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.
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.
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.
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.
Jordan is an Occupational Therapist who joined the Fortify Health Group team after completing his Bachelor of Science with Honours in Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom.
With experience across in-patient stroke rehabilitation, community physical reablement, and mental health drug and alcohol services, Jordan brings a well-rounded and empathetic approach to his work.
He is passionate about empowering people to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives. Jordan takes the time to understand each person’s story and strengths, working collaboratively to build confidence, develop practical skills, and create routines that support wellbeing and participation in daily life.
Grounded in person-centred, holistic, and occupation-focused principles, Jordan aims to make therapy not only supportive and goal-driven but also enjoyable and empowering for every client he works with.
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.
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:
• 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
Hi, I’m Lauren.
I am an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Sports Dietitian. I completed my Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at Griffith University and began my dietetic journey in private practice, where I gained experience supporting clients across Medicare, DVA, Home Care Packages, NDIS, chronic disease management, gastrointestinal health, mental health, eating disorders, weight management, and sports nutrition.
Through this work, I developed a strong interest in supporting individuals with complex health needs, including those experiencing chronic disease, gastrointestinal concerns, malnutrition risk, weight changes, swallowing or texture-modified diet requirements, reduced food access, limited cooking capacity, and psychosocial barriers impacting nutrition.
I am passionate about providing nutrition care that is realistic, practical, and tailored to the individual. I understand that food and nutrition can be influenced by many factors, including health conditions, medications, sensory preferences, mental health, support needs, daily routines, and the home environment. My approach focuses on meeting people where they are and creating strategies that feel achievable and meaningful.
I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to create clear and practical nutrition plans. This may include nutrition counselling, meal planning, mealtime support strategies, staff education, texture-modified diet support, oral nutrition supplement recommendations, and reports to support ongoing dietetic care.
My areas of interest include gastrointestinal health, chronic disease management, malnutrition prevention, weight management, eating disorders, women’s health, and sports nutrition. I have also completed additional training in the Monash Low FODMAP Diet for IBS and enjoy helping clients better understand the connection between food, gut symptoms, energy, performance, and overall wellbeing.
I aim to create a warm, supportive, and non-judgemental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. For me, dietetics is about more than food. It is about improving quality of life, building confidence, and helping people access nutrition support that genuinely fits their needs.
In my current role, I work with adults and adolescents presenting with a broad range of mental health concerns, many of which are rooted in the lasting impacts of trauma and other adverse life experiences.
I believe therapy is not only about managing symptoms, but also about making sense of our experiences, recognising patterns that may no longer be serving us, and developing greater flexibility to move towards a life that is meaningful and aligned with what matters most to each person.
Alongside therapy, I have an interest in conducting diagnostic assessments and working collaboratively with people to develop formulations that foster greater self-understanding and inform individualised care.
Outside of work, I enjoy specialty coffee and exploring the science behind coffee brewing.
Hi, I’m Natalie, a Senior Community Nurse at Fortify Health Group.
Qualifications:
Natalie serves as a Senior Community Nurse and is a highly experienced Continence Nurse Specialist. Over the past three years, she has delivered expert clinical advice, conducted advanced assessments, authored detailed clinical reports, and facilitated specialist training sessions.
Prior to stepping into her current role, Natalie worked as a Case Manager and Community Nurse, where she supported clients with complex healthcare needs, including tracheostomy care, ventilation, seizure management, and PEG feeding.
Natalie is a well-rounded and respected specialist, widely regarded as a cornerstone of knowledge within both our organisation and the Nurse Clinic.
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, Cantonese
Hi, I’m Christine!
I am a Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach who is committed to supporting participants to make the most of their NDIS plans to live the life they want to live.
I have 16 years working in the disability sector and am passionate about assisting participants in the mental health space.
I love being able to assist participants to improve their every day lives where possible and love being able to be a supporting person to those who need it most.
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.
With over 15 years of experience across disability, mental health, and community services, Tara is passionate about helping people feel supported, valued, and empowered to live life on their own terms.
Throughout her career, Tara has worked alongside people from all walks of life, developing a deep appreciation for the importance of inclusive, respectful care that recognises each person’s unique experiences, values, and goals. She is a strong advocate for person-centred practice and believes the best outcomes are achieved through genuine connections, taking the time to listen, and from that developing an understanding of what matters most to each individual.
As Head of Care at Fortify Health Group, Tara leads with warmth, authenticity, and a people-first approach. She is passionate about building strong, supportive teams that deliver exceptional care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of clients and their families.
Yu Pan (August) is a Specialist Care Coordinator and qualified Social Worker with extensive experience supporting people with disabilities, mental health challenges, and complex needs. Having worked in NDIS Support Coordination for over five years before transitioning into the Specialist Care Coordinator role in February 2026, August is dedicated to providing high-level coordination, advocacy, and holistic support for individuals with complex support requirements.
August holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Master of Education (Educational Psychology), a Graduate Diploma in Communication Disorders, and a Master of Social Work. This multidisciplinary academic background provides a strong foundation in human behaviour, communication, disability, mental health, and psychosocial wellbeing.
Fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese, August is passionate about supporting individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, while also working closely with individuals from all backgrounds. Drawing on both professional expertise and cultural understanding, August collaborates with participants, families, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver person-centred, culturally responsive support that promotes choice, independence, inclusion, and improved quality of life.
Dandan Lan is a Specialist Care Coordinator and qualified Social Worker with extensive experience supporting NDIS participants with complex support needs, mental health challenges, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. She has a strong background in support coordination, working closely with participants, families, guardians, allied health professionals, and service providers to ensure coordinated, person-centred supports and positive outcomes.
Dandan is passionate about promoting participant wellbeing and ensuring supports remain responsive to each individual’s changing needs. She adopts a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach, working collaboratively with participants, families, guardians, service providers, and multidisciplinary teams to facilitate coordinated care, effective communication, and positive support outcomes.
As a Specialist Care Coordinator, Dandan supports stakeholder engagement, case reviews, incident management, progress reporting, and plan reviews to ensure participants receive coordinated and responsive supports that meet their evolving needs.
Originally from China, Dandan is fluent in Mandarin and English.
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.
Hi! My name is Laila, and I am a Health Support Officer here at Fortify Health group. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Science.
As the first point of contact, I get the opportunity to be able to meet many people and provide them with support. This role allows me to learn and grow while developing useful skills and industry knowledge.
I love helping clients with whatever they may need and ensuring they have a welcoming experience every time they visit. My favourite hobby is to play sports! I especially enjoy playing both Netball and Futsal. I also enjoy going out with friends and visiting new places.
Hi, my name is Rachael and I’m one of the Health Support Officers here at Fortify Health Group.
Mental Health is so important to everyone’s well-being, and I love being part of a company that helps so many people in need. I’m continually learning new things and expanding my knowledge and skills. In my role, I work closely with so many wonderful practitioners and I get to work with an amazing team!
Outside of this I have my own business in event styling which allows me to explore my creative side. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and going on lots of adventures. I understand the importance of balance and self-care in maintaining my own mental health which in turn allows me to be more effective support for others.
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.
Devon has a Bachelor of Commerce in Law, majoring in Business Management and Economics, as well as a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and is an Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He has experience advising and guiding various companies in different sectors from a legal and compliance point of view, to help them leverage success.
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