Carpentaria employs high quality staff in a range of specialist disability support and therapy service roles to support clients across our Allied Health Therapy Services for children, adolescents and adults, Pathways Program (skill development in the community and in a purpose-built facility), Supported Independent Living, Medium Term Accommodation and Short Term Accommodation services. Recruitment is based on values, skills and qualifications.

We are proud of our committed team of professional staff who are dedicated to providing evidence-based and person-centred treatment and supports to enable Territorians to build a bigger life.

Staff are provided with comprehensive training and skill development in first aid, epilepsy, diabetes and medication administration and management, as well as regular upskilling opportunities and ongoing specialist disability training, including positive behaviour support, person-centred active support and risk management.

Executive and Senior Management

Annie Rily

Annie Rily

Chief Executive Officer

Annie Rily commenced as Carpentaria CEO in June 2017 and has a strong interest in achieving positive outcomes for people with a disability while developing high quality, contemporary direct service models. She was closely involved in the national reforms associated with the NDIS and has a keen interest in delivering services which enable individuals to fully benefit from the opportunities available under the NDIS.

Annie has a background in Allied Health, specialist disability and behaviour support with highly developed change management and leadership skills gained through experience in both the private and government sectors.

Kellie Hutchins

Kellie Hutchins

Deputy CEO

Kellie has extensive leadership experience in a range of industries, all of which have a focus on providing more equitable opportunities for people to access services and supports to reach their potential. Commencing her career in Human Resources, Kellie has had a passion for improving the lives of others through access to various services including in health, children and family services, education, aged, and NDIS supports and is committed to the collective improvement of community outcomes for our most vulnerable through innovative, collaborative and considerate service design and delivery.   

Kellie is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) holds an MBA, a GradCertHR, Certified Practicing HR (CPHR) status, and a Bachelor of Business (BBus).  

Bryce Dorrian

Bryce Dorrian

Director of Finance and Corporate Services

Bryce Dorrian has extensive experience in finance leadership roles across Health, Government, Travel and Media organisations, as well as experience working in the disability sector.   

Bryce is a qualified CPA, holds an MBA and is passionate about assisting companies with sustainable improvements in economic, environmental and social performance.

Andrew Everingham

Andrew Everingham

Director of Operations

Andrew Everingham has extensive leadership and management proficiency, spanning education, health and government sectors. With over a decade of hands-on experience in frontline emergency healthcare and government service provision, Andrew possesses expertise in leading and managing programs that prioritise accessibility and equity for the most vulnerable. His approach emphasises person-centred support, empowering communities to thrive and individuals to grow.

Andrew has a Bachelor of Social Science, Diploma of Recreation, and Diploma of Paramedical Science and holds an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) Paramedic registration, Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), completed the Executive Development Strategy 3 (EDS3) with the Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM), and is currently completing an MBA.

Nigel Fredericks

Nigel Fredericks

Senior Manager, Technology, Governance and Risk

Nigel brings to Carpentaria his extensive experience in providing strategic, financial, risk, IT and governance advice to public, private and not for profit sector organisations throughout Australia. He has supported many disability support providers throughout their NDIS journey to achieve efficient and sustainable service delivery models.

Nigel is a Chartered Accountant and has degrees in Commerce and Information Technology.

Owen Dutton

Owen Dutton

Assets and Facilities Manager

Owen Dutton has extensive experience in asset management, particularly in the social and affordable housing environment, procurement and contract management, project management, leasing and lease management, dwelling construction projects and land development. He has a Diploma in Management and Certificate 4 in project management, and is passionate about inclusive housing opportunities.

Natalie Gibbs

Natalie Gibbs

Communications Manager

Natalie Gibbs has a Bachelor of Communications and more than 20 years of experience in the fields of communications, marketing, event management and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about creating communication material that is easy to understand, and acknowledges the important role that well-developed and targeted communication plays in creating inclusive and accessible communities. She has previously held roles with Anglicare Victoria, Tourism NT and NT Cricket.

