OUR TEAM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Lorraine is a values-driven executive leader passionate about making a positive impact on vulnerable communities and social outcomes.

With extensive executive and board experience in the social services sector, Lorraine has supported vulnerable communities in the government sector (central and service delivery agencies), Not for Profit, and For-Purpose, For Profit companies as well as community.

https://linkedin/in/lorrainesalloum

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Assad is an accomplished accounting specialist who prioritises outcomes and strives for continual improvement. 

With more than two decades of experience working in finance and corporate teams, Assad has successfully managed multi-million dollar budgets and projects.

He is a certified practicing accountant and holds a postgraduate degree in Accounting. 

https://linkedin.com/in/assadsalloum

CONSULTANT PSYCHOLOGIST 

Dr. Dornan is a registered psychologist with a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. He specialises in assisting people with disabilities with assessments and plans in various settings including home, community and workplace. 

His extensive experience includes training professionals to effectively support individuals with complex disabilities, developing behavior support plans for people with high needs, as well as working with children and adolescents and those with complex trauma. 

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST AND MENTAL HEALTH NURSE

Dr. Yaser Mohammad is a seasoned Occupational Therapist and Mental Health Nurse, who brings a wealth of experience in providing functional assessments, therapeutic intervention, and report writing for People with Disabilities.

Dr. Yaser is passionate about Occupational Therapy and mental health counseling.  He has contributed, developed and delivered multi-disciplinary  capacity building  programs for people with disabilities in their homes, workplaces and community.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE EXECUTIVE 

Paula Maher has spent 35 years delivering innovative services for people with disabilities. She has led changes in accommodation, respite, social support, integration, and therapy services, transitioning large institutions to community-based living.

With a strong background in disability within the government and non-profit sectors, Paula has extensive experience in strategic planning, business development, and service delivery. She holds a Master's in Community Management from the University of Technology, Sydney. 

Additionally, Paula has lived experience with disability, which deeply informs her empathetic and effective approach.

Paula's expertise and personal insights make her a key asset to Ability Advocates. Her leadership and advocacy align perfectly with the organisation's mission.

TEAM LEADER INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE

Sally has extensive experience in fostering positive customer experiences for vulnerable communities. In her current role as Team Leader Inclusive Workplace and Employment, she focuses on supporting people with disabilities and workplaces to recruit, support, and cultivate an inclusive culture.

Sally's varied career spans the public sector, human resources, and supporting individuals with diverse abilities as a specialist support coordinator. Her exceptional communication skills, resourcefulness, problem-solving abilities, and person-centered approach make her the ideal partner for people with disabilities and their families. 

She oversees recruitment, placement, traineeships, and apprenticeships, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT RECRUITER, TRAINER AND COACH

Dijana is a passionate support and coach for workplaces and people with disabilities. Her strong client-focus and outcomes mindset means she goes over and beyond to ensure she gets the best outcomes for people with disabilities building inclusive workplaces and communities. 

Dijana has an extensive history as an HR business partner and recruitment specialist helping her achieve great employment outcomes for people with disabilities. 

CLIENT SUCCESS AND ADVOCACY OFFICER

 Dana is a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities and their families, passionately committed to improving outcomes. She focuses on client outreach, playing a pivotal role in intake, helping clients access NDIS and other government supports, and navigate complex systems.

Dana also contributes to advocacy outreach, community education projects, and assists in administrative reviews and appeals. 

As a member of the Australian Counselling Association, her lived experience and deep empathy make her a passionate and effective champion for her clients.

TEAM LEADER BUSINESS SERVICES

Anna is an experienced business administrator with a career spanning customer service, recruitment administration, rostering and accounts support.

At Ability Advocates she manages the business administration team, coordinates HR and recruitment activity as well as contributes to NDIS plan management and administration services.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR 

A business and law double degree student with a passion for making a difference in people's lives, Hanna is interested in business law, human rights, and administrative law.

A key part of the business admin team, she supports the development of service agreements and contracts, supports the CEO and team with advocacy cases and reviews as well as general business admin duties. 

Meet Edwin and Slvana, key members of our dedicated Occupational Therapy team at Ability Advocates. 

Our team of six permanent staff, led by Clinical Lead Dr. Yaser Mohamad, is committed to delivering practical and impactful therapy sessions. 

Each team member, whether an experienced Allied Health Assistant, in their final year of their Bachelor's degree or graduate, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support individuals with disabilities and deliver high-quality, evidence-based support tailored to each individual's needs.  

Introducing  Sugene, Mahas and Emmanual, part of our exceptional Psychology Therapy team at Ability Advocates. 

With a robust team of six permanent staff, supported by a large network of casual professionals comprising of experienced Allied Health Assistants, Graduates and final-year students, we specialise in Psychology, Social Work, and Neuroscience.

 Under the guidance of Clinical Lead Dr. Tom Dornan, our team is dedicated to outcome-based therapy, helping clients achieve their goals and improve their well-being.