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
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
Deputy CEO
Kellie Hutchins 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).
Rangan Vaithi
Chief Financial Officer
Rangan Vaithi is a seasoned senior executive with over two decades of experience in finance and business transformation. He has a relentless drive for operational excellence, a strong focus on automation, and a talent for leading transformative change within organisations.
Rangan has extensive experience in finance transformation projects, systems implementation, business improvement, and governance across various industries, and a proven ability to implement critical changes that enhance organisational efficiency and success. Rangan is a Fellow of CPA Australia and CIMA UK and holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce.
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.
Kirrily Freson
Director of People and Learning
Kirrily Freson has over 20 years experience in Human Resources working across the private, not for profit and community controlled sectors. She is passionate about people and making positive changes in people’s lives.
Kirrily has a Bachelor in Social Science, Diploma of HR and Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management. She has previously worked at Anglicare NT and Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Services.
Craig Willingham
Director of Regional Services
Craig Willingham is an accomplished Executive with extensive experience gained through roles in health, local government, police and banking. He is highly skilled in strategy development, business and technology transformation, portfolio and program governance, and complex operational management, and has a successful history of delivering complex, multi-year, multi-geography portfolios, programs and services.
Craig holds a Masters in Business Administration and has previously held senior positions across several NT Health portfolios in Alice Springs.
Owen Dutton
Senior Manager, Assets and Facilities
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.
Nigel Fredericks
Senior Manager, Technology, Governance and Risk
Nigel Fredericks 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.
Natalie Gibbs
Senior Manager, Communications
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
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
Cara Sukumaran
Therapy Services Manager
Cara Sukumaran is a Speech Pathologist with over 12 years of clinical experience and 4 years of managerial experience, supporting allied health therapists to provide high-quality services in remote and very remote communities across the Northern Territory.
Cara enjoys learning from individuals with different cultural backgrounds and is a strong advocate for ensuring participants have access to effective, evidence-based therapy.
Megan Adams
Senior 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.
Tina Janes
Senior Speech Pathologist, Alice Springs
Donna McBain
Speech Pathologist
Donna McBain is an NT local and an early career Speech Pathologist after completing a Master of Speech and Language Therapy in 2023.
She works across the lifespan including children, adolescents, adults, and older people. With an interest in dysphasia, speech, language and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for people with an acquired brain injury, Donna is also passionate about supporting early language, speech, and social skills for children with autism spectrum disorder. She is qualified to deliver the Hanen Centre More Than Words program for children with autism and their families.
Carly Bouwman
Senior Occupational Therapist, Alice Springs
Carly Bouwman is an accomplished Occupational Therapist with a passion for rural and remote health care. Carly is focused on delivering culturally aware, trauma-informed care to support diverse populations.
Carly gained her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from James Cook University in 2017 and has significant experience managing complex caseloads and supporting people with intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, mental health, and degenerative diseases. Carly has experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and working in regional and remote areas across the Pilbara region, where she made a meaningful impact through community-centred, evidence-based interventions.
Jacqui Ross
Senior 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.
Georgia Bell
Occupational Therapist
Georgia Bell holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from CQUniversity. Georgia has more than 5 years of combined experience working with NDIS participants across the lifespan, and working in slow stream rehabilitation, surgical and medical wards to facilitate safe discharge from hospital.
Georgia is skilled in paediatric therapy, supporting daily living skills, assistive technology prescription, functional assessments, and minor home modifications. She enjoys the opportunity to support people to achieve their goals and increase their independence and quality of life.
Tiarna Burke
Occupational Therapist
Tiarna Burke is a graduate Occupational Therapist from Charles Sturt University. Influenced by her upbringing in rural NSW, Tiarna is passionate about working with rural and remote communities and the unique service provision they require.
Tiarna has experience working in Educational Support roles and as an Allied Health Assistant at a special school, and as an Occupational Therapy Assistant supporting young adults. Tiarna completed Occupational Therapy placements in unique environments, including remote communities in the Northern Territory and Cairns, and at an orphanage for children with disabilities in Cambodia.
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.
Tahlia Inkster
Occupational Therapist
Tahlia Inkster is a graduate Occupational Therapist from Curtin University in Perth. Influenced by her upbringing in Esperance, in rural South West WA, Tahlia is passionate about rural and remote communities and the unique service provision they require.
Tahlia completed Occupational Therapy placements in many unique environments, including remote communities in the Kimberley, and a rehabilitation centre in Vietnam.
