I am a psychiatrist specialising in the care of older people, with a particular interest in dementia care. I am motivated by supporting the development of compassionate, relationship-centred health and aged care cultures characterised by respect and kindness in psychologically safe, interdisciplinary teams where everyone has the opportunity to grow.

I currently work as part of the Dementia Centre team at HammondCare, and have spent the past two years working with our international team, based in Edinburgh, before returning home to Australia in 2024. I contribute to the leadership of Dementia Support Australia, an effective and innovative Commonwealth-funded service supporting the care of people who experience complex symptoms resulting from dementia.

I previously worked with SA Health as Head of the Older Persons’ Mental Health Service in the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network and as the Clinical Advisor for older persons’ mental health in the SA Office of the Chief Psychiatrist.

My life changed in 2017 when I became a co-author of the landmark Oakden Report, following our investigation into a state-run aged care service in Adelaide. The report triggered the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. I was appointed to lead a transformation in culture and care following the highly public and traumatic fallout of the report. This was a profoundly impactful experience that continues to inform my life and work.