Sheena Baillie

Sheena Baillie

Executive Officer

Sheena Baillie has worked in high level administrative roles in the banking, education and community service sectors and is a skilled communicator and organiser. She has personal experience of caring for a non-verbal family member with autism, sensory sensitivities and epilepsy. 

Therapy Services for children, adolescents and adults

Camille Wakefield

Camille Wakefield

Senior Manager, Therapy Services

Camille Wakefield is an Occupational Therapist and clinical specialist with over 25 years of experience in leadership and management roles in the health, tertiary education, aged care, mental health and not-for-profit sectors, in both adult and paediatric disability.

She has significant experience in the NDIS landscape and is committed to person-centred practice and the delivery of individualised and outcomes-focused services.

Genna Stiles

Genna Stiles

Team Leader / Occupational Therapist

Genna Stiles is an Occupational Therapist with experience working with children and their families across regional and remote parts of the Northern Territory. She has a primary interest in assistive technology and equipment prescription for clients with complex disabilities. Genna enjoys working with children and their families to achieve their goals and maximise participation in day-to-day activities.  

Genna grew up in country Victoria and has a particular interest in working in and with regional and remote communities. 

Megan Adams

Megan Adams

Speech Pathologist

Megan Adams holds a Masters in Speech Pathology and is experienced in AAC, early intervention, language, speech, social skills and literacy development and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She enjoys working with children and has spent several years volunteering with children with different abilities from a range of backgrounds. She is passionate about supporting children and their families to achieve their goals.

Megan has completed courses in Keyword Sign, Learn to Play by Karen Stagnitti, PECS, Understanding Childhood Complex Trauma, Sounds-Write Literacy Program, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Assessment and Intervention.

Nikeisha Lange

Nikeisha Lange

Speech Pathologist

Nikeisha Lange is a graduate Speech Pathologist with a passion for rural and Indigenous health after completing a placement in Nhulunbuy. She has previously worked in a primary school as a School Service Officer and is particularly interested in supporting children and their families and caregivers to meet goals through speech, language, literacy and feeding interventions.

Rachel Tulla

Rachel Tulla

Speech Pathologist

Rachel Tulla has 4 years of experience working with children and their families, and previously worked at a paediatric clinic in Mount Barker in South Australia. She is experienced in AAC, early intervention, language, speech, social skills and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology and has completed courses in Keyword Sign and LAMP. She is Hanen More than Words certified and is passionate about supporting children and their families through a person-centred approach to reach their goals.

Candace Coombs

Candace Coombs

Occupational Therapist

Candace Coombes holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from Curtin University and is passionate about providing client centred practice to empower people to achieve their dreams and improve their overall quality of life. She has experience working with children and their families and previously worked at a paediatric clinic in Perth. 

Candace has completed courses in Quickshifts by Vital Links, The SpIRiT of Paediatric Therapy, Vestibular-Visual matters, Team Teach and The Traffic Jam in my Brain. She also attended the Camp Jabiru Therapist Practicum in Sydney 2023.

Sally Ennever

Sally Ennever

Occupational Therapist

Sally Ennever has worked for the previous 4 years as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist in a paediatric clinic in Sydney , as well as a Therapy Assistant Team Leader and clinical supervisor. She has a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from University of Queensland, and completed university placements in an Intensive Care Unit, an Early Intervention Clinic and 1 month placement in Vietnam.

Ariana De Fransz

Ariana De Fransz

Occupational Therapist

Ariana De Fransz is a graduate Occupational Therapist who has completed a Masters in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Health Science. She completed placements in an acute inpatient unit, in a paediatric school-based clinic in Broome WA and a student led paediatric clinic run by Charles Darwin University. She has previous experience working in the disability sector as a Disability Support Worker.

Ariana is passionate about providing high quality support that ensures individuals and families can achieve goals and enhance participation in everyday activities. 

