about us

Dreaming of a brighter tomorrow

We believe every child deserves a restorative night’s sleep—no matter the challenges they’re facing. Sleep isn’t just about rest; it’s where healing begins. For children and families recovering from trauma, it’s a lifeline that unlocks resilience, emotional recovery, and hope for the future.

That’s why we’re here. With practical tools, nurturing support, and a whole lot of heart, we fill the vital gap in trauma recovery that’s often overlooked: quality sleep.

Since 2017, we’ve transformed lives, one peaceful night at a time. From providing Nourishing Sleep Packs to upgrading sleep environments in crisis accommodations, to delivering trauma-informed workshops for carers and staff—we’re creating change where it’s needed most.

We offer these services fully funded because we’re dedicated to making sleep accessible for every family and child who needs it.

Our Vision

We’re working toward a future where sleep is recognised as a vital part of trauma recovery—a non-negotiable step on the path to healing. We imagine a time when every refuge, foster home, and crisis service across Australia is equipped with the tools, knowledge, and environments needed to make restorative sleep a reality for every child and carer.

With every Sleep Pack delivered and every carer supported, we’re building a world where children facing life’s toughest challenges have a better chance to heal, grow, and thrive—one peaceful night at a time.

Meet our team

We’re a small team with big hearts and a deep passion for helping kids and families heal through better sleep. Each of us has our own story and unique role in bringing our mission to life—and it truly means the world to us.

Ahna de Vena, Founder & Director

Ahna is the heart and vision behind the Sleep & Dream Foundation. As a sleep therapist and educator with over 20 years of experience, Ahna brings a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and lived experience to her role. A survivor of childhood trauma herself, Ahna understands firsthand the profound impact of disrupted sleep on healing and well-being, which fuels her passion for helping children and carers navigate their journeys toward recovery.

Ahna leads the foundation with compassion and purpose, developing innovative resources like the Sleep Kit for Kids, coordinating groundbreaking research with Southern Cross University, and designing trauma-informed programs that create real, lasting change. She works closely with frontline organizations, ensuring that the foundation’s offerings meet real-world needs while maintaining a clear focus on systemic change.

Ahna’s leadership embodies hope, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to making restorative sleep a cornerstone of healing for children and their carers.

 

Kristina Russell, Office Manager & Tech Fairy

Kristina is our organizational wizard, blending her passion for helping others with her incredible skills and energy. Having transformed her own life through working with Ahna, Kristina overcame chronic sleep struggles to reclaim her health, and vitality. Her personal experience gives her a heartfelt understanding of the foundation’s mission.

As our Office Manager, Kristina volunteers her time to keep everything running smoothly, from managing systems and logistics to supporting our online presence and social media. A true tech fairy, she ensures our work reaches those who need it most while spreading warmth and compassion in every interaction.

Kristina’s dedication, lived experience, and knack for making things happen inspire us daily and remind us of the life-changing potential of our work.

 

Claudine Von Niederhausern, Program Support Coordinator

Claudine is the heart of connection, bringing a profound understanding of the emotional and practical needs of the families and organizations we support. With her background as a trauma-informed somatic therapist and lived experience, she approaches every interaction with genuine care and empathy.

She works closely with partner organizations to ensure our resources and programs are delivered thoughtfully and effectively. Claudine oversees the distribution of Nourishing Sleep Packs, coordinates with frontline teams, and provides compassionate support to carers and refuge staff, ensuring our mission is reflected in every detail.

Her warmth and dedication shine through in every conversation and action, making her an essential part of the team and amplifying the impact of our work.

Let’s dream big together

This mission is bigger than us—it’s about creating ripples of change that last for generations. With your support, we can provide the tools, environments, and care needed to make sleep a reality for children and families navigating trauma. Whether you’re a donor with a heart for change or an organization in need of support, we’d love to hear from you.

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