Meet the team
Meet our seasoned insurance brokers who transform complexity into clarity and risk into opportunity. Powered by deep market insight and the strength of the Steadfast network, we craft forward-thinking cover that fuels growth and stands firm when it counts.
Mike Pappalardo
Founder & Chairman
More about Mike...the Godfather
Mike started his journey in the insurance industry all the way back in 1974 — beginning in the mail room and working his way up to State Manager at a major insurer before striking out on his own to launch the business in 2003. Interestingly, he originally went to university to study medicine, proving early on that he’s always had a knack for complex systems… just in a slightly different field!
Born in North Queensland and raised on a sugarcane farm, Mike has never lost his love for travelling, particularly back to his roots in Sicily. When he’s not globe-trotting, he enjoys keeping up with all things sport and quietly dominating a game of solitaire.
His ‘Godfather’ superpower? No matter how busy it gets or where he goes, Mike always somehow finds a park with ease — truly a skill worth its weight in gold.
Kirsty Dowell
Managing Director
More about Kirsty...…the animal-loving spider hater
Kirsty began her insurance journey in 2007, lending a helping hand to the family business — and without pay for the first two weeks! Fast forward to today, and she’s now running the business with the same drive, passion, and determination that got her started. Before diving into insurance, Kirsty studied Applied Science with a focus on animal studies, fueled by her lifelong soft spot for all animals (except spiders, definitely no soft spot there!).
The business is named after her firstborn, Stella, who never misses a chance to remind everyone that “her name is on the door.” This playful nod to family reflects the personal touch and care that Kirsty brings to every client and colleague relationship.
Kirsty is highly recognized in the industry, having won awards and multiple recognitions and earning a reputation as a mentor and advocate — all while remaining approachable, friendly, and genuinely caring to anyone who seeks her guidance.
Her superpower? Navigating the organised chaos of her desk with uncanny precision — knowing exactly where everything is at all times, even when others wouldn’t dare to try!
Rachael Hirsch
Head of Broking / Senior Account Manager
More about Rachael... the closet Gangsta
Rachael commenced her insurance career in 2011 having a short stint with an international brokerage before joining the Stellar team in 2012. Rach had a slow start in the business not talking to anyone and keeping to herself for the first 6 months, but she was just planting her roots before she truly blossomed! Now Rach is a force to be reckoned with as she makes her mark on the industry, winning a multitude of awards and being a role model for other young professionals.
Rach worked her way up through the ranks of the business and there isn’t a task she hasn’t mastered. Now, she manages a large client base and is continually praised by her clients for her exceptional customer service skills. When not at work, Rach is a busy soccer and ballet mum, taking every opportunity to rap along to her RnB music pumping in the car while she navigates the busy weekend schedule.
Rach’s superpower? She is a living, breathing GPS! Rach has an uncanny photographic memory and only needs to go somewhere once and she remembers the way for next time!
Karla Vosloo
Account Manager
More about Karla…potato chip connoisseur
Karla began her career in the insurance industry in New Zealand in 2017, starting out as a receptionist at an insurance brokerage. Since then, she’s grown her expertise as a broker to become an invaluable part of the team. After moving to Australia in 2024, Karla has embraced the new adventure wholeheartedly — bringing her friendly, approachable style and sharp communication skills to every client interaction.
Outside of work, Karla enjoys spending time outdoors with her family — whether it’s hiking, family BBQs, or just soaking up the fresh air. When she’s not exploring nature, you’ll often find her hitting the weights, channelling her strength and determination at the gym. And yes, she has a soft spot for plain potato chips (‘ready salted’, as she would call them) — simple pleasures are the best!
Her superpower? She’s an identical twin – so genetically there are two of her!
Kayla Cooper
Account Executive
More about Kayla...the injury prone, Excel nerd
Kayla entered the insurance industry in 2023 as an Account Executive, bringing with her a sharp mind, a love of problem-solving, and a sense of humour that refuses to quit — even in situations where it probably should.
With a background in accounting, Kayla has a natural affinity for numbers and structure, which makes her a powerhouse when it comes to detail-oriented work. Whether she’s digging into client needs or building clever Excel solutions, she’s all about finding smarter, more efficient ways to get things done — and having a laugh along the way.
Outside of work, Kayla’s usually tearing around on a dirt bike, off on a camping trip, or catching up with friends — often adding another injury to her growing list along the way. She once braved a night in -5° temperatures with a broken sleeping bag, and while survival felt questionable at the time, she came out the other side with a great story (and much better gear). At this point, we’re fairly certain she has more lives than a cat.
