Meet the team
Our team of experienced and passionate staff work with participants to empower them to overcome challenges, meet their goals, and achieve improved health and wellbeing.
Our team includes staff from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, life experiences and professional backgrounds, and support participants through a multi-disciplinary approach.
Across our team we speak more than 20 languages, including Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Hazaraghi, Mandarin, Urdu, Croatian, Afrikaans, Russian, Hindi, Pashtu, Spanish, Cantonese, Japanese, Kurdish, Swahili, French, Kinyarwanda & Dutch.
Directors
Lisa Carvalho
Operational Director
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.
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.
Dr. Etienne Roux
Clinical Director
I'm Etienne, the Clinical Director and Principal Psychologist at Fortify Health Group.
I hold a Bachelor of Business and a Masters in Clinical Psychology. 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.
I hold a Bachelor of Business and a Masters in Clinical Psychology. 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.
Allied Health & Specialist Medical
Click on a team member's name to read their bio.
Priya Sharma
Allied Health Team Leader
Qualifications:
• Masters of Psychology with Major in Clinical Disorders and Lifespan Development (India)
• Master of Social Work (Aus)
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.
• Masters of Psychology with Major in Clinical Disorders and Lifespan Development (India)
• Master of Social Work (Aus)
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.
Dr. Alastair Gilbert
Psychiatrist
Andrea Schroeter
Physiotherapist
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."
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."
Drew Baker
Social Worker
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.
• 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.
Daniela Banea
Registered Psychologist
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.
• 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.
Dave Marshall
Registered Psychologist
Hi, I’m Dave, a general psychologist at Fortify Health Group.
I was previously a forensic accountant before switching to psychology. I did my first Masters in Sport & Exercise Psychology. I am currently studying my master’s in clinical psychology (my sixth degree!).
I have a willingness to understand human behaviour and am curious by nature. I am open minded, non-judgmental, authentic, integrous, humorous, compassionate, communicative, patient, and I am committed to helping with behavioural change in addition to personal growth.
I use a range of techniques and skills to assist my clients in achieving their optimal potential as well as therapeutic goals. I have a strong and innate ability to connect with clients from all walks of life and different backgrounds and use a wide range of evidence-based techniques to help provide support such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness techniques, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I’ve previously worked in sport and performance psychology, with elite athletes in many different settings – professional golfers, AFL, tennis, elite running, and soccer. I’ve also taught at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), as well as being involved with cutting edge psychological research at the University of Queensland (UQ).
My sport and performance expertise includes mindfulness techniques, performance routines, stress management approaches, improved self-esteem, and ways to maximise personal growth.
I was previously a forensic accountant before switching to psychology. I did my first Masters in Sport & Exercise Psychology. I am currently studying my master’s in clinical psychology (my sixth degree!).
I have a willingness to understand human behaviour and am curious by nature. I am open minded, non-judgmental, authentic, integrous, humorous, compassionate, communicative, patient, and I am committed to helping with behavioural change in addition to personal growth.
I use a range of techniques and skills to assist my clients in achieving their optimal potential as well as therapeutic goals. I have a strong and innate ability to connect with clients from all walks of life and different backgrounds and use a wide range of evidence-based techniques to help provide support such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness techniques, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I’ve previously worked in sport and performance psychology, with elite athletes in many different settings – professional golfers, AFL, tennis, elite running, and soccer. I’ve also taught at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), as well as being involved with cutting edge psychological research at the University of Queensland (UQ).
My sport and performance expertise includes mindfulness techniques, performance routines, stress management approaches, improved self-esteem, and ways to maximise personal growth.
Dr. Etienne Roux
Clinical Psychologist
Qualifications:
• PhD Candidate (USQ)
• Masters of Clinical Psychology (USQ)
• Bachelor of Business
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.
• PhD Candidate (USQ)
• Masters of Clinical Psychology (USQ)
• Bachelor of Business
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.
Georgia Hill
Provisional Psychologist
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) (UQ)
• Currently completing the 4+2 Internship with Fortify Health Group.
Georgia has undertaken training and practice in a number of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for anxiety and depression in children and adults, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for complex trauma presentations in children and adults.
Georgia has previously worked as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, developing and implementing evidence-based Behaviour Support Plans for children and adults with NDIS supports with complex behavioural needs. She has experience in the treatment of a range of clinical presentations including developmental disorders, trauma and stressors disorders, personality disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum and other psychotic disorders, and mood and anxiety disorders.
Every client is different, so Georgia integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques to design a person-focused approach to treatment. Her clinical areas of interest includes complex trauma presentations in culturally diverse populations, with an emphasis on collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to supporting clients.
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) (UQ)
• Currently completing the 4+2 Internship with Fortify Health Group.
Georgia has undertaken training and practice in a number of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for anxiety and depression in children and adults, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for complex trauma presentations in children and adults.
Georgia has previously worked as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, developing and implementing evidence-based Behaviour Support Plans for children and adults with NDIS supports with complex behavioural needs. She has experience in the treatment of a range of clinical presentations including developmental disorders, trauma and stressors disorders, personality disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum and other psychotic disorders, and mood and anxiety disorders.
Every client is different, so Georgia integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques to design a person-focused approach to treatment. Her clinical areas of interest includes complex trauma presentations in culturally diverse populations, with an emphasis on collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to supporting clients.
Gerhard Tromp
Occupational Therapist
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:
• Pioneering inclusive support models for individuals with complex needs in community settings.
