Our Staff

General Manager

A progressive and proactive executive, with a proven aptitude and extensive working knowledge of both community and corporate governance, Bernie is a highly attuned and successful business leader in the not-for-profit sector, who is committed to achieving and exceeding organisational benchmarks.

Operations Manager

Hi, I’m Lisa. I have worked for Connections for 15 years and oversee the day to day operations of the organisation including Human Resources.  I have a Diploma of Community Services (Alchol, Other Drugs & Mental Health). I have 3 Beautiful children and am passionate about Mental Health and I am encouraged when seeing our particioants growth and determination to reach their indivudual goals. 

Rostering Coordinator / Administration

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!

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. 

 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.

My name is Maddi, and I have working with Connections since 2019. I have a bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science for University of Queensland. I love being a support worker to help participants reach their goals. I enjoy cooking, art and animals and having a chat with everyone.

Hi, I’m Clare. I’m a Behaviour Support Clinician & work with both adults & children. I develop interventions and implements behaviour support plans for improving quality of life & minimising challenging behaviours. I hold a Masters in Education & Leadership from the Australian Catholic University (ACU) & Teach for Australia. I have worked in leadership positions in various regional & remote towns of WA to develop programs in education & wellbeing for students from backgrounds of trauma & disability.

 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.

I’m Alison, I am passionate about mental health and helping people achieve their individual goals. I also have three beautiful teenage children. I really enjoy being at Connections and having the opportunity to work with our amazing participants. I love reading, nature, learning, music, arts/crafts, swimming, and fishing is definitely my happy place.

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.

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

Hi there, my name is Carrie and I’m a mom of two young boys.  I am originally from South Africa, but I have been living in Australia for 12years now.  I have two dogs who keep me busy, and I enjoy gardening, painting and music.  My passion in life is helping people all unique in their own way.

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. 

Hi, my name is Kanani. I am currently studying social work and hope to graduate next year. I love to travel and go on adventures – whether that be going to an overseas country, going on a road trip or exploring a local place I have never been before. I also play social oztag and love spending time with friends and family. 

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.

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.

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.

Hello, my name is Rachel.  I am a mum of two who is studying Psychology at UQ. My interests are art (drawing/painting) photography, bush walks and coffee. I also have personal and professional knowledge/experience working with autistic adults.

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.

Hi, my names 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. I also enjoy all things Indoor Plants (Fun Fact: I have over 100+ plants). 

My name is Sharon. My passion is aiming to make a small difference in the world. I am fortunate to support people on their journey to achieve their goals. My interests include walking, swimming, family, and friend days and forever learning

Hi my name is Tiahna.  I am currently studying Nursing and hope to graduate next year!  I enjoy playing sport, especially rugby and Oztag.  In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends, whilst singing carpool karaoke… My favourites are country songs.  And I love food!

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