, Terese has held senior roles including Director of Education, Chief Operating Officer, and Acting CEO for Life Ed Northern Territory, driving strategic evolution and key partnerships across government, community and corporate sectors.
Now living in regional NSW, Terese brings a strong understanding of the diverse communities Life Ed serves across metropolitan, regional, and remote settings.
“Like many young people, my early world was shaped by instability and complexity. What changed my life was access to knowledge, trusted adults, and the belief that my future could be bigger than my circumstances. Life Ed creates those moments - where children feel safe to ask questions, learn how their body works, manage pressure, and build confidence, agency, and hope."
“Our organisation exists to walk alongside children as they grow. By scaffolding learning year-on-year, we help them move from curiosity, to understanding, to confidence, and ultimately to choice”, she adds.
Life Ed NSW Board Chair, Ken Keith OAM praised her leadership: “Terese combines deep program expertise with proven executive experience. She’ll build on Life Ed’s strong foundation in leading age-appropriate, evidence-based education programs that equip every child with health literacy, resilience and decision-making capabilities for life’s big choices ahead.”
Terese brings credentials from leading institutions, including the McKinsey Executive Leadership Program, a Chief Executive Women (CEW) alumna and Australian Institute of Company Directors. As CEO, she’ll guide Life Ed through its next phase of growth and impact.
Terese says. “As CEO, my commitment is ensuring every child has the knowledge and support to pursue a healthy future full of possibility.”
“This work isn’t just prevention – it’s about potential, and every child deserves the chance to realise it.”
