Key Staff

Rockhampton Office

Edward Mosby

Psychologist and Founder

Edward was born in the Torres Strait on Waiben (also known as Thursday Island), traditional land and sea’s of the Kaurareg people, however his family connections and home is Masig (also known as Yorke Island), traditional land and sea’s of the Masigalgal people.

After leaving the Torres Strait at a very young age he was raised in and around the township of Taroom (on the Traditional lands of the Yiman people) in South West Queensland and most recently has resided in Central Queensland, specifically Rockhampton on the Traditional lands of the Dharumbal people.

Edward holds full registration as a Generalist Psychologist and is currently the Principal Psychologist and Director of Wakai Waian Healing. He has worked in both State Government Mental Health Services and Indigenous Community based organisations. He is a member of Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), the Australian Indigenous Psychologist Association (AIPA) and the Australian Psychologist Society (APS).

Julie Mosby

Finance Officer

Julie was born and raised in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, traditional land of the Dharumbal people and acknowledges her family connections and sense of belonging to Masig (also known as Yorke Island), traditional land and sea’s of the Masigalgal people.

Julie completed her senior schooling at Emmaus College and transitioned into a junior position within Queensland Health at the Rockhampton Hospital. From this point Julie sat in many positions over her 22 years with Queensland Health including Accounts Payable Officer, Travel Manager, Payroll Team Leader, Director of Corporate Services and Asset Management Officer within the Financial Services Department. It is through her extensive experiences within Queensland Health that she has obtained valuable knowledge of accounting systems and practices.

Within Wakai Waian Healing Julie is in the Finance Officer role, where she is responsible for the organisations administration, resourcing and logistical matters at both strategic and operation levels and further maintaining the responsibility for all staff within the organisation within her role.

As a mother Julie acknowledges the cross cultural influences on her life and family and is passionate and genuine about the healing of communities and families.

Rosalyn Mann

Workforce Sustainability Lead

Rosalyn Mann has joined Waikai Waian Healing as the Workforce
Sustainability Lead.

Rosalyn grew up in the traditional lands of the Quandamooka Nation in South East Queensland and has lived and worked in many rural and regional towns in the Central and North West regions of Queensland and the Roper Gulf region of Northern Territory. She now lives, works and plays in Dharumbal Country in the Rockhampton region.

Rosalyn has had a diverse career in human resources and community
relations working for a number of mining and gas companies, local
governments, natural resource organisations, a regional university and
most recently, a First Nations owned and operated labour hire business.

Rosalyn’s formal qualifications include Bachelor of Psychological Science,
Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Sociology) and Master of Human
Resources Management. Rosalyn hopes to continue contributing to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing by positively supporting
Waikai Waian Healing employees with best practice human resource
strategies.

Kristina House

Compliance and Administration Officer

Kristina was born and raised in Rockhampton, Central Queensland and is a descendant of the traditional landowners of the Rockhampton area, the Dharumbal people. Her totem is the Buderoo (Green Tree Frog) Kristina is the granddaughter of local community elder Ethel Speedy.

Kristina attended Berserker Street State School for her primary education years and graduated from Emmaus College in 2014 with a Certificate II in Business. Kristina has since obtained a Certificate III in Business and Business Administration.

During Kristina’s time at Wakai Waian Healing, she has completed her Certificate IV in Mental Health and the WWH PDSMS Program.

Kristina has a willingness to further her learning while demonstrating empathy, compassion and a professional approach to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in her community.

Julyess Jarvis

Team Leader
Rockhampton

Julyess was born in Rockhampton, Central Queensland and is a descendent of the Kuinmarrburra clan of the Dharumbal Nation traditional owners of the Rockhampton region and also the Yiman people of Taroom.

After gaining his year 12 Certificate at Kirwan State High School (Townsville) in 2014 Julyess returned to Rockhampton to work at a local Indigenous organisation. Julyess specialised working in programs that supported local Foster and Kinship Carers and then progressed to assist those facing Drug and Alcohol Issues. Currently Julyess is the Team Leader of our Rockhampton Mental Health Stepped Care Service.