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.
Rachel Chan
Senior Physiotherapist
Rachel Chan is a Titled APA Paediatric Physiotherapist and a member of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (MACP). She has over 24 years of extensive experience in assessing and managing different developmental, neurological, neuromuscular and orthopaedic conditions from birth to teenagers.
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.
Kayleigh Mitchell
Physiotherapist
Kayleigh Mitchell is a graduate Physiotherapist who is passionate about helping people to achieve their goals, through person centred care. Kayleigh has 4 years of experience in the disability sector, working as an Allied Health Assistant, supporting an adult and paediatric caseload.
Kayleigh holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Masters of Physiotherapy from Flinders University. She encourages therapy in people’s natural environments, using a tailored approach that focuses on personal interests.
Sansar Budha
Allied Health Assistant
Sansar Budha is currently completing his Masters in Speech and Language Therapy at Charles Darwin University and holds a Bachelor of Science (Economics). Sansar has a background as a disability support worker, and as a tutor for middle and high school students.
Sansar is passionate about language, literacy, swallowing, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication methods, and enjoys supporting participants and their families to reach their goals.
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.
Max Erpel
Allied Health Assistant
Max Erpel has 2 years of experience working as an Allied Health Assistant in Alice Springs and 2 years of experience working as a Physiotherapist in Chile. He has worked in the disability sector, and in private and public hospitals, in musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.
Colleen Johnson
Allied Health Assistant
Colleen Johnson was born and raised in Darwin. She holds a Bachelor in Languages from Flinders University and is currently completing her Masters in Speech and Language Therapy at Charles Darwin University. Colleen is passionate about a client-centred approach to therapy and working closely with families to achieve their goals.
Accommodation Services
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
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
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.
Nchimunya Cheelo
Senior 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.
Orna Sharpe
Senior 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.
Diana Basy
Independent Living Coordinator
Diany Basy has over 13 years of experience in the disability sector, having previously worked as a Disability Support Worker and Team Leader. She enjoys working collaboratively and is passionate about supporting people to achieve their everyday goals and to live their best lives.
Diana holds a Certificate III in Individual Support, a Certificate III in Business Governance and a Bachelor of Science.
Sunita Bhandari
Independent Living Coordinator
Sunita Bhandari has worked as both an Independent Living Coach and Team Leader, and has a strong foundation in the delivery of compassionate support and effective leadership. She is deeply committed to helping others and is passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives.
She holds a Bachelor of Business and Management and a Certificate III in Individual Support.
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.
Deepika Dhimal
Independent Living Coordinator
Deepika Dhimal has been a dedicated member of the Carpentaria team for over 4 years, bringing with her a strong background in the health care sector. She holds a Certificate III in Disability Support and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, further enhancing her skills and knowledge.
Throughout her time at Carpentaria, Deepika has taken on key roles including Skill Development Coach and Team Leader in Carpentaria’s Pathways Program. Deepika is now focused on the delivery of high quality active support for participants of the Ready for Home program, ensuring a person-centred approach that promotes independence and wellbeing.
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.
Getrude Mapfumo
Independent Living Coordinator
Getrude Mapfumo has nearly 20 years of experience in the aged care and disability sectors. She holds a Certificate III and IV in Aged Care, a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, and a Diploma in Nursing, and is currently studying a Bachelor in Dementia Care.
She is passionate about ensuring participants live a full life, with a particular focus on ensuring people living with dementia enjoy a high quality life.
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.
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.
Menuka Sah
Independent Living Coordinator
Menuka is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience across multiple sectors, including administration, finance, disability, and aged care. She has worked as an Admin and Finance Officer, Independent Living Coach, and Team Leader, where she developed strong leadership capabilities.
Menuka holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting and a Certificate III in Disability and Aged Care. Her expertise spans payroll management, financial operations, and workforce administration. With a strong passion for community service, she is dedicated to implementing well-being programs and driving positive change in the sector.
Alice Springs Accommodation Services
Craig Willingham
Director of Regional Services
Craig Willingham is an accomplished Executive with extensive experience gained through roles in health, local government, police and banking. He is highly skilled in strategy development, business and technology transformation, portfolio and program governance, and complex operational management, and has a successful history of delivering complex, multi-year, multi-geography portfolios, programs and services.
Craig holds a Masters in Business Administration and has previously held senior positions across several NT Health portfolios in Alice Springs.
