Speakers – Queensland Alliance for Mental Health

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I am honoured to lead QAMH in the drive for change for a more accessible and fit-for-purpose mental health sector. My background spans business, research, management, and sexology – an unconventional mix that keeps me curious, grounded, and always learning. Originally from Minnesota, I relocated to Australia over 10 years ago – originally to Far North NSW and later to Melbourne before landing here in Brisbane. I was previously Deputy CEO at Mental Health Victoria and have executive experience in program and workforce development as well as communications and membership engagement. Outside of my work, you can usually find me out for a walk with Phoenix and Polly (my 2 pups), drinking overpriced coffee, reading in my rocking chair, and listening to or recording my own podcast.

Tiffany Westphal serves as a director of School Can’t Australia, volunteering in the group for 5+ years. As a social worker, Tiffany supports neurodivergent students experiencing school can’t and their families. She has supported her own daughter for 10 years through on and off school can’t. The developer of Student Stress Investigation, Tiffany is passionate about sharing what she has learned in these varied roles, so students and their families can be better supported in the community.

Mere is the Health & Equality Lead at Women’s Health and Equality Queensland with 20-years’ experience working across health & allied health regulation and not-for-profit spaces. Mere leads the work of the Health and Equality Team and supports the innovation and co-creation of meaningful, community-led responses that support women to be empowered as the experts of their own health and wellbeing.

Roheena Tahir is a South Australia–based PhD researcher, lecturer, and RN. Her PhD research focuses on mental health, with an emphasis on qualitative methods and working with vulnerable populations such as refugees and underprivileged communities. She teaches research methods, mental health, communication, and counselling. Roheena is passionate about social justice and enjoys reading and walking in nature.

Yumi, Senior Advisor Workforce Projects at the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, brings expertise in organisational psychology and management. With master’s degrees in both fields, she focuses on organisational design and workforce strategy. She uses her experience to support community service providers tackle critical workforce challenges in the mental health sector because of the crucial role the workforce plays in ensuring that people can access appropriate mental health support when needed.

Jun Song, Multicultural Workforce Project Officer at QAMH, brings extensive experience from South Korea and Australia, working in clubhouses. Starting as a mental health social worker, Jun focuses on community-based mental health services, supporting employment and education programs. Recently, Jun coordinated a bilingual workforce evaluation project, assessing their roles and challenges.

Rebecca is the National Manager of Care Opinion Australia, with a background in communication and experience moderating and assessing consumer stories for safety and impact. She supports services to listen to and respond to stories of lived experience, including feedback that may be complex or challenging. Rebecca leads a values-driven team focused on embedding lived experience in service improvement and building more responsive, person-centred care.

Leah is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, School of Psychology. Her research interests are broadly in the fields of Social, Emotion, and Health Psychology. Leah’s postdoctoral research has included evaluating community approaches to loneliness, with her fellowship currently focused on understanding how victim-survivor experiences of loneliness are associated with health and social outcomes after escaping from intimate partner violence.

Jasmine is a community development and engagement expert and a qualified interpreter. She has extensive experience working in Australia and internationally with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, specifically refugees and people seeking asylum. Jasmine is passionate about community-led, strength-based, intersectional practice and cultural safety. Since 2017, Jasmine has worked at cohealth where she developed and continues to lead the bicultural program.

Paul O’Hanlon-Rose completed a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Counselling at QUT in 2017. Since then, Paul has worked primarily with young people providing counselling support and advocacy within the many systems which intersect their lives. Paul has been a Child and Youth Counsellor/Advocate at QPASTT since 2021. Throughout this time Paul has worked with people from a diverse range of backgrounds, often through periods of transition or change, coming to terms with their own identity and place in the world.

Dr Graham Pringle (PhD Griffith University 2024) has experience in Residential and Foster Care, Outdoor Education, Adventure Based Youth Work and Adult Training. He is a director of the International Society for the Study or Trauma and Dissociation, Outdoors Queensland, and Youth Flourish Outdoors, trainer for the School of Outdoor Therapeutic Practice, a friend of Outdoor Therapy Centre for Research and Practice, and a casual academic with Charles Sturt University. Graham has spent over 20 years pursuing adventure as therapy for adolescents.

