WINDANA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- General Manager Communication and Partnership
- Manager Communication and Partnerships
Adam believes in work that supports communities and those who live in them - particularly people who are disadvantaged, marginalised or at-risk. He is a strong advocate for ensuring diversity and inclusion aren't just buzz words, especially for the LGBTIQ+ community which he is proud to be a part of.
He joined the team in August 2020 and is focused on strengthening Windana's strategic, internal, and external communications capacity and positioning the organisation as an advocate for positive change.
Born and raised in the Latrobe Valley, Adam has over 10 years' experience working in Communications roles in the health and environmental sectors for not-for-profit and government organisations including the VicHealth, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and Latrobe Community Health Service.
Andrea joined Windana as CEO in November 2021. Andrea brings a diverse mix of clinical skills, governance expertise and personal experience to her work.
She started her career as a midwife and has more than 25 years' experience in clinical and operational leadership roles in health, aged care, public health, community services, and disability in New Zealand and Australia. She has been a Director on a number of Boards, including holding the position of Chairperson - Health Promotion Forum NZ, and Tautoko Services NZ. Andrea was previously a member of the Windana Board from 2017 to mid-2021.
Andrea has post graduate qualifications in Health Management, Clinical Governance and Rehabilitation. She is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management.
Her vision is for a society where addiction is treated like any other health condition - free from discrimination and stigma.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
- Chief Operating Officer for Dementia Australia
Anthony is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Dementia Australia having joined the organisation in 2019. Anthony's roles before this cover over 20 years' experience in the not-for-profit sector - having worked for organisations providing services in the disability, home nursing, home aged care support and residential aged care sectors. Prior to his involvement in the not-for-profit space Anthony had a number of roles in the commercial sector covering transport, service industries and travel.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Cameron Bird Director Title: Director Qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce, Monash University, Bachelor of Science, Monash University Graduate Diploma Of Chartered Accounting (ICAA), Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance & Investment (Kaplan) Experience and expertise: Cameron is a Partner with Ernst & Young focusing on strategic advice in public policy and investment in the health and human services sector. Cameron has worked with a range of private and public organisations across health, hospitals, research, aged care, disability, social housing and child and family services. Cameron joined the Windana Board in 2016. Special responsibilities: Member of Remuneration and Nominations Subcommittee
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Job Titles:
- General Manager Integration / Di Joined Windana in Late 2023 Following the Merger With TaskForce
- General Manager Integration / Di Joined Windana in Late 2023 Following the Merger With.
Di is an experienced senior manager with over 30 years of extensive knowledge across various sectors - including mental health, housing and homelessness.
Alongside her eduction and training, which includes a Bachelor of Social Work, Di's work at our merged organisation is enriched by her extensive experience in cross-sectorial partnership establishment and innovative service model design.
Job Titles:
- Manager Grampians Therapeutic Community
- Operations Manager Grampians Therapeutic Community
Doug joined Windana in February 2022 and brings a breadth of experience from social work, community, human services and tertiary education sectors. His previous roles in the community and human services sectors have overseen autonomous and independent state-wide management projects, providing direct and pastoral support to 600 staff, 300 carers and 1000 clients, as well as intensive clinical work in the mental health / alcohol and other drugs sector.
Doug has recently completed a research project in philosophy, examining how different existentialist schools of thought may have an impact on how an individual subjectively and phenomenological views their own mental health, and is incorporating this into his practice.
Job Titles:
- Executive Manager Integrated Services
Erin provides senior leadership across a diverse portfolio of wraparound programs and services - including TaskForce's Professional Development offering, client pre-accredited training, Cockatoo Community House, Employment Services and Behaviour Change Programs.
Having worked in community mental health, child protection, Primary Health Networks and tertiary education - Erin has a deep insight into both direct service delivery and strategic management.
Alongside qualifications in Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Counselling, Community Welfare, Protective Care and Training and Assessment, this experience enables Erin to ensure our Integrated programs and services are client-centred, inclusive and designed to help people reach their full potential.
As a leader, Erin is committed to ensuring her diverse team are empowered to continuously pursue learning, growth and individual capacity to support other team members and clients.
Job Titles:
- Manager Finance, Payroll and Procurement
Geoff has over 25 years' finance and operations experience within the not-for-profit sector, the past six at Windana. Prior to his current role, Geoff has held senior finance and operations management positions with various disability organisations where he helped to manage and secure their financial position. He is passionate about the not-for-profit sector and Social Enterprises and has always been a strong contributor to organisational sustainability whilst pursuing their defined mission.
Geoff has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and has maintained the Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) accreditation for more than 30 years.
Graham has worked 25 plus years in Information Technology. He has worked in various industries including manufacturing, distribution, healthcare and not-for-profit. With his vast experience and knowledge, he oversees ICT strategy, Cyber Security Framework and ICT Business Continuity Disaster Recovery.
