Merilyn founded Catalina Consultants in 2012 on the belief that all organisations, regardless of size, should have access to top quality bespoke HR services. She enjoys working closely with her clients and believes that the best results are built on relationships of rapport, trust and authenticity.

Growing up, Merilyn had her sight set on stardom and dreamed of becoming an actor. She also sang and played the piano, but ended up studying accounting and HR. Whilst she hasn’t won her Grammy just yet, she still loves a good karaoke night. Merilyn loves to travel with her family, with South Africa being one of her most memorable destinations.

Katie loves the positive impact that HR can have on a business and having the ability to be part of implementing projects that help a business achieve its goals. Katie utilises her many years of consultancy experience to build long-lasting relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders.

As a keen traveller, Katie has lived in the UK, France, and Saudi Arabia and has spent a lot of time in Europe. Katie loves Champagne and French cuisine. On the weekend you will see Katie at dinner with friends, hanging by the pool, or watching sci-fi with her puppy, Thor.

Fayssal is an HR generalist with a focus on learning and development and organisational development. With broad experience in sectors including financial services, telecommunications, FMCG, construction and not-for-profits, Fayssal is known for his bold ideas and quest for learning.

Fayssal believes that an organisation’s success is dependent on its people, how engaged they are, and how equipped they are to deliver outstanding results. This drives his purpose.

Outside of work, Fayssal is known for collecting Jordan’s sneakers, listening 90s hip-hop and rap, following the UFC, and hosting BBQs with friends.

Zoe is passionate about HR because she believe that the success of a business is built on the quality of its people experience. She values building close working relationships with all areas of the businesses she works with. Zoe’s background is in psychology and the majority of her HR career has been within the advertising, media and communications industry. She’s excited to work with an experienced team to support the HR needs of a variety of businesses.

In her free time, Zoe loves to unwind with long runs by the beach, hot yoga and a good book. She’s a big fan of podcasts, especially anything to do with true crime. On a night out you can catch Zoe seeing live music or a comedy show, topped off with some delicious comfort food and a semillon sauvignon blanc or two.

Joining Catalina Consultants as a Senior HR Advisor, Bee brings over 13 years of industry experience. She comes with a background in HR and business strategy, working in the Australian and global landscapes. Bee finds nothing more encouraging than influencing organisations to do better by leading her clients through the right people processes and providing advice and solutions to develop the strategic direction of the business. With a business and HR degree, Bee has a solid academic foundation and a true generalist background making her a force for any size business.

Bee has spent the last few years consulting and understands the true impact great HR initiatives and plans can have for any business. In her downtime, she loves to spend time with her family, going on new adventures and travelling with her family.

Faza appreciates the variety in her work as a Senior HR Advisor. Getting to work with different clients across different industries always keeps her day interesting and allows Faza to keep learning. It’s the first job she’s had where she can genuinely say that no two days are the same.

As someone who’s innately curious, Faza savours new hobbies. She’s tried bullet journaling, drawing, photography, Muay Thai, and skateboarding, with kayaking next on her list to explore. Faza also loves trying out new cuisines at intriguing restaurants, but can’t go past a pizza – it’s a weekly staple in her house!

Katherine is an experienced HR Advisor with prior business experience in the recruitment and hospitality industries. As a motivated and driven HR professional, at Catalina Consultants, Katherine enjoys delivering tailored solutions to support client needs. In her diverse role, Katherine is responsible for managing a portfolio of professional services clients, supporting employee engagement programs, developing policies and processes that support operational goals and objectives, and delivering skills training sessions to managers and their staff.

When she’s not at work, Katherine loves spending time with her young son, cooking wholesome food for her family, and catching up with girlfriends over a glass of red wine.

Madeleine comes to Catalina Consultants with an interesting background. Before studying Human Resources at university, she completed an archaeology degree and travelled to Europe for a month-long excavation. Now as a HR Advisor, Madeleine relishes the diversity of working with a variety of clients every day.

Every year, Madeleine travels to her family’s hometown – a little island off the coast of Sicily called Lipari. It’s surrounded by the sea, beautiful beaches, and amazing food.

