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.
Mitch Messer
Secretary
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.
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.
Dean Manifis
Board Member
Dean recently joined the Board of Hannah’s House with over 20 years’ experience in engineering, operations, and strategic leadership across Australia’s energy sector. Dean brings a wealth of skills to Hannah’s House with a strong background in safety, incident response, managing large diverse teams and systems-based thinking. Known for his collaborative leadership and commercial insight, Dean has led high-performing teams and helped guide complex decision-making in high-risk environments.
Dean’s connection to Hannah’s House is also deeply personal. His son, James, lives with a complex medical condition known as a Vein of Galen malformation and has received supports from Hannah’s House since he was 7-months old. As part of the Hannah’s House Family, Dean has experienced firsthand the importance of nurse-led, family-centred care and the profound impact of community-based support.
Dean is committed to ensuring that every child with complex medical needs and every family navigating the unknown feels seen, supported, and safe.
Gemma Upson
Board Member
Gemma Upson is an executive/senior manager with 19 years’ experience across not-for-profit industries including early intervention, disability, autism, hearing and cochlear implants.
A values-driven strategic thinker, Gemma has created and expanded services, programs and educational courses across all her roles. Currently, she is General Manager of Inklings, a groundbreaking suite of evidence-informed programs and education courses developed at The Kids Research Institute Australia (The Kids) to strengthen caregiver-child relationships during the first two years of life. Prior to this, she was General Manager of CliniKids, an early childhood development and autism service, also at The Kids, which she created and expanded. Through these roles, Gemma has been instrumental in advancing autism research and early intervention services in Western Australia, particularly through the service’s work with the NDIS.
Previously, she has held executive roles at Ear Science Institute Australia, as Head of Clinical Services, and Manager, Audiological Services at the Lions Hearing Clinic.
A highly capable leader of large teams, Gemma has proven exceptionally successful at attracting funding for vital programs and expanding crucial community health services. She also brings to Hannah’s House her valuable track record of building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including WA Government Health Departments and the National Disability Insurance Agency.
Gemma has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Clinical Audiology from The University of Western Australia, and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Cross University
Katie Hunt
Board Member
Katie brings extensive experience in risk, governance and assurance across the education, corporate and not‑for‑profit sectors in Australia and internationally. She is currently Risk and Compliance Manager at Scotch College, a role she enjoys as it allows her to put into practice her belief that strong governance is not only about oversight and compliance, but about creating the conditions in which organisations, people and communities can flourish.
She sees risk as a positive enabler, supporting thoughtful decision‑making, organisational resilience and long‑term sustainability, while balancing sound governance practices with a forward‑looking, values‑driven perspective. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to social responsibility and to governance that upholds dignity, safeguards the vulnerable and places the wellbeing of children and families at its centre.
With a strong focus on quality systems and continuous improvement, Katie brings a collaborative and thoughtful approach to her work, underpinned by clear communication, careful attention to detail and a strong sense of accountability. Curious by nature and always keen to learn, she values integrity, service and a culture of care.
Katie is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to Hannah’s House, supporting its mission to ensure that children with complex or life‑limiting conditions, and their families, receive the care, compassion and support they need to enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Katie has a music degree from Hull University in the UK, an MBA from the University of Western Australia, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.
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
Wendy Jones
Director of Clinical Operations
Wendy brings a wealth of nursing experience gained across South Africa, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Melbourne and Perth to her role at Hannah’s House.
In her nursing career, she worked primarily in intensive care settings, developing strong clinical expertise in high-acuity environments.
More than sixteen years ago, Wendy transitioned into the disability sector, where she has built a rewarding and impactful career leading community nursing services, as well as disability accommodation and community access programs, supporting individuals and teams to deliver high-quality care.
Wendy has extensive experience working with people with complex health and disability needs, combining her clinical knowledge with strong operational leadership. She is passionate about enhancing quality of life and fostering a collaborative, person-centred approach that supports individuals, families and care teams alike.
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.
Amanda Cumberbatch
Finance Manager
Amanda brings a diverse and strategic background in finance, education, and not-for-profit leadership to her role at Hannah’s House. With an extensive career spanning corporate, educational, and community sectors, she is deeply committed to supporting children with life-limiting or complex conditions and their families.
As Finance Manager, Amanda applies her expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial accountability to ensure strong governance and sustainable financial practices. She is passionate about promoting transparency and helping others understand the “why” behind financial processes, fostering confidence and collaboration across teams.
Amanda is a Divisional Councillor for CPA Australia in Western Australia and serves as Treasurer for the United Nations Association of Australia (WA Division). A Certified Practising Accountant, she believes in using her skills to strengthen purpose-driven organisations and make a meaningful community impact.
Kelly Pellow
People & Culture Manager
Kelly is a highly motivated professional with more than 13 years of experience across team leadership, project management, and education and training.
Her career has seen her work in both the corporate and community services sectors, including Child, Youth and Family Services, Disability, and Aged Care, and as a Registered Nurse in surgical, medical and emergency wards.
Kelly is passionate about driving meaningful change that positively impacts lives and delivers high-quality outcomes through collaborative leadership, innovative thinking, and a strong values-based approach.
The Clinical Team
Wendy Jones
Director of Clinical Operations
Wendy brings a wealth of nursing experience gained across South Africa, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Melbourne and Perth to her role at Hannah’s House.
