Meet our team
Working together for your family
Our Hannah’s House team is comprised of registered nurses, support workers, administration staff and board members. We empower each other to continually develop our skills, knowledge, and motivation.
Our team members come from diverse professional backgrounds and personal experiences, each with a shared purpose: to provide care, comfort and joy to children with life-limiting or complex conditions.
Our Founding Patrons
Since 1999, Martin and Jacky have poured their hearts into making a difference in the lives of families with children facing complex medical needs. Their tireless dedication has been the driving force behind the positive impact Hannah’s House has had on countless lives.
Martin and Jacky remain intimately connected to Hannah’s House as our Founding Patrons. We are so fortunate to continue benefiting from their passion.
Our Board
Anne McCormack
Chair
Anne brings a wealth of experience from her background in Banking, IT and Telecommunications Health, having worked across the UK, Europe, USA and Australasia. Since moving to Australia in 2007, her passion for human services, with a focus on innovation, people and capability, led her into the health sector. Anne’s career spans community health, aged care, disability services, private health insurance and tertiary health. She has held executive roles at Silver Chain Group, a major provider of community health and aged care services, Medibank, one of Australia’s largest private health insurers, and Healthscope, the second largest private hospital group in the country.
Anne is driven by her passion for innovation, growth and the power of collaboration. She believes that the right partnerships can transform health policy and service delivery to meet the changing needs of both the community and the health system in Australia. Her personal focus is on ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all, with a strong commitment to advocating for society’s most vulnerable.
Anne’s focus is on connecting the components in the health system to ensure the right care for the right person happens in the right setting. This involves access for all to good quality healthcare, whether in hospitals, hospices, in the home or community. Connecting these components helps create a more affordable and seamless healthcare experience for patients, their families and funders.
Anne is dedicated to designing pathways that make it easier for children and families at Hannah’s House to access the care and support they need throughout their journey, whether at home, in hospitals or in hospice care. Recognising that much of a child’s healthcare journey often happens outside traditional settings, Anne is determined to ensure that Hannah’s House remains a source of continuity, comfort, support and respite throughout their entire journey.
Susan Cantwell
Vice Chair
Susan is a Registered Nurse with almost 30 years’ experience and has significant health management experience, having held a range of clinical, managerial and senior leadership positions within public and not for profit hospitals and community care settings in WA and Queensland. Susan holds a Master of Business Administration majoring in Human Resources and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Catholic Culture. She is also a Fellow of Leadership WA (2008) and holds an Adjunct Associate Professor appointment with the University of Notre Dame, School of Nursing and Midwifery. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Susan is currently CEO, SJG Social Outreach which forms part of St John of God Health Care, one of the largest not for profit healthcare and community services operators in Australia. St John of God Social Outreach provides a range of community mental health, homelessness and support and capacity strengthening services across Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, as well as internationally in Timor Leste. Prior to this she has held Director of Nursing roles in several hospitals and worked in a national workforce strategy role supporting a number of major projects related workforce change and redesign.
Susan has extensive experience in clinical and corporate governance both within the health and community care setting. She is passionate about ensuring patients and their families receive safe and high quality person-centred care working in strong partnership and collaboration with those who we serve.
Sandra Ursino OAM
Secretary
Sandra is a HR professional with over 25 years working in Human Resources. Sandra joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1988 and worked in various HR roles over 12 years. After leaving the RAAF, Sandra joined CRS Australia, where she led the Recruitment Team until 2007 when she was appointed as the first HR Manager at InfoHRM, a HR consulting firm. In 2011, Sandra joined Pitcher Partners Brisbane to set up their HR practice and upon return home to Perth in 2014, Sandra transferred to Pitcher Partners Perth. Her strength is in establishing HR best practice processes and procedures in small to medium sized businesses.
Sandra’s passion is to make a difference in the community. Sandra was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2013 Australia Day Honours List for her volunteer work with Radio Lollipop. She is currently an active volunteer with Camp Quality WA, was appointed to the Board of Trustees for WA Charity Direct in July 2020 and in August 2022 joined the Board of Hannah’s House.
Romola Haggerty
Treasurer
Romola has extensive experience in finance, accounting, and leadership through her work in the resources industry, small business, public service, and media. She has a Bachelor of Business (Management and Accounting), is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Romola enjoys working with people who have diverse skills and backgrounds and believes we can achieve more together than individually. Supporting the work of Hannah’s House dedicated staff and volunteers in providing care for children and support for their families is especially important to her.
