About DAISI

Raymond Chesher

Chairperson

Ray Chesher joined the DAISI Board in 2008 and was appointed Treasurer. At the Annual General Meeting in 2014 Ray was appointed Chairperson.

Ray has over 30 years’ experience in the field of accounting and administration.

Formerly Ray worked for St George Building Society in various roles and with Davids Holding as the marketing accountant. Ray currently works for H & R Block Tax Accountants as manager of their Grafton office. He is a Justice of the Peace (JP) and a member of the Institute of Company Directors, for not-for-profit directors.

Marie Dudgeon

Director / Principal Authority

Marie Dudgeon and her husband Trevor are carers of their son Glen who has a traumatic brain injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Marie is extensively involved in community volunteer work. She is also a Mentor to family members of brain injury patients through the NSW Brain Injury Association and serves on Community Hospital Committee and Safety Committee.

Marie joined the DAISI Board of Directors in 2009 and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share from her life experience.

Lynne Ryan

Director

Late 2021, Lynne joined the DAISI Board as a Director.  Lynne is an experienced Change Management Consultant with expertise across many disciplines including Leadership Coaching, Staff Development, Process Improvement, Training & Facilitation and Dispute Resolution Mediation.

Results driven, people focused and collaborative in her approach she has been a key partner in driving multiple organisational transformations which has enabled business to achieve project goals and objectives.

Over the many years of her career, Lynne has had the opportunity and privilege to work across many roles, departments and industries; this experience has equipped her to be the versatile, flexible and robust individual that she is today.  Lynne’s expertise will help DAISI and the team to achieve their goals.

Qualifications: Certificate IV Workplace Training and Assessment; Six Sigma – commenced Green Belt 2008 Six Sigma Boot Camp; Accredited Prosci Master Trainer, Organisational Change Management Methodology; Mediator Training, Institute of Specialist Dispute Resolution; Commenced Graduate Diploma, Family Dispute Resolution Mediator

Sarah McClure

Director

Sarah McClure joined the board of DAISI as a Director in 2022. Sarah has had over 25 years’ experience in the field of Banking & Finance across Business Strategy, Finance, Sales, Product & Marketing, and has led large scale Digital Transformation projects.

She holds an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Mgmt. and is a member of the AICD.

Joanne McLean

DAISI Chief Executive Officer

Joanne McLean took on the role of CEO of DAISI in May 2017.  She has worked in the human services field specialising in disability support for over 20 years. Joanne has always had a focus on developing ways for people to find their own voice and to be as independent in making decisions, choices and living their lives, as possible. Prior to coming to DAISI Joanne spent three and a half years working for National Disability Services, the peak body for service providers, supporting organisations to transition into the NDIS.

Renee Jarrett

DAISI Finance Officer

Renee Jarrett joined the DAISI team in 2018. She is well qualified, with a Graduate Diploma in Accounting and qualifications in Business and Education. Currently studying her CPA.  Renee also brings a diverse range of work experiences to this role. The quality of work that she carries out is a testament to her attention to detail and work ethic. Renee is passionate about learning and is always developing her skills and knowledge.

Lori Kelly

Operations Officer

Lori supports DAISI to keep the organisation’s systems operating and has been doing so since 2013.  The adventure of living with mental illness gives Lori an understanding of the sometimes hidden experiences of people in our community.  With almost 40 years of administration experience, across local government, education, domestic and commercial construction, and the disability sector Lori appreciates being able to support DAISI with her skills and knowledge.

Qualifications: Certificate IV Business Administration; Certificate IV in Disability, NSW Justice of the Peace

  Gold Coast, QLD.

Janelle Monaghan

Practice Leader / Support Coordinator

Janelle has worked in the sector since the age of 17, across aged care, disability and mental health.

In 2016 Janelle started out as a support coordinator with the roll out in Townsville and commenced support coordination with DAISI in 2018.

Janelle now provides practice leadership and mentoring across the DAISI team.

Janelle’s passion is helping people to achieve their goals, build capacity and bring positive outcomes.

Qualifications: Certificate III Children’s Services, Certificate III Home and Community Care, Certificate IV Disability and Diploma of Disability.

“I believe that helping those to feel connected provides a sense of belonging”

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Samantha Jones

Specialist Support Coordinator / Sexuality and Relationships Educator / Therapy Services Practice Leader

Sam has worked in the sector since 1994, working in both government and not for profit organisations. Sam has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Disability Studies and is a member of the Developmental Educators Association of Australia. Sam has completed training with Love Bites programme for the prevention of domestic violence as well as training with Family Planning NSW and the Mad Hatter Foundation in providing sexuality and relationships education and is currently studying a diploma of counselling. Sam commenced Support Coordination with DAISI in 2018 and is currently working providing Specialist Support Coordination, Therapy Supports in sexuality and relationships education; and provides practice leadership and mentoring across the Therapy Services Team. Sam's passion is:

Helping people get the support they need to build their skills so they can live a connected and authentic life.

