Forum speakers

Introducing the Forum concurrent session speakers

Michelle Barratt

Head of Innovation, Arriba Group

Michelle is a Registered Psychologist with 15 years’ experience in the workplace health, rehabilitation, and disability sector. She has a passion for combining technology with evidence-based healthcare delivery, tailored towards positive, and inclusive customer outcomes and experience. Michelle is an experienced senior leader and strategist identifying industry trends, gaps, and opportunities to deliver sustainable improvements. In her current role as a Head of Innovation for Arriba Group (parent company of Rehab Management), Michelle is responsible for developing and implementing new tools and programs designed to enhance work and health outcomes in the community.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-barratt-bb674521

Claire Benson-Mandl

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist and Career Coach

Claire Benson-Mandl is a seasoned vocational rehabilitation (VR) specialist coach. She began her career in Australia in 1997 as a vocational rehabilitation consultant, assisting workers through recovery from illness and injury. Later, in 1999, she became a registered psychologist. Since returning to Canada in 2004, Claire has focused on occupational rehabilitation and career coaching, specializing in career redirection. Claire is committed to facilitating positive change in individuals facing health challenges, helping them regain vitality and hope for the future. She holds credentials as a Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP - #3651) and is a member of the College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals (CVP - #1014). Additionally, she is a certified Martha Beck Wayfinder/Lifecoach and has served as President of the BC Society of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada, as well as a member of the National Board.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairebensonmandl/

Kat Birchley

Awards & Careers Coordinator - ARPA

In 2018, Kat was in a bus crash that left her with over 10 fractures to various parts of her body, including head trauma. 
After 300+ physio sessions and a 5 year, 9 month journey to return to full-time work, Kat is now the Awards & Careers Coordinator for ARPA. She is also a Zumba instructor, Samba dance performer, Yin Yoga instructor, Children’s book author, conversational in Spanish and can play (almost) three songs on the piano – all being post-accident challenges she set for herself around her own passions. 
Kat is passionate about movement, music and motivation as key factors in, what she sees as, the “tree” graph journey to recovery. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenbirchley/

Aaron Bowes

National Manager - Pain and Recovery Services, IPAR Rehabilitation

Aaron Bowes is the National Manager of Pain and Recovery Services at IPAR and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with over 15 years of experience. His extensive background includes supporting clients with persistent pain through multidisciplinary pain programs, private practice, and compensation schemes. Aaron is dedicated to enhancing recovery and return-to-work outcomes for individuals affected by chronic pain. Currently, he leads IPAR’s innovative "Re-thinking Recovery" program on a national scale, driving improvements in client outcomes and return to work.    /    Aaron Bowes is IPAR’s National Manager of Pain and Recovery Services. Prior to commencing at IPAR in 2014, Aaron spent several years working at Eastern Health Multi-Disciplinary Pain including supporting service development, research, conference presentations and attendance. In his 9.5 years at IPAR, Aaron has been involved in innovation and development of services to assist facilitate recovery and return to work following injury and illness including leading Re-thinking Recovery.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronbowes12/

Noni Byron

Managing Director, Prestige Health Services Australia

Ms Noni Byron is the Managing Director and Founder of Prestige Health Services Australia. Noni is a Registered Psychologist with 23 years experience within the RTW / occupational rehabilitation sector who leads a team of over 150 allied health professionals throughout Australia to deliver best in industry education and training, assessment, treatment and workplace rehabilitation services.  Noni’s passion is the development of innovative rehabilitation and treatment models such as the Active Wellbeing Program ™ to support psychologically unwell workers to achieve health, social and vocational outcomes and the Solace Program ™ designed to support workers to address biopsychosocial factors impacting recovery and return to work.  Outside of Prestige Health Services Australia, Noni is an active executive member of the Australian Rehabilitation Provider Association (ARPA) at a national and state level.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/noni-byron-b4459329/

Rachelle Crilly

NSW Operations Manager, IPAR Rehabilitation

Rachelle Crilly is IPAR’s NSW Operations Manager. An accredited Rehabilitation Counsellor with over 12 years in the industry, Rachelle specialises in return to health and work in the context of psychological injury and illness. Rachelle’s warm and open leadership style was recognised by ARPA in 2019, named as a finalist in the exceptional leadership category, and receiving a highly commended for exceptional leadership in the Illawarra Business Awards in 2023.  
Rachelle is an innovative thinker, passionate about evidence-based practice and client care. She has led the development and implementation of a number of innovative services across different schemes, including IPAR’s early claim support service, yielding successful and impactful results. The success of the pilot, with improved client experience and early client care, represents an opportunity to change current claims practice across schemes and improve outcomes for injured and ill Australians. 
https://au.linkedin.com/in/rachelle-crilly-084808115

Dianne Croker

Network Manager, Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Agency for Clinical Innovation - NSW Health

Dianne worked for 22 years as an Occupational Therapist specialising in rehabilitation for people who experienced catastrophic injury in both the public and private sectors. Dianne has since worked in service development and sector management roles and is currently the Network Manager for the NSW Brain Injury Rehabilitation Directorate.  

