Our People
GET TO KNOW
Our Team
Kaali Ortmann (She/Her)
Chief Executive Officer
Bachelor of Science in Business & Management, Diploma Management & Leadership, Diploma Human Resources Management
Kaali joined Family Support Network in July 2022 and is proud to lead a dedicated team supporting families across Lismore and the wider community. With a strong background in human services and corporate operations, she brings experience as a consultant, community liaison, coach, and educator, working to empower vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Since stepping into the role, Kaali has guided Family Support Network through a period of growth and renewal. Under her leadership, the organisation has expanded its reach and deepened its impact. Her strengths in leadership, quality management, stakeholder engagement, and organisation strategy have helped position Family Support Network for a strong future. Kaali describes this role as the most rewarding and humbling of her career. She is deeply committed to building a safe, inclusive and responsive organisation that walks alongside families with compassion, respect, and purpose.
Amber Gooley (She/Her)
Finance Officer
Bachelor of Visual Arts with Honours, Certificate III Business Administration
Amber originally joined Family Support Network team as an administration officer in 2008, before moving into contact roster officer and finance roles to support the expansion of the team. Her accuracy and flexibility support seamless administrative, client management and record-keeping systems for our organisation. Amber’s commitment to ongoing professional development has been an asset – in addition to completing a BAS Agent Skillset course and other payroll and taxation training, Amber has completed courses including The Accidental Counsellor, Conflict Resolution & Positive Workplace Communication and Keeping Them Safe. Amber’s warm, caring demeanour ensures that prospective participants are greeted with dignity and compassion when enquiring about Family Support Network’s services.
Natalie Russell
Administration Officer
Certificate IV Business and Business Administration, Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care
Natalie joined Family Support Network in 2022, providing administrative support across the organisation, as well as support to the Lismore Playgroup team. With Natalie’s background in community support and early childcare, she brings a wealth of experience working in partnership with families, and an empathetic approach to communication and relationship building. She is skilled in catering to the individual needs of children, identifying children’s learning capabilities, as well as planning and delivering quality learning activities. Natalie’s bubbly personality and helpful nature ensure that every visitor to Family Support Network is warmly welcomed and informed.
Trish Mckay
Families Together Program Manager
Bachelor of Social Welfare, Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, Certificate IV in Community Services (Welfare), currently completing a Certificate IV in Government Investigations
Trish brings over 15 years’ experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families across child protection, family preservation, residential care, out-of-home care and therapeutic services. Joining the FSN team with extensive leadership experience across the sector, including a senior position with The Joint Child Protection Response Program (DCJ) and management roles with locally based child and family services, Trish’s commitment to professional integrity is embedded in all aspects of her practice. With personal interests on the impacts of trauma on memory, and how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) shape a person’s world view, combined with 10 years working in statutory care, Trish has a unique perspective on the complexities of ensuring safety for children and the value of supportive intervention at the earliest point possible. Trish leads the Families Together program with an ethical, child focused approach, holding child safety at the forefront of her work.Â
Kelly Poole (She/Her)
Families Together Senior Practitioner
Bachelor Social Welfare, Certificate III Teacher Assistant
Kelly began working with Family Support Network in 2018 as the Nimbin Playgroup Facilitator before joining our Intensive Family Preservation Service and Family Support teams in 2019. Kelly is a Parenting Group Facilitator, and qualified to deliver Black Box Parenting, Circle of Security, Bringing up Great Kids, and 123 Magic parenting programs. With a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each family, Kelly supports families through coaching and empowering them to achieve their goals. Kelly has also completed the Safe and Together model core training for working with families experiencing domestic violence, supporting her focus on keeping children safe and families together. With an in-depth knowledge of trauma-informed practice and child development, the safety and wellbeing of children is at the centre of Kelly’s work.
Micaela Martin (She/Her)
Families Together Practitioner
Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Micaela joined the Family Support Network team in 2024 with experience in hospital based social work, women’s health and outreach, and mental health advocacy. Micaela takes a warm, compassionate and trauma-informed approach to working with families and recognises the importance of understanding each family’s unique values, experience, and situation. Micaela is passionate about walking alongside families in their caregiver journey, exploring and finding ways to navigate challenges, advocating for their needs and strengthening connection to themselves, their children and community. Micaela is a registered AASW social worker and certified Circle of Security Parenting facilitator.
