Strategic leadership, critical analytic and reflective capacity to optimise effective teamwork, promoting organisational congruence and key performance outcomes underpinned by evidence-based principles and frameworks.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Service Delivery & Therapeutic Services
Marist180
NSW, NSW
04.2020 - Current
Manage the Permanency Support Program (PSP) for Intensive Therapeutic Care (ITC), Intensive Family Preservation, and Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors (UHM) programs, ensuring alignment with state and national statutory legislation and policy to facilitate optimal therapeutic care for children and young people.
Instrumental in driving the redesign of organisational service delivery as part of senior leadership team
Report directly to CEO and prepare detailed Board reports
Implemented successful strategies that enhanced the productivity and efficiency of my entire team
Managed budgets in compliance with contractual funding agreements, while collaborating with the Director of Commissioner and Planning, Department Communities and Justice (DCJ).
Implemented trauma-informed therapeutic interventions and treatment plans for young people in Out of Home Care (OOHC) affected by violence, abuse, and neglect.
Implemented the ARC framework supported by the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF).
Created and implemented educational modules to enhance employee knowledge
Safeguarded Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) by adhering to professional standards
Aligned organisational governance to contractual funding while evaluating quality improvements to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
Initiated the referral process and panel discussions for the Therapeutic Advisory Group (TAG).
Provided immediate reflective and analytic responses for critical incidents, addressing both organisational and individual risk.
Conducted ERT debrief sessions following critical incidents to analyze response strategies and enhance safety protocols
Reviewed and responded promptly to urgent referrals from DCJ and Department of Human Affairs (DOHA)
Reviewed and endorsed psychotropic medication administration, Complex Needs Packages, and Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSP) as a Principal Officer
Conducted effective individual and group supervision sessions
Coordinated communication and collaboration efforts among key external stakeholders including DCJ, Education, Youth Justice, Police, and NSW Health
Led projects to enhance Trauma Theory, Therapeutic Advisory Group, Restrictive Practice, and Nutrition for improved quality.
Senior Therapeutic Specialist
Marist180
Newcastle/Orange, NSW
04.2020 - Current
Led trauma-informed theoretical models and implemented Child Protection legislation as Clinical Lead.
Directly supervised Therapeutic and Family Specialists in Newcastle and Orange.
Conducted and completed various psychological assessments such as SDQ, MFQ, BAC-A & CANS
Developed and approved a range of key documents, such as Psychotropic Medication Plans, Risk Management Plans (RMP’s), Behavioural Support Plans (BSP’s) and Risk Assessments in compliance with industry standards
Led Medication Management policy implementation project in 2021
Collaborated with a wide range of stakeholder organizations including ELVER Psychological Services, DCJ, JCPRP, NSW Health, and YDACS to provide comprehensive mental healthcare.
Post Graduate Academic Tutor/Marker
Australian College of Nursing
Sydney, NSW, NSW
01.2019 - Current
Provided academic support in sessional tutor/marker roles for Post Graduate Certificate in Child & Family Health and Paediatric Nurse curriculum towards maintaining CPD.
Facilitated child and family health workshops as a supervisor for postgraduate students
Clinical Nurse Manager- Weekend On Call (Contract)
I Am Here- Respite Disability Service, Acquired Brain Injury
Newcastle, NSW
01.2020 - 04.2020
Ensured clinical governance and risk assessment for NDIS, enabling Team Leaders (TL) and Disability Support Workers (DSW) to deliver disability services effectively for children and adults
Developed multidisciplinary clinical practices and fostered external key partnerships
Identified, assessed, and addressed areas of risk for guests/consumers
Facilitated education that addresses the physical and psychological needs of guests.
Consulted with Care and Lifestyle team to enhance guest outcomes' optimization
Liaised with families, carers and guardians to support emergency respite admissions
Identified areas of risk and promoted solution-focused approaches to Chief Executive.
Manager Child & Family Services
OzChild- NSW & VIC
, NSW
01.2019 - 01.2020
Managed evidence-based programs including Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Functional Family Therapy- Child Welfare (FFT-CW), and Allied Health Family Practitioners such as Psychologists & Social Workers.
