Our Team Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, we embrace our team’s diverse perspectives and experiences as our greatest strength. We’re committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. By drawing on our broad backgrounds and talents, we ensure every voice is heard. This approach advances our mission, creating a more equitable organisation that effectively supports the mental health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders.
Staff Members
Emily Wolter
Chief Executive Officer
Emily Wolter
Chief Executive Officer
I'm honoured to lead the team at QAMH, driving lasting change through genuine collaboration, innovation, and a people-centred approach. At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to people—their voices, experiences, and well-being—which makes my role in mental health advocacy incredibly fulfilling. I hold a Bachelor of Science (International Business) and a Foundations of Sexology qualification from the U.S., along with a Graduate Certificate in Management and a Master of Education (Educational Research) from Australia. My experience in the not-for-profit sector spans strategic reform, advocacy, digital communications, workforce development, and system transformation. As CEO of QAMH, I’m focused on challenging the status quo, redefining our strategic vision with a bold, forward-thinking approach, and working alongside stakeholders to amplify our collective impact. Outside of work, you’ll find me walking my two rescue pups, Phoenix and Polly, podcasting, playing tennis, or jumping into a group boxing or dance class. I don’t mind the occasional bruised ego.
Chloe Jesson
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Chloe Jesson
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
At the heart of my journey to QAMH lies a core belief: everyone deserves access to the support they need to thrive. This belief has guided me through diverse experiences in education, disability, and mental health service delivery, spanning over a decade of leadership in these sectors. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with individuals and organisations dedicated to empowering others. These experiences, as well as my postgraduate education within business and applied mental health, have ignited a fierce determination to ensure my work has a positive impact on my community. Both my leadership style and my approach to stakeholder engagement are grounded in the understanding that harnessing the diverse strengths of individuals within a collaborative culture is the key to success. By leveraging my expertise in leadership and Operations, I am committed to driving meaningful change and improving the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services across Queensland. When I'm not working, you will often find me spending quality time with my husband and lively five-year-old twins, who keep me on my toes and remind me of the importance of finding joy in the little things. And as for ‘me time’, I routinely enjoy (and occasionally compete in) powerlifting — a passion that has certainly taught me a great deal about the power of perseverance and the importance of pushing beyond perceived limitations.
Marie Halloran
Director Corporate Services
Marie Halloran
Director Corporate Services
I have worked in the NFP sector for many years, most recently being the last five years in a Residential College in Brisbane, where my role was not only finance but also operations, overseeing the property, maintenance, and associated staff in those departments. Prior to that I held various financial roles in industries including, Disability Service Provider, Civil Engineering, Corporate Catering, Accounting. Taking on the role of Business Manager at QAMH in June 2022 felt like a natural fit for me. I have also owned a coffee shop, I thought it was a great idea at the time, still love my coffee though. Away from work I enjoy hiking, and spending time with family and my dogs.
Justine Bastow
Project Coordinator
Justine Bastow
Project Coordinator
Before arriving at QAMH, I worked as a dietitian supporting patients with complex chronic conditions across various community settings. Through this experience, I developed a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between mental and physical health, as many patients faced both challenges. My background in public health research and community nutrition projects has been fundamental in shaping my passion for influencing community wellbeing at a systems level. I’m excited to bring this experience to support the delivery of projects aimed at improving community mental health and wellbeing and making a meaningful difference in people's lives. When I’m not working on projects, you’ll likely find me at Bunnings, pretending I know what I’m doing with house renovations, or at home being endlessly entertained and followed around by my furry shadow and supervisor - my cat Frankie.
Linda Buxton
Policy Officer
Linda Buxton
Policy Officer
I have worked in public health for several decades. Most recently I worked for the Cancer Society of New Zealand, a not-for-profit in cancer prevention where challenging the status quo and re-orientating the health sector was my focus. I have a background in disability support services and community services where I further developed an appreciation for a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. I look forward to working with and alongside people of Lived Experience in my role at QAMH. A recent arrival from Ōtepoti/Dunedin with James we hope to establish a family base for our three adult kids to enjoy time in Queensland with us. I love the great outdoors, being in nature, listening to music, sport and gardening as well as quiet time cooking for family and friends. A whakatauki from Aotearoa, He waka eke noa, translates from Te Reo into English ‘we are all in this together’.
Simon Clough
Psychosocial Peak Coordinator
Simon Clough
Psychosocial Peak Coordinator
I’ve worked for the past 16 years in Queensland across a range of services including, homelessness, disability employment, mental health and harm reduction. I’ve held positions from front line service to management. I’m passionate about lived experience practice, learning to live with my own mental health issues and using these experiences to assist others, advocating for innovation and change with individuals, communities, health services and systems. I’m dedicated to community empowerment, coaching and mentoring. In my spare time I coach Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), supporting athletes at the highest level both nationally and internationally. I also enjoy mountain biking and blacksmithing.