Sara Gad

Sara Gad

Occupational Therapist

Sara Gad holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Deakin University and has 3.5 years of experience working as a paediatric OT. She has a particular interest in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental conditions.

Caroline Gilberg

Caroline Gilberg

Occupational Therapist

Caroline Gilberg has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) and a Masters of Occupational Therapy, with clinical placements in rural school settings, community and in-patient rehabilitation settings and in OT Driving Assessments. 

Her previous roles include working as a Radiographer, as a supervisor in a supported cafe workplace and as a community mental health worker. Caroline is passionate about providing person-centred support in rural and remote settings. 

Maddi Hammet

Maddi Hammet

Occupational Therapist

Maddi Hammet holds a Masters in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Health Science. She has 5 years of experience in acute hospital environments supporting individuals of all ages to reach their goals and safely discharge from hospital. She has also worked in community services in individual’s homes, completing functional capacity assessments to assist with all aspects of daily life and to ensure appropriate supports are in place. 

Maddi has a special interest in supporting people with cognitive concerns and people recovering from stroke.

Megan Schuitemaker

Megan Schuitemaker

Occupational Therapist

Megan Schuitemaker is an Occupational Therapist with over 18 years of clinical experience working with adults in community, acute and rehabilitation settings, in addition to working with children and adolescents. She has additional experience working with adults and children with low vision and is a qualified wellness coach.

Megan enjoys working with people to maximise their participation in everyday activities and to live their best lives. 

Sarah Waters

Sarah Waters

Occupational Therapist

Sarah Waters completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University in Melbourne and completed placements in Melbourne in paediatrics, adult mental health and acute hospital settings, as well as a hospital work placement in Tanzania, Africa.

She has worked as a dance teacher for children and adults of all abilities and is passionate about supporting participants and their families to reach their goals. Sarah is based in Carpentaria’s Alice Springs office.

Rachel Chan

Rachel Chan

APA Paediatric Physiotherapist

Rachel Chan is a Paediatric Physiotherapist with over 22 years of extensive experience in assessing and managing different developmental, neurological, neuromuscular and orthopaedic conditions from birth to teenagers. She is a Titled APA Paediatric Physiotherapist and a member of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (MACP).

Rachel obtained her Masters of Physiotherapy (Paediatrics) at The University of Queensland in 2004. With broad experience in hospitals, early education centres, special schools, and private practice, Rachel has specialised in the early detection of movement difficulties, and has expertise in managing children with Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Prematurity and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Xana Dasilva-Cruz

Xana Dasilva-Cruz

Counsellor

Xana Dasilva-Cruz joined Carpentaria in 2019 as an Allied Health Assistant. Since completing her Diploma of Counselling in 2021, Xana has transitioned into a counselling role.

Xana is passionate about creating a safe space for clients to be themselves while developing strategies and confidence to achieve goals and navigate life’s challenges. Xana uses person-centred and strengths-based approaches in her work with adolescents and adults, specialising in anxiety, depression and neurodivergent profiles.

Courtney Byrne

Courtney Byrne

Allied Health Assistant

Courtney Byrne has worked with Carpentaria since 2019 and holds a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, with a focus area on Occupational Therapy. She has experience implementing Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Physiotherapy programs. Courtney enjoys the variety of her role, along with the opportunities to work closely with all members of Carpentaria’s Therapy Services team. 

Nyawal Deng

Nyawal Deng

Allied Health Assistant

Nyawal Deng holds a Certificate IV in Allied Health (Physiotherapy) and is passionate about supporting people with techniques to make their lives easier. She believes that a good quality of life is a necessity for everyone in our community.

Nyawal is based in our Alice Springs office. 

Tara Intarapanya

Tara Intarapanya

Allied Health Assistant

Tara Intarapanya holds a Diploma of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant and has experience working with both adults and children in hospital and acute care settings including rehabilitation, complex care, neurology, musculoskeletal and medical wards, as well as community settings with the Hand Clinic, Children’s Development Team and Early Childhood Australia NT. She is passionate about the role Allied Health Assistants play in supporting participants and their families to reach their life goals through Allied Health evidence-based practice. 