Provided relational therapeutic family intervention to children and families affected by dysfunctional behaviors and relationships, addressing child protection concerns, increasing education attendance, and reducing juvenile justice risk-taking behaviors.
Developed engagement strategies for key stakeholders in Education, Youth Justice, and Aboriginal services.
Manager -CYP&F; Violence Prevention/Women’s Health
Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), NSW Health
Taree, NSW
01.2018 - 01.2019
Led a diverse multidisciplinary team across multiple sites working in Child & Family Health, Aboriginal Health, Women’s Health, Sexual Assault and Out-of-Home care support.
Developed innovative primary health care models for clinicians, ensuring the safety of infants and children in accordance with national and state statutory guidelines.
Established productive partnerships with Biripi and Tobwabba Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS)
Collaborated with various health care partners such as Maternity, Paediatric, Emergency services, Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol to ensure effective communication and coordination.
Implemented effective protocols to ensure uninterrupted and high-quality healthcare services
Created monthly reports for senior management summarising operational performance metrics.
Designed and devised tertiary pathways for universities and TAFEs promoting employment opportunities in rural/remote health facilities.
Served as a speaker at The NSW Parliamentary Enquiry - NSW Mothers & Babies to advocate for improved healthcare for mothers and infants in partnership with the Australian College of Physicians, and Australian College of Midwives (May 21 2018).
University of Newcastle, Taree and Port Macquarie campus
Newcastle, NSW
01.2015 - 01.2018
Facilitated clinical placements, theory, assessments, and simulation labs for UON Bachelor of Nursing students (both Acute and Primary Health), as well as students from UNE, SCU, and UWS.
Facilitated interprofessional learning for nursing, midwifery, medical, and allied health students using the MDT professional framework.
Conducted assessments and facilitated simulations for Year 4 and 5 medical students in Women & Children’s Health and Trauma focus with Mass Casualty Scene emphasis
Provided monthly supervision for nurse practitioner student at university between 2016 - 2018
Led the coordination of the ArtsHealth project.
PhD student- Researched and analysed the correlation between ArtsHealth participation and the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous mothers and female carers for infants and preschool aged children. Unfortunately, had to discontinue the project due to lack of research funding.
Nurse Educator: Child & Family Health NE2/ Acting NSW TSU Manager
TSU Aboriginal Mothers, Babies & Children - HETI, NSW Health
NSW, NSW
01.2011 - 01.2015
Developed Training & Support Unit Program (TSU) for virtual NSW team including Midwifery, Nurse- Child & Family Health, and Aboriginal Health Educators. Conducted educational workshops and supported staff working with Aboriginal families through various programs such as NSW AMIHS, New Directions, and BSF. Collaborated in enhancing services for Aboriginal Children, Families, and Communities.
Developed TSU 'Professional Development Program' in consultation with Professor Virginia Schmied, UWS.
Designed and delivered Pregnancy, PIMH, child development, and parenting educational sessions while integrating Aboriginal perspectives, Health Promotion strategies, risk assessment techniques & Motivational Interviewing methods.
Designed and implemented targeted eLearning modules that effectively met the needs of diverse audiences
Developed curriculum, resources, and evaluation formats to deliver state-based education and webinars through Telehealth and RedBack.
Clinical Program Coordinator- Building Strong Foundations for Aboriginal Children, Families & Communities (BSF)
Hunter New England Area Health Service, NSW Health
Taree, NSW
01.2009 - 01.2011
Designed and implemented AMIHS & BSF services, optimising health outcomes for Aboriginal infants and their families.
Collated data from various sources, including AMIHS Annual Reports and documents related to child protection and education focus.
Coordinated Paediatric and Allied Health programs in consultation with Aboriginal Leaders and NSW Health Executives
Developed and implemented clinical intervention plans to address identified client needs.
Monitored client outcomes and developed reports summarising performance data for use in program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.
Developed relationships with community resources to ensure access to appropriate services for clients served by the program.
Identified areas of improvement within the program's operations through ongoing assessment of existing processes.
Facilitated the Core of Life program for Year 9-10 students at Manning and Great Lakes High Schools
Attained CFHN clinical competencies and secured national registration (AHPRA).
Child & Family Health Nurse CNS2- Aboriginal Health
Hunter New England Area Health Service, NSW Health
Taree, NSW
01.2004 - 01.2009
Developed health promotion programs designed to educate the community about disease prevention strategies.
Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
Advocated for clients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
Delivered family-oriented health education emphasising on self-care, disease prevention and overall wellness.
Advocated for Aboriginal families to access optimal acute and primary health care.
Midwife 1988, Registered Nurse 1984
NSW Health
, NSW
02.1984 - 12.2008
Delivered exceptional maternal and nursing care across diverse acute and primary healthcare environments
Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
Education
Masters of Mental Health (Perinatal & Infant), Family Therapy (Major) - Mental Health
The NSW Institute of Psychiatry
Sydney, NSW
01.2014
Certificate IV Training & Assessment TAE40110 -
North Coast TAFE
NSW
01.2012
Immunisation for Registered Nurses - Primary Health
The Australian College of Nursing
Sydney
01.2010
Graduate Certificate Child & Family Health Nursing - Maternal and Child Health
The Australian College of Nursing
Sydney
01.2004
Midwife - Midwifery
Mater Misericordiae Hospital
Newcastle
01.1989
Registered Nurse - Nursing
Newcastle Area Health Service
Newcastle
01.1984
Skills
Strategic Leadership
Implement Best Practice Principles
Operational Cohesion
Critical Analytic Skills
People Management
Therapeutic Compliance Expertise
Compliance with Professional Guidelines
Stakeholder Collaboration
Financial Compliance Management
Business Development
Strategic Planning
Healthcare Management Expertise
Research and Educational Expertise
Cultural Competence
Maternal Health Specialist
Affiliations
AHPRA- Professional Membership current- 31/05/2025
NSW Nurses and Midwifery Association (NSWNMA) 1984 - current
Nurses and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) 1987 - current
Australian College of Nursing (ACN) 2006 - current
Child & Family Health Nurses Association (CAFHNA) 2012 - 2021 transitioned Nationally.
Maternal & Child & Family Health Nurses Assoc. (MCaFHNA) 2012 - current
Australian Research Alliance for Children & Youth (ARACY) 2012 - current
Australian Association for Infant Mental Health Inc. (AAIMHI) 2013 - 2020
World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH) 2013 - current
Additional Qualifications
2024, National Police Check- current
2023, Child Safe Organisational Practices NAPCAN
2023, Evidence Research Master Class ACWA & OzChild, Sydney, NSW
2023, First Aid Course, CPR annual update CBD College, Newcastle, NSW
2022, MAYBO-Positive and Safer Approaches to Behaviour MAYBO Australia
2021, ARC- Attachment, Regulation, Competency Facilitator Australian Childhood Foundation
2020, SAFESpace eLearning: Office of the Children’s Guardian NSW Government
2020, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics - Facilitator Workshop Bruce Perry, USA
2019, Working with Children Check- WWC0322324E expires 10.12.2024.
2019, Functional Family Therapy Therapist; Leadership PASS Program, OzChild, VIC
2016 - 2018, PhD Candidate: Doctor of Philosophy (Psychiatry) University of Newcastle
2015, Supporting Women, Protecting Children: Multidisciplinary approaches to disclosure of Domestic Violence- Short Course, Facilitator UTS, Sydney
2014, Clinical Supervision, Facilitator- Paul Spurr
2014, National Health Education & Training- Simulation Program, Core Modules 1 & 2
2010, Circle of Security, Facilitator - Early Intervention Program for Parents and Children Hoffman, K., Cooper, G. & Powell
, B.
2010, Core of Life, Facilitator- Youth and Family Education Patrick, D. & Smith, T.
2005, Responding to Challenging Behaviours, North Coast TAFE
Timeline
Director Service Delivery & Therapeutic Services
Marist180
04.2020 - Current
Senior Therapeutic Specialist
Marist180
04.2020 - Current
Clinical Nurse Manager- Weekend On Call (Contract)
I Am Here- Respite Disability Service, Acquired Brain Injury
01.2020 - 04.2020
Post Graduate Academic Tutor/Marker
Australian College of Nursing
01.2019 - Current
Manager Child & Family Services
OzChild- NSW & VIC
01.2019 - 01.2020
Manager -CYP&F; Violence Prevention/Women’s Health
Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), NSW Health