• Facilitating personalised, self-directed, and self-managed support structures, while also collaborating effectively with traditional service providers.
• Adapting environments and selecting suitable equipment to enhance individuals' functional abilities.
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.
Gerhard's contributions encompass:
• Pioneering inclusive support models for individuals with complex needs in community settings.
• Facilitating personalised, self-directed, and self-managed support structures, while also collaborating effectively with traditional service providers.
• Adapting environments and selecting suitable equipment to enhance individuals' functional abilities.
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.
Josephine Scott
Clinical Psychologist
Matt Trentin
Registered Psychologist
Qualifications:
• Master of Clinical Psychology (Advanced Entry)
• Master of Public Health
• Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
• AHPRA Registered Psychologist
• Clinical Psychology Registrar
• Psychology Board of Australia Approved Supervisor for Provisional Psychologists
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.
• Master of Clinical Psychology (Advanced Entry)
• Master of Public Health
• Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
• AHPRA Registered Psychologist
• Clinical Psychology Registrar
• Psychology Board of Australia Approved Supervisor for Provisional Psychologists
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.
Nikita Bhadeliya
Physiotherapist
Dr. Sarah Lantz
Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Qualifications:
• PhD
• Postgraduate Diploma of Women’s Studies
• Postgraduate Graduate Diploma of Counselling
• Bachelor of Public Health
• Diploma of Nutrition
"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.
• PhD
• Postgraduate Diploma of Women’s Studies
• Postgraduate Graduate Diploma of Counselling
• Bachelor of Public Health
• Diploma of Nutrition
"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 McKenzie
Counsellor
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.
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.
Support Coordination & Recovery Coaching
Verica Lovric
Support Coordination Team Leader
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.
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.
Zemi Brugts
Support Coordination Team Leader
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.
Zemi speaks Russian fluently, as well as some Dutch.
• 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.
Zemi speaks Russian fluently, as well as some Dutch.
Anni Peng
Senior Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
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."
• 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."
August Pan
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Chloris Leung
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Dandan Lan
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Qualifications:
Masters of Social Work
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.
Masters of Social Work
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.
Elise Lane
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Social Work
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."
Bachelor of Social Work
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."
Emma Garnham
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Qualification:
•Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Emma has 4+ years of experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people with complex mental health needs and psychosocial impairments.
Emma is committed to providing best practice supports to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. She believe in using a strength-based and recovery-focused approach to assist all clients.
Emma holds special interest in complex mental health, and supporting individuals in a holistic way to help build their capacity and to ensure they feel supported and well connected to their community.
•Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Emma has 4+ years of experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people with complex mental health needs and psychosocial impairments.
Emma is committed to providing best practice supports to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. She believe in using a strength-based and recovery-focused approach to assist all clients.
Emma holds special interest in complex mental health, and supporting individuals in a holistic way to help build their capacity and to ensure they feel supported and well connected to their community.
Hana Feriz
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Heba Atalla
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Josephine Lazona
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
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.
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.
Maram Keryaki
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Nasrin Karim
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Languages: Hazaraghi, Farsi, Dari, Urdu, Hindi, Pashtu
Nasrin Karim
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Nicole Alcantara
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Fannette Umwiza
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Zana Ali
Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach
Qualifications:
• Master of Social Work
• Bachelor of Sociology
• Social Development, Norwegian People's Aid (NPA)
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."
• Master of Social Work
• Bachelor of Sociology
• Social Development, Norwegian People's Aid (NPA)
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."
Mental Health Care Coordination
Sumarni Devine
Care Coordination Team Leader
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Human Services
• Masters of Social Work
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.
• Bachelor of Human Services
• Masters of Social Work
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.
Chin Yeung
Care Coordinator
Qualifications:
• Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
• Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited Social Worker
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.
Chin speaks Cantonese & Mandarin.
• Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
• Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited Social Worker
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.
Chin speaks Cantonese & Mandarin.
Summer Hancock
Care Coordinator
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of International Relations and Cross Cultural Communication
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.
Operations & Front of House
Alaa Jamal
Health Support Officer
Demika Wooley
Health Support Officer
Demika is one of the friendly faces you'll meet when you visit our office and supports clinicians and participants to manage their appointments.
"As a Health Support Officer at Fortify Health I really enjoy my role in supporting our Allied Health team and clients, as my passion lies in Community Services. I am transferring my study from a Bachelor's degree in Psychology to Social Work, with a strong interest in mental health and working with children."
"As a Health Support Officer at Fortify Health I really enjoy my role in supporting our Allied Health team and clients, as my passion lies in Community Services. I am transferring my study from a Bachelor's degree in Psychology to Social Work, with a strong interest in mental health and working with children."
Ella Fursman
Health Support Officer
Ella is one of the friendly faces you'll see and speak to when you walk into our office or give us a call. She helps our clinicians arrange appointments and makes sure you know the things you need to about your appointments.
"As a Health Support Officer, I value working alongside our team to ensure clients can access the supports they require. I’m in my graduate year of Business and Behavioural Science, with my passion lying in mental health advocacy."
"As a Health Support Officer, I value working alongside our team to ensure clients can access the supports they require. I’m in my graduate year of Business and Behavioural Science, with my passion lying in mental health advocacy."
Jade Blignaut
Health Support Officer
Jade is an expert in NDIS funding and looks after the behind the scenes billing for NDIS supports.
Natalia Alfonso
Practice Manager
Renee Flynn
Quality, Systems & Project Lead
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Psychological Science
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.
• Bachelor of Psychological Science
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.