AHA CONSULTING - Key Persons


Dr Hector Palada

Job Titles:
  • DATA ANALYST
Hector has a background in psychology and cognitive science. He graduated from the University of Queensland (UQ) with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Hector is in the final stages of completing his PhD at UQ where he applies mathematical models of decision-making. Hector has worked on a range of projects with clients including Defence Science Technology Australia, Boeing and Queensland Bariatrics. His skillset includes research and questionnaire design, literature evaluation, exploratory data analysis, statistical and machine learning analyses, data visualisation and interactive dashboard development. Hector also has strong programming experience which he uses to streamline data processing and analysis.

Irena Ledneva

Job Titles:
  • Administration Assistant
Irina is a committed, highly organised and motivated administration professional with a strong work ethic. Irina provides professional, friendly and efficient support and customer service for all our team and clients.

IRINA LEDNEVA

Job Titles:
  • ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

Janelle Easthope

Job Titles:
  • SENIOR CONSULTANT
With more than 20 years' experience working in the WA local government sector, Janelle has an excellent understanding of the internal operations of local government organisations. Most recently Janelle held a leadership role in community engagement at the City of Bayswater, with a track record in coordinating and supporting community engagement practice, embedding it as a core function in decision making.

Jemma Moon

Job Titles:
  • SENIOR CONSULTANT
Jemma Moon has a background in community development, community engagement and facilitation. Jemma has worked in both the local government and not-for profit sector, helping organisations to build strategies, engage their communities and activate local spaces. Jemma is passionate about local level, meaningful, targetted engagement that creates a real connection to the topic, the place and the people. From library plans, strategic plans, rural health, family and children's services, healthy aging, disabilities and seniors, Jemma has a creative knack for bringing vibrancy and authenticity to any project. With a background in public health and qualifications in Project Management, Jemma is no stranger to leading larger projects, like the transition and refurbishment of Bentley Library into a community hub, later speaking at a community development industry conference on the success and improved community benefit. Jemma had been integral to Western Australia's first ‘Learning City' with the City of Canning and led a team of 9 staff that re-structed libraries from a traditional model to a lifelong learning focus. Her strategic skills are coupled with leadership and a flair for conversation, she has the ability to connect with people of all backgrounds bringing a sense of connection to projects.

Joel Levin - Managing Director

Job Titles:
  • MANAGING DIRECTOR
  • Founder and Managing Director at Aha
  • Trainer and Board Members for the International Association of Public Participation Australasia
Joel Levin is the founder and Managing Director at Aha! Consulting and has over 20 years experience working across a broad range of sectors both in Australia and Internationally. His organisational, engagement and facilitation skills stem from a background in counselling, training, community work and senior management. Joel was the Senior Training Consultant for the Department of Community Development, focusing on the development of their services and funded not-for-profit services and established the Not-For-Profit Development unit for the WA Council of Social Services. Joel is a licensed trainer and board members for the International Association of Public Participation Australasia (IAP2) and the former Co-Chair of the Global Practise Development Committee. In 2018, Joel was awarded the Distinguished Fellow Award from Leadership WA for outstanding commitment to the organisation and service to the WA community. In 2015, Joel began working with the United Nations, exploring how they can use the engagement approach to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. This work led to the establishment of a partnership with IAP2 and the UN, leading to in country work across Asia-Pacific.

Nicole Sjardin

Job Titles:
  • Office Manager at Aha
  • Ope Rations Manager
Nicole is the Office Manager at Aha! Consulting, she helps keep everything running smoothly, keeping all the balls in the air and making sure they land in the right place. Nicole has a background in business support and planning, account management, sales, event management and community services, business management, and counselling. She is passionate about customer service and good communication and supporting the team out in the field.