Julyess has completed the Professional Development Supervision Mentoring and Self-Care (PDSMS) program at Wakai Waian Healing and also his Cert IV in Mental Health. Julyess is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Central Queensland University. Julyess has aspirations to further his studies to one day become a specialist Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Psychologist to pursue his passion of enhancing the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous People.

Leah Munns

Provisional Psychologist
Rockhampton

Leah was born and raised in Rockhampton on the traditional country of the Dharumbal people.  Leah’s mothers’ mob is believed to be Kuku Yalanji from Far North Queensland, and her father’s mob are Gunggarri from South West Queensland. After leaving school, Leah worked in a variety of jobs within Rockhampton Indigenous organisations until joining the Queensland Public Service in 1987 and then spent 32 years with the Australian Public Service and retired from this service in September 2021.

In 2020, Leah completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science and in 2021 completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours both with CQ University. Leah’s choice of career was further defined based on her experiences as Community Engagement Officer with Services Australia, working with vulnerable people who have multiple barriers.

Leah believes that aiding and empowering people to better manage their mental health can lead to an improved lifestyle and greater self-esteem and confidence. Leah is looking forward to working with, as well as improving the social and emotional wellbeing for Indigenous Australians. Leah will be completing her psychological internship with Wakai Waian Healing to become a Generalist Psychologist.

Sharni Upton

Consumer and Carer Advocate
Rockhampton

Sharni is a Barada and Kabalbara woman whose country is from the Central Queensland region around the Middlemount area, the Goodithulla (Wedge Tail Eagle) is the totem of the Barada people. Sharni grew up on Ghungalu country in Blackwater before moving to Rockhampton.

Sharni completed her high school education at Emmaus College and has since had experience in Business Administration and Community Services specifically working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth.

Sharni is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Central Queensland University and is passionate about making a positive contribution to the community; particularly, enhancing the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Rebecca Zammit

Provisional Psychologist
Rockhampton

Rebecca was born in Windsor, Sydney NSW and descends from the Worimi People (Taree Region) who are Aboriginal Australians from the Eastern Port Stephens and Great Lakes regions of Coastal New South Wales, Australia. The totem for the Worimi People is the Wubaray (Black Dolphin). For generations Worimi People have interacted with dolphins thorough gindal (playing), burugil (swimming) or even giribal (hunting).

Rebecca attended Urangan State High School in Hervey Bay where she completed Early Childhood Studies in Years 11 and 12. She has experience in Early Childhood Education as a Family Day Care Educator and Foster Carer. After high school Rebecca completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Biotechnology) and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology. This led to employment within the healthcare industry in various roles including Medical Research Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Phlebotomist, and Assistant Nurse. Her role with QML Pathology as a Phlebotomist gained her a certificate III in Pathology along with a certificate in Drugs of Abuse Testing.

Rebecca has more recently completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Master of Science Research (Psychology) through the University of Southern Queensland. She has experience as a Casual Academic within the School of Psychology and Wellbeing at USQ.

She is currently employed as a Mental Health Worker with Wakai Waian Healing. Rebecca has a willingness to further her learning by seeking Provisional Registration as a Psychologist and to commence a Master of Clinical Psychology at Central Queensland University, Rockhampton.

Rebecca has a strong desire to help support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in her community with a focus on early childhood development and families.

Amy Purton-Long

Mental Health Worker
Rockhampton

Amy was born in Naarm (Melbourne) and grew up in Victoria and overseas before moving to Queensland to complete her high school education in Yeppoon, on Dharumbal Country.

Amy is privileged to live and learn in this beautiful place, and also to have connections with Central Australia through her partner and children, who are Arrernte/Pintupi people and Traditional Owners of parts of magnificent Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges). Amy’s mother’s English heritage also influenced her upbringing, with visits to the United Kingdom to spend time with extended family.

Amy brings experience from a diverse background in the media and journalism industries, and more recently in disability and mental health recovery support work.