In her nursing career, she worked primarily in intensive care settings, developing strong clinical expertise in high-acuity environments.
More than sixteen years ago, Wendy transitioned into the disability sector, where she has built a rewarding and impactful career leading community nursing services, as well as disability accommodation and community access programs, supporting individuals and teams to deliver high-quality care.
Wendy has extensive experience working with people with complex health and disability needs, combining her clinical knowledge with strong operational leadership. She is passionate about enhancing quality of life and fostering a collaborative, person-centred approach that supports individuals, families and care teams alike.
Olivia Best
Complex Care Coordinator - South Zone
A motivated and compassionate Registered Paediatric Nurse, Olivia stepped into the role of Complex Care Coordinator –South Zone at Hannah’s House in 2025.
Hailing from the UK, Olivia boasts diverse clinical experience, including spending 2.5 years in a specialist Cardiothoracic Paediatric ICU. Prior to joining Hannah’s House, she was a Registered Nurse at Perth Children’s Hospital and part the Hospital’s In The Home team.
With a background that also includes time spent as an outreach worker and healthcare support worker, Olivia is focused on delivering high-quality, family-centred care with an emphasis on safe, effective and holistic outcomes for every Hannah’s House family.
In her spare time, she enjoys training at the gym, yoga, running and any outdoor activity.
Sophia Clair
Complex Care Coordinator - North Zone
A Registered Nurse who has worked across Australia and Ireland, Sophia has deep experience in paediatric complex care, community nursing, and clinical coordination.
Having completed a Bachelor of Science in Intellectual Disability Nursing, Sophia has a strong foundation in developmental, behavioural, and family‑centred care.
In her role as Complex Care Coordinator – North at Hannah’s House she focuses on enhancing client care management, strengthening clinical governance, and ensuring every child and family receives compassionate, developmentally appropriate holistic support.
In Perth, Sophia has previously worked with St. Jude’s Disability Services and Helping Solutions.
Outside of Hannah’s House, she enjoys travelling, getting lost in audiobooks and a strong cup of tea!
Grace Ramsey
Service Coordinator - North Zone
With a long history of working with young people, Grace is right at home supporting Hannah’s House children and families.
Before joining Hannah’s House, Grace worked as Youth Development Lead for the Whakatipu Youth Trust in New Zealand, providing therapeutic and crisis support for young people experiencing complex mental health and trauma challenges. She has also worked in the United Kingdom as a Therapeutic Practitioner and Learning Support Assistant supporting children and young people with additional and diverse needs.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Psychology, from the University of Birmingham and enjoys Pilates, dancing and hiking in the hills when away from Hannah’s House.
Teshna Rughooputh
Service Coordinator - South Zone
Teshna is Hannah’s House Service Coordinator for the South Zone. She provides essential coordination support to our rostering team, maintains strong relationships with clients and their families, and ensures our support workers feel heard and valued.
Teshna holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services and Community Work) and is an active member of the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). With additional qualifications including a Diploma, Certificate III and IV in Community Work, Teshna has built her career supporting families, most recently at Communicare and the Autism Association of Western Australia as a Program Coordinator.
She is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and their families, believing that every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment to grow and achieve their potential.
Outside of work, Teshna enjoys running, daily workouts, and spending quality time with her own family.
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.
Sue Desmond
Play Specialist
A former Registered Nurse, Sue has spent the past five years building the Play program at Hannah’s House, bringing comfort, care, and joy – as well as connection and support – to children with complex medical needs, and their families.
Through her warm, family-centred approach, Sue embraces her 35 years of combined healthcare and special education experience to assist families to work towards their NDIS goals while fostering meaningful opportunities for play and memory-making. She is ably supported by trained staff who can respond confidently to medical emergencies.
Sue thrives on creating safe, inclusive spaces where children can learn and flourish, and where families feel welcomed, understood, and supported. She holds a Certificate IV in Special Education Support and has extensive experience supporting communication through visuals, sign language, adaptive communication devices, PODD communication and adapted play.
Under her guidance, the Hannah’s House Play program has grown into a nurturing environment where families can safely and openly share the unique challenges and joys of raising a child with complex needs. A strong advocate for whole-family support, Sue’s helped expand the program to include all-abilities school holiday activities and community events, offering valuable opportunities for siblings, parents, and carers to build lasting memories and friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
Outside of Hannah’s House, Sue enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending Pilates classes, cooking, and most of all, spoiling her grandchildren.
Emily Pestell
Team Leader, Family & Carer Support
Emily Pestell is an experienced social worker with 12 years of practise across Perth’s community services sector, supporting children, families, and individuals facing complex challenges.
Her career has spanned child protection, alcohol and drugs counselling, family and domestic violence support, and mental health, with a focus on trauma-informed, person-centred care. Before joining Hannah’s House, Emily led mental health initiatives for first responders across Western Australia, coordinating support programs, delivering training, fostering psychologically safe workplaces and overseeing a volunteer-run Peer Support Program.
Passionate about empowering families and strengthening communities, Emily brings a wealth of experience, underpinned by a genuine commitment to helping people build resilience and thrive.
Emily, who is originally from the UK, enjoys unwinding with a good book, a strong cup of tea and long coastal walks with her two energetic border collies.
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.
Join our mailing list
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY.
Call us on (08) 6319 2850 or send us an email.