Our People
Elena Rowland - Co-Founder & Director
Elena Rowland is the visionary force behind the Flannel Project. El, as she is known, embodies the essence and soul of our mission, drawing from a rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped her into a beacon of hope and resilience.
A former corporal in the Australian Army, El served her country for 14 years and remains a steadfast advocate for mental health and well-being. Her journey in the military instilled in her a deep sense of duty and purpose, qualities that continue to guide her unwavering commitment to supporting those in need.
El's personal encounters with mental health challenges, including PTSD stemming from her service on humanitarian deployments, have endowed her with a profound understanding of the depths of despair and the resilience required to overcome adversity. Her experiences serving in regions affected by tragedy, such as the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Banda Aceh, have forged in her a resilient spirit and a boundless compassion for those struggling with their own inner battles.
Beyond her military service, El is a writer, humanitarian, and a catalyst for change in the realms of veteran and women's initiatives. Her passion for creating positive impact and fostering community support has driven her to champion numerous initiatives aimed at empowering and uplifting others.
El's connection to Shannen runs deep; they were not only comrades but also friends during their time in the army. The devastating loss of Shannen to suicide served as a deeply personal catalyst for El, igniting her passion to start the Flannel Project.
As the heart and driving force of the Flannel Project, El's vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication propel us forward in our mission to bring light, hope, and healing to those impacted by mental health challenges and suicide.
Lisa Riley - Co-Founder & Operations Manager
Lisa Rileyis our dedicated Operations Manager at the Flannel Project. With a remarkable journey underpinned by resilience and courage, Lisa embodies the spirit of overcoming life's greatest challenges.
As a breast cancer survivorat the young age of 35, Lisa intimately understands the mental and physical fortitude required to navigate through the darkest storms. Her personal battle with cancer not only shaped her perspective but also ignited a passion for giving back. Following her own healing journey, Lisa embarked on a remarkable mission, raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation by trekking across the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. Subsequently, she conquered three Kokoda Challenges, Australia's toughest endurance race, supporting the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
An adventurer at heart, Lisa finds solace and rejuvenation in exploring the depths of the ocean as a qualified scuba diving instructor. Her thirst for exploration and love for the sea serve as her medicine, offering moments of tranquility and rejuvenation. In her dedication to service and embodying a commitment to helping others in need, Lisa served as a member of the Wellington Volunteer Coast Guard, regularly patrolling the Cook Strait - one of the most dangerous and unpredictable bodies of water in the world.
Professionally, Lisa brings a wealth of experience in operations management, showcasing a proven track record of driving operational excellence. Her strong leadership skills inspire and motivate teams to deliver outstanding results, while her effective communication and interpersonal abilities enable her to cultivate robust relationships with stakeholders, fostering collaborations and allianes.
James Marriott - Director
James Marriott is our dedicated Developing Director at the Flannel Project. James carries with him a profound understanding of the devastating impact of suicide, stemming from personal experiences that have shaped his journey.
At the age of 17, James came face-to-face with suicide after one of his best friends unexpectedly took his own life. This event left an everlasting mark on James and the memories of which are the motivating force behind his passion to help others and empathy towards those who suicide leaves behind.
James enjoys making genuine connections with our donors as part of the Flannel Project’s unwavering support to those in need. More broadly, James has a passion to help those suffering from mental illness and the most vulnerable people in our community. His background in financial services and wealth management adds a unique dimension to his role as Developing Director, encouraging a culture of stewardship and charitable giving .