Our Board and Management

"Directions provides important supports to the local community and beyond and I am pleased to contribute my skills and experience from over 30 years working in the health, disability and community sectors."

Maria joined Directions' Board in 2020. Having held a number of executive positions she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by organisations such as Directions. Maria is passionate about supporting community organisations to continue the delivery of valued services in an ever changing environment ensuring we keep up with the expectations of customers and their families. Maria is passionate about bringing together culture and process in order to provide supports that are sustainable for years to come. Maria is currently the CEO of Melville Cares. She is also a registered psychologist, graduate of INSEAD Business School and an AICD graduate.

I have a passion for social justice and am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the Board of Directions Disability Support Services. I have a Bachelor of Social Work Degree, Bachelor of Arts Degree and Diploma of Business. I have over 30 years experience  as a social work practitioner, working in government and non-government positions both in Perth and overseas. During my career I have held Senior Management and high-level Strategic Management positions across many community services sectors including  mental health, women’s health, domestic violence, justice and homelessness.

I am currently a Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Social Work course at Curtin University and also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Katie is a communications professional with 20 years of experience across stakeholder engagement, PR, marketing, branding, corporate partnerships, fundraising and event management. She holds a BA in Mass Communications.

As Executive Manager of Variety - the Children’s Charity of Western Australia, Katie understands many of the challenges and opportunities facing not for profits.

Living with disability herself, she also strongly believes that the best outcomes both for individuals and the business itself are achieved when disability service providers engage and prioritise the voices of those with lived experience.

Katie is proud to have joined the board of Directions in February 2023, and hopes to use her combined insight to help support the future growth and success of the organisation, and continued positive outcomes for its clients.

I am proud to be a part of the Directions Board who deliver important services to the community. I am committed to using my skillset to help support Directions in achieving its strategic goals.

Rebecca joined the board in August 2023.

Rebecca has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting & Business Law from Curtin University and is also a qualified CPA. With over 15 years’ experience working as a finance professional Rebecca brings extensive management accounting experience within many industries including Manufacturing, Contract & Owner Operator Mining and most recently Mining Services [Drilling]

Rebecca currently works as a Group Finance Manager and is excited to join Directions as her first board position.

"I highly value the work of Directions and am willing to commit my time and effort as needed to support its strategic objectives."

Sally is an occupational therapist with a 30-year career working predominantly in the disability sector. Currently employed by Curtin University as School of Occupational Therapy's Fieldwork Director, Sally has extensive governance experience having served on the Variety WA Board for six years, and its grants committee for ten.

Sally has previously served as Chair of AGOSCI, an inclusive group interested in enhancing the participation of all people with complex communication needs, and is the former Vice President of the Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association.

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