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
Copyright © 2024 | All Rights Reserved Fortify Health Group | Created by Ninety3 Marketing
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.
Qualifications:
Aaron is a Registered Psychologist who has recently completed his Master of Clinical Psychology. He has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting clients through a range of psychological challenges. Aaron has a particular interest in working with individuals affected by high-control groups (cults), especially those experiencing religious trauma.
Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Aaron helps clients navigate the complexities of identity reconstruction, emotional healing, and autonomy after leaving controlling environments. He also supports clients in developing practical coping strategies while fostering self-compassion and personal growth. Aaron is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive space where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered on their journey toward healing and well-being.
Ali has over 26 years experience in education, with a passion for working with children and young people with additional needs.
Having spent the last 12 years supporting students in alternative and special education settings, Ali is skilled at supporting children to engage in activities that help develop academic, social and emotional skills.
Ali is especially passionate about working alongside autistic children and adolescents, to ensure they are supported both at home and school. With two decades of experience in school leadership, Ali is able to build positive relationships with stakeholders to ensure everyone involved is supported and accountable, ensuring that the young person receives the help they need and deserve. She is particularly passionate about ensuring that children get access to the supports they are entitled to at school, and working alongside teachers and school leaders to provide training and support to ensure this happens.
Ali has post-graduate qualifications in Education (PGCE), Education Leadership (MEd) and Special Needs Education (GradCertEd). Ali is also currently studying towards a Masters Degree in Autism Studies.
I’m Amore, a dedicated and compassionate occupational therapist from South Africa.
With five years of valuable experience, my professional journey has been centred around my passion for working with neurodiverse children and adolescents. I firmly believe in the transformative power of occupational therapy to enhance the lives of individuals and families. My approach is rooted in collaboration, working closely with both the child, their family and other role players to foster skill development and empower them to engage optimally in everyday activities.
I emphasize the importance of overcoming obstacles to pave the way for a happy and fulfilling life. I’m a strong advocate for the idea that joy and progress can be seamlessly woven into therapeutic activities. Through a combination of expertise and a touch of creativity, I strive to make each session not only effective but also enjoyable. Let’s embark on a journey together, breaking down barriers and unlocking the potential for a brighter and more fulfilling future. Welcome to a space where therapy meets joy!
Anbrenthia is a dedicated and experienced occupational therapist with over 23 years of clinical expertise in both rural and metropolitan healthcare settings. She holds a BSc. (Hons) in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Western Cape (2000) and a Master’s in Public Health (2021).
Throughout her career, Anbrenthia has provided specialized occupational therapy services in hospitals, clinics, and community-based settings, supporting individuals and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, trauma, dual diagnosis, and relational or behavioral challenges. She is skilled in infant mental health, anger management, social skills development, life skills training, and parenting programs.
Anbrenthia has a special interest in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, working with children from birth to 18 years and their families. She has played a key role in developing and expanding occupational therapy services in two sub-districts of the Cape Town Metropole (South Africa). Additionally, she has led the Occupational Therapy Departments at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit and the Intellectual Disability Services of Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital.
Beyond clinical work, Anbrenthia is passionate about education and mentorship, actively participating in academic teaching and student supervision at Universities and is committed to developing evidence-based programs, ensuring high standards of clinical service delivery, and promoting strong clinical governance.
Anbrenthia embraces a holistic, integrative approach, emphasizing collaboration across disciplines, systems, and programs to provide client-centered care. She is dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities, ensuring they receive the support, tools, and interventions needed to thrive.
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.
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:
I am a candidate for the Master of Clinical Psychology through USQ and an Endorsed Clinical Neuropsychologist who is passionate about maximising outcomes for children and adolescents with conditions known to affect brain development. I have worked across both public and private settings supporting people with brain-based conditions (including Intellectual Developmental Disorder, Autism, ADHD, FASD, Learning Disorders, and neurological conditions such as Epilepsy and Traumatic Brain Injury).
At the centre of my philosophy is meaningful, tailored, evidence-based, and professional clinical psychological and neuropsychological services to help young people and their families to understand how problems with the brain may relate to strengths and challenges seen in behaviour, emotions, learning and functioning in a compassionate and empowering way.
Through this understanding, I hope to foster a young person’s independence, learning, and wellbeing in partnership with them and those involved in their care.
In my free time I love spending time with family and friends and am a coffee hobbyist.
Hi, I’m Merike.
I am a passionate and dedicated occupational therapist who completed my studies at the University of the Free State, South Africa. My journey in this field began during my Community Service year at a local clinic, where I gained experience in paediatrics, physical rehabilitation, and mental health. I transitioned to private practice, where I further enhanced my skills in physical rehabilitation, mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and hand therapy.
After moving to Australia, I expanded my expertise by working as an NDIS provider, supporting both paediatric and adult clients. This experience allowed me to make a meaningful impact on individuals with diverse needs, empowering them to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
I believe every individual has the right to a meaningful and fulfilling life, regardless of their capacity or potential. With a strong sense of responsibility and an eagerness to continually learn, I strive to provide compassionate, dignified care that empowers individuals to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Occupational therapy is more than a profession to me; it is a way to help people discover their strengths, regain function, and find purpose. Witnessing clients master new skills, regain independence, and experience an improved quality of life is the most rewarding part of my work.
Known for being friendly, empathetic, and caring, I am deeply committed to fostering connections within the community and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive.
“It is the activities that we engage in on a day-to-day basis that make us who we are.” — Shoshanah Shear
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.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Social Work
Member of AASW
I am a qualified and registered social worker with years of experience delivering tailored support to individuals facing mental health challenges and physical impairments. My approach is deeply person-centered—I meet you where you are in your journey and adjust my service delivery to fit your unique needs.
Guided by core social work values of social justice and collaboration, I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic space where we can work together to bring clarity, balance, and meaning to your life. My practice integrates evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Systems Therapy, ensuring a holistic understanding of you within your environment.
Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, or personality disorders, I am here to support you. With both personal and professional experience in priority setting, I aim to help you regain control, improve your daily life, and foster resilience. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and healing.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, gardening and crafts activities (knitting, crochet, macrame).
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.
Chelsea is an Enrolled Nurse with diverse experience across both clinical and leadership roles. After graduating in 2021, she gained entry to a graduate program at Cairns Private Hospital, working in orthopedics, general surgery, and cardiac medicine. She returned to Brisbane to serve as a Service Manager at a mental health and NDIS provider, where she managed care for individuals with complex needs.
In January 2024 Chelsea joined our team full-time, bringing her clinical expertise and leadership experience to support the education and development of future healthcare professionals.
Hi, I’m Natalia, the Practice Manager at Fortify Health Group.
I have a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health, with experience working across allied health practices, private practice psychology, private hospitals, and working with the NDIS.
In my role, I work closely with our amazing Health Support Officer team to make sure our clients get the support they need while enjoying a positive and welcoming experience. I’m passionate about a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, and outside of work, you’ll often find me out in nature or planning my next travel adventure.
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.
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