Ryan Olsen brings leadership and passionate advocacy for lived experience integration across clinical, community, and peer-led mental health services. As Wellbeing Team Lead at four Queensland Medicare Mental Health Centres, he drives the integration of lived experience within multidisciplinary care models. Ryan’s work focuses on systems reform, co-design, and challenging entrenched service hierarchies to improve outcomes. He is committed to building mental health systems grounded in equity, person-centred care, and the voices of lived experience.

Cathy O’Toole brings more than three decades of leadership experience across the mental health and community sectors. A former Federal MP, Cathy contributed to social and economic policy reform at a national level and brings deep expertise in governance, strategy, and systems change. She has served as CEO in the Community Managed Mental Health Sector for 15 years, owned and operated a small business for over 30 years. Cathy sits on multiple boards including Community Mental Health Australia, the national peak body for the community mental health sector.

Jamie is a C2C Project Officer with lived experience of Complex-PTSD, ADHD, fibromyalgia, and eating disorder recovery. She has a degree in Graphic Design & Advertising and a Post-Graduate Degree in Psychological Science. Jamie continues to use her lived expertise, serving on advisory groups and research projects as a lived experience representative across WA. Jamie has a background in mental health research and previously worked as a Peer Practitioner.

Jenny Melrose is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA and a member of AAPI. As Clinical Team Leader for Country to Coast PHN’s Medicare Mental Health Centres, she oversees services in Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton. With qualifications in psychology and adult education, Jenny has worked in public and private health, NGOs, and academia. She tailors therapy to individual needs, specializing in ACT and CBT while integrating CFT, DBT, and EMDR. Her approach is person-centred, empathic, and engaging.

Andrew is a dedicated member of Stepping Stone Clubhouse Inc., where he volunteers in the Hospitality Unit and provides peer support to fellow members. As a member of the Management Committee, he plays a vital role in the governance and oversight of the program. His expertise extends to training other Clubhouses and he has represented Stepping Stone on both national and international stages. His lived experience informs his approach, driving impactful change and innovation.

Claire Marsh is a Senior Research Officer at Emerging Minds, and has worked in research and health services quality improvement projects for 20 years. Claire is passionate about data-informed decision making and building capacity among project teams for evaluative thinking and data collection. She has worked with internal stakeholders at Emerging Minds to co-design program indicators and develop associated data collection tools, including the National Workforce Survey for Parent, Family and Child Mental Health.

Ally Kelly is the Founder and CEO of Mind Blank, a mental health charity dedicated to suicide prevention through early intervention. With over a decade of experience in mental health advocacy, Ally leads innovative programs that use storytelling and lived experience to spark conversation, reduce stigma, and connect communities. Her work is grounded in collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and a passion for empowering communities to thrive.

Chelsea Jones is a social worker with experience across South-East Queensland and South Australia in community mental health, community services, workforce development, and vocational education. Over the past 15 years, Chelsea has worked to support individuals, families, and teams through direct support, advocacy, system navigation, capacity building, information dissemination and training, primarily in the areas of mental health, disability, and sexual health. Passionate about building a thriving mental health and wellbeing workforce and community, Chelsea is proud to continue this work through their role at QAMH.

Ally is a PhD Candidate at University of QLD and her research focusses on how children’s experiences of regret can help them make better decisions for themselves and for others. Ally has an interest in how children’s connections to community improve their wellbeing. She is currently assisting in the coordination of the Statewide Social Prescribing Trial across 10 sites in Queensland, which aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation in children, young people, and families.

Chloe Jesson is Deputy CEO at QAMH where she leads member engagement, communications, and strategic projects to build capacity across the community mental health sector. Drawing on leadership experience across mental health, disability, and education, Chloe brings a dual perspective as a carer and service provider. Her work is grounded in strengthening sector capability and connection, ensuring QAMH members are supported to influence reform and deliver responsive, sustainable services.

Mel James is the CEO and founder of Social Care Solutions, a purpose-led child safeguarding consultancy, specialising in training, assessment and support services across Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand. With over 70 dedicated social workers, practitioners, consultants, and trainers delivering the highest quality child protection and safeguarding services, SCS has developed a reputation as an industry disrupter, a thought leader and driver of practice innovation to ensure better outcomes for children and young people.

Leith James is a leading sound therapist with 15 years’ experience facilitating over 1,000 sound baths and wellness sessions. Trained by Gong Master Don Conreaux and the British Academy of Sound Therapy, he runs GongScape in Queensland and leads ASHA nationally. Leith represented Australia in a Guinness World Record gong event and now advocates for trauma-informed sound therapy across Australia.

