Our team of experienced and dedicated staff is committed to empowering participants to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and improve their health and well-being.
With diverse cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to support participants. Collectively, we speak over 20 languages, including Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Hazaraghi, Mandarin, Urdu, Croatian, Afrikaans, Russian, Hindi, Pashtu, Spanish, Cantonese, Japanese, Kurdish, Swahili, French, Kinyarwanda, and Dutch.
Our team can help answer your questions or talk about your service needs. Simply call our friendly team on 07 3416 6660 or complete the form below, or one of our referral forms.
We support diversity in all its forms
Fortify Health Group would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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ABN: 49 655 999 670 | NDIS Provider Number: 4050118587
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Hi, I’m Lisa, the Operational Director at Fortify Health Group.
I hold a Bachelor of Health with Education and am currently a PhD candidate, where my research focuses on understanding the experiences of adults from a refugee background and an intellectual disability in gaining access to the NDIS.
I’m passionate and have expertise in disability, mental health and multicultural communities. I have a strong commitment to providing excellent support services and advocating for people in need.
I have extensive experience working with individuals and their families to identify their strengths and needs, developing individualised plans for long-term success and connecting them to resources and services.
I’m dedicated to making sure that everyone I work with feels supported, respected and heard and am committed to creating an inclusive and culturally sensitive environment while being a strong advocate for those I support.
Qualifications:
I’m Etienne, the Clinical Director and Principal Psychologist at Fortify Health Group.
Currently, I’m a PhD candidate, where my research focuses on understanding how our ability to adapt our thinking impacts our behaviour.
I’m particularly passionate about helping individuals dealing with complex difficulties, including trauma, psychosis, intellectual, developmental, and personality disorders.
My goal is to provide personalised care, tailoring treatment to each individual’s goals and needs. To achieve this, I utilise a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
In addition to my clinical work, I’m also a board-approved supervisor for Provisional Psychologists, and a lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland where I teach about Adult Developmental Disorders. I also offer executive coaching and consulting services, where I apply principles of psychology, human-centric design, and business disruption solving complex problems and making impactful change.
Qualifications:
Priya has a wide range of experience supporting people; including working with people from CALD backgrounds, supporting people who have complex mental health and disabilities, case management support for people with psycho-social needs, support in drug rehabilitation services and working with victims of domestic violence.
Priya has a versatile approach to social work and psychology, utilising systemic therapy and strength- based methods to best address the needs of people.
Andrea is a physiotherapist with an interest in working with people across their lifespan. She have been working as a physiotherapist for over 8 years in various roles and organisations including public and private hospitals, community organisations, schools and aged care facilities.
During these roles she has gained experience working with people of all ages from different backgrounds and with many different conditions.
“I have a passion for enabling people to achieve their goals and live full lives through exercise and healthy lifestyles.”
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Master of Clinical Psychology (USQ)
Daniela has experience working with a range of presentations in both children and adults, using several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy.
Daniela offers an empathic, gentle approach that comes with her life experience.
Daniela is also passionate about and has experience with cognitive, memory, educational, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and functional assessments.
Daniela is fluent in Romanian and has limited knowledge/use of Italian and French languages. Daniela loves gardening, reading, and cooking.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Social Work
Drew is experienced in working with people with intellectual disabilities, focusing on those with complex and challenging behaviours, as well as people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This includes working with disadvantaged youth and young people with complex disabilities. He is experienced in developing programs to support people to improve their social and life skills to engage positively with their community.
Gerhard is an Occupational Therapist with over a decade’s experience in the field of disabilities, specialising in comprehensive care for individuals with disabilities and their families. He has experience working with people with various disabilities, including intellectual, physical, and psycho-social, across different age groups.
Gerhard’s contributions encompass:
Beyond his professional role, Gerhard actively volunteers and engages in sub-committees, management boards, and advisory roles for not-for-profit organisations. He is also committed to fostering social connections as a member and facilitator of Circles of Support, promoting integration for individuals with intellectual disabilities living in the community.
Gerhard holds a Master of Occupational Therapy Studies from the University of Queensland, complemented by a Bachelor of Psychological Science (with Honours). During his leisure time, he enjoys nurturing freshwater aquariums and indulging his passion for basketball.