Currently Amy is studying a Master of Counselling at the University of Canberra, and feels very fortunate to have completed a placement with Wakai Waian Healing. Now employed part time as a mental health worker, Amy is further developing her skills in person-centered counselling within a holistic framework, with a focus on cultural safety and strength. 

Amy has a keen sense of social justice and is passionate about working alongside people to support their health and wellbeing, deepen their self-worth, and increase empowerment, while simultaneously learning and developing as a practitioner and person

Rachel Domoney

Provisional Psychologist
Rockhampton

Rachel acknowledges the Dharumbal Nation traditional custodians of the Rockhampton
region in which she works, lives and plays. She pays her respects to Elders past, present
and emerging.

Born and raised in Rockhampton, Rachel completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science in
2018 with CQUniversity, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced in 2022 with Monash
University and is currently completing a Master of Clinical Psychology at CQUniversity.

As a passionate practitioner with four years’ experience in various mental health related
roles including counselling and case management, Rachel undertakes complex
psychological assessments and delivers culturally safe and accessible mental health
services via a variety of tailored therapeutic interventions based upon the individuals needs across the lifespan.

Jhai Bartley

Provisional Psychologist
Rockhampton

Jhai was born in Rockhampton,Central Queensland, on the traditional land of the Dharumbal people. Descended from the Yiman people, the traditional custodians of the areas in and around Taroom, South West Queensland. Jhai currently resides in Nambour in South East Queensland, on traditional land of the Gubbi Gubbi peoples.

Jhai has completed a Bachelors of Social Science (Psychology) at the University of the Sunshine Coast and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) allowing for registration as a Provisional Psychologist. Jhai has worked in Disability and Mental Health support, assisting people with daily living and support to improve quality of life. Much of Jhai’s work has primarily been with youths, providing guidance to young peoples as a Therapeutic Youth Worker and Student Engagement Officer. 

Jhai is passionate about seeing people and nature thrive and is pursuing full registration as a General Psychologist. Also pursuing registration with the Australian Indigenous Psychologist Association (AIPA) and the Australian Psychologist Society (APS). Jhai is very excited to expand his knowledge-base and incorporate better practices and models

Danielle Missler

Provisional Psychologist
Rockhampton

Danielle acknowledges the Dharumbal Nation traditional custodians of the Rockhampton region in which she works, lives and plays. She also recognises and pays her respects to the Western Australian traditional custodians surrounding her birth town of Kalgoorlie and the Pilbara region where she was raised.

Danielle considers her upbringing in the Western Australian bush a privileged and deeply meaningful experience. Camping in the remote outback from a young age shaped Danielle’s love of space and general interest in human consciousness within the greater universe.

Danielle completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science in 2020 and received First-Class Honours in 2021 with Central Queensland University. Danielle is now completing her psychology internship with Wakai Waian Healing to become a Generalist Psychologist.

Danielle is passionate about understanding the uniqueness of individual mental health while using a holistic and culturally sensitive approach. Other areas of Danielle’s interests include informal caregiver mental health, substance use within Australian society and suicide prevention.  Danielle strives to continuously learn from and positively contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional health and wellbeing.

Luke Edmund

Counsellor/Mental Health Worker
Rockhampton

Luke was born and raised in Rockhampton Central Queensland. He is a descendant of the traditional landowners, the Dharumbal People and also an Australian South Sea Islander.

After leaving school Luke worked across several sectors including construction, mining, small business, and disability support. In 2018 he enrolled in the CQ University STEPS program, which gave him the opportunity to study at university. In 2022 Luke completed a Bachelor of Science at CQ Univiersity. After completing his degree he took a break from university and worked in the Queensland Public Service, supporting Indigenous children and young people. This gave Luke experience working and supporting our communities’ most vulnerable children and their families.

Luke hopes to complete my postgraduate studies in psychology in the coming years, so he can contribute to improving the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in our community. Luke is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to Wakai Waian Healing and support individuals to hopefully improve aspects of their lives, and overall psychological well being

Abbie Sandilands

Administration Officer
Rockhampton

Abbie is a Barada and Gabalbara women whose country is from the Central Queensland region around the Middlemount area. The totem that belongs to the Barada people is Goodithulla, the wedge tailed eagle.

