MEET OUR TEAM

Michelle Key

FOUNDER, MANAGING DIRECTOR - NORTH SHORE

Michelle is the founder of North Shore Mums Smiles2U.

Michelle lives on the Upper North Shore and is the Mum to three very busy boys. Michelle has a passion for helping others in need and Smiles2U is exactly that -  helping families in need.

Having had first hand experiences with her three boys at an early age in Emergency, she knows first hand that a lot of patience, distraction and ideas in keeping a young child comfortable when medical staff are assisting them is required. There is nothing worse than arriving at a hospital with nothing to keep a child happy or something to eat or drink. The packs we provide are to help you through a challenging time and bring comfort to your child.

Michelle loves what we do and she loves seeing the happiness and joy that the Smiles2U bags bring to sick kids in hospital.

Michelle has grown Smiles2U to now support 13 hospitals across the North Shore and Central Coast since she started the charity 8 years ago.

“A lot of work goes into Smiles2U every day but the reward is huge when we receive lovely testimonials and photos from recipients of our bags and I wouldn’t change it for anything else.” - Michelle Key

Sarah Bates

MANAGING DIRECTOR - CENTRAL COAST

Sarah is a wife, a Mum as well as a Shift-working Emergency Nurse (25 years now!!!)

Nearly 3 years ago Sarah volunteered to attend a Smiles2U Working Bee after reading about what they do. She thought to herself what a fantastic idea it was. She then asked Michelle Key about extending the concept to Gosford Emergency Department (where she works) & is so pleased & proud that it has been so well received by families on the Central Coast. Sarah noticed a real difference since we’ve been able to give the Smiles and Cuddles bags to children either distressed or needing distraction whilst being treated. Sarah says “the joy & delight on the children’s face makes us as Nurses happy that we’ve genuinely helped.”

Most importantly Sarah loves the work she does with Smiles2U.

Being a front line worker, Sarah gets to see first hand the benefit Smiles2u makes to people who are experiencing a distressing time especially during the recent bushfires. 

“I’m so proud of what Michelle Key & I do, we have achieved a lot of new ventures in our short time working together. I’m really lucky that I get to do this work with someone I consider a good friend now, thanks for inviting me into the team Michelle. Can’t wait to see what we will do next!!” - Sarah Bates

Natalie Miles

SECRETARIAT

Natalie is an Upper North Shore mum of 3, two boys and one girl, although some may say four as her hubby enjoys extreme sports. 

Having a very active family, Natalie has in the past found herself a recipient of the NSM Smiles2U care packages and through her middle child’s friendship with Michelle’s eldest son became friends with Michelle.  Natalie found herself with some free time, once her daughter joined her brothers at “big school” and offered to help Smiles2U gain their registration as a Charitable Organisation and Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.  Which we accomplished during the turmoil that was 2020.   

Natalie enjoys bringing the community back together in a world which is often disconnected and Smiles2U is an excellent example of what a community can achieve.

“I am really proud of everything the Smiles2U team were able to achieve throughout the challenges which 2020 threw at us and look forward to our next chapter into 2021 and beyond.” - Natalie Miles