Qualifications:
Jordan’s approach to therapy is culturally sensitive, person-centred, versatile and adapted to each individual. He has a strong interest in Existential, Cognitive Behavioural, Dialectical Behavioural and Solution-Focused Therapies.
Jordan has previously worked in sport, as well as in the airline industry as qualified pilot. He embraces difference and harbours a non-judgemental, communicative and authentic counselling environment.
Qualifications:
Therapeutic experience
I’ve worked within a range of healthcare settings including hospital and acute, rehabilitation and recovery, community and forensic services. I enjoy working with a range of presentations and have a particular interest in working with trauma, addiction, perinatal and personality disorders.
Therapies
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Circle of Security, and EMDR.
Personal Interests
I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, travelling, painting and reading.
Qualifications:
Matt is a registered Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar) with the Psychology Board of Australia. He has 6 years of experience working across forensic, community, and inpatient mental health settings, as well as working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Matt’s areas of interest include dual disability (intellectual disability and mental illness), challenging behaviours, trauma and complex trauma, personality disorders, child and youth mental health, and forensic assessment and treatment.
Qualifications:
“I believe all of us have a vast capacity to grow, develop and change. Sometimes we just don’t know where to start or how to make that leap. This is where the beauty of client-centred, integrated psychotherapy comes in.”
Sarah’s approach to therapy is versatile and adapted to each individual and is based on a depth of knowledge and experience in a variety of psychotherapy disciplines drawing upon trauma-informed therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Solution-based Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Attachment Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Sarah has worked in assisting individuals who have experienced domestic violence and trauma, grief and loss, miscarriage, fertility and early pregnancy loss, and people complex mental health needs.
Shayna is a compassionate counsellor specialising in mental health and trauma. Her aim is to promote personal growth and facilitate a safe and supportive environment for personal expression and the shared journey of therapy.
Shayna has experience working with a wide range of concerns, including trauma recovery, disability, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, childhood issues, interpersonal difficulties, and low self-esteem.
Her approach to therapy is culturally sensitive and person-centred, recognizing that every client is a unique and complex individual capable of personal recovery with varying needs.
Sonya is an occupational therapist with over four years’ experience as a live-in carer of a person with multiple disabilities (acquired brain injury/stroke). Her hands-on experience of living with and caring for a person with disability, makes Sonya acutely aware of the many physical, mental, and emotional challenges faced by people living with disability. She is naturally empathetic and understanding towards the needs of her participants, her participants’ families, and their caregivers.
With work experience in both hospital and community healthcare settings, Sonya works collaboratively with clients to help them to achieve their greatest potential to work towards their goals.
Sonya holds a Master of Occupational Therapy Studies from the University of Queensland, a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing, and a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours).
Sonya’s interests include travel photography, research, home renovating, and hiking.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Social Work
Zemi is one of the Support Coordination & Recovery Coach Team Leaders, working with Verica to support our team of Support Workers and Recovery Coaches to deliver caring and individualised services to our participants.
Zemi has worked in this role since 2019 and has previous experience in intensive family services.
She is particularly passionate about mental health and human development.
Languages: Russian, Dutch
Verica has a wealth of experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She has extensive case management experience, and has previously worked supporting asylum seekers living in the community prior to moving into the NDIS space.
Verica speaks Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian
Verica loves supporting a multicultural team, and is passionate about supporting and empowering refugee families to reach their potential. She has unique interpersonal skills which allow her to develop positive relationships, even in difficult circumstances.
Languages: Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian
Qualifications:
• Masters of Social Work
Anni started in our team as a Social Work placement student and later joined the Support Coordination and Recovery Coaching team.
Anni is bilingual and also speaks Mandarin Chinese.
Anni enjoys working in the disability sector and is passionate about helping participants to navigate the NDIS system.
“As a support coordinator, I am passionate about supporting people from diverse backgrounds with all levels of disability. I also have a strong interest in getting to know each individual and their families to ensure they feel involved and empowered in tailoring services to meet their specific goals.”
Languages: Mandarin
Languages: Mandarin, Japanese
Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
Qualifications:
Dandan is passionate in supporting NDIS participants from CALD background and people with mental health conditions. She is experienced in working with children with NDIS plan and supporting their family to implement the plan and navigate services.
Dandan works with a person-centred and culturally sensitive approach. She loves empowering participants to access the right services and resources according to participants’ needs and willingness, and fostering their independence and well-being.
