Our Staff
Management & Administration

Bernie O'Regan
Cheif Executive Officer
I am Bernie, I have been with Connections since 2018 leading us into the NDIS environment where we are continuing to strive and deliver new services. I have a strong commitment to the wellbeing of people in our community who are in need of disability and mental health support. My interests include sports cars and Gym. I have a Degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Workplace Trainer and Assessor, as well as training in Quality Auditing and Mediation.

Lisa Denham
Operations Manager
Hi, I’m Lisa. I have worked for Connections for 18 years and oversee the day to day operations of the organisation including Human Resources. I have a Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, Other Drugs & Mental Health). I have 3 beautiful children and am passionate about Mental Health. I am encouraged seeing our participants growth and determination to reach their individual goals.

Nikita
Rostering Coordinator
Hi I’m Nikita. I started with Connections in 2019. I have a Bachelor of Business majoring in International Business & Tourism, Leisure, and Event Management. I love helping people and organizing their days. Reading is my meditation and I love to try new things. I love animals and have a beautiful little dog who has Anxiety, and another who loves everyone & everything!

Rhylie
Administration Assistant & Mental Health Recovery Worker
Hi, my name is Rhylie. I have been working with Connections since May 2019. I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends. I have 3 fur babies – two cats, Pablo & Stinky. And dog, Buddha.

Teaghan
Administration
Hi, I’m Teaghan! I am the receptionist of Connections who answers all your phone calls and welcomes you on your way through the door. My favorite thing about working at Connections is seeing positive outcomes from our participants.

Alyssa
Administration & Social Media
Hey, my name is Alyssa! I started working at Connections in 2022 and I’m really enjoying helping participants reach their personal goals. I love traveling and so far have been to around 14 different countries! I grew up playing all different sports – Netball being my favourite. I’m a performer and have studied Musical Theatre as well as Film/TV abroad in New York. I have 3 fur babies – 2 dogs, Bailey and Riccadonna as well as my cat Luna.
Allied Health Professionals | Psychosocial Recovery Coaches | Support Coordinators

Cara
Support Coordinator & Behaviour Support Practitioner & PBS Supervisor
Hi, I’m Cara. I have been working in the NDIS industry as a Behaviour Support Practitioner for almost 5 years, I am also a registered counsellor and have experience in support coordination. During this time, I have worked with all ages, genders, socio economics, and behaviours in creating and implementing Positive Behaviour Support Plans. My passion is working with participants who have challenging behaviours. I have completed my Diploma of Counselling, and am currently working towards my Bachelor of Social Sciences and Psychology.
In my down time, I enjoy video gaming, playing with my dog Diesel and looking after my reptiles. I currently own 4 snakes, 1 blue tongue lizard, 1 monitor lizard and various spiders, scorpions, and centipedes. I also like to visit my family, who live down in Sydney. I also enjoy going out to various places in Brisbane to see new food spots and experiences. I am also a huge Disney fan and was lucky enough to go on the Disney cruise for their first time in Australia.
Daniel
Behaviour Support Practitioner & Psychologist & PBS Supervisor
Hi, I’m Dan.

Erica
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Hi, I’m Erica! I hold a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy and started my career in the Philippines, focusing on paediatrics. In 2018, I moved to Australia and began working as a disability support worker. It was through this role that I discovered my passion for behaviour therapy. I’m deeply committed to helping families and clients, always striving to make a positive and meaningful impact in their lives.

Hayley
Support Coordinator
My name is Hayley. In my spare time I enjoy reading and being outdoors, camping and exploring is my favourite way to spend holidays, I have three kiddies and a dog named Evy.

Jayden
Senior Support Coordinator
Hello, my name is Jayden.
I started working at Connections in 2016 as a support worker, and since then have expanded my experiences and knowledge in the Support Sector by working in numerous roles in different support environments. This includes complex disability supports with level 3 ASD, complex psychosocial support, and youth engagement.
I have been involved in care coordination for those with mental health looking at transiting into a health community environment in the role of Mental Health Worker for over 3 years.
I started working as a Support Coordinator in 2023, with the goal of having a holistic and recovery focused approach, to best support those I work with achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life.
When I’m not at work, I love to spend time in the outdoors bushwalking and kayaking, and I love my sport (AFL) and music.

Maddi
Support Coordinator & Behaviour Support Practitioner

Reve
Psychosocial Recovery Coach & Mental Health Recovery Worker
Hi, I’m Reve I have been working for Connections since 2012 and I love it. I am a mum of one and part of a wonderful, blended family. I love art, music and working out.

Shirley
Senior Support Coordinator
Kia Ora/Hi, I’m Shirley. I have been with Connections since 2015. I am a mother to 5 beautiful children; I hold a Diploma of Community Services and I am also passionate about mental health. I love all animals, enjoy outdoor adventures as I feel nature helps me reset and I love spending quality time with my loved ones.

Tamara
Senior Support Coordinator
Hi, I’m Tamara. I am a mum of three young children, a newly enrolled psychology student & aspiring yogi who loves adventure, paddle boarding and challenging my comfort zone with new experiences. My down time includes watching movies, reading nonfiction books and spending time with my family and friends.

Troy
Support Coordinator & Recovery Worker
Hey! I’m Troy! I have done a lot of work in the behaviour change field, especially with teens and am currently studying psychology at uni. As a self-confessed extravert and nerd my hobbies are videos games, DND as well as squash, golf and meeting new people.
Fern
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Hi, I’m Fern!
Support Workers

Ashlee
Recovery Worker
Hi, I’m Ashlee. I’m a mum of 3 children and 1 fur baby. I have completed my certificate 3 in business admin (medical) and currently completing my certificate 4 in Health Administration. I enjoy spending days on the water with my family and camping. I have a strong interest in Genealogy. I am also a full time carer for my mum and enjoy our time together sewing and completing many art projects.