Sarah Higgins is the Projects & Administration Officer at Care Opinion Australia. Drawing on her lived experience of mental health, both personally and as a carer, she supports people to craft feedback that maximises impact and encourages meaningful responses. With a background in public relations and project coordination, she brings strong communication skills, empathy, and an understanding of the power of feedback.

Dan is a member of the leadership team at Stepping Stone Clubhouse Inc., an organisation dedicated to community-based, flexible approaches to supporting mental health, wellbeing, and social inclusion. A social worker with lived experience, Dan has been part of the Stepping Stone team since 2018, enacting his strong passion for building supportive communities, and advocating for accessible, holistic, collaborative person-led approaches to mental health and wellbeing

Ara ‘Julga’ Harathunian is the founder of Jahavel and a leader in transformational training. Jahavel has two operational training arms—Healing Beyond Borders and Kultchafi—that provide 21st-century Healing solutions based on ancient wisdom. Ara has more than 40 years’ professional experience in Governance, Eldership, Leadership and Healing counselling and facilitation. His interests lie in holistic health, community development, workplace governance and dynamics, mentoring, research, spirituality, well-being, and wellness.

Dr. Shweta Goyal is an educator, author, and community advocate with a PhD in Education and extensive experience supporting migrant and multicultural communities. Drawing from her lived experience and research, she champions culturally responsive mental health strategies. Shweta is a speaker, columnist, and mentor dedicated to empowering individuals through inclusive education, emotional wellbeing, and cross-cultural connection.

Dr Melinda Goodyear is Manager, Research and Evaluation at Emerging Minds and has been working as a researcher and implementation specialist in early intervention and resilience of children experiencing emerging mental health issues since 2003. Dr Goodyear is currently the Manager of Research and Evaluation at Emerging Minds, and works alongside the Families team to translate the evidence base of ‘what works, for whom’ into the development of the program theory to support Emerging Minds Families.

Viktoriia Fomina is a Counsellor/Advocate at QPASTT, specialising in providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care to clients who have experienced torture and trauma. She holds a Master of Social Work degree and has over two years of experience in the mental health field. Viktoriia has worked with diverse populations across various settings. She is passionate about research and evidence-based practices, using a warm and compassionate approach to build therapeutic relationships and empower her clients on their healing journey.

Genevieve is a Professor in clinical psychology at the University of QLD with an interest in how groups and communities influence mental health and wellbeing. Her work has focused on both clinical groups (like therapy groups and therapeutic communities) and non-clinical groups (including choir singing, creative writing and nature based social prescribing). Genevieve is the arts and culture lead of the peak body ASPIRE (Australian Social Prescribing Institute for Research and Education).

Peter Davison is a Senior Research and Evaluation Officer at Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ). He is a member of the Australian Anthropological Society and is currently finalising his PhD, which explores the roles of the many silences in the lived experience of suicide. In his role at RFQ, he has the opportunity to collaborate with individuals who identify with lived/living experience while also helping the organisation progress towards becoming a recognised centre of research excellence.

Anita is a passionate advocate for centering lived experience in mental health. As the Lived Experience Coproduction and Engagement Lead at Wellways, she ensures lived experience is embedded in program design and delivery. With over eight years of experience, Anita has shaped initiatives like the Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Services and Peer Cadet Program in Victoria, as well as the Medicare Mental Health Centres in Queensland. Also a Lived Experience Academic at La Trobe University, Anita is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Data Science to make data more inclusive and reflective of lived realities.

Michele is a Queer woman with lived experience of psychosocial disability. Currently, Michele is a Project Officer on the Consumers of Mental Health WA Collaborate to Connect project. With a background in Peer Support, Mental Health, NDIS Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, and Training & Development, Michele brings curiosity and playfulness to her exploration of topics such as Co-design – making the complex accessible.

Bianca is the Health Promotion Coordinator at Women’s Health and Equality Queensland. She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion about creating impactful change to improve the health and wellbeing of women. At Women’s Health and Equality Queensland, Bianca utilises her expertise to create and lead health promotion initiatives, education, and programs, as well as contribute to systems reform and social change through advocacy and policy.

Blake Barber is an Assistant Manager at Brook RED, an entirely lived experience organisation. They are informed by their experience of being queer and non-binary and strive for an inclusive and affirming environment for all. They have a keen interest in the development of the lived experience workforce and how these workforces are supported.

