Our Team
At Pakari, our team brings together qualified professionals including social workers and counsellors, alongside experienced support workers. Together we share a commitment to walk alongside people, workplaces and communities in recovery, wellbeing and growth.
We believe the right support starts with the right relationship
Leadership & Team Leads
Co Founder / Executive Director
Brianna Fitzgerald
With over 25 years of experience in corporate finance and governance, I bring both strategic and operational leadership to Pakari. My career has been shaped by a deep commitment to community. One of the most formative experiences in my life was serving as a volunteer Ambulance Officer with St John in New Zealand for five years, providing frontline emergency care. It taught me how to remain calm under pressure and respond with empathy, respect, and care. Qualities that continue to guide how I lead and support others.
At Pakari, I lead our direction, growth, and systems to ensure everything we do is grounded in integrity, compassion, and a strong commitment to recovery-focused, person-centered care. I am passionate about creating services that are not only safe and supportive, but genuinely empowering for the people we walk alongside and for the team who make this work possible.
Alongside our individual NDIS supports, I also lead our work in training and psychosocial governance, supporting organisations and workplaces to build mentally healthy environments in line with national reforms. With a strong understanding of both psychosocial governance and the NDIS, I work closely with our staff and participants to navigate systems with confidence and clarity.
Jason, co founder of Pakari has since passed away. I continue to lead with the same heart and vision we built Pakari on.
I am proud of the culture we have created at Pakari, one that honours people, celebrates growth, and believes that even in challenging seasons, healing and hope are possible.
COMMUNITY SERVICE LEAD & COUNSELLOR
Jacinta Fox
I’ve always had a heart for social justice. After working in the justice system for nearly a decade, I transitioned into roles in community mental health, homelessness, and coordinating a volunteer program to support people with mental health issues. People are my passion, and supporting them to live a meaningful and engaged life is at the heart of all I do. I’ve been fortunate to travel and spend some extended time overseas; across Asia, Africa, Europe and America. I speak French (although I don’t get to use it as much these days) and love learning about different cultures.
I’m a registered Counsellor (ACA Lvl 2) and love learning and understanding more about how to support people to make changes to become more of who and what they want to be. I love walking, coffee, nature and spending time with my husband, friends and family, and our dogs.
COMMUNITY SERVICE LEAD & SOCIAL WORKER
Geoff Moore
With over 30 years experience as a Social Worker, I have worked across a variety of roles supporting people through complex life challenges, with most of my work focused on the impact of trauma and recovery.
After completing a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma, I facilitated training in this area which helped build a deeper understanding around trauma informed practice and the importance of compassionate, person centered support.
I am passionate about walking alongside people on their journey toward healing, resilience, recovery and value creating genuine connections with the people I support.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in the great outdoors with family and friends.
Administration & Office Support
ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR
Carolyn Rawlings
With over 20 years of experience working in the community, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Over the last two years, I have supported participants with complex psychosocial mental health needs. I am passionate about empowering individuals to develop their self care skills and tailoring supports that meet each person’s unique needs.
Transitioning from one on one support into an administration role has allowed me to use all my skills and work closely with individuals at the Pakari hub, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
Outside of work I enjoy cooking, yoga, music and having a good laugh.
Chief Wellness Officer
Penelope
Penelope is the official Chief Wellness Officer at Pakari and an essential part of the Pakari family. Though small in size, she has a big heart and even bigger role in creating a welcoming, comforting atmosphere for everyone. From greeting clients, joining in meetings or offering a quiet ear to listen, Penelope reminds us every day of the importance of connection, calm and care in our work.
Her playful spirit and affectionate personality make her an indispensable wellbeing ambassador for the Pakari team. Penelope is always up for a tug of war or race around the office, scooting excitedly from desk to desk and bringing laughter wherever she goes. She is more than a companion; she embodies the care and kindness that define our approach to supporting psychosocial health and wellbeing.
Community Services Team
RECOVERY COACH & SOCIAL WORKER
Rachael Andrewartha
I have been working with families and children for as long as I can remember, well before I even graduated from my social work degree over a decade ago. After serving the community through a local non-profit organisation for over 10 years, I have learned that what I thrive on the most is having a genuine connection and relationship with the people I support.
My two young children have taught me so much about life, motherhood and myself. I do not pretend to be perfect, but am happy to journey with people and help them connect with what is truly important to them, and how to let go of the voices that hold them back and help them discover and reach for what is important to them.
SUPPORT COORDINATOR / RECOVERY COACH
Sarah Binaisse
SENIOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER
Joshua Clerke
I am passionate about supporting people to live fulfilling lives and enjoy building meaningful connections with the people I work with. My approach to psychosocial support is with compassion, patience and a focus on person centred practice.
I thrive on environments where collaboration and respect are central and I aim to make those around me feel heard and supported.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, staying active with futsal and cycling, capturing moments with my camera, watching movies and playing video games.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER
Carole Norman
As a registered nurse, I have spent my career specifically in midwifery. I have also been involved in various pastoral care ministries.
Both of these roles have given me the essential skills to move into psychosocial support with compassion, gentleness, kindness and patience being key qualities I bring to my participants.
I am a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of three. I love gardening, walking, cycling in the country and cooking.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER
Matt Bold
I have had many adventures in this life, from running a restaurant to being a sky-diving instructor in the Pacific. More recently, I have felt the call to ‘give back’ and worked in homelessness and drop-in programs, and most recently, psychosocial support work — which I thoroughly enjoy.
I have a heart for the community and bringing people together. I want everyone to know that there is a reason to get up in the morning. I want to have a real relationship with the people I support.
On my days off you can find me in my garden or riding my motorcycle. I am not an idle person, and am always up for an adventure or two.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER
Kerryn Colin-Thome
I was born and raised in Benalla, North Eastern Victoria in a strongly artistic and musical environment.
I lived in the UK for two years in 1990-91, then moved to Adelaide and Melbourne for my husband’s career. During this time I pursued a career in corporate administration, and then public and investor relations with mining companies — however, this was not my passion.
When I had my children, I studied art under two artists “Marco and Debra Luccio” who encouraged me to take my studies further. I studied fine art, firstly at NMIT and then went on to Melbourne University. I have won numerous awards for my work.
I love encouraging others to find their joy in life and have found art to be a great facilitator for this.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER
Melissa Hoffman
I have always had a heart for helping others and initially, this heart led me to becoming a Registered Nurse, working diligently and passionately for almost 2 decades in the local public hospitals.
I recently felt a calling to be more involved in the community. I have been thoroughly enjoying using my nursing heart and skills now by being a psychosocial support worker & nurse with Pakari.
I am also a mother of three energetic children who keep me on my toes and help me fully engage with life and love. I also have a passion for supporting other parents through the everchanging journey of parenthood.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER
Kerry Glen
Community & Workplace Team
Community and Workplace Engagement Coordinator
Daniel Robertson
With over a decade of community services, I have worked across both disability and mental health support, supporting people of all ages with a range of complex needs.
I am passionate about walking alongside people in their mental health journeys, with a focus on building trust, consistency and practical skills that support everyday life and community participation.
In my current role, I lead Pakari’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), community and workplace programs. I work with organisations, community groups and individuals to build mental health awareness, confidence and practical skills to support wellbeing in everyday environments.
I enjoy photography, nature, walking, and tabletop games. I also have a love of acting and puppetry, and I use these skills running programs for primary-aged kids during the school holidays. My greatest joy is seeing people and communities build confidence, strengthen understanding and achieve meaningful mental health goals.