  Northern Rivers, NSW | Gold Coast, QLD.

Trent Rees

Therapy Services Practice Leader, Ballina

Trent joined DAISI as a Board Member in 2015, serving as a Director and Chairperson.  He stepped down from the Board in 2021 to take up a staff position as Therapy Services Practice Leader.  Trent is currently practising as a Counsellor as he continues the journey to Provisional Registration as a Psychologist.  He has had a range of experience over 25 years, working with clients and managing programs across a number of different sectors including Mental Health, Disability, Addiction Treatment. 

Time has also been spent in the corporate sector as a Workplace Trainer and Assessor, delivering customer service, conflict management and interpersonal interactions training. Trent has worked closely with many families and significant others as part of holistic treatment plans for clients dealing with both Mental Health and Addiction issues. 

Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Master of Arts (Psychology), Certificate IV Assessment & Workplace Training. 

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Pauline Bourke

CHSP Program Coordinator, Ballina

Pauline joined the DAISI team in 2017 as Program Coordinator, building the capacity of senior community members and the provider organisations in Northern NSW that service them.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience relating to trauma, PTSD, care leavers, domestic violence, forced adoption and removal of children, elder abuse, veterans, homelessness, people from rural and remote areas, socially disadvantaged people, LGBTI, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Pauline empathizes with people and understands that diverse aged care needs are brought about by a range of factors and associated lived experience.

Pauline loves exchanging information and knowledge and contributing to her community.

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Sue Hetherington

Grandcarer Project Officer / Volunteer, Ballina

Sue was welcomed to DAISI in a role that supports Grandcarers.  With a career in education and teaching and personal experience in raising their own grandchild, Sue brings true understanding to the role.  Sue has great organisational skills and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and building the capacity of Grandcarers through support, linking, sharing and giving Grandcarers the tools to support themselves and their grandchildren.

Qualifications: Master of Educational Leadership; Certificate IV in Training and Assessment; Diploma of Teaching.

  Northern Rivers, NSW | Gold Coast, QLD.

Mary Felton

DAISI Administration Officer Trainee / Plan Management, Ballina

Mary is a proud Widjabul Wia-bal Woman from the Bundjalung Nation who came to DAISI in late 2020 as a Trainee and is currently studying her Certificate III in Business while working in both Administration and Plan Management. Mary has lived experience with and supporting people with Mental Health as well as people with ASD. She is compassionate and understanding of how people from all different walks of life should be treated with kindness and respect. 

  Northern Rivers, NSW | Gold Coast, QLD.

Alison Rathbone

NDIS Plan Management Coordinator, Ballina

Alison came to work for DAISI mid-2020 to assist with Finance and Plan Management. Alison has previously worked as an accountant and is valued for her attention to detail. She has an Advanced Diploma in Accounting. Alison has lived experience with physical disabilities navigating the long rehabilitation of her older brother who became a paraplegic as a result of a motor vehicle accident.  Alison brings a positive can-do attitude to the Plan Management Team.

Qualifications: Certificate IV in Accounting; Diploma of Accounting; Advanced Diploma of Accounting.

  Northern Rivers, NSW | Gold Coast, QLD.

Thom Evans

NDIS Plan Management Admin Assistant

Thom recently started working for DAISI, May 2022.  Thom comes with a very sound administration and finance background.  Originally from England, Thom now calls the Far North Coast of NSW home.

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Alanna Shultz

Support Coordinator, Ballina

Alanna joined DAISI in July 2021 and brought with her a wide range of skills and expertise.  Paramedic, Mental Health Support Worker, Executive Assistant, Ward Clerk General, Patient Transport, Administration; are just a few.  With a strong community focus, Alanna has volunteered in various organisations.  She is a strong advocate with ability to be assertive when required.  Alanna has excellent organisational skills and is able to prepare and present excellence in reporting.

Qualifications: Business Certificate III; Diploma of Paramedical Science – Ambulance Service NSW; Certificate IV Financial Services; Statement of Attainment Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Medicine; Enrolled Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Counselling

  Northern Rivers, NSW | Gold Coast, QLD.

Anja Wedemeyer

Support Coordinator, Varsity Lakes

Anja realized her life's passion when she became involved in supporting people both as a disability support worker and then a support coordinator for DAISI. With a background in hairdressing and human resources, her life was destined to support people build capacity and come to realize their own uniqueness and gifts they offer the community and to those who are trusted to work alongside them. Anja brings lived experience to the role. Anja takes on life's challenges with a positive outlook and looks for the best in people. Anja supports participants in Northern NSW and the Gold Coast.

Qualifications: Diploma in Social Welfare, Bachelor of Business

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Brianna Rossi

Support Coordinator, Ballina

Bri has worked in the disability sector for over 10 years, in a variety of mainstream and specialist settings within Canada and Australia. Her experience includes Support Work, Disability focused Teacher’s Aid, Intake Officer for Children’s Disability Day Programs, being a Service Coordinator for a Supported Independent Living Group Home, and Support Coordination.