Jean Shannon (She/Her)
Families Together Practitioner
Bachelor of Social Welfare
Jean joined the Family Support Network team with over eight years’ experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families across child protection and domestic and family violence services. Recently a DFV Specialist Practitioner and Social Health Team Leader with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, Jean’s previous roles also include Case Manager with Northern Rivers WDVCAS and Child Protection Caseworker with the Department of Communities and Justice. With extensive experience across risk assessment, safety planning, case management, court work, interagency collaboration, child protection, domestic and family violence and culturally safe practice, Jean brings trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches for supporting children and families.
Nina Parkinson
Families Together Practitioner
Bachelor of Social Work
Nina is a registered social worker (New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board) who brings a wealth of experience supporting vulnerable children, young people and families across education, mental health, child protection and case management settings in New Zealand and Australia. Supporting young people and families experiencing barriers to engagement and wellbeing has been at the centre of Nina’s work in previous roles as a Case Planner at Clarence Correctional Centre and as a Social Worker with Matapuna Training Centre, as well as placements with child and adolescent mental health services and the statutory child protection sector. With a commitment to supporting positive outcomes for children, young people and families experiencing complex challenges across the Northern Rivers region, Nina’s approach focusses on safety, dignity and encouraging self-determination when working with families.
Emma Weeks (She/Her)
Families Together Practitioner
Bachelor of Social Work (2nd year), Diploma of Community Services, Certificate IV Welfare and Family Intervention, Certificate IV in Community Services
Emma has joined the FSN team with six years’ experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and families. Emma has worked in a range of community services roles, including Aboriginal Family Preservation, Family Services, Domestic & Family Violence, Youth Homelessness and Out-of-home care settings. Dedicated to supporting women, children and families who are experiencing injustices, Emma is passionate about working with families to build on their existing strengths, and create safe spaces where families feel heard, respected and empowered.Â
Lara Sammon (She/Her)
Families Together Practitioner
Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Psychology, Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education and Counselling, Certificate IV in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Counselling
Lara has joined the FSN team with extensive and diverse experiences in family-centred care. Most recently working as a youth mental health counsellor, hospital based social work across NSW Health services, community support work and crisis counselling. Lara is skilled at providing empathetic counselling and family-inclusive support. Lara has previous experience working with women, infants and families as a Registered Midwife with NSW Health and private hospital midwifery services. Through her background in midwifery and social work, Lara has a specialised interest in perinatal mental health and wellbeing. Lara brings a compassionate and trauma recovery orientated approach to care coordination and supporting families.
Ellen Mules
Program Support
Certificate III in Community Services, currently completing a Bachelor of Arts Therapy
Ellen has extensive experience in program coordination and wellbeing practitioner roles across ACCOs, NGOs and government settings, including Aboriginal Family Support Services and the Department of Human Services, supporting family strengthening, family preservation, reunification and early intervention programs. With responsibilities including case coordination, stakeholder engagement, documentation, reporting, referrals, service planning and program evaluation, Ellen has a strong understanding of the complexities families face when navigating systems and accessing support. Ellen is committed to delivering practical, coordinated program support, with a strong focus on child safety and shaping positive outcomes for families.
Sara Kitchener
Practice Manager
Master of Social Work, Master of Applied Anthropology Bachelor of Arts, Social Science
Sara is as AASW registered social worker who is passionate about supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of children and families. She joined Family Support Network in 2024 with a wealth of person-centred counselling and case management skills. She has extensive experience providing recovery-oriented support and facilitating groups in the Northern Rivers and Melbourne. Sara is trained as a Parents Under Pressure practitioner, a Tuning Into Kids facilitator and in ASIST Suicide Intervention counselling. Sara’s focus on supporting participants’ needs and goals has empowered individuals to improve child- parent relationships, community connections, as well as mental and physical health. As our Practice Manager, Sara’s role supports staff wellbeing and practice with individual and group supervision, as well as facilitating Tuning Into Kids groups. Sara is dedicated to quality assurance and works with the Family Support Network team to improve practice in all areas.
