Nicole Ahern
Bardwell Ave
Summary
Strategic senior leader with 16 years’ experience delivering evidence-based programs and leading multidisciplinary teams in complex justice settings. Skilled in shaping policy, providing executive advice, and translating complex clinical and program information into actionable, culturally responsive solutions. Committed to driving outcomes that empower communities and strengthen organisational performance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Psychologist – Behaviour Change Programs
Corrective Services NSW
01.2023 - Current
- Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of five senior program development officers (9/10 roles) and two Senior Psychologists, providing guidance, supervision, and professional development.
- Lead the statewide delivery of evidence-based behaviour change programs, embedding culturally responsive practices, including programs informed by DBT and Aboriginal perspectives, and prioritising participant empowerment, choice, and holistic wellbeing.
- Implementing and exploring community-led program design and co-production to enhance engagement, relevance, and outcomes.
- Manage multidisciplinary teams and external partnerships, for initiatives such as parenting programs (Keeping Them Safe) and
- Safer Drive Programs (Transport NSW) overseeing project management, procurement, and evaluation.
- Prepare and contribute to ministerial and executive briefs, parliamentary responses, and strategic submissions, translating complex clinical, program, and operational information into actionable advice for senior leadership and government.
- Implement evidence-based evaluation and continuous improvement, integrating lived experience and co-designed methodologies to monitor program effectiveness and drive innovation.
- Lead digital transformation and reporting initiatives, improving program accessibility, participant engagement, and governance compliance.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure integrated, culturally safe, and effective service delivery, demonstrating adaptability to emerging frameworks while maintaining program integrity and outcomes
Chief Psychologist – Intensive Therapeutic Program
Corrective Services NSW
06.2018 - 2023
- · Led the strategic management and delivery of sex and violent offender treatment programs across custodial and community settings.
- · Oversaw clinical assessment and evidence-based therapeutic interventions, ensuring alignment with organisational policies and governance standards.
- · Managed and mentor a team of 10 senior psychologists, fostering capability development, high performance, and professional growth.
- · Gained experience preparing executive-level advice, including ministerial briefs and submissions, developing skills in translating complex clinical and program information into actionable guidance
- · Developed and implement policies, procedures, and frameworks to enhance program effectiveness and compliance.
- · Worked with internal and external stakeholders to promote equitable participation in therapeutic programs, ensuring service delivery was inclusive, accessible, and informed program development.
- · Drove continuous improvement initiatives, including program evaluation, innovation, and adoption of evidence-based practices.
- · Provided expert advice to senior leadership on program performance, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
Acting/Director – Statewide Programs
Corrective Services NSW
03.2022 - 10.2022
- Directed development, implementation, and evaluation of multi-modal behaviour change programs.
- Led team training, supervision, and performance management to ensure evidence-based interventions.
Senior Specialist Psychologist (Team Leader) – PBD
Corrective Services NSW
07.2013 - 08.2018
- Managed two psychologists and two senior staff, providing expert guidance for high-risk offenders.
- Designed and delivered professional training for correctional officers, psychologists, and Justice Health staff.
- Balanced therapeutic, security, and systemic needs to deliver effective outcomes.
Specialist Psychologist –Emu Plains and Berrima Co
Corrective Services NSW
08.2009 - 2013
- Conducted risk assessments and delivered evidence-based interventions.
- Developed case formulations and behavioural management plans for complex offenders.
- Delivered consultation and training to enhance program consistency and staff capability.
Education
Master Psychology (Forensic) - Psychology
Western Sydney University
Sydney, NSW08-2009
Graduate Diploma in Science (Psychology) - Psychology
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW01-2006
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW01-2004
Skills
- Inspire Direction and Purpose / Manage Reform and Change
- Led state-wide Behaviour Change Programs, delivering evidence-based interventions targeting sexual, violent, and complex offending Successfully led two teams through two organisational restructures, radically transforming how teams worked, expanding responsibilities, and broadening the portfolio Championed strategic initiatives and policy improvements to enhance program effectiveness and align with organisational priorities Demonstrated ability to guide teams through complex change and embed best-practice approaches
- Leadership & Management
- Strategic oversight of state-wide programs and multidisciplinary teams
- Governance, performance management, and workforce capability building
- Leading high-performing teams across custodial and community contexts
- Program Development & Evidence-Based Practice
- Design, implementation, and evaluation of behaviour change programs (sex, violent, and complex offenders)
- Policy and procedure development aligned with best practice principles
- Staff training and professional development to ensure high-quality service delivery
- Stakeholder & Strategic Engagement
- Consultation and collaboration with Corrections, Justice Health, and community partners
- Effective communication to achieve consensus and drive organisational objectives
- Proven ability to balance operational, therapeutic, and strategic priorities
- Psychology Expertise
- Risk assessment, case formulation, and offender management
- Therapeutic interventions including Dialectical & Schema frameworks
- Clinical governance and evidence-informed decision-making
Timeline
Chief Psychologist – Behaviour Change Programs
Corrective Services NSW
01.2023 - Current
Acting/Director – Statewide Programs
Corrective Services NSW
03.2022 - 10.2022
Chief Psychologist – Intensive Therapeutic Program
Corrective Services NSW
06.2018 - 2023
Senior Specialist Psychologist (Team Leader) – PBD
Corrective Services NSW
07.2013 - 08.2018
Specialist Psychologist –Emu Plains and Berrima Co
Corrective Services NSW
08.2009 - 2013
Master Psychology (Forensic) - Psychology
Western Sydney University
Graduate Diploma in Science (Psychology) - Psychology
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Sydney
Similar Profiles
Jesse WilloughbyJesse Willoughby
Correctional Officer at Corrective Services NSWCorrectional Officer at Corrective Services NSW
Heath LawnHeath Lawn
Correctional Officer at Corrective Services nswCorrectional Officer at Corrective Services nsw
Sarah ChittickSarah Chittick
First Class Correctional Officer at Corrective Services NSWFirst Class Correctional Officer at Corrective Services NSW
Tareeq AlieTareeq Alie
Sales Associate at WalgreensSales Associate at Walgreens
Kevueli BaravilalaKevueli Baravilala
ANZ Technical Support Manager at SomnoMedANZ Technical Support Manager at SomnoMed