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 multidisciplinary approach to supporting people with disabilities, young people, and vulnerable cohorts. He delivers counselling, wellbeing programs, and employment‑focused coaching that help individuals build resilience, confidence, emotional regulation, and work‑readiness. 

Greg’s integrated therapeutic and wellbeing background enables him to support the whole person, and he continues to further his studies in psychology to strengthen his evidence‑based practice.

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, quality audits, and workforce capability initiatives supporting large care teams. 

With training in quality management, business administration, and project management, she brings a structured, analytical approach to safeguarding, risk oversight, and continuous improvement - ensuring services remain aligned with Ability Advocates’ values and high standards.

PSYCHOLOGIST

Rocio is an experienced Registered Psychologist with a strong background in trauma, mental health, and complex presentations. She has worked across specialist trauma services, rehabilitation programs, and private clinics, delivering assessments, counselling, and recovery‑focused interventions. 

Rocio’s compassionate, trauma‑informed approach helps clients feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey..

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Jennifer is an AHPRA‑registered Occupational Therapist with broad experience across paediatric and disability services. She delivers functional capacity assessments, therapeutic interventions, and capacity‑building programs across homes, schools, clinics, and community settings. 

Known for her warm communication style and holistic practice, Jennifer works collaboratively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to support meaningful progress and independence.

PSYCHOLOGIST 

Hiba is a Provisional Psychologist with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and comprehensive training in psychological assessment and evidence‑based therapies including CBT, ACT, DBT, TF‑CBT and Schema Therapy. 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 strengthens insight, resilience, and overall wellbeing.

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, functional behaviour assessments, and capacity‑building supports, working collaboratively with families and allied health teams. 

Gabrielle is committed to fostering independence and empowering clients through evidence‑informed behavioural strategies.

WORKFORCE AND SERVICE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Yashvi is a highly organised and solutions‑focused operations coordinator who supports the smooth functioning of workforce and service delivery activities. With experience across behavioural therapy, ICT support, customer service, and data management, she brings strong communication skills and a client‑centred approach. 

Her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, majoring in counselling, further strengthens her understanding of client needs and informed service coordination.

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. 

Known for her integrity, professionalism, and strong organisational skills, Angela ensures reliable, transparent, and high‑quality backend support that enables staff and participants to experience smooth, dependable services.

Our Allied Health team includes key part‑time members - Daniela, Josh, Victoria and Erick - who work across psychology, employment coaching, OT and behaviour support. 

Daniela delivers employment programs informed by her psychology and crisis‑support background.  Josh supports inclusive recruitment and vocational assessments through his psychology training.  Victoria assists with OT home and functional supports through her OT studies.  Erick provides behaviour support in employment, community and daily‑living informed by his Psychology studies. 

They form part of our broader Allied Health workforce, working under the supervision of our Allied Health leads to deliver safe and inclusive support.