Abbie grew up in the Central Queensland region and completed her senior school education at The Rockhampton Grammar School. Abbie has since then completed a Certificate III in Business while working in a financial organisation as an administration officer.

Abbie is a keen learner and is passionate to further her knowledge on working in an environment that supports the health, social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Jeremy Kroll

Provisional Psychologist
Rockhampton

Jeremy acknowledges the Dharumbal Nation traditional custodians of the Rockhampton region in which he works, lives, and plays. He also recognises and pays respects to the traditional custodians of his hometown Biloela, the Gangulu people, where he was born and raised.

Jeremy moved to Rockhampton in 2018 to complete a Bachelors in Psychological Science, and completed his honours year in 2021 with CQUniversity. He is currently enrolled in a Masters of Clinical Psychology with CQUniversity.

Jeremy has a background as a support worker and researcher in the field of psychology. He is a passionate clinician who is eager to understand individual mental wellbeing, and support those in his community through therapeutic intervention and psychological assessment

Giaan Fraser

Administration Officer
Rockhampton

Giaan is a Gungulu woman, situated around the Central Queensland area including Mt Morgan. The Totem being the Carpet Snake, which is considered the spiritual brother of the Gungulu people.

Giaan has grown up in Rockhampton. Completing her Secondary School studies at the Cathedral College in 2022.

Giaan is an effective learner and very eager in learning and working in a background with Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders Mental Health, Wellbeing and emotional support.

Joe Sproats

Psychologist

Joe identifies as an Aboriginal (Ngarigo) and Australian South Sea Islander (Lifou) with Irish and English bloodlines. He was born in Melbourne on Bun Wurrung lands and was raised in a white predominantly Irish Catholic household. Joe moved to Queensland 1979 and has lived here since, mostly residing around Ingham and Yarrabah in North Queensland.

Joe studied both Clinical and Organisational psychology and completed a research Master of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Policy and currently is fully registered as a Generalist Psychologist. Joe has held a number of management positions in the early part of his career with organisations in the Commonwealth, State, community and private sectors. In 2009 he established Dreamtime Learning his own full-time consultancy practice in Management, Training and Planning. In addition, in 2014 he established Dreamtime Counselling and Coaching Service to provide specialist Indigenous Counselling to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander people.

Joe has experience in working with First Nations People with a disability, working for Endeavour Foundation for five years in Mackay, and being the first manager of the Disability Service Program in Townsville when the Disability Services Act (1986) was initiated. Joe has held a range of voluntary positions on Boards and Committees within Queensland and has previously been a member of the Queensland Mental Health Review Tribunal.

Joe is an experienced Psychologist who is passionate about the empowerment and healing of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander Peoples.

Thursday Island Team

Elgina Dhillon

Team Leader/Social Worker
Thursday Island

Elgina was born on Dulabed Malanbarra (Gordonvale) Country and is friendly, trustworthy and loves her Family and Culture. She grew up at the Suburb of Rosehill, Waibene, (Thursday Island) and now lives on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji (Cairns) Country.

Her family descends from Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) Top Western – Malu Kiai (Boigu) & Buzi (West Papua New Guinea) and from the East – (Peibre Tribe) Mer and Erub Islands and also has family ties to Rotuma/Levuka, Fiji and Malay (East Timor/Phillipines/Singapore/Malaysia). Totems: Peibre Saw (Spotted Eagle Ray), Wanpun (Gecko), Nam (Green Sea Turtle), Frigate Bird, Warraway Peibre Leaf & Yam Leaf/Vines.

She is a person that believes and stands for ‘Oneness’. She is a spearhead for strong Torres Strait Island Leadership and Governance; for women in leadership with the culture intent that “All Sisters are One” and believes inclusiveness is key. Elgina also encourages an ethic that promotes to live healthy which includes to be well in mind, body and spirit and attain good education. She assists in Walking in Two Worlds through mentoring, monitoring and evaluation. Elgina is very respectful and gives honour and recognition due to Traditional Owners of the Land, Sea and Sky. She always seeks to engage and participate in community discussions, consultation and development and its decision-making through Cultural considerations and applications with competence and sensitivity.