Cheyenne Luscombe

Cheyenne Luscombe

Allied Health Assistant

Cheyenne Luscombe has lived in Darwin for over 20 years. She holds a Certificate III in Individual Support – Disability Skillset and is currently completing a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance. She has extensive personal experience with people with disabilities and is passionate about improving the lives of people with disabilities, with a focus on helping children to develop and excel while appreciating their unique abilities.

Accommodation Services

Stacey Hemara

Stacey Hemara

Specialised Services Manager

Stacey Hemara has more than 10 years experience in the human services sector, working in a range of senior leadership roles in both disability and mental health services.  She has extensive experience in the development and implementation of functions that ensure supports are person centred, high quality, best practice and compliant with relevant regulatory frameworks.

She specialises in the development and provision of flexible and innovative services and is focused on quality in practice and the development of team capability. Stacey is passionate about person centred design and creating opportunities for positive outcomes for individuals and their families.

Jarod Knowles

Jarod Knowles

Complex Client Services Manager

Jarod Knowles has extensive experience in the disability sector and has held leadership and management roles with both national and NT service providers. He is dedicated to establishing and managing innovative person-centred programs that deliver tangible outcomes for participants, in both urban and remote settings.

Jarod is skilled at building trust and working collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Human Services. 

Claire Olssen

Claire Olssen

High Intensity Client Services Manager

Claire Olssen holds a Bachelor of Nursing and is a Registered Nurse with extensive clinical and leadership experience in acute, and subacute care services within hospitals as well as Aged Care and Disability Services.

Claire is passionate about providing the highest quality services and supports to patients and participants and works collaboratively across care teams, internal and external stakeholders and family to support individual outcomes.

Angela Robertson

Angela Robertson

Client Services Manager

Angela Robertson has extensive experience in the disability sector, with a focus on ensuring participants in accommodation programs are best supported to live the life they want to and have the necessary supports in place at home and in the community.

Nchimunya Cheelo

Nchimunya Cheelo

Independent Living Coordinator

Nchimunya (Chi) Cheelo has 6 years of experience in the youth and disability sector, both in Disability Support Worker frontline roles as well as leadership and management positions. He is passionate about empowerment and autonomy to ensure participants lead fulfilling lives. 

Chi holds an Advanced Diploma in Leadership Management, Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, a Diploma in Community Services and is currently completing a Master of Business Administration.

Nisha Deuja

Nisha Deuja

Independent Living Coordinator

Nisha Deuja has more than 6 years of experience in the disability sector, as both a Disability Support Worker and Team Leader. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Certificate III in Individual Support. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy.

Padam Dhakal

Padam Dhakal

Independent Living Coordinator

Padam Dhakal has worked in the aged care and disability sectors for more than 7 years, primarily supporting participants with behaviours of concern and mental health diagnoses. He has completed a Master of Humanities, Master of Educational Leadership & Management and a Certificate III in Aged Care and Disability.

Gita Khadka

Gita Khadka

Case Management Coordinator

Gita Khadka has worked as a Carpentaria Team Leader since 2012 and took on the Coordinator role in June 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma in Disability, Certificate III in Aged Care and Disability and is currently completing her Masters in Business Administration.

Ruby O'Callaghan

Ruby O'Callaghan

Independent Living Coordinator

Ruby O’Callaghan holds a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and a Certificate III in Business Administration. She has also completed a number of cross cultural and trauma training sessions. Ruby has previously worked as both a Disability Support Worker and Team Leader, as well as a Cardiac Technician and Exercise Scientist.

 

Getrude Mapfumo

Getrude Mapfumo

Independent Living Coordinator

Getrude Mapfumo has 16 years experience in the Aged Care and Disability sectors. She holds a Diploma of Nursing and a Certificate III and IV in Aged Care. She is currently studying a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management and a Bachelor in Dementia Care.