Kristyn Culpepper
Membership, Communications & Design Advisor
Kristyn Culpepper
Membership, Communications & Design Advisor
I discovered a passion for communications and design when studying Journalism at UQ, which has led to a career in Brisbane and Melbourne working within the oil & gas, education, government, and now NFP mental health sectors. I love the creative aspect of my role and being able to combine that with advocating for positive change for Queensland while working with such a great team. I ADORE cats and have two rescues who still have no love for each other after 15 years together. In my down time I like to bake (I’m an amazing cake decorator in my head), work in my garden with my daughter and listen to true crime podcasts and ol’ skool rnb & hip hop.
Chelsea Jones
Workforce Project Officer
Chelsea Jones
Workforce Project Officer
I am a social worker from Adelaide who has worked across South-East Queensland and South Australia in community services, workforce development and vocational education, primarily in the areas of mental health, disability and sexual health. For the last 15 years, I have supported individuals, families and teams through amplifying voices, system navigation, advocacy, capacity building, and education and training. I’m excited to be at QAMH because my passion and career has been focused on cultivating a thriving mental health and wellbeing workforce and community. I enjoy picking up new hobbies (and then putting them back down again), adding to my ‘to-read’ pile (which is really just aspirational rather than functional) and keeping up with my young children.
Harry Kelly
Communications and Events Officer
Harry Kelly
Communications and Events Officer
Before moving to Australia, I worked in the UK for a corporate events company - very much as a generalist with responsibilities across marketing, event administration and CRM software. The latter was where I found a passion for business technology and how it can free up time for the people using it to focus on what really matters. In my role at QAMH, I am responsible for the configuration and adoption of our new Salesforce CRM system alongside events and communications duties. It’s inspiring to see the passion the entire team has for community mental health and wellbeing and it's exciting to be part of such an amazing group. Outside of work, I am all over anything exercise and outdoors – surfing, hiking, camping, rugby union (to name a few!). I also am a religious New York Times puzzler and casual chess player.
Jun Song
Project Officer (CALD) Workforce
Jun Song
Project Officer (CALD) Workforce
I have worked in the mental health sector in both South Korea and Australia, with a deep commitment to community-based mental health care. My journey began at a clubhouse (an evidence-based psychosocial rehabilitation program) in South Korea, where I trained as a mental health social worker. Upon moving to Australia, I continued working with clubhouse members who experience mental health challenges, focusing on employment, education, and social enterprise programs. It has been a privilege to be part of their journeys, witnessing their growth and achievements. Recently, I coordinated a research project focused on the bilingual and bicultural workforce in the health and community services sectors, which has provided me with new insights into the vital role these professionals play. I’m excited to continue contributing to this important work in workforce development with the dedicated team at QAMH. Outside of work, I’ve recently taken up tennis, aiming to play doubles with my three kids soon—a fun way to stay active and spend quality time together.
Yumi Stamet
Senior Advisor Workforce Projects
Yumi Stamet
Senior Advisor Workforce Projects
Since coming to Australia ten years ago my work has focused on supporting human service organisations to adjust their workforce strategies and practices to sector-wide developments and reforms. I do this because I’m driven to help create enabling work environments where employees flourish and can do their best work for the people they support. Before coming to Australia, I worked in the Netherlands as a principal workforce advisor to various sectors including disability services, aged care, health care, education and government. In my spare time I’m a volunteer coordinator for a greyhound rescue and rehoming charity. I also enjoy spending time with my own greyhound and my husband and practicing routines and performing on stage with my local dance teams.
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Board Members
Cathy O’Toole
Chair of Board (Skill-Based Director)
Cathy O’Toole
Chair of Board (Skill-Based Director)
I have extensive experience in the mental health community sector at national, state, and local levels. As a former Member of the Federal Parliament, I was actively engaged in navigating social and economic policy, driving strategic direction, and serving on various committees. I have held the position of CEO in the Community Managed Mental Health Sector for 15 years and I have been a small business owner for 30 years. I am currently the lead consultant with Mentally Healthy City Townsville, which is auspiced by the Tropical Brain and Mind Foundation. I am also serving on a number community boards on a voluntary basis: Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA), Carers Australia (CA), Glasser Australia (GA), and Unify Intercultural Australia. I hold several tertiary qualifications.
Melanie Sennett
Deputy Chair (Elected Director)
Melanie Sennett
Deputy Chair (Elected Director)
I am currently the CEO of Stepping Stone Clubhouse. I have been with Stepping Stone since 1996 and am passionate about engagement of people with mental health issues in service delivery. I have an interest in system reform and ensuring change at a systemic level. I’m a registered psychologist and have a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours) in Psychology. Through involvement in Clubhouse International, I have conducted accreditation visits to Clubhouses predominately in the USA and Asia. In addition, as Stepping Stone is an International Training base, I have provided Clubhouse training to Clubhouses from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, USA, UK and Europe. Being connected to an international movement allows for a thorough understanding of global mental health trends.