Elgina has attained a Bachelor of Arts (Business/Education) Degree from the University of Technology, Sydney and recently graduated a Masters Degree of Social Work from James Cook University.

“I am passionate about this work, as all should be given a chance in whatever one desires. This will support lived experiences and shared opinions that foster a better outlook on life and to live healthy with a healthy mind”.

Troy Holland

Psychologist

Troy Holland has worked as a psychologist for 18 years in Queensland across public, community and independent practice settings. He currently runs a practice named Quiet Place in Strathpine which he understands to be located on the traditional lands of the Turrball, Kabi and Waka peoples.

As a whitefella Australian man of mostly Cornish and Irish descent he sees himself as very privileged to have worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities for over 10 years in Central Queensland. He learned respectful practices and two-way learning journeys are vitally important. He documented aspects of these learnings in the article “Two-way learning as respectful community practice: Knowledge stories of the Men of the Mimosa Creek Healing Centre”.

Troy is also an accredited supervisor for the Psychology Board of Australia and an international faculty member of the Dulwich Centre Foundation. He is strongly influenced by narrative therapy and community work which locates people as the ‘experts of their own lives’ and acknowledges and responds to the effects of historical and current injustices on peoples’ lives.
 
Troy has a long and valued working and friendship associations with Edward Mosby. Quiet Place is honoured to be invited to collaborate with Wakai Waian Healing in their work on Waiben and with the peoples of the Torres Strait Islands.

Amanda Majid

Mental Health Worker Trainee
Thursday Island

Amanda is glad to be working with the WWH team and is currently completing her Bachelor of Social Work Degree with James Cook University.

As both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Amanda is proud to work within this sector with our First Nations people. Her family connections are to the Kuku-Yalanji, Girramay Tribe, Ugar Sam-Sep, Mariam- Peibre, Mbabaram,Gimuy-Walabarra Yidi Tribe

Personally, having yarns and being an attentive listener is something she aims to continue as a mental health worker trainee. Learning that the consumer has a story that she will relate to “Their story maybe my Story”. Another goal is training and providing the culturally appropriate tool that is required with the job.

For Amanda, helping others, camping, and spending time with her family is valuable, cooking and craftwork is another gift she draws from.

Amanda is looking forward to 2024 and training in the Mental Health Sector in the Thursday Island Torres Strait Region.

Pearl Akee

Mental Health Worker
Thursday Island

Pearl was born and raised in Sydney, NSW. She is from the Nakorolevu clan of Lomanikoro, Rewa in Fiji and the Dauar-Meriam and Geuram tribes of Mer in the Torres Straits.

Pearl moved to Waibene Thursday Island in 2008 where she completed her last three years of high school, after high school she completed a 12-month traineeship in business/administration, she then worked as a special needs teacher’s aide and disability support worker for over 5 years. She found her passion for working with children and adults with special needs, which then led her into the field of social work. She has completed a Diploma in Community Services and is currently completing a Bachelor of Social Work at James Cook University.

Pearl values equality and traditional ways of knowing, she is excited to continue working with youth and the special needs community in enhancing their mental health, social and emotional well-being.

Pearl is a Mental Health Worker at Wakai Waian Healing on Thursday Island, she is thrilled to further her learning in this area and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within the Torres Strait region.

Ivy Trevallion

Social Worker
Thursday Island

Aunty Ivy Trevallion is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman from Dauan and Saibai Islands. Ms Trevallion has family connections to the Dhoeybaw, Saibai Keodal, Samu, Burum Thabu and Sui Baidam Clans. She speaks Kalau Kawaw Ya (KKY), Creole and English, with English being her 3rd language. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Queensland.

Aunty Ivy has undertaken a wide range of roles including assistant social worker at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Centre at Woolloongabba, Project Officer with the Department Seniors and Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Partnership (DSDSATSIP).

