Jilly has extensive experience in early childhood development and education, including teaching, professional development, and education management. She has held senior positions in central government leading early childhood policy implementation in education and health. 

Prior to joining Talking Matters as CE, Jilly worked on data-driven social innovation projects with Ko Awatea, Two Tales, Toha and others. 

Jilly was the early years voice on the working group to develop a Common Practice Model for the teaching of Literacy and Communication in 2022-2023. 

Jilly is committed to finding ways to shift systems to improve life outcomes for children, families, and communities. Deploying evidence-based approaches, she supports others to remain focused on impact.