Bri prides herself on finding innovative ways to make positive changes, that celebrate diversity and inclusion for her customers.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Biological Science, and Nutrition & Nutraceuticals; Undergoing Diploma of Community Services.

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Isaac Reed

Support Coordinator / Sole Trader Information Sessions, Ballina

Isaac has worked across the disability sector from teaching to support work to setting up his own respite business through to support coordination. Isaac has a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching with first class honours.

Isaac joined DAISI in 2017 at the inception of the NDIS and its roll out in the Northern Rivers.

He is passionate about getting the right supports in place for his customers and ensuring a high level of support is provided.

Isaac runs a sole trader workshop to support workers to assist in ensuring they meet the requirements to operate as an unregistered provider within the NDIS.

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Leah Louise

Support Coordinator / Community Inclusion, Ballina

Support Coordinator Leah Louise became a key part of DAISI in 2014 bringing a history of working in the not-for-profit sector since 1992. Leah is qualified in early child/youth development, community services practice, non-clinical mental health, alcohol and other drugs, psychosomatic therapy, trauma informed practices and workplace training and assessment.  In the Support Coordinator role Leah’s compassion and never give up work practice supports peoples’ capacity when accessing DAISI and their own community opportunities.

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Melissa Wakefield

Support Coordinator, Ballina

Before coming to DAISI, Mel worked in marketing and then as an Outreach Worker with Standby Support After Suicide supporting people impacted by suicide. Mel studied contemporary music at university and completed a Diploma in Counselling in 2017. Mel has lived experience in the NDIS space and in supporting young people with ASD. Mel started as a Support Coordinator in 2021 and has a wholistic, gentle and considered approach in working with her customers.

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Tayla Livingston

Support Coordinator, Ballina

Tayla comes to DAISI with 10 years’ experience in the disability sector, she has worked across both community and agency bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and understanding of those she supports.

In addition to Tayla’s experience in disability services, she has a high skill set and experience in business administration.

Previously, Tayla carried out roles as a coordinator managing staff, rosters, understanding the NDIS, compiling agreements and strong knowledge of the quality and safeguards commission.

With on the ground experience working in the sector, Tayla is able to resonate with the needs of her customers, bringing that person centred approach across all her customers.

Qualifications: Certificate II Business Administration and undergoing Diploma in Community Services

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Tracey Adams

Support Coordinator, Ballina

Tracey Adams joined DAISI as a Support Coordinator in March 2020 and had worked in non-government disability services in the Northern Rivers since 2018. She has worked in South Africa and England during her interesting life journey. 

Tracey has great experience in working with people living with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and other disabilities.  She has great attention to detail and a strong work ethic. 

Before joining DAISI Tracey worked as a sole trader, support worker and key worker. Her expertise, knowledge, and skills in supporting NDIS participants are a great asset to DAISI. 

Certificate IV Disability, Certificate IV Community Services.

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Heike Mebold

Clinical Psychologist / Senior Clinician, Ballina

Heike is a registered senior Clinical Psychologist with expertise in working with people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain impairment, including their carers and professional support networks. She joined DAISI in March 2020.  With extensive experience in providing psychological services to individuals with complex needs, dual and multiple diagnoses, and systemic challenges, Heike is a sought-after practitioner. Heike has provided clinical supervision to other psychologists, coordinated psychology services and resources, participated in project work, and provided high level advice to senior management on a regional and state-wide level.

Qualifications: Master level degree in Psychology; Full registration with AHPRA; AHPRA endorsement in specialty area of Clinical Psychology.

  Northern Rivers, NSW.

Paul Mamone

Support Coordinator / Counsellor, Ballina

Paul moved from Melbourne in October 2018 to take up his position with DAISI, after working in community services for the previous 3 years. Since completing his counselling studies in early 2017, he has worked in vocational counselling, community dementia care and NDIS navigation. Initially employed as a Support Coordinator, Paul is also able to provide Counselling services. Paul uses a non-judgemental approach and ensures everyone can express themselves in a safe and friendly environment.   

  Northern Rivers, NSW | Gold Coast, QLD.

Stefanie Simpson

Provisional Psychologist, Ballina

Stefanie started as a Provisional Psychologist at DAISI in February 2022.  She is a warm, capable mental health professional with a high level of cultural competency. In December 2020, Stef attained her Honours degree in psychology and is currently registered as a provisional psychologist with AHPRA. She has a sound knowledge of motivational interviewing and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and has completed a course in drug & alcohol counselling. Currently also completing a course with Russ Harris in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Grief and Trauma.

Stef has quickly become a key member of the Therapy Services team.

Qualifications: Psychology (Honours) 4th year Degree; Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Security & Counter-Terrorism); Certificate IV Front Line Management.