The Heart of NWDS.

Meet The NWDS Team

At NWDS, we believe the right people make all the difference.

Our team is caring, professional, and dedicated to helping every person live a full and empowered life. From support workers to service managers, each staff member brings compassion, expertise, and commitment to the work we do. We invest in regular training and a strong workplace culture to ensure high-quality support, every day.

Senior Leadership Team

  • Carmen is a senior executive with 20+ years’ leadership experience across the not-for-profit, membership, peak body, and university sectors, with deep expertise in corporate governance. She co-founded the Global Governance Initiative after 13 years at the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has held senior roles at Autism Spectrum Australia, Aged & Community Services Australia, and the Australian Dental Association. She also serves on the Catholic Care Diocese of Broken Bay Advisory Council.

  • Pooja is a Chartered Accountant with 23 years’ experience across industries including defence, IT, finance, healthcare, aged care, NDIS, and retail. A member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, she has worked extensively in public, private equity, global, and not-for-profit sectors.

  • Silvana has over 20 years’ experience in the disability sector, progressing from frontline roles to senior leadership, including Divisional Director at Scope. She has led large-scale organisational change, NDIS transition, and service growth, with expertise in strategic leadership, operational management, governance, and culture development. Holding qualifications in Diversional Therapy, Frontline Management, and Project Management, she is committed to delivering person-centred, high-quality services that empower people with disability to live the life they choose.

  • With a Bachelor of Science - Psychology, a Master of Commerce (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations), Bachelor of Laws and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Michelle possesses a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour and organisational dynamics. With over 15 years of experience in human resources and industrial relations, she has a solid foundation in managing workplace issues and fostering positive employee engagement. Her previous roles include both local and international People and Culture Management, corporate in-house and private legal firms, and consulting for many small to medium businesses gaining insights into corporate governance and compliance matters.

Board of Directors

  • Clinton is a senior executive, director, and board member with over 20 years’ operational and strategic leadership experience in banking and financial services. A corporate strategy specialist, he excels at driving revenue growth, profitability, and efficiency through innovative, long-term strategies. Passionate about social impact, he is also an experienced board member in the disability sector.

  • Paul joined the NWDS Board in 2024 after serving on the Buildings Committee, bringing extensive senior management experience from his career at Telstra in business, operations, and governance. A former Chair and board member of Dial Before You Dig, he is passionate about corporate governance, strategy, and risk, and is committed to making a positive impact at NWDS.

  • Maria joined the NWDS Board in 2016 and became Secretary in 2022. A carer for 27 years, with her son supported by NWDS since 2011, she has worked as a Coordinator at Down Syndrome Australia and as a TAFE teacher in Disabilities and Aged Care for a decade. She is passionate about supporting carers and empowering students through a strengths-based approach.

  • Jessie, a medical doctor of Bangladeshi heritage, has worked in NSW since 1987 and as a GP in the Hills District since 1995. Affiliated with Sydney University and a medical educator with the RACGP for over 20 years, she is also deeply involved in community service, including founding the Bangladesh Medical Society-NSW, fundraising for the Cancer Council, and supporting numerous charitable organisations. A recipient of the NSW Community Services Award, Jessie has been a carer for her son Andaleeb, who has autism and has attended NWDS since 2004.

  • Helen discovered NWDS through a business training event, where she gained a deeper understanding of its services and impact. With many years in business focused on driving profitable growth for corporate and government sectors, she has a strong background in governance, compliance, and continuous improvement. She now consults with organisations, providing expertise in bids and tenders, and brings this experience to her role with NWDS.

NWDS Patron

  • Jim’s career spans over 45 years across education, business, finance, and community leadership, beginning as a teacher and deputy principal before moving into senior executive and governance roles. Holding multiple degrees, including a Doctor of Business Administration, he is highly skilled in corporate governance, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, with extensive service as chair, board member, and advisor across numerous organisations. Recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia, Jim is deeply committed to community service, has authored books and industry articles, and is a sought-after speaker both in Australia and internationally.

Your Kindness Changes Lives

Every donation helps us provide life-changing support to people with disability and their families. Whether it’s funding meaningful programs, accessible resources, or new opportunities — your gift goes directly to empowering individuals to live with confidence, independence, and joy.

Together, we create a more inclusive community.