Her quirky superpower? She’s a low-key Excel wizard, with a knack for getting macros to do things most people didn’t even know were possible.
Goutham Kathiravan
Claims Manager
More about Goutham.... our Virat Kohli (G,O.A.T)
Goutham began his insurance career in early 2020, just before the onset of COVID-19, as a Home Claims Specialist for a direct insurer. Over time, he worked his way up to Claims Manager before making the jump to broking in 2023. This move allows him to broaden his knowledge of different insurance products and claims processes while supporting the team as he works toward becoming a broker himself one day.
A simple man living a simple life, Goutham enjoys the simple pleasures of watching cricket and catching the latest movies at the cinema. Although he proudly holds his Australian citizenship, the office cricket banter continues, as we haven’t yet convinced him to pick the Australian Cricket Team as his own.
When it comes to claims, Goutham is the guy you want on your side. He has proven time and time again that he’s truly the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.), skilfully negotiating the best possible outcomes for our clients. He’s the one patiently sitting on hold so you don’t have to — and we’re still amazed the endless ringing hasn’t driven him crazy!
His superpower? His mind is a living database of cricket players – a true superpower for the sport-obsessed.
Samantha Toker
Account Executive
More about Samantha.... the tea loving, fast-paced walker
Originally from the UK, Sam began her insurance career in 2020 as an Underwriter’s Assistant. Eager to expand her knowledge across all product lines, she soon transitioned into broking — a move that’s allowed her to take a more holistic, client-focused approach to her work.
After travelling around Australia (including six months living the full #vanlife in the back of a Mitsubishi Express), Samantha fell in love with the lifestyle and made the move permanent. Now, she spends her weekends hiking, exploring new corners of the country, and squeezing in Pilates classes whenever she can.
In the office, Sam is known for being incredibly supportive — whether it’s her team, clients, friends, or family, she’s the one cheering everyone on and always wanting the best for those around her.
Her not-so-secret superpower? She can quote every single episode of The US Office by heart. Kelly Kapoor is her spirit animal.
Nicole Davies
Executive Assistant / Marketing Coordinator
More about Nicole.... the office Mother Hen
Nicole (or Nicky to most) joined the insurance industry in 2024 after spending many years as a Property Manager — which means she’s no stranger to solving problems, juggling priorities, and tackling the occasional sticky situation.
As Executive Assistant to the Director, Nicky is the person helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From organisation to coordination, she plays a key role in making sure the day-to-day operations stay on track.
Outside of work, Nicky is a proud boy mum and a qualified pastry chef who loves sushi and could happily rewatch Breaking Bad more times than she’d like to admit.
Her superpower? Napping. Nicky can fall asleep almost anywhere — including once sleeping through nearly the entire flight from Brisbane to Los Angeles.
Megan Aitchison
Claims Officer / Broker Support
More about Megan...the keeper of the lolly drawer!
Megan joined the insurance industry in 2023, starting out as a Claims Consultant and bringing plenty of compassion with her from day one. She’s known for being caring, approachable, and, according to husband, “sometimes” funny — which she’s more than happy to claim.
Born in Australia, Megan then grew up in Hong Kong before heading to a small town in New Zealand, where she also attended boarding school. In 2023, she made the move back across the ditch to Australia. With such a varied background, she brings a great mix of warmth, perspective and adaptability to everything she does.
Outside of work, Megan loves spending time with her kids and unwinding with a good crime mystery or thriller book.
Megan’s quirky superpower? She is an expert at launching herself into new hobbies — especially crafty ones — with full commitment for about two months before quietly retiring them forever…
Brooke Evans
Creche Co-ordinator
More about Brooke...the Nap Whisperer
Brooke has been part of the Stellar family since 2019, when she started out caring for the very first two Stellar kids — who have now grown up and headed off to big school. Since then, she has played a huge part in the lives of more than 10 little ones (and counting), helping our on-site crèche grow into the special place it is today.
You’d be hard pressed to find someone more loyal, genuine, and caring than Brooke. She brings a calm, nurturing presence to every day and is such an important part of the Stellar family.
When she’s not busy keeping up with the kids, Brooke can usually be found with her nose in a book. She once set herself the goal of reading 52 books in a year — one for every week — and comfortably surpassed it, which tells you everything you need to know about her love of reading.
Brooke’s quirky superpower? Thrift shopping. No matter where she goes, Brooke always manages to uncover at least one iconic find to add to her collection. But if you ask the parents around the office, they’ll probably tell you her real superpower is getting all the kids to nap at the same time — she’s basically Wonder Woman.
See what our clients think