In addition, he works on improving internal processes and utilising various IT technologies to ensure Windana leverages technology to operate efficiently and provide solutions which assist with our rehabilitation programs.
Graham has recently found himself drawn to working with community-based organisations that are committed to making a difference to peoples' lives and is excited to be working for Windana.
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager Maryknoll Therapeutic Community
Jason joined Windana in April 2023 with vast experience across diverse sectors, including alcohol and other drugs, pathology, mental health and community services. Jason is an accomplished strategic planner skilled at managing multi-faceted projects to achieve client and community goals. Before Windana, Jason most recently managed complex health systems projects across the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition to his professional experience, Jason has completed a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Master of Science in Public Health, Master in Health Planning and Management, Diploma of Community Services and Diploma of Mental Health.
Jason thrives on teamwork and furthering collaborative service delivery with other providers. He brings to Windana a zeal for delivering high quality services, building a respectful workplace culture and developing staff.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Jen Riley Director Title: Director Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Development Studies, Diploma in Governance Experience and expertise: Jen has over 20 years social sector experience having worked for government agencies and a range of large not-for-profits in Australia and overseas. Jen has worked in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, youth transitions, early years education, mental health, family violence, homelessness and drug and alcohol. For the past 10 years Jen's focus has been on the measurement and evaluation of social impact and as consultant has provided support to range of organisations including (in the past) Windana. Currently, the Chief Impact Officer at Our Community, Jen provides evaluation and outcome support to a government and non-government grantmakers. Jen has a lived experience of mental illness, and lives in Bayside with her wife and two young children. Jen joined the Windana Board in May 2021. Special responsibilities: Member of Remuneration & Nominations Subcommittee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Director
Jenny Gillam Director and Board Chair Title: Director and Board Chair Qualifications: Diploma of Management Experience and expertise: Jenny has a depth of executive experience having worked in the public, private and community sectors. She has specialist skills in Human Resources management and Executive Search with particular expertise in strategic planning, governance and financial management. As Director of Jenny Gillam Consulting, she works in both Talent Acquisition consulting and Executive Search. Having been on the Windana Board for many years, Jenny has seen the drug and alcohol sector change and develop significantly. Over recent years, with rapid expansion, she has continued to develop her understanding about the needs of clients, the diverse range of service offerings and the broader sector. Jenny's pro bono work includes being Chair of the Victorian Committee for the National Association of Women in Operations. Jenny joined the Windana Board in 2002. Special responsibilities: Board Chair; Chair Remuneration & Nominations Subcommittee; Member Finance Risk & Audit Subcommittee
Job Titles:
- General Manager People, Safety and Quality
Joanne Caruso CPHR has led strategic people functions in NFP Sector for over 10 years. Prior to commencing at Windana in April 2021, Joanne was Head of HR at Beyond Blue and Head of People & Culture at Good Shepherd Microfinance, where she worked closely with Executives and Board directors.
She has extensive and varied experience in community organisations, including early-career roles in the fields of Social Work and Quality. As well as a Bachelor of Social Work, Joanne has a post graduate qualification in HR management including registration as a Certified Practitioner in HR.
Joanne has been a State Councillor with Australian HR Institute as well as a convenor of their NFP HR Network.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Larissa Seymour Director Title: Director Qualifications: Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Postgraduate Diploma Psychology; Bachelor Social Sciences; Diploma Population Health; Diploma Community Development Experience and expertise: Larissa has 15 years' experience as a company director in the health sector. She has contributed to both state and federal policy development and implementation, and has managed a range of public health policy responses within non-profit organisations, Primary Health Networks, and state government branches. This has included, local, regional, and state-wide service planning, commissioning, and implementation across mental health, AOD, housing and COVID-19 initiatives. Larissa's work is currently focused on implementing key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. Special responsibilities: Member Quality & Safety Subcommittee
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager Windana Youth Community House
Lea joined Windana in 2015 with specialist expertise in young people's rehabilitation and mental health services, having worked with diverse clients and carers across varied settings.
Lea's roles at Windana have included Case Worker, Program Coordinator and now Operations Manager - allowing her to use her expert insight to continuously improve the way clients and staff experience Windana. Lea has driven significant projects at Windana's youth service including improving Intake and Assessment processes, and building the important stakeholder connections that enrich each client's program and life beyond.
As leader of our youth withdrawal service in Dandenong, Lea is focused on enabling her multi-disciplinary team to increase their engagement with young people - through the pursuit of learning and growth, and being curious and courageous to find the best ways to provide quality care.
Job Titles:
- Executive Manager Social Impact & Growth
As a senior leader and force for positive change, Lisa seeks opportunities to drive policy reform, test new approaches and improve practice - benefiting many across the community. The revolutionary Living Free Project is an example an initiative developed by Lisa with life-changing outcomes for many girls.