Afsara loves the flexibility and variety that comes with her role at Catalina Consultants. She’s deeply passionate about the HR industry, and as a HR Advisor, she’s the one that’s always organised, always prepared and will always have a pen at the ready.

On the weekend you might find Afsara dining out in some of Sydney’s most exotic restaurants or catching up on re-runs of her favourite shows, Stranger Things and The Office. Her hidden talent? She’s a rather keen rapper. Respect.

As a HR Advisor, Nicole appreciates the variety of exposure across different industries and projects, and the chance to continually learn new things. In particular, Nicole has found it rewarding to work on mental health and wellbeing training content including R U OK? Day and COVID-19 impacts. Nicole wants to help break the stigma around mental illness and promote mentally healthy workplaces. She is grateful for having a knowledgeable and supportive team to work with at Catalina Consultants.

Those who know Nicole will say that she has a knack for picking the perfect Messina gelato flavour combo to match any occasion. On a Saturday night, you’ll likely find Nicole with a spicy margarita in hand, overlooking the beach, engaging in banter with her friends.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Commerce, Shaina has found her specialisation in Human Resources, and boasts a professional background across diverse sectors including ecommerce, tech startups, non-profits, and government. Shaina finds her passion in the variety and pace of her work, delighting in supporting her clients to embrace their workdays with enthusiasm, akin to her own love for her job. Outside the office, she channels her creativity into wheel-thrown pottery, crafting intricate bowls, planters, and vases. Additionally, Shaina is a devoted member of her boxing gym, showcasing her determination and discipline in every aspect of her life.

As a HR Administrator, Eloise provides assistance to the team of client managers at Catalina Consultants. Eloise enjoys the exposure this brings her and the ample opportunities for her to learn and be challenged as an HR graduate starting her career.

In her free time, you’ll find Eloise at her local bouldering gym climbing or exploring all that Sydney city has to offer. Although, nothing brings Eloise more joy than cooking for her friends, travelling to England to see her family, or spending time with her beloved puppies Nala and Bonnie.

Cally-Ann joins Catalina Consultants as a HR Administrator, having recently come from a finance role in the construction industry. Cally-Ann is eager to put her degrees in Human Resource Management and Psychology to use through supporting her team and range of clients.

In her spare time, Cally-Ann enjoys an active lifestyle, playing OzTag, going to the gym and enjoying music festivals. She’s always up for trying a new restaurant with friends, or getting takeaway while watching the latest true crime documentary.

Thomas joins Catalina Consultants with a background in Internal Communications and most recently, a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management. He’s focused on a career in Human Resources and working with a diverse range of clients.

Originally from Newcastle, Thomas is enjoying discovering the nightlife of Sydney and getting out and exploring all the city has to offer over the weekends. He is also a keen traveller and has spent time volunteering in Laos and Africa which he found really rewarding.

Originally hailing from the UK, where she gained a Bachelors Degree in Event Management, Katie moved to Australia over four years ago, where she became passionate about HR. She loves a challenge and as a people person, and with her CIPD Diploma V in People Management, enjoys working with a wide range of clients. 

In her spare time, you’ll find Katie enjoying time with friends, taking her gorgeous puppy for a walk or heading to her favourite pilates class.

Isabella brings a wealth of experience from her roles as a Legal Assistant at Herbert Smith Freehills and Mills Oakley to her role as HR Advisor at Catalina Consultants. Already completing a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Economy and Art History, Isabella is currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, showcasing her diverse educational background. Isabella is passionate about promoting mental health in the workplace, merging her psychology expertise with creating positive work environments. Outside of work, she loves catching up with friends over coffee, days at the beach, and pilates classes. Isabella’s adventurous spirit also leads her to explore the world, with Greece and Portugal ranking among her favourite destinations.

As the Office Administrator at Catalina Consultants, Gemma is very organised and loves helping people. In her busy role, Gemma takes pride in helping the team to run smoothly by providing support in all areas.

As a Bondi Beach local, Gemma loves the beach, doing the famous Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, and having picnics and sunset drinks with friends.

Gemma’s hidden talent is design and she is currently in her last year of a visual communications degree at UTS. She’s also a keen cook and enjoys experimenting with new recipes.