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 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.

"Directions has shown me that, with the correct support, you not only support the individual but also the family."

Peta joined the Board following eight years of experience of her family being successfully supported by Directions.

Peta's son has autism and together with Directions’ support, he has been able to really blossom and become much more independent. Peta believes that supporting both the individual and the family is the care that is needed for families with disabilities.

"Directions performs a very valuable service and I am proud to contribute to that and apply my commercial, strategic and financial skills."

Justin joined the Board in October 2015. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has held a range of general management and senior financial positions both across Australia and the UK. Justin is currently the CFO for a large not-for-profit organisation in Perth and has worked in the sector for over 15 years. Justin is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Post Graduate Diploma in Business.

Directions Disability Support Services deliver high quality, ethical services that I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to. I joined the Board in 2019, bringing with me over fifteen years of experience in the community services sector in a range of leadership positions. I am currently working as a Manager within the family and domestic violence policy unit at the Department of Communities. I am a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights issues and bring a life-long personal and professional commitment to enhancing people’s safety and wellbeing. I hold a Bachelor of Psychology, minoring in Sexology.

Tanya has worked as an OHS professional for over 15 years. She has previously held a position with Directions as Safety, Health and Wellbeing Specialist. Tanya also sits on the Australian Institute of Health and Safety Committee for W.A. bringing with her industry knowledge of current practice and networks. She was awarded the national award Health and Safety Professional 2021.

Rheya joined the Board in 2022. She is a commercial lawyer, with experience in private practice and federal government. Rheya holds a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Economics.

I feel honoured to be part of such a crucial service provider offering much needed services to the community, where I can utilise my experience and skills to ensure they achieve their strategic goals, to benefit the community.

Denise joined the board in February 2023.

Denise has a Bachelor of Business – major in Accounting and is a qualified CPA. Denise has had over 20 years’ experience working as a Financial Professional with the last 16 years working within a Finance management position. Denise brings with her extensive management and financial accounting experience within many industries including manufacturing, Facilities Management, Aged Care, and Insurance.

Denise’s recent experience has been primarily around building or mentoring finance teams to operate as a high performing team, change management across the finance team and wider business in restructuring, redesign processes and system utilisation to improve efficiencies within the team, along with implementation of company strategy.

Denise currently works as the Head of Finance for an international manufacturing company called Saddlery Brands International, and is a board member with Carer’s WA, along with being a Finance, Audit, Risk committee member with Venue’s West.

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

Originally from the UK, I have called Australia home for over 30 years, however, primarily because of my husband’s work, during this time I have also lived or worked in 8 countries.

I am a life long learner and bring a wealth of experience, having been a Physiotherapist in a number of specialist centres in the UK, Lecturer in Paediatric Physiotherapy at LaTrobe University Melbourne, involved in setting up centres for children with special needs in the Middle East, working in several different languages. In addition I have over 13 years of working in the local community, both  in Perth and across WA with people who are differently abled. In 2014 I participated in the year long Leadership WA Signature Program, developing greater understanding as well as strong relationships with people across Government, Commercial and Not for Profit sectors.

Mark and I have two adult children, Matt and Elise and in my free time I enjoy having coffee catch ups with family and friends, being creative by developing bonsai, doing ‘Improv’ and getting an adrenaline rush through racing sailing boats! I am also  involved in a number of activities such as  working with Rotary; collaborating with people in regional Australia through the ‘Making Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder History’ program in Leonora, being on the Board of ‘Red Dirt, Blue Sky’ in the Pilbara and also more locally, supporting my husband at Cahoots Photobooks in Subiaco.

I look forward to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals receiving evidence based Therapy supports at Directions, as well as being a positive Therapy Team Leader, as we move forwards to be the Disability support organisation of choice.