Lisa has worked for over two decades across the justice, health and community services sectors in a diverse range of roles including direct practice, research, evaluation, training, service improvement and planning.
Lisa's ability to positively influence systems - through developing strong partnerships, thinking strategically and being innovative - makes her a powerful agent for improving outcomes and justice for people whose lives are affected by alcohol and other drugs, mental health and other challenges.
The values that underpin Lisa's transformative work are a passion for social justice, and centring the voices of people with lived and living experience.
Job Titles:
- Manager Quality and Safety
Lucy brings years of experience leading large not-for-profit healthcare organisations in quality, risk management and audit roles. A Registered Nurse, Lucy turned to clinical governance as an expression of her drive to improving the experience, quality and safety of service of those seeking healthcare support and treatment. Lucy believes that it is fundamentally the frontline clinician and support worker who deliver that quality, safety and experience, but sees clinical governance and quality as the enablers for those workers to be the best they can be in their roles.
Lucy has worked at Alfred Health, Cabrini Healthcare, Epworth Healthcare and COVID Quarantine Victoria, and at a range of public and private providers in Western Australia. Lucy spent a most rewarding and instructive two years working with Town Council in Jabiru and Gunbalanya, Arnhemland, NT. She holds post-graduate qualifications in clinical education and health services administration.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Marita Scott Director Title: Director Qualifications: Registered Nurse Division 1, Graduate Diploma Health Management Experience and expertise: Marita has extensive executive experience working in health and human services including for purpose, public and private. Operational experience across diverse sectors including primary health, aged care, child, youth and family, mental health, drug and alcohol, disability and asylum seeker/refugee sectors provides a clear understanding of the social model of health. Marita is passionate about good governance which provides the foundations for a thriving culture and the provision of quality human services. A values driven professional who is committed to social justice in which human rights and equality are demonstrated in the everyday lives of people. Marita is committed to help building a society in which individuals are empowered to achieve their dreams and goals within an inclusive community. Her pro bono work includes membership of Sisters of Mercy Safeguarding Advisory Committee. Marita joined with Windana Board in November 2021. Special responsibilities: Chair Quality & Safety Subcommittee
Job Titles:
- General Manager Finance and IT
Mark is a commercial, financial and strategic leader with experience across the government, private equity and publicly listed sectors in Australia and abroad. Mark joined Windana in 2023 with diverse skills in business partnering, statutory and regulatory reporting, budgeting, risk-based management, governance, digital technology, growth and strategy.
A Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant, Mark holds a Master of Business Administration and has been recognised for his strong leadership, enabling him to lead teams towards exceptional outcomes in the financial, risk management, information technology and infrastructure spaces at Windana. Mark holds stakeholder needs and business ethics paramount, and furthers collaboration, positive relationships and innovation through his work.
Mark also works in the community in a coaching and mentoring capacity to support others in job placement and towards having a sense of achievement and worth, as well as advising small and medium sized businesses and aims to leave a positive legacy with each step.
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager Drug Withdrawal House
Mark was appointed to the new leadership position of Operations Manager - Drug Withdrawal House in 2023, working across the strategic, operational and clinical aspects of Windana's adult residential withdrawal service.
Training and qualifying in the United Kingdom, Mark is a Registered Mental Health Nurse and holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Master of Science in Mental Health Nursing, Master of Science in Health Administration and further qualifications in project management.
Mark has a wealth of experience working in executive roles within mental health services. These involved ongoing collaboration with alcohol and other drug services to develop transitional care pathways for clients. At Windana, this experience enables Mark to ensure clients receive comprehensive, person-centred care.
As a leader, Mark is passionate about building confidence in team members and clients alike - so that they can develop their skills and work towards their full potential.
Job Titles:
- General Manager Operations
- General Manager Rehabilitation Services
Mark joined Windana in June 2022. Prior to this, Mark held Senior Management and Executive roles as with the North-West Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN), YSAS and most recently as Senior Manager at Frontyard Youth Services at Melbourne City Mission.
Mark completed his general nursing training in the mid 1990's and concurrently undertook post graduate studies in Addiction, Paediatrics, and Midwifery, while working in hospitals and community health settings in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
He has a keen interest in working in areas that address the Social Determinants of Health and has extensive experience in developing and implementing new models of care, and commissioning new services. Mark holds an MBA, a Masters of Health Science (Primary Health Care and Community Health), and is an Associate Fellow of the College of Health Service Management.
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager Community Services
Maya joined Windana in 2023 with a dual focus on the strategic and operational leadership of Windana's holistic Community Services - including Care and Recovery Coordination, Counselling for alcohol and other drugs, Family Program, Health & Healing, Intake and Peer Support.
