As a new member of the Organising Students team – here’s 10 facts about Maxi that you might be interested to learn!
1. I’m not the ‘coolest’ in my family
Olly is the coolest member of my family – she looks super chilled laying around and has a vicious enthusiasm to love anyone to death!
2. My first career aspiration was to be a pharmacist!
I loved science at school and my first job was as an assistant at my local pharmacy. I did briefly wear a white lab coat as a lab assistant in food quality which tied in with my keen interest in nutrition. I studied meditation and was a bit obsessed with gym workouts. I have since traded the g-string leotard (it was the 90s – don’t judge!); for a comfy trackie, yoga and mindfulness. Whilst a chemical equation is beyond my skill set, my YouTube subscriptions include science-based tutorials and TED talks about health, productivity and living with intention.
3. I just love a good plan!
Can’t do life without it, I even have a ‘winging it’ plan. I’m still attached to my paper diary and work with a combination of electronic schedules to juggle work, home, rest and play. Did I hear someone ask what was on the menu plan?
4. Linked to James Bond… sort of 
Working as a Personal Assistant for a corporate executive in the mid 90s, I was nicknamed Money Penny, though it wasn’t until my role as a call centre manager years later I met ‘007’. A colleague revealed his great skill of impersonation and has since been a DJ on regional Radio, but I still think of him as Sean Connery – ‘ohh James’.
5. I have experience in Disability
Before becoming a parent of a child with disability, I worked in the sector as a personal assistant to the CEO of a non-profit organisation for deaf children. We all have challenges and how we manage, develop, learn and fulfill our unique potential is different. Acceptance, kindness, and inclusion can enrich all of us as we learn from each other.
6. Melbourne Dees are the best AFL team 
Of Course!
7. Not a Rom-Com Movie kinda gal
Love action flicks, crime and complex dramas based on historical events. I surprise people when I admit I’m a bit of a sucker for a cute Christmas movie that is far-fetched and fanciful but overloaded with warm fuzzies, pure fun and nothing realistic. Fitting for a season of silliness.
8. Music – Cannot play but consider myself a consummate listener – Metalica to Vivaldi
Love some tunes to match a mood or task. Working at my desk I like a quiet classical piece but crack up the volume with ‘Purple Hat’ by Sophie Tucker or ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weekend with the vac for a cleaning spree. Growing up the house was filled with music every weekend, from Pink Floyd and Pavarotti, Janis Ian to Led Zeplin and Bee Gees to Prince. Car time without passengers is always loud – Grunge, Disco or Metal. [graphic of purple hat]
9. My bucket list
Travel – Europe, Asia and America, fascinated with history and keen to be a tourist just about anywhere.
10. Keep Calm and Carry on – ABSOLUTELY!
A moment of nothingness can really help to finish or start something.
No problem can be solved or managed with overwhelming emotions, confusion or being stuck – taking time to breathe and clear the mind, then have another go, working on small achievable tasks at a time, much like a jigsaw puzzle.
For insight and facts of other team members click here – Amanda Lecaude and Jemimah Wilson