She brings the board an ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and provides strategic business support to ensure Hannah’s House achieves its vision.
Amanda Vivian
Board Member
Amanda joined the Board in 2018 and brings significant expertise and strong commitment to Hannah’s House Vision. With a degree in Financial Services, she is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a fellow of Leadership WA. She is Executive Director at Baptistcare WA which is a not-for-profit organisation providing aged care services responsible for Residential Aged Care, Retirement Living and Home Care Services, Amanda is also Chief Executive of Aurum Catering Services providing catering services to Residential Aged Care together with catering functions. Previously the Chief Operating Officer at Bankwest.
Amanda has a wealth of experience working with senior executive teams on a number of critical activities including developing a risk and values based culture, running the HR function and supporting the organisation on their people agenda. Amanda brings to the Board her extensive experience across a number of domains including Operational leadership, Human Resource Management, Clinical Governance and Risk Management, Finance, Marketing and Communications and Information Technology.
Mitch Messer
Board Member
With over four decades of experience as a consumer advocate, Mitch has worked at local, state, national, and international levels to support the health and wellbeing of diverse communities. Mitch is currently a Consumer Advisor / Community Involvement Coordinator at The Kids Research Institute Australia, where he facilitates the inclusion of the community at every stage of the research journey, especially for the BEAT CF program, which aims to improve the outcomes for people living with cystic fibrosis.
Mitch also has extensive experience in strategy, advocacy, policy development, and special projects for various organisations, such as Cystic Fibrosis Australia, Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL Ltd.), Quality Innovation Performance Limited (QIP Ltd.) and the Consumers Health Forum. Mitch is also currently a member of WA Health Sustainable Health Review Partnership Group. Mitch has been a keynote speaker at events across the globe, sharing my insights and expertise on topics such as chronic disease self-management, primary health care, and the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Mitch’s positive impact on the lives of Western Australian’s was recognised at the 2024 Western Australian of the Year awards where Mitch earned the Community Award.
Renee Hallam
Board Member
An accomplished and people-centric leader, Renee’s extensive career spans medical research, life sciences, natural resources, consulting, and technology. Renee’s professional journey is defined by a consistent passion for unlocking the potential of individuals and teams, making impactful contributions, and driving tangible outcomes.
Guided by strong values, Renee possesses the audacity to think big, providing people with pathways to achieve greatness, with a structure and expertise in R&D, innovation, commercialisation and product development. Renee’s leadership roles have traversed the spectrum, from listed organisations to not-for-profits, and from developing countries to global portfolios. This diverse experience has equipped Renee with valuable insights from the executive and investor viewpoint as well as the disruptor seeking to shift paradigms and make impact.
Leadership Team
Jonine Collins
CEO
Following an extensive search, Jonine joined Hannah’s House as our inaugural CEO in September 2020. Jonine has held management and senior executive roles across the health and community sector, including 7 years in her last role as State Manager WA and SA for the Stroke Foundation. She has overseen the implementation of many innovative community programs and clinical services, including mental health, suicide prevention, chronic disease, disability, aged care and services to the Aboriginal community, homeless and other marginalised populations. Jonine’s various roles have provided her with considerable experience in advocacy, leadership, strategy, not-for-profit governance and government contracting both at the State and Commonwealth level.
Jonine says she has been inspired by the work that Hannah’s House does to enhance the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions and the much-needed support that it provides to their loved ones. “It is clear that everyone involved is driven with passion for its purpose and committed to the delivery of high-quality services and care to its children and families.”
Contact Jonine via jonine.collins@hannahshouse.org.au
Aoife Gray
Director of Clinical Services
Aoife is a Registered Nurse with almost 20 years’ experience. She has held multiple clinical, and senior leadership positions in the not-for-profit and community services sectors in both Ireland and Australia. Aoife held a nurse teaching position at one of the lead universities in Dublin and holds a Master of Science in Disability Nursing Practice. She is an Alumni of Leadership WA (2019) and is passionate about safeguarding children and vulnerable people.
