OUR TEAM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - ABILITY ADVOCATES AUSTRALIA

Lorraine is a values‑driven executive leader passionate about improving social outcomes and strengthening support for vulnerable communities. With extensive executive and board experience across government, not‑for‑profit, for‑purpose and commercial organisations, she brings deep expertise in social services, disability inclusion, and community impact.

As the CEO and Executive Director of Ability Advocates Australia, Lorraine leads the organisation’s strategic direction, service quality, and operational excellence. She also serves as a Volunteer Director of the Ability Advocates Foundation, contributing executive capability, governance support, and oversight of collaborative initiatives, charitable projects and community impact 

programs.

CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – ABILITY ADVOCATES AUSTRALIA

Assad is an accomplished accounting specialist who prioritises outcomes, integrity, and continual improvement. With more than two decades of experience across finance and corporate teams, he has successfully managed multimillion‑dollar budgets, strengthened financial governance, and delivered complex organisational projects with precision.

As the Chief Finance Officer and Executive Director of Ability Advocates Australia, Assad oversees financial strategy, compliance, and long‑term sustainability, ensuring strong stewardship of resources that enables the organisation to deliver meaningful social impact. He is a Certified Practising Accountant and holds a postgraduate degree in Accounting.

INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT & COUNSELLING LEAD

Greg is a registered counsellor and qualified personal trainer who brings a highly integrated, evidence‑informed approach to supporting people with disabilities, young people, and other vulnerable cohorts.

As Counselling Lead, Greg provides clinical leadership across employment, wellbeing, and vocational programs. 

He integrates therapeutic counselling with movement‑based and regulation‑focused approaches to build emotional resilience, confidence, and functional participation, and leads multidisciplinary teams delivering outcomes‑driven programs in individual and group settings aligned to real‑world life and employment goals.

INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT & INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS LEAD

Ian brings a diverse background across inclusive recruitment, employer engagement, operations, and community services, with a strong focus on creating meaningful employment pathways for people facing barriers to work. His experience spans disability employment services, homelessness support, and commercial roles, allowing him to effectively bridge workforce needs with social impact.

At Ability Advocates, Ian leads Inclusive Recruitment and Industry Partnerships, working with employers, government, and community partners to build sustainable, strengths‑based employment pathways. He supports programs such as VoiceAbility and inclusive workforce initiatives, with a strong commitment to removing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive, dignified workplaces.

QUALITY, RISK AND CAPABILITY LEAD 

Anne‑Charlotte is an experienced quality and compliance professional with a strong background in aged care and community services across Australia and Europe. She has led service operations and quality audits, supporting multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, compliant, and high‑quality services within complex, regulated, participant‑centred care and support environments globally.

With training in quality management, business administration, and project management, Anne‑Charlotte brings a structured approach to safeguarding, governance, and continuous improvement. Her work ensures services align with Ability Advocates’ values and high standards of care consistently.

PSYCHOLOGIST

Rocio is an experienced Registered Psychologist with a strong background in trauma, mental health, and working with people presenting with complex and intersecting needs. She has delivered psychological assessments, therapeutic interventions, and recovery‑focused supports across specialist trauma services, rehabilitation programs, and private practice settings, supporting individuals with a wide range of psychosocial and functional challenges.

Rocio practises with a deeply compassionate, trauma‑informed approach, prioritising emotional safety, trust, and empowerment in the therapeutic relationship. She works collaboratively with clients to build insight, resilience, and practical coping strategies, supporting meaningful progress toward wellbeing, independence, and improved quality of life. 

PSYCHOLOGIST 

Hiba is a Provisional Psychologist with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and comprehensive training in psychological assessment and evidence‑based therapeutic approaches. Her practice draws on modalities including CBT, ACT, DBT, Trauma‑Focused CBT, and Schema Therapy, and she has experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across a broad range of mental health presentations.

Hiba is committed to trauma‑informed, empathetic, and collaborative care that centres safety, trust, and individual strengths. She works alongside clients to build insight, emotional regulation, resilience, and practical coping strategies, supporting meaningful improvements in wellbeing and functioning. Her approach reflects a strong commitment to evidence‑based practice, reflective learning, and person‑centred care..

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Jennifer is an AHPRA‑registered Occupational Therapist with experience across paediatric and disability services. She delivers functional capacity assessments, targeted therapeutic interventions, and capacity‑building supports across home, school, clinic, and community settings. Her work focuses on improving everyday functioning and participation across meaningful life roles.

Known for her approachable communication style and holistic practice, Jennifer works collaboratively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, goal‑focused strategies. She supports clients to build independence, confidence, and self‑management skills, with a strong emphasis on sustainable, person‑centred outcomes.

SPEECH PATHOLOGIST 

Shirley is an accomplished Speech Pathologist delivering communication, language, literacy, and functional communication supports across clinic, school, home, and community settings. She has strong capability working with autistic adolescents and young adults, and individuals with communication disorders, with a focus on practical communication for education, employment, and independent living.

Shirley designs evidence‑based interventions to strengthen expressive and receptive language, social communication, AAC use, and everyday interaction skills. She works collaboratively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams, supporting confidence, connection, and meaningful participation in daily life.

CLIENT PATHWAYS OFFICER / BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT PRACTITIONER

Gabrielle is a dedicated Pathways and Behaviour Support Practitioner with experience supporting children with Autism, ADHD, GDD, and other developmental needs across home, school, clinic, and community settings. 

She delivers ABA‑aligned interventions, conducts functional behaviour assessments, and provides capacity‑building supports tailored to individual goals and environments.

Gabrielle works collaboratively with families, educators, and allied health professionals to implement practical, evidence‑informed behaviour strategies. 

She is committed to fostering independence, building functional skills, and empowering clients to participate more confidently and meaningfully in daily life.

PSYCHOSOCIAL RECOVERY COACH & COUNSELLOR

Dana is a Psychosocial Recovery Coach and Counsellor with a strong focus on trauma‑informed, recovery‑oriented practice, supporting people experiencing complex mental health, psychosocial, and life challenges. Her work centres on building stability, strengthening coping strategies, and supporting individuals to move toward meaningful personal, social, and vocational goals.

Dana’s background spans community, education, and humanitarian service environments, equipping her with strong cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She brings a grounded, empathetic approach to her work and is skilled in supporting individuals navigating complex life circumstances with dignity, flexibility, and practical support.

FINANCE AND SYSTEMS OFFICER

Angela is a dedicated Finance & Systems Officer with extensive experience supporting disability and allied health organisations through accurate financial administration, billing, payroll support, and client‑focused operational processes. She plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of financial and system workflows that underpin service delivery across the organisation.

Known for her integrity, professionalism, and strong organisational skills, Angela ensures reliable and transparent backend operations. She works closely with teams to resolve issues promptly and improve system processes. Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy reduce risk and support compliance. Angela’s work enables staff and participants to experience smooth, consistent, and dependable services, supporting both operational effectiveness and positive participant outcomes.