Kerryn Pell graduated from Strathcona in 2000 before studying Mechanical Engineering and Science (Applied Anatomy) at the University of Melbourne.
In 2009, while employed as an engineer, Kerryn began volunteering with Prison Network (PN) at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Victoria’s maximum-security women’s prison. PN has journeyed with women in and beyond prison for nearly 80 years, providing support and fostering courage to help them navigate positive pathways. Kerryn initially assisted with a weekly art and craft program, providing a creative space where women rebuild confidence, identity and connection.
Meeting women in custody, hearing their stories and supporting them after release, disrupted her career plans. A growing passion for people doing life tough led Kerryn to complete a Master of Social Work at RMIT in 2014. Teaching roles within secure settings (Thomas Embling Hospital, Parkville Youth Justice and the Metropolitan Remand Centre) as well as work with St Kilda Gatehouse, supporting women reliant on street based sex-work, confirmed her desire to work with people often on the margins of society.
After graduation, Kerryn worked in residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation before returning to Prison Network as a Senior Support Worker and later a Board member.
In 2016, Kerryn contributed to the development of Stable One’s Winter Shelter program, which uses church buildings and volunteers to provide meals, companionship and shelter for people experiencing homelessness. She served as Deputy Coordinator of the Yarra Valley Shelter before joining the board for five years. The model has since been replicated in at least 12 locations across Australia.
In 2020, Kerryn became the inaugural Executive Officer of Whitehorse Churches Care, uniting almost 30 churches to respond collaboratively to local needs. A highlight was creating a community space in Forest Hill Chase shopping centre, staffed by 100 volunteers and offering groups such as art, music and language classes. Over 400 people continue to use the space each week, many having experienced social isolation or fragile mental health. In a 2025 survey, 90% of respondents reported increased social connection and 75% noted improved mental health since engaging with the space.
Kerryn now works in community engagement with Ashburton Baptist Church and has recently returned to an impact-focused role with Prison Network, who are opening a dog-grooming social enterprise in Maling Road!
The Strathcona Medal is awarded at Presentation Evening each year to an Old Strathconian. The Medal is given in recognition of excellence in a profession and exceptional service to the wider community in the spirit of the School’s motto: Bravely, Faithfully, Happily. All Old Strathconian’s are eligible for nomination.