Julia Rosoff (She/Her)
Child and Family Practitioner / Playgroup Coordinator
Master of Education in Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and International Relations
Julia joined Family Support Network in 2022 and is an integral part of the Supported Playgroup and Start Together programs. She holds a Master of Education in Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies, with a focus on Decolonial Pedagogy and Practice. With a strong foundation in early childhood development and Montessori education, Julia creates responsive, nurturing environments for children aged 0–5 and their families. She is passionate about culturally informed, trauma-sensitive care that empowers parents and supports holistic growth. Julia’s work ensures families feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.
Courtney Patterson
Child and Family Practitioner
Bachelor Social Science
Courtney joined Family Support Network in 2017 and is currently a member of the Family Work Team and a Parenting Group Facilitator. Courtney loves problem solving and proactively works through life’s challenges with her participants. With a deep understanding of the challenges that can arise for individuals and families, Courtney is committed to empowering parents and fostering positive outcomes for children. She has a toolbox of methods that she draws upon and her clients enjoy learning new skills. Drawing on her diverse professional background, including work experience in community services and volunteering as a lead tenant for Youth Connections North Coast, Courtney is an effective communicator who is highly skilled at engaging children and young people, as well as adults.
Amy Trembath
Child and Family Practitioner
Master Applied Social Work, Bachelor of Arts
Amy is a registered AASW social worker who completed her social work training in New Zealand and has lived in the beautiful Northern Rivers for the past 6 years. Amy is passionate about empowering children and young people to achieve positive life outcomes. She has experience working therapeutically and building supportive relationships with children and young people with complex trauma. Amy has extensive experience in the provision of support services and case management for families with disabilities. Amy is a facilitator of the Bringing Up Great Kids parenting program and is working towards becoming a certified Play Therapist.
Kegan Barlow
Project Assistant
Graduate Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Arts
Kegan joined Family Support Network in 2025 with a career spanning content and editorial work, grant writing support, as well as research and project coordination. Working across health and higher education sectors, both locally and internationally, Kegan is passionate about contributing to services that enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals and communities. Kegan’s commitment to supporting families is at the heart of her professional approach, and she strives to bring values of quality, creativity and collaboration to support the Family Support Network team.
Erica Gully
Playgroup Facilitator
Bachelor of Education and Bachelor Visual Arts, Bachelor Arts (History and Criticism), Graduate Diploma of Education (Visual Arts)
Erica joined Family Support Network in 2021 as the Program Assistant for our Playgroups and supports the organisation with graphic design. Erica is a talented artist, skilled at bringing out creativity in those around her. With a background in education and expansive contributions to the local Lismore arts scene, Erica has a unique capacity to support families and children through a creative lens. In 2023, Erica undertook a month’s residency in Christchurch (NZ) to explore how the creative sector can foster meaning within disaster-impacted communities; this experience has informed her work with Family Support Network’s community in recovery following the 2022 Lismore flood event. With a commitment to continuous improvement and cultural awareness, Erica also completed the We Al-li Culturally Informed Trauma Integrated Approach (CITIHA) to Care and Practice workshop. Erica’s creative, empathetic approach ensures that families are warmly supported across our playgroup services.
Trudy Osborne (She/They)
Playgroup Program Assistant
Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management, Certificate IV Disability, Certificate IV Training and Assessment, Certificate III Business (Records and Information Management), NSW Rural Fire Service - Fire Fighter
Trudy is a talented member of the team, bringing diverse qualities and skills in community engagement, leading teams and learning support. With a background in disability support and classroom teachers’ aide support, Trudy brings a wealth of experience in providing enriching, inclusive environments for Family Support Network’s Playgroups. As a trained PEEP Learning Together Program practitioner, Trudy supports parents to build on their existing strengths to nurture their child’s learning experiences. Trudy is passionate about inclusivity and cultural awareness, ensuring that all families are warmly welcomed and supported across Family Support Network’s services.
GET TO KNOW
Our Board
Iain Graham
Chairperson, appointed 2022
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Education, Master of Science, Bachelor of Science
Iain is an Emeritus Professor at Southern Cross University, formerly Professor of Healthcare Development, Dean and Head of School for Health and Human Sciences, and Director of Clinical Services. He has held honorary positions with universities in the UK, USA and Australia. Iain’s extensive academic and clinical career has spanned the fields of mental health, primary care, and public health.