Matthew Ranford
Fundraising & Marketing Manager
Matt is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience spanning all aspects of marketing, fundraising, partnerships, communications, and events. He brings a deep passion and extensive expertise from the not-for-profit sector, having worked across disability, sexual health and aged care organisations.
With a strong background in digital marketing, brand development, campaigns, and strategy, Matt firmly believes that marketing is fundamental to the success of an organisation. At Hannah’s House, he is dedicated to raising the profile of the organisation and fostering strong connections with our families and stakeholders.
Anne Fairbanks
Finance Manager
Anne Fairbanks joined Hannah’s House in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors both in Australia and overseas. She is adept at applying strong governance principles to board-level and ACNC reporting, ensuring that leaders can fulfill their responsibilities with confidence. Anne is passionate about upskilling her operational peers to understand financial statements and guiding less experienced staff in the application of best practice tools.
With proficiency in various software packages, Anne has been instrumental in transforming paper-based approaches into efficient electronic systems. A dedicated advocate for public education and social justice, Anne has learned Auslan (Australian Sign Language) to enhance her communication with the Deaf community. Her commitment to the community is further demonstrated through her pro bono work as a State Councillor and Vice President of the Western Australian Council of State School Organisations Inc (WACSSO), as well as her long-term involvement with several P&C associations.
Anne recently completed a Certificate in Not-for-Profit Governance at the Governance Institute of Australia and is a current member of the Institute of Public Accountants.
The Clinical Team
Aoife Gray
Director of Clinical Services
Aoife is a Registered Nurse with almost 20 years’ experience. She has held multiple clinical, and senior leadership positions in the not-for-profit and community services sectors in both Ireland and Australia. Aoife held a nurse teaching position at one of the lead universities in Dublin and holds a Master of Science in Disability Nursing Practice. She is an Alumni of Leadership WA (2019) and is passionate about safeguarding children and vulnerable people.
Rebecca Lemmon
Team Leader - Service Delivery
Bec began her career in the sector as a support worker and quickly advanced to managing a team of 20 staff for a 10-year-old child. She joined Hannah’s House over two years ago, where she initially took on rostering and Service Coordinator roles before being promoted to Team Leader.
Bec has significantly contributed to Hannah’s House by delivering excellent support for children and families receiving in-home care. Her dedication and impact were recognised in the wider Perth Community when she became a finalist in the NDS (National Disability Services) WA Disability Support Awards in the Emerging Leader category. She has consistently demonstrated her knowledge, skills, commitment, and ability to support front-line staff, ensuring they feel valued and heard.
As Team Leader, Bec supports the work of the Service Coordinators, Rostering Coordinator, and Play Specialist. She focuses on safety and quality, child safeguarding, and expanding referral pathways within the WA community.
In her free time, Bec enjoys playing netball.
Lynne Herd
Complex Care Coordinator - Central Zone
Lynne Herd has dedicated 43 years to nursing, with nearly 35 years spent working in the community. In the UK, she served as a district nurse for several years before becoming a Community Practice Teacher, where she supported postgraduate students and new staff with their educational needs.
Lynne has worked in Australia for 23 years, including 18 years at Silver Chain, where she provided hospice care in the community. She also played a crucial role in the COVID vaccination program for almost three years. Lynne has also worked as a Staff Development Nurse, helping her team induct over 800 staff into the vaccination program. Lynne went on to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist, overseeing the running of several community vaccination clinics and pop-up vaccination events.
Lynne joined Hannah’s House nearly two years ago, initially as an educator. She now serves as a Complex Care Coordinator, bringing her extensive experience and dedication to supporting children and families with complex care needs.
Jess McAuley
Complex Care Coordinator - North/East Zone
Jess McAuley has dedicated 13 years to the health sector, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She graduated from Edith Cowan University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Jess first joined Hannah’s House from 2017 to 2019, then left to gain more clinical experience to better assist families. She returned in January 2024 as a Complex Care Coordinator, overseeing the North East Zone. In this role, she provides clinical oversight for families and workers within these zones.
Her strong background in community and primary healthcare includes two years of child health nursing in remote, community-led Aboriginal Medical Services. Jess holds multiple postgraduate certifications, including Immunisation Endorsement, a graduate certificate in Child and Young People’s Nursing, and a graduate certificate in Community and Primary Healthcare. She is currently pursuing a graduate diploma in Child and Family Health.