Barb B
Recovery Worker
Hi, my name is Barb. I’m fairly new to Connection’s but i’m really enjoying my new role as a support worker. I’m married, a Mum of 4 and have 6 beautiful grandchildren. I believe my strengths are: my positive attitude, my communication skills and my natural ability to interact with people. I love the outdoors, cooking, scrapbooking and spending time with family and friends.

Barbara S
Recovery Worker
My name is Barbara. I moved to Australia from New Zealand in August 2021, and I have been a Mental Health Support Worker for Connections since September 2021. I have three boys and one girl, and I love music, dancing, reading, watching talent shows like The Voice and Netflix Korean Dramas

Bobbie
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Hi, my name is Bobbie. I started working at Connections in 2016. I have a diploma in counselling and enjoy working with people assisting to help live a rewarding and harmonious life.
I love spending time outdoors. Enjoy fishing, horse riding and gardening. I have 3 boys and an assortment of animals. My other passions include design and renovations.

Briana
Recovery Worker
Hi, my name’s Briana but everyone calls me Bree. I love meeting and getting to know new people. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach or hanging out with my friends and family.

David
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Hi, my name is Dave. I’m a father of two fantabulous kids who happily take up much of my spare time. When I’m not with my family, you’ll find me tinkering with old computers or immersed in a science fiction book. I love engaging with people and feel privileged to be part of their life journey as they stride toward their goals.
Gay
Cleaning Professional
Hi, my name’s Gabriella, I have been with Connections since 2014. I like making homemade cards for family and friends.

Kelli
Recovery Worker
Hi, I’m Kelli and I joined the Connections team at the beginning of 2025. I am a mum of two daughters and a second-year occupational therapy student. In my spare time I love spending time in nature, roller-skating, yoga, touch football, camping and listening to audiobooks or music.
Laura
Recovery Worker
Hi, I’m Laura, I am new to Connections and enjoying it. I’m passionate about helping others and supporting their overall wellbeing. As a mother of four daughters, I’ve developed strong empathy, patience, and understanding, which guide me in everything I do. My hobbies are gardening , watching Sports, refurbishing wooden furniture, travelling, and enjoying the sun. My motto is ” kindness is everything ”

Linda
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Hi I’m Linda. I’m a mum of 3 grown up sons. I spend my spare time getting out in nature, whether it be climbing a mountain or a casual stroll. I love photography, scrapbooking, and card-making. Nature is definitely the best therapy! I also enjoy baking and coffee!

Lisa B
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Hi, I’m Lisa B. I am passionate about neurodiversity, mental health and helping people achieve their individual goals. In my spare time, I enjoy crochet, knitting, and reading. I also love practicing kinesiology, Pilates, and walking with my dog, Beverley. Arts and crafts, music, and learning new things are some of my other interests.

Mandi
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Hi my names Mandi, I’ve been working with Connections since 2019 with a background of nursing / disabilities all my working life. I get great job satisfaction helping others reaching their goals and making people smile. I am a proud mum and nan to my daughter and 2 yr old twin grandsons. I have a variety of interests and always happy to try something new and believe that no problem is too big to be worked out or solved.

Mia L
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Talofa/Hello my name is Mia.
I am a mum of 3. I have been working at Connections since Feb 2021. I love being outdoors, whether its walking in a nature reserve or swimming at the beach. I like to maintain my fitness by walking or using the outdoor gyms at the park. In my spare time I love going on bike rides with my dog Sampson & enjoy playing cards, board games & doing puzzles. I enjoy doing art & crafts like painting, rock-painting & card-making and I love to help cook freezer meals & finding new cafes to try their coffee & cakes.

Melissa
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Hello, my name is Melissa. I love spending my free time with family and friends. I enjoy fishing, sightseeing drives or walks. I am told I’m pretty easy going and love to have a laugh.
Nate
Recovery Worker
Hi, my name is Nate. I have started my journey with the Connections team in October, 2025. I’m a young father of 1 amazing daughter, who has shown me a great new perspective of life, and meaning of happiness. I take pride in caring for others, and always find myself putting others first. I love all things sport, if you can name it then I either play it or actively watch it. I’m a diehard fan of the Geelong Cats in the AFL, but also passionately support all of my other chosen teams. If i’m not working, I’ve got sport on 24/7. Aside from that I enjoy time with family, walking, a bit of gaming and technology, as well as travelling and exploring new places.

Rachel
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Hello, my name is Rachel. I have completed a Psychology degree and really enjoy helping participants to work towards their goals. My interests are art, photography, bush walks, gardening, reading, music, and coffee. I am an animal lover and have two dogs plus some fish. I’m also a mum to two. I have a passion for working with neurodivergent clients and have worked for Connections since 2020.

Richard
Recovery Worker
Hi I’m Rich and I’m a “newbie” with Connections but I’ve got lots of experience in other roles. For example, I’ve created mentoring programs, case management and school programs for working with boys and young men. More recently I’ve been teaching English to adults and teenagers in Italy. I have a postgraduate in education and counselling, and I love European History, Psychology and I’m a tragic Sydney Swans fan.

Ruth
Recovery Worker
Hi I’m Ruth, I am a mother of 3 and have 5 grandchildren. I like reading, craft and sewing. I have a background in age care and enjoy working as a support worker.