Iain retired from academic and clinical work in 2024. As Family Support Network’s Board Chairperson, Iain promotes the organisation’s fundamental role in achieving quality family health and welfare across the Lismore LGA. Iain utilises his strong leadership skills and capacity for strategic vision to advise and support the Family Support Network team to achieve its mission and vision.
Andrea Brooks
Vice Chairperson, appointed 2012
Postgraduate Certificate in Women’s Health Nursing, Bachelor Health Sciences (Nursing), Certificate in Midwifery, Certificate in General Nursing
Andrea trained as a nurse and midwife in Canberra and has held multiple clinical and education roles in the Northern Rivers since 1981, including work with Birth and Beyond in Nimbin, Family Planning (now Choices clinic) in Lismore and Kyogle, and Lismore Women’s Health Centre, over a dedicated period of 25 years. Andrea’s postgraduate studies focused on Women’s Health Nursing, and she has long cared about the health and welfare of families and children, with a strong interest in child development. Andrea acknowledges the privilege of contributing to the Board and is committed to supporting Family Support Network staff in what she recognises as vital work in our community.
Zumra Salkic
Treasurer, appointed 2026
Bachelor of Business - Financial Management, Diploma of Business - Accounting, Member of CPA & IPA, Member of Golden Key Honor Society
Zumra brings a strong finance and business development background to the Board, along with experience in community engagement and collaboration. A finance and governance professional with expertise in financial management, bookkeeping, budgeting, compliance, audit preparation, and board reporting across government-funded and NDIS programs, Zumra is passionate about using these skills to support the strategic and financial direction of our organisation. With experience in community-based accounts management and finance roles, as well as strong strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and governance experience, Zumra is committed to supporting organisational decision-making, and contributing to sustainable, mission-driven outcomes for Family Support Network.
Cath Napier
Board Member, appointed 2019
Master of Arts (Communication), Graduate Diploma in Education (University Medal), Bachelor of Social Work, Various certifications in Child Protection and Training
Cath has been a member of the Board since 2019, including the role of FSN Chair from 2019 until 2022. Cath brings a wealth of professional experience from her extensive career as a social worker and educator in the community services and child protection sectors, both in Australia and internationally.
Cath’s commitment to child rights, her advocacy for the cessation of violence against children, plus her professional support and personal experience of parenting, underpin her contributions to the Family Support Network Board.
Dr. Airdre Grant
Board Member, appointed 2021
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Education, Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Arts  
Airdre is an experienced academic, writer, columnist, and educator with over 20 years’ experience in teaching and learning. Airdre worked in the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Southern Cross University (SCU) for 15 years and served across school boards, assessment
and accreditation committees, as well as the Reconciliation Action Program committee. Airdre has worked in the Learning Innovations team at Deakin University and is on the TEQSA Register of Experts. She currently serves on the Academic Board for the School of Business and Information Technology (SBIT) at Western Sydney University (WSU), as well as the Academic Review Committee for the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), which oversees accreditation and other
matters of professional standing. Airdrie is committed to fairness, equity and access in education and public service models.Â
Kylie Burnett
Board Member, appointed 2024
Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, Diploma of Children’s Services
Kylie is an accomplished children’s services practitioner with a career dedicated to working with children of all abilities and diverse families. In her role as Coordinator of Children’s Services and as a Family Day Care Educator, Kylie has worked extensively in
developing and implementing child-safe policies, procedures and protective measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children. Kylie is a skilled case worker who supported and empowered families impacted by the February 2022 natural flood disaster, and has since provided crisis relief in other disasters across the state. With a child-centred approach to care, education and healthy development, Kylie is passionate about supporting families and caring for community, and believes it takes a village to grow children, and grow parents.Â
Lisa Gava
Board Member, appointed 2025
Diploma in Teaching, Alternative Dispute Resolution Practitioners Training
Lisa comes to the Board with extensive leadership, supervision and management experience in community services, supporting children and young people in areas including Child Protection programs, Out-of-Home Care programs, and Aboriginal Services Programs. Lisa brings a wealth of experience across contemporary child protection practice principles, policies and translation of research to practice following her tenure at the Department of Communities and Justice. Her commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of children, young people and families is evidenced consistently across a career spanning 35 years in the sector, promoting best practice approaches in service delivery and care.Â