As a driven small business owner with 25 years’ experience in performing arts education and business management, Natalie Pryor has supported thousands of Victorian children, young people and families through her school over the years. She is proud to have created a place described by their students and staff as “safe”, “home” and “family”. 

Wishing to bring those skills to work with vulnerable children and young people, Natalie became a foster carer with her partner in December 2019, welcoming their first foster placement a month later and caring for them full time since. Subsequently, she’s become passionate about improving outcomes for foster carers, and for children and young people in care.

Holding a BA in Psychology/Criminology (UoM) and having worked in market research and university administration, Natalie has a background in research, customer feedback, data analysis and systems development to improve client service delivery. These experiences have shaped her ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, ensuring open and respectful communication, and facilitating discussions between individuals, state government, local government, community service organisations and private companies. 

Highly motivated and accustomed to taking initiative, Natalie developed and published a peer-led resource hub and support forum website for foster carers, and is currently working on other foster care focused projects in collaboration with CSOs and the FCAV. 

Natalie is seeking opportunities to advocate, innovate, and make meaningful and much needed change in this sector. In joining the FCAV board, she seeks to bring her lived experience, energy, and resolve to fight for carers to be heard and respected.