Dandan is originally from China and speaks Chinese (Mandarin) fluently.
Languages: Mandarin
Qualifications:
Elise is a Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach at Fortify Health. She has specialised skills in working with participants with complex mental health.
“Working within a person centred approach, I aim to support participants in navigating NDIS & achieving their best quality of life.”
Languages: Arabic
Hi, I’m Josephine.
I have been in the NDIS industry for almost seven years. I started working as a Support Worker and Trainer & Assessor delivering Certificate IV in Ageing Support. I also worked as an Administration cum NDIS Support Coordinator.
I am dedicated, compassionate, empathetic, and welcoming toward working with vulnerable people. I am passionate about what I do and enjoy helping others. I establish excellent connections with the people I help. I love motivating people, advocating, and encouraging them to live independently.
Languages: Tagalog, Ilonggo
Languages: Arabic
Languages: Hazaraghi, Farsi, Dari, Urdu, Hindi, Pashtu
Languages: Spanish
Qualifications:
Zana has previously worked supporting people across a range of humanitarian support, including social work with the Ministry of Human Rights, advocacy for women and children’s rights, and support for immigrants and refugees. Passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals in need, he is a dedicated professional with a background in sociology and a master’s degree in social work.
Zana is an NDIS Support Coordinator at Fortify Health Group, where his primary focus is on providing essential assistance to his participants. His deep interest in the NDIS program drives my commitment to advocate for the well-being of NDIS participants and ensure they receive the support they require by helping them navigate the complexities of the system and empower them towards greater independence and inclusion.
“With a strong belief in the transformative power of support services, I am enthusiastic about contributing to the betterment of the lives of those in need through the NDIS program. My interests in working with diverse communities, supporting children, and ensuring the well-being of immigrants and refugees align with my passion for ensuring that those in need receive the necessary support and services through the NDIS program.”
Languages: Arabic, Kurdish (Sorani/Kurmanji)
Qualifications:
Sumarni is a passionate social worker with over 10 years of case management experience. She has a special interest in the holistic well-being of those who have gone through a refugee and/or asylum seeker experience by utilising a person-centred approach, to empower individuals through advocating for social justice, connections to vital resources and implementing community supports.
Languages: Afrikaans
Qualifications:
Chin is a Care Coordinator at Fortify Health Group and has 3+ years of experiences working with CALD community members with complex mental health issue and permanent impairment disability.
She has a strength-based, trauma informed, recovery focus and client-centred approach to work with clients.
Chin is particularly passionate about supporting people with complex mental health, families and children, and assisting CALD community members to build up their capacity to engage their community and health services.
Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
Qualifications:
Summer has 10 years experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people in Australia and overseas. This includes individuals and families with complex intersecting needs such as complex mental health, visa issues, housing, financial concerns etc. Summer believes in an strength based, empowering process for her clients, while collaborating with their support networks towards holistic wellbeing. While assisting clients, as they navigate through the numerous, often confusing, systems – Summer hopes to be a reassuring smile, during difficult times. Summer engages with clients in a flexible- ‘think outside the box’ approach, meeting them where they are on their journey. Summer loves animals, camping and music.
Jade is an expert in NDIS funding and looks after the behind the scenes billing for NDIS supports.
Languages: Dutch
Qualifications:
Renee is the Quality, Systems and Project Lead at Fortify, and provides support to staff across our different teams.
She has previously worked in case management with asylum seekers and newly arrived refugees. Her favourite part was being able to watch families be reunited when their loved ones got off the plane, and supporting families to understand and navigate the complex systems as part of their settlement journey.
Renee is passionate about developing systems and processes that streamlines staff workflows and allows them to spend more time focused on their clients. She loves problem solving and collaborating with others to come up with creative solutions that improve our services, and works toward equitable access to health services for the individuals we support.
Erica is the Relationship Manager at Fortify Health Group.
Her career spans working in education, FMCG, and the past 11 years building strategic relationships and entwining herself into the community sector. Erica has a wide scope of lived experience which is what motivates her in making positive differences in her work, within our overall team, and for those which we support to live their best lives.
When she’s not working, her family and her 4 dogs keep her super busy. Being an Arts Therapist, she loves to improve her self-awareness, social and emotional connections, getting lost in art.
