Meet the Team
What started as one mum’s project to compile information about family-friendly Newcastle has grown into a successful website and more. Newy with Kids now provides information to thousands of families in the Newcastle and Hunter region. Whether it’s information on playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, school holiday activities, kids concerts, parenting services or family events, Newy with Kids provides readers with information about things to do with their children thanks to the team below who contribute articles.
Reena Bilen
Founder & Managing Editor
In 2012, Reena founded Newy with Kids to share information about family-friendly Newcastle. Originally from Canada, she had no idea about what to do with her toddler and after searching unsuccessfully for a family guide, decided to start her own. Since that time, both the toddler and Newy with Kids have grown keeping Reena busy. If you see her out and about, say hi.
Kate Baartz
Writer
Jenna van den Berg
Writer
Jenna moved to Newcastle from South Africa 3 years ago, which has allowed her to experience the city with a fresh perspective. As mum to a wonderfully wild daughter who shares her passion for fun and adventure, they spend their time getting to know the city mostly on foot and bicycle, which affords Jenna an opportunity to bond with the city more intimately. Follow Jenna’s adventures on her Instagram account ‘Newy Kind of Life’ in which she shares her passion for Newcastle and its lifestyle through her photography and writing.
Alex Skelton
Writer
Kim Upton
Writer
A born and bred Novocastrian, Kim loves exploring the area and finding fun things to see and do with her family. When she’s not out having adventures with her two cheeky boys, she’ll usually be found working her day job as a public servant, or banging on about her kid’s school (she handles communications for the Parents & Citizens Association). Kim is a self-confessed word nerd, 90s music tragic and hopes to be a writer when she grows up (whenever that will be).
Meg White
Writer
Felicity Cook
Writer
Felicity is a mum to one and chiropractor based in Charlestown who is passionate about helping kids to grow and develop optimally through moving well, thinking well, eating well and having an optimally functioning nervous system.
Sam Doove
Writer
Sam Doove is a mum of 2 mini adventurers, a nature devotee and a lover of the simple things in life. She is the creator of The Rich Life, where she helps her readers to adopt a mindful approach to their money, so that they can live their version of a rich, purposeful life. She is also involved in the Warners Bay Sustainable Neighbourhood Group, who run quarterly Nature Play events for children around Lake Macquarie.
Anthony Wood
Writer
Anthony lives near Lake Macquarie and is stay-at-home dad to four boisterous children. He has published two children’s picture books (Flaming Charli and Dancing Charli) and is currently working on his second novel. He has a teaching background and an MA in Writing.