Chris Skelton
Chair of Finance (Skills-Based Director)
Chris Skelton
Chair of Finance (Skills-Based Director)
I have over 37 years of experience in professional services encompassing the provision of advisory, accounting and audit services to a diverse range of industries covering private business and public companies. In my 25 years of experience as an Audit Partner at major accounting firm BDO, I have assisted in the improvement of a wide variety of financial reporting and governance systems. I work closely with directors and management to help in their understanding of financial reporting information and enjoys unlocking the myths associated with accounting and making the numbers understandable and useful. I have undergraduate qualifications in Business, in addition to an array of roles and memberships outside of my daily practice as Director of NFP Accountants Pty Ltd, including, but not limited to, Fellowships with Governance Institute of Australia, Queensland and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
J.R. Baker
Elected Director
J.R. Baker
Elected Director
I am grateful to serve as a Director at Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, where I’m committed to supporting non-clinical mental health approaches that foster thriving, resilient communities. I also chair the Australian Social Prescribing Institute for Research and Education (ASPIRE), serve as an Associate Professor at Southern Cross University, lead Primary & Community Care Services (PCCS), and sit on the board of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF), which supports quality of life for people living with HIV, AIDS, and in the LGBTIQA+ community. My work focuses on empowering people to live fully, recognising their strengths and supporting what matters most to them. Health isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about embracing our perfectly imperfect selves and living meaningfully in each moment.
Belinda Chelius
Elected Director
Belinda Chelius
Elected Director
With over 15 years of leadership experience, including my current role as CEO of Eating Disorders Queensland (EDQ), I have a strong grasp of community-based mental health services. I specialise in addressing complex mental health issues such as eating disorders, trauma, and dual diagnoses. I have led reform initiatives and built partnerships with NGOs, public health agencies, and primary healthcare providers. My academic background (BA in Health Sciences, MSocWK) and Industry Fellowship at QUT further reinforce my evidence-based approach to mental health service delivery.
Michelle Cowan
Skills-Based Director
Michelle Cowan
Skills-Based Director
I have over 25 years of experience in private sector management, focussing on customer service, employee advancement and market development prior to moving into law in 2014, where I now practice in employment and workplace related matters. Throughout my working life, I have witnessed the effects of poor understanding of legal frameworks and understand how organisations can be held back from reaching their potential because they didn’t get professional assistance in developing good and legally compliant operational standards. I currently work closely with owners and management of NFP, charity and private sector employers to assist them to form, implement and maintain employment standards that help them to meet the needs and obligations of their business today and to grow into the future. I have a particular interest in workplace bullying and harassment, sexual harassment and the effects those issues have on organisation sustainability and growth. I also volunteer with a community legal service to assist people who cannot otherwise access legal support.
Stephanie Naunton
Skills-Based Director
Stephanie Naunton
Skills-Based Director
I am currently the CEO of Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation. Further to this I am a Director on the Boards of Stadiums Queensland, Mercy St Patrick’s College & Advisory Board Member at Deakin University. Prior to these positions, I was a Director on the Board of selectability - a regional Queensland community mental health organisation, selectability training, and Townsville Community Law and CEO of Unify Intercultural Australia. I have also worked as the Coordinator of Community Engagement and Volunteers and held the First Nations Portfolio with Wellways Carer Gateway. I completed my Bachelor in Laws at James Cook University, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the Australian National University, a Certificate in Leadership & Organising at Harvard, and my Masters in Politics & Policy at Deakin University. Before working in the community sector, I was the Senior Adviser to the Federal Member for Herbert,and Advisor to the then State Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland. I understand the importance of mental health services across regional Queensland and I’m passionate about advocacy to ensure all Queenslanders have fair and equitable access to mental health services.
Tanya O’Shea
Elected Director
Tanya O’Shea
Elected Director
Currently the Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, I have more than 24 years’ experience working in the not-for-profit sector. During this time, I have led IMPACT’s growth and diversification strategy under our Live, Grow and Prosper pillars. These pillars create a continuum of services that deliver a diverse range of programs within regional communities and enable the implementation of social enterprise models that create jobs and revenue streams specifically for people with a disability and living with a mental illness. Successfully completing a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), Master of Mental Health Practice and Master of Business Administration, I have had the opportunity to balance a strong academic and practical background in business management and leadership, with a keen interest in human behaviour and the interaction between mental and physical wellbeing. An advocate for taking personal responsibility for our wellbeing, I regularly share articles on LinkedIn in the hope of instilling action in others that will build inner strength, resilience, and clarity of purpose. Recognising an opportunity to also build this capability within our youth, I am participating in the Wellbeing First Innovation Hub, working with a design team that is creating an independent school model that seeks to deliver curriculum through a wellbeing lens.
Kris Sargeant
Skills Based Director
Kris Sargeant
Skills Based Director
I am a highly respected leader and coach in the field with three decades of experience in mental health and wellbeing. A highly accomplished professional, renowned for my expertise in designing and delivering safe and inclusive cultures, I am skilled in scaling organisations and implementing strategic cultural alignment to create exceptional, diverse and inclusive environments that yield outstanding outcomes for employees, businesses and customers. My skills include coaching, workshop facilitation, leadership development, conflict resolution, and change management. My career is marked by successful leadership in mental health and suicide prevention services, allied health, retirement living, supported and independent accommodation and housing services, aged care, disability, Registered Training Providers, and human and social services sectors, highlighting my ability to create impactful and sustainable transformations in any organisational setting. I am also a non-executive Director with Roses in the Ocean, Australia’s National Lived Experience of suicide organisation.