Orna Sharpe

Orna Sharpe

Independent Living Coordinator

Orna Sharpe has a background as a specialist swimming teacher for children and adults with disability in Ireland and holds a Level 1 and 2 Swim Instructor Certificate with Level 2 Aquatic Teaching for People with Disability. She has worked as a Disability Support Worker, Team Leader and SIL Coordinator and is currently completing a Diploma in Community Services.

Mandeep Singh

Mandeep Singh

Independent Living Coordinator

Mandeep Singh has more than 10 years of experience in disability, aged care and mental health services. He has previously held roles as a Support Worker for Top End Mental Health Services and as an Allied Health Assistant (Physiotherapy/Plaster Clinic) at Royal Darwin Hospital. 

Mandeep has a Diploma in Community Welfare and is part way through a Bachelor of Nursing.

Rabin Thapa

Rabin Thapa

Independent Living Coordinator

Rabin Thapa has a range of experience in the disability sector, as both a Coordinator of Support and in an administrative role at National Disability Services. He holds a Certificate IV in Disability Studies and Certificate III in Aged Care, along with a Bachelor of Accounting, Diploma in Commerce and Accounting, Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management and a Certificate IV in Business Studies. 

Surya Regmi

Surya Regmi

Independent Living Coordinator

Surya Regmi has worked in Service Coordinator roles in the disability and aged care sector for 7 years. He holds a Certificate III in Individual Support and has completed training in Dementia Essentials. He also holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering.  

Pathways Program

Kayne Mabey

Kayne Mabey

Pathways Program Manager

Kayne Mabey has worked in the disability sector for 8 years, a career he wanted to pursue as a result of having a brother with disability. 

Kayne holds a Certificate III in Community Services and was instrumental in developing the Nailed It wood working program. He enjoys passing on his skills and knowledge and is passionate about providing choice and control for all participants.

Katelyn Blake

Katelyn Blake

Pathways Program Assistant Manager

Katelyn Blake holds a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and enjoys working with participants to achieve individual goals. She firmly believes that everyone is capable of achieving great things and applies this to all aspects of her role.

Deepika Dhimal

Deepika Dhimal

Team Leader

Deepika Dhimal has a background in the health care sector and two years of experience in the disability sector. She holds a Certificate III in Disability Support and is focused on providing high quality active support for Carpentaria Pathways Program participants. 

Srijana Gaudel

Srijana Gaudel

Team Leader

Srijana Gaudel has a background in youth support and in employment programs for people with disability. She holds a Diploma of Community Services and considers empathy to be the key in realising individual goals. She is passionate about her role and enjoys supporting positive changes for the people she works with. 

Jess O'Brien

Jess O'Brien

Team Leader

Jess O’Brien originally joined Carpentaria in the reception and events team, but quickly transitioned to a Skill Development Coach and Team Leader in the Pathways Program. She has a background in event management and operations, but has a passion to support the skill development opportunities of people with a disability. 

Quality and Practice

Justin Smedley

Justin Smedley

Quality and Practice Manager

Justin Smedley holds a Bachelor of Public Administration. He has experience in frontline and management roles across education, Supported Independent Living, Out of Home Care and Support Coordination settings. He is passionate about employee coaching and empowerment, contemporary evidence-based practice and governance, and human rights centred supports.

Justin has a love for learning and is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws.

Jacqui Ross

Jacqui Ross

Occupational Therapist

Jacqui Ross holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Business and is experienced in working with adults in aged care, disability and community in regional and metropolitan areas. She has experience in a broad range of conditions and interventions and provides OT services for Carpentaria’s Ready for Home and Medium Term Accommodation programs.

Jacqui has a specific area of interest in manual handling, mental health, NDIS, risk management, the advancement of the OT profession and occupational justice. She is passionate about supporting everyone to live their best life.