Mischelle Casuyon
Regional Supported Independent Living Coordinator
Mischelle Casuyon holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has lived in Alice Springs for over 10 years. Mischelle has worked in the disability sector for 5 years, and has experience as a Disability Support Worker and Team Leader, supporting participants with complex care needs.
Mischelle is passionate about independence and supporting participants to lead fulfilling lives. She is continually inspired by the resilience and potential of the people she works with, and believes her role provides a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in in the lives of others, contributing to each individual’s personal growth and success.
Tyrell Fernando
Team Leader – Independent Living Services
Tyrell Fernando holds a Certificate IV in Disability and has more than 2 years of experience working in the disability sector. Tyrell is enthusiastic about supporting individuals to achieve independence and advocating for the well-being and dignity of participants.
Tyrell is experienced in working with participants with epilepsy and dementia. He is passionate about continuous learning and fostering a positive and collaborative team environment, resulting in high quality care for the people he works with.
Anuj Dhakal
Team Leader – Independent Living Services
Pathways Program
Katelyn Blake
Pathways Program Manager
Katelyn Blake holds a Bachelor of Sport Science and has experience working in the disability sector as an Allied Health Assistant, Team Leader, and Assistant Manager. Katelyn has contributed to the development of new activities within the Pathways Program, and has experience implementing individualised training programs and supports to assist participants to achieve their goals.
Katelyn is passionate about delivering high quality programs to adults living with disability and enjoys working collaboratively to achieve positive participant outcomes. She firmly believes that everyone can achieve great things, and she applies this to all aspects of her role.
Jess O'Brien
Assistant Manager
Jess O’Brien has a background in event management and operations, originally joining Carpentaria in the reception and events team before quickly transitioning to a Skill Development Coach and Team Leader in the Pathways Program. Jess is experienced in working with complex client behaviours and applying behaviour support strategies.
Jess is passionate about supporting skill development opportunities for people with disability, working with participants to understand their goals, and creating new activities and individualised projects to maximise participant engagement.
Steve Hebblethwaite
Team Leader, Nailed It Program
Steve holds a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours and has extensive experience as a Team Leader and Case Coordinator working with refugees, trauma survivors, and people experiencing mental illness. Steve is passionate about repurposing materials and creating bespoke, high-quality timber creations.
Jo Lau
Team Leader, Textiles / Visual Arts Program
Jo (Yuk Lan) Lau has over 14 years of experience teaching Fashion and Textiles in Hong Kong. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion and Textiles, a Masters in Chinese Culture, and a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education.
Jo is passionate about textile design and sustainable fashion. She has extensive experience collaborating with disadvantaged groups and coordinating textile projects and workshops for people with disabilities.
Dolores Sta Cruz
Team Leader, Media Program
Dolores Sta Cruz has extensive experience in the advertising industry, working as a sound engineer, sound designer and soundtrack producer. She holds a Certificate III in Individual Support and is passionate about maximising individuals’ abilities and potential through a person-centred approach.
Dolores is committed to supporting meaningful engagement through individual and group Media projects. She is experienced in building participant skills in photography, photo editing, voice acting, audio visual editing, and production.
Quality, Safety and Risk
Sharni Cardona
Quality, Safety and Risk Lead
Sharni Cardona is a local Darwin woman from Larrakia, Iwaidja, Jingili, Bardi and Kungarakany tribes. She has extensive clinical governance and service quality experience, including the management of multi-disciplinary teams to provide health service access and person centred quality care. She is also an experienced nurse and clinic manager across a range of roles in the Health Sector.
Sharni holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Diploma of Practice Management, and is passionate about addressing gaps in the community and empowering people throughout their life journey.
Michael Collins
Quality, Safety and Risk Project Officer
Michael Collins has over 14 years of experience in the disability sector. He has hands-on experience working with people with complex disabilities, supporting participants to reach their goals, and achieving tangible and measurable improvements in their quality of life.
Michael has extensive experience in leadership roles, streamlining data collection and compliance systems. He is passionate about improving efficiencies, understanding systems, and embedding practice and quality into service delivery.
Kayne Mabey
Quality, Safety and Risk Coordinator
Kayne Mabey has worked in the disability sector for 10 years, a career he wanted to pursue as a result of having a brother with disability. He holds a Certificate III in Community Services, has an extensive background working with challenging behaviours and is a certified Maybo trainer.
Kayne is passionate about working with team members to grow and develop person centred active support skills and enhance the quality of life for all participants.