Cynthia Koech
Service Coordinator - North/East Zone
Cynthia Koech is a dedicated Service Coordinator at Hannah’s House, where she facilitates support services for families with children experiencing complex needs. Having started her career as a support worker Cynthia brings valuable experience from her background in aged care and the NDIS sector. Her journey has equipped her with a deep understanding of client needs and the importance of tailored support services.
Cynthia has a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, a Diploma in Community Services, Certificate (IV) in Disability and Mental and Certificate (III) in Community Services. Cynthia is passionate about promoting choice, control, and inclusion for those she supports. She takes pride in developing individualised plans that improve quality of life and enhance social connections for her clients.
Gwyn McVitty
Complex Care Coordinator - South Zone
Gwyn McVitty joined Hannah’s House in April 2023 and is proud to be part of an organisation that supports and improves the lives of children with complex medical conditions. Gwyn’s career began in Bristol, UK, after leaving her home in Ireland to commence Registered Nurse training.
Now with 35 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Gwyn has worked in various roles and locations. After travelling and working in WA, NSW, and Victoria, Gwyn settled in Perth. Gwyn’s professional background includes roles such as After-Hours Nurse Manager with Ramsay Health Care, Clinical Nurse Manager with the COVID Taskforce during the pandemic, and Hospital Clinical Manager at PCH.
Gwyn joined Hannah’s House to make a direct difference in the lives of children and their families. Gwyn has a special interest in supporting vulnerable populations and providing neurodiverse support in healthcare.
In free time, Gwyn enjoys yoga and watching foreign films.
Sue Ford
Service Coordinator - South Zone
Sue Ford has been a dedicated Service Coordinator at Hannah’s House for two years. In this role, she serves as a point of contact for families regarding their staffing and rostering requirements, conducting regular reviews of supports and documentation.
Sue’s career journey began in the UK, where she worked as a Registered Nurse specialising in Intellectual Disabilities. After emigrating to Australia in 2011, she spent 11 years as an Accommodation Coordinator in supported living services. Sue’s extensive experience in nursing and coordination led her to her current position at Hannah’s House.
Sue holds a Diploma in Higher Education (Nursing) and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.
In her free time, Sue enjoys spending time with her family, taking her dog to the beach, and going camping.
Sue Desmond
Play Specialist
Sue Desmond has been growing her role as a Play Specialist at Hannah’s House for almost three years. In this role, she supports families in reaching their NDIS goals, provides memory-making opportunities, and fosters a sense of community for isolated families.
Sue’s career journey began with hospital-based training at Royal Perth as a Registered Nurse, where she practised for 16 years before transitioning into the special education space, supporting children with complex needs for 21 years.
While no longer working as a registered nurse, Sue’s nursing skills remain invaluable in her role. She maintains her first aid and CPR competencies, and undergoes any specialised training required to support the individual needs of children attending play. Sue also holds a Certificate III in Special Education Support and is skilled in supporting communication through visuals, sign language, adaptive communication devices, and PODD communication.
Sue’s proudest professional achievement is the expansion of the play program. Building a safe and supportive space for families to not only build on their child’s skills but to provide a sense of belonging and joy to our community.
In her free time, Sue enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking a yoga class and camping.
Nikki Bartlett
Schools Coordinator
Nikki Bartlett, a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience, has dedicated the majority of her career to providing clinical education, coordination, and nursing roles within the disability sector.
In 2023, Nikki initiated the Hannah’s House in-school supports program, which has been growing successfully. She is passionate about ensuring children with complex care conditions can live their best lives, attending school safely, making friends, and creating beautiful memories with their loved ones.
Nikki’s dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset to the Hannah’s House team, continually striving to provide opportunities and experiences that all children deserve.
Front-line Team
At Hannah’s House, our front-line staff are the heart of our organisation. Expertly trained registered nurses and support workers provide in-home support day and night, ensuring that your child receives the highest standard of care around the clock. Our dedicated team also offers specialised support for children with complex health needs while they’re at school, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the day.
Our professionals are not just caregivers; they are compassionate partners in your child’s care, bringing a wealth of experience in paediatric care to every interaction. By tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of each child, our team ensures that your child receives the best care and comfort possible. At Hannah’s House, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to providing expert care and compassionate support, making a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve.
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Call us on (08) 6319 2850 or send us an email.