Prior to Windana, Maya was Senior Manager Complex Mental Health and Disability at ERMHA and has held leadership positions in the Local Area Coordination team in Melbourne East and Gippsland (with Latrobe Community Health), and at Headspace. Maya's education includes a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Graduate Diploma of Counselling.
Maya's background in both client-facing and senior management roles equips her to motivate and develop teams - so that in turn they can empower Windana's clients to set and accomplish their goals. Principles of Maya's leadership include a commitment to lifelong learning, enabling people to live meaningful lives, including lived experience in service development and provision, expanding holistic and client-focused pathways and keeping clients and the community at the centre of services.
Maya is passionate about contributing to an alcohol and other drug sector where diverse clients can access responsive, comprehensive care - with life changing outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Director Clinical Services
Mel leads a management team who deliver TaskForce's Youth Services, ResetLife program, Frankston-Mornington Peninsula and Bayside AOD services, Living Free Project and programs at SECADA.
With over 15 years working across the alcohol and other drug sector in client-facing and managerial roles, Mel is an expert in clinical governance and our sector. This knowledge allows Mel to ensure clients receive the best and most relevant services that promote healthy lives, relationships and communities.
Mel leads on a foundation of trust and clear communication, and is committed to increasing resilience, focus and engagement in her team so that each team member is empowered to provide clients with services that have life-changing outcomes.
Through strengthening partnerships and staunch advocacy, Mel is dedicated to ensuring systemic change that benefits the most marginalised members of our community.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Minh Nguyen Director Title: Director Qualifications: Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts Experience and expertise: Minh has experience in governance, risk and strategic leadership through board membership of community and membership-based organisations. Minh has worked in diverse sectors with roles in senior management, research and evaluation and systemic advocacy. Minh is passionate about social justice, representation and respecting people as experts in their own lives.
Job Titles:
- Manager Property and Maintenance
Paul joined Windana in mid-2023 with a background working in operations and facilities management across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, including Aged Care.
Alongside his Graduate Diploma of Management and Certificate IV in Frontline Leadership, Paul has extensive experience managing property and other assets, coordinating scheduled and reactive maintenance, ensuring building compliance and accreditation, and delivering capital projects. This expertise equips Paul to oversee and manage Windana's facilities and fleet, ensuring strategy is in step with the diverse needs of our clients, residents and staff.
Paul enjoys building and contributing to a strong organisational culture where each Windana location is supported to safely and effectively help people rebuild their lives. Paul brings a collaborative style to his role - enabling him to support Windana's teams around Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong.
The Peter Bucci Award was established by the Board of Windana in 2003 to honour the memory of Peter Bucci.
Peter founded Windana in 1984 and was the Chief Executive Officer through to his retirement in 2002. He had many wonderful qualities and never lost sight of the human element of his work.
Peter had a boundless capacity to listen, empathise and engage with all those around him. He had a fantastic ability for bringing out the best in people and was able to make people feel really good about themselves. He was a kind, compassionate and non-judgmental man who accepted everyone for who and what they were. His faith in people's ability to change enabled him to inspire them and help them take charge of their lives. Peter was also a creative and innovative thinker and had a great sense of humour.
These things, along with his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with whom he worked, are his legacy to Windana and the drug and alcohol field generally.
Job Titles:
- Manager Withdrawal Services
Job Titles:
- Manager Barwon Therapeutic Community
- Operations Manager Barwon Therapeutic Community
Shelley has over 20 years' experience in AOD service delivery across most AOD treatment types including counselling, forensics, withdrawal, community programs and aftercare, and the therapeutic community. Shelley also has experience in Refugee Health, Gambler's Help, and youth and adult mental health.
Shelley is dedicated to learning and supporting meaningful change for others. Her work is informed by sector connections, peak bodies, a broad range of diverse training and formal qualifications including a Master of Health Science (D&A), Master of Social Work, Diploma of Leadership and Management, Diploma of Community Services, ad Cert IV in both Mental Health and Training and Assessment.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Director
- Member of the Board
- Deputy Board Chair
- Director and Deputy Board Chair
Stelvio Vido Director and Deputy Board Chair Title: Director and Deputy Board Chair Qualifications: BCom, LLB, University of Melbourne; MBA, Melbourne Business School; GAICD Experience and expertise: Experience and expertise: Stelvio is an experienced Director and Chair with over 20 years Board experience across a range of sectors including health and human services, group training and employment services, community legal aid and TAFE. He also has extensive executive experience having worked in senior roles in community organisations, management consulting, local government and commercial media. His most recent role executive was CEO of Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre. Since then he has focussed on governance roles in for purpose organisations. Stelvio is currently a Director of Latrobe Community Health Service, Family Planning Victoria and SuniTAFE. Stelvio joined the Windana Board in May 2021. Special responsibilities: Member Finance Risk and Audit Subcommittee