Aunty Ivy also plays a pivotal role in her community as an active board member on many committees such as Chairperson of Kupai Omasker Working Party, current President of Torres Strait Islander Media Association (TSIMA) and Board Member of Kaziw Meta Residential College. Aunty Ivy is also an organisational member of Mura Kosker Sorority and Lena Passi Women’s Shelter.

Aunty Ivy was recently elected as a Director of the Healing Foundation. She is a Co-Chair of Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Advisory Group and she is also a member of the Queensland First Children and Families Board.

Aunty Ivy likes to potter in her garden, read and go fishing and her passion is justice in all areas for everyone.

Ayesha Kepa

Administration Officer
Thursday Island

Ayesha Kepa, mum of 5 beautiful children Is a proud Zenadth Kes woman with blood connection to the Kulkalgal nation of people, people of the Dawn Panay Clan from Mabuyag (Maluilgal) people of the Passage way & and Dauareb Clan of Mer Island People of the Deep Sea.

Ayesha acknowledges and pays her respect to the traditional custodians and the deep feelings of attachment and relationship to the Land & Sea country. Her totem is the Saltwater Crocodile (Koedal), The “Sea Cow” Dugong (Dhangal), Torres Strait Pigeon (Goeynaw)Kurris (Hammerhead Shark) and the frigatebird.

Ayesha loves her Basketball, Volleyball, Touch Footy and Rugby league being selected into representative teams during her schooling days and after school, she also loves to spend time with her hubby and children going fishing and spending the day out swimming at beaches on all the surrounding island near Thursday Island

After completing school at St Monica’s College in Cairns, Ayesha moved into a sporting related career path, aged care, Qld Health and Hospitality. Her most recent employment was a lifeguard for Local Shire Council for 10 years on Thursday Island

Ayesha looks forward to working in the Mental Health industry, she is keen to gain more knowledge and understanding and to also be a support to her family members who are diagnosed with some mental health illness. Ayesha is grateful to be working for an organisation that provides professional support to our first nations people and respecting the Indigenous culture and traditions.

Samuel Bon-Wosomo

Mental Health Worker Trainee
Thursday Island

Samuel Bon-Wosomo is a Proud Torres Strait Islander & Aboriginal man, born and raised on Thursday Island. Samuel hails from the Geuram Tribe of Murray Island with blood ties to Maryborough, Frazer Island and Yarrabah.

Samuel is dedicated to empowering community change and has spent two years in the department of education at Tagai Secondary Campus on Thursday Island, through this career Samuel has developed and maintained a great Leadership with youth, giving young indigenous Australians a chance and purpose to pursue employment, further training, and university pathways.

With this experience and commitment to the school and community, Samuel was given the opportunity to be a Union Delegate for Together Union Administration Officers and is currently a part of Board of Directors at TRAWQ Community Corporation & Busy at work Reconciliation Action Plan Group. Through this time Samuel was provided with Professional Development from The Queensland Youth Indigenous Youth Leadership Program a Queensland government initiative under the coordination of Lianni Truscott.

Samuel is excited to join the Wakai Waian Healing team and has always been inspired to make a change to every individuals life having advocated for mental health all his life, Samuel hopes to excel in aiding to the betterment of our people with genuine passion. Samuel believes it’s important that we must always care for each other. Samuel aspires to become a social worker.

“1% IS ALL IT TAKES TO CONQUER MOUNTAINS”
O.SAILOR

Rodney Mabo

Mental Health Worker
Thursday Island

Rodney was born on Thursday Island and raised on Murray Island. Rodney is a proud Pebri clansman with totems Tiger Shark and Eagle ray.  Rodney is a skilled traditional craftsman and speaks Meriam mir and broken English .

Rodney brings experience in the areas of family and domestic violence, youth and community engagement.

Rodney facilitates natural fibre workshops for the local cultural art centres in his spare time and enjoys fishing, hunting and gathering and is a talented cook.