De Backman-Hoyle, CSP, CLP, FAIM is National Manager Community Engagement at Mental Health Carers Australia (MHCA), Australia’s National Peak Body advocating for families, carers, and kin in mental health. With over two decades in systemic advocacy, De has contributed to shaping national strategies embedding lived experience expertise into mental health policies and services. Known for her collaborative leadership, De is determined to create initiatives that empower carers as influential sector leaders. Passionate and persistent, she is committed to ensuring families and carers are central to mental health reform.

Saina Avesta is a trans woman from Iran with a refugee background. She is an activist for LGBTIQ+ and Refugee rights. Saina is one of the peer leaders coordinating Third Queer Culture which is a peer support group for LGBTIQ+ identifying people who have an experience of seeking safety in Australia. Saina is also one of the Training Officers in QPASTT. She has a background in community development, social work and project facilitation for people with refugee backgrounds in Turkey and Australia.

Jenna Auer is the Founding Principal of Impact Community ACADEMY, a new special assistance school in regional Queensland that supports disengaged young people by providing holistic and inclusive education through a wellbeing lens. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary), a Master of Education (Special Needs), and a Certificate IV in Assessment and Training. Jenna has extensive experience in primary school settings and alternative secondary education, including serving as a Lead Teacher for Innovation and Excellence.

Matthew has a background in visual arts, community development, and research. Employed by Parent to Parent (P2P), Matthew supports co-designed peer-led projects and is a graphic facilitator of PATH (Planning Alternatives Tomorrow with Hope). Holding a Master’s in Human Services (Mental Health), Matt facilitates PATH alongside young people experiencing mental health challenges. Matthew also co-facilitates a peer group “drawing pictures to tell stories” and has completed peer-reviewed research on creative transition planning through Griffith University.

Waveney Yasso, a proud Yuwi Burra and South Sea Islander based in Meanjin, is a dynamic musician, composer, and cultural advocate. A WAAPA graduate, she has toured globally with Pub Choir and collaborated with artists like Paul Kelly, Powderfinger, Killing Heidi, Lior, Cat Empire and Meg Mac. Her work spans children’s music, theatre, and film, including award-winning projects and cultural compositions. Waveney is dedicated to preserving language, songlines and history through art, and culture through music, with notable performances at TEDx, SBS live, and the World Science Festival Brisbane. When away from music, Waveney is actively working in communities to maintain culture, language and connection to country. You can find her website here.

Dr Alan D. Thompson is an AI consultant advising most of the Fortune 500s, including Microsoft and Google. Alan’s book ‘Bright’was made available to Elon Musk’s gifted school in California, a copy of the book was sent to the Moon in 2024. He recently appeared on ABC Catalyst discussing prompt engineering and his 2021 AI avatar with million views, Leta AI.

Alex Lau is the CEO of SeeSharp Group, a consulting firm helping companies make smart marketing decisions & run profitable campaigns within 90 days. SeeSharp Group is also the leading StoryBrand Agency in Asia-Pacific. Alex and his consultants are specialists in using the world-renowned SB7 framework to craft clear messaging as a springboard to successful marketing campaigns.

Commissioner Frkovic has worked in the Queensland mental health system for more than 30 years and oversees the delivery and implementation of Queensland’s strategic plan for mental health, alcohol and drugs and suicide prevention. Commissioner Frkovic is experienced across government and non-government organisations, bringing all sectors together to focus on delivering better mental health outcomes for Queenslanders.

Doctor Mark Cross is a consultant psychiatrist with clinical experience spanning three decades. He was the lead psychiatrist on two series of the ground-breaking ABC series Changing Minds. He’s the best-selling author of three books, appears regularly in the media and is the founder of The Anxious Shrink on Facebook, which has reached around a million people – it’s anxiety advice that won’t make you more anxious. His third book Mental State- Navigating Australia’s insane mental health system and how to fix it had just been published. The book discusses how we are failing people at all stages of their journey to mental well-being – and that includes the staff as well as the patients. Mark graduated as a doctor in Cape Town, specialised in the UK, and has worked as a specialist in Sydney since 2005, and is a former board member and current patron of SANE. Mark also has lived experience of one of the conditions he treats – he’s been anxious since he was four. His empathy and humour make him one of Australia’s most loved psychiatrists.

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