Rodney is passionate about handing down cultural knowledge to the youth in his home community and is looking forward to incorporating this into his role as a Mental Health Worker at Wakai Waian Healing.

Leonie Aragu

Administration Officer
Thursday Island

Leonie was born in Cairns and raised on Thursday Island and is a Torres Strait Islander woman from the top Western Island of Dauan. 

Leonie finished school in 2019 and went back to Cairns however, she now lives back on T.I with her family and looks forward to building her career in the administration industry.

Leonie enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, and her goal is to build her skills in administration and enhance her social skills.

Leonie looks forward to greeting you at the Thursday Island Office.

Nambour Team

Kyra Dawbarn

Provisional Psychologist
Nambour

Kyra was born and raised in Toowoomba and has been living on the Sunshine Coast since the end of 2014. Kyra lived abroad in Hong Kong when she was 7-12 years old and this experience has allowed her to appreciate the beauty and diversity of different cultures.

Kyra has always been passionate about health care and worked in the industry since 2001 in various administrative roles. She has completed her Bachelor of Science in 2018 and her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in 2020 through the University of Southern Queensland, as well as a Diploma of Logotherapy in 2019. 

Kyra will be completing her psychological internship with Wakai Waian Healing to become a Generalist Psychologist.

Kyra has a passion for empowering others and is excited for the opportunity of working with her local community to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Marcus Priaulx

Counsellor
Nambour

Marcus was born in England and migrated to Australia at 18 months of age. Raised in Warwick, Qld, Marcus left home at 17 and travelled extensively. He has worked with First Nations people for most of the past 20 years in various capacities.

Marcus has a Bachelor of Mass Communication, a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and is working towards a Master of Counselling Degree. He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and says “connecting with strangers” is his favourite hobby. He loves counselling and the clarity it gives to people so they can lead happier lives.

Terri Priaulx

Administration Officer
Nambour

Terri was born and raised in Kingaroy before doing a teaching degree at the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba. She spent a year working for the Endeavour Foundation immediately on graduation and nearly five years in England teaching children with special needs. Terri then found her niche educating students with high-level autism within schools that specialised in catering for their needs.

On returning to Australia Terri continued to work for Education Queensland, along with successful stints as a cellar door manager at Captain’s Paddock winery and as a Real Estate agent at Raine and Horne. Terri has come to realise she loved the administrative side of her roles and helping colleagues navigate their way around procedures and policies. She is looking forward to her role at WWH as it combines administration with helping people to lead the best possible life they can have.

NDIS

Nathan Cahoon

Project Development Officer

Nathan is a dedicated individual with a strong passion for personal development, health, and psychological well-being. Originally from the small town of Waaia in Country Victoria, Nathan has spent the last 14 years immersed in the fitness industry. Starting as a personal trainer, he gradually progressed to the role of Fitness Manager, where he took on the responsibility of training and mentoring fellow personal trainers to establish successful businesses.

Throughout his fitness career, Nathan developed a deep interest in personal development, health, and the interconnectedness between physical and mental well-being. This led him to enroll as a second-year student of Psychological Science, with a strong desire to pursue a career in the field of psychology.

Nathan is excited about the opportunity to bring his extensive knowledge and expertise in aiding the psychological care and overall health of others to Wakai Waian Healing (WWH). He firmly believes in the importance of psychological versatility and understands the profound impact it can have on individuals’ lives. Nathan is eager to contribute to the mission of WWH, supporting and empowering individuals in their journey towards improved mental health and well-being.

With a combination of practical experience in the fitness industry and ongoing academic pursuits in psychology, Nathan brings a unique perspective to his work. His genuine passion for personal growth and dedication to helping others make him a valuable asset to the team at Wakai Waian Healing

Honour Board

Mr Gil Thomsen

The Late Mr Gil Thomsen, a proud Butchulla man, had a profound influence on Edward Mosby and the birth and development of Wakai Waian Healing.

Uncle Gils’ legacy will always remain strong at Wakai Waian Healing as we strive to fulfil his dreams and wishes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be provided with first rate healthcare.

Forever a strong Wook Koo Warrior.

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