Sharon Darmody

Clinical Director, Strive Occupational Rehabilitation

With a background in OT I am an Organisational Consultant and Mediator, and Founding Director of Strive Occupational Rehabilitation, which launched in 2004. Drawing on over 25 years of consulting, I devised my M.A.G.I.C. model to help businesses, teams, and individuals rediscover what makes work work for them. 
Early intervention is the ethos that sits at the core of my work with Strive - which begins with encouraging workplaces to look towards their people first and make business decisions that support the overall health and wellbeing of their workforce.
I graduated from the University of Queensland  with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Since then, I have completed Workplace Mediator training with Bond University,  and Google’s Search Inside Yourself six-month training course, which incorporates organisational mindfulness, emotional intelligence and leadership tools. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-darmody-a454136/

Alasdair Grant

General Manager - Workplace Rehabilitation & Health, ORS Group

Alasdair has worked in Workplace Rehabilitation industry in a national capacity for over a decade and has developed an in-depth understanding of international research and varying service models. As a leader of detailed implementation projects, Alasdair has structured intervention arrangements that effectively promote RTW and health outcomes, delivering systematic approaches that offset claims expenditure and improve Workplace Rehabilitation performances.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alasdair-grant-53681863/

Fiona Green

Director and PhD Candidate, OMHS - The Uni of Sydney

Fiona Green is a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, focused on advancing the understanding of vocational recovery and return to work processes for individuals with non-compensable common mental disorders. With a strong background in occupational rehabilitation and clinical psychology, Fiona brings a unique perspective to her research, which focuses on exploring the factors that influence successful return to work outcomes.
Prior to pursuing her PhD, Fiona gained extensive experience as a senior rehabilitation consultant and clinical psychologist in Sydney. She has worked as clinician and rehabilitation consultant and has extensive experience rehabilitating client on income protection following a mental health disorders.  She has provided evidence-based interventions and support for individuals with mental health conditions, helping them to navigate the complexities of the return to work process. Her work in this area has been instrumental in shaping her research interests and informing her commitment to developing more effective, person-centred approaches to vocational rehabilitation.
Fiona holds a Bachelor of Psychology and Sociology from UNSW, a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Sydney and a Masters of Psychology (Clinical) from the University of Wollongong. Her current PhD research at The University of Sydney applies the CHIME recovery framework to the return to work experiences of individuals with common mental disorders, seeking to identify key enablers and barriers to successful vocational recovery. It is primarily focused on giving the lived experience voice to the journey of recovery to work. 
Through her research, clinical experience, and policy work, Fiona aims to contribute to the development of more effective, evidence-based interventions that support the vocational recovery and successful return to work of individuals with mental health conditions. Her insights into the complex interplay of personal, social, and systemic factors in the return to work process make her a valuable voice in the field of occupational rehabilitation and mental health.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionagreenomhs/

Ingrid Hand

CEO, Absolute Balance Exercise Physiology Group

Specialising in exercise rehabilitation for Workers Compensation and Motor Vehicle Accidents, Ingrid supports the injured worker by understanding their unique needs to deliver a favourable outcome. With experience across multiple industries, she is experienced in knowing what is required in providing the right treatment for successful return to work outcomes. Within Absolute Balance, Ingrid heads our Learning and Development with onboarding and continued up skilling of our team.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-hand-078214140/

Georgia Hiscock

General Manager - Victoria, Prudence Rehab

Bachelor of Behavioural Science, Post Grad Dip Rehab, Master of Mental Health. 
Occupational Rehab and Disability employment services 20+ years.
 
As a Rehabilitation Counsellor by trade, Georgia has over 20 years’ experience in injury management/prevention, vocational rehabilitation and disability services. Her work history includes consulting and leadership roles in both the compensable and non-compensable sectors with a strong focus on service improvement initiatives. Georgia recently completed a Master of Mental Health qualification with a particular interest in developing workplaces of the future that support employee mental health, value lived experience and promote wellbeing from the top down. Georgia is a strong advocate for the health benefits of good work and has witnessed the impact proactive claims management has on reducing the human and economic costs of injury.

Frank Imbesi

Executive General Manager, AMS Consulting Group

Frank is a senior consultant in occupational rehabilitation with over 28 years of experience in this field as as well as a registered physiotherapist and  mediator. As a recipient of numerous state and national award in occupational rehabilitation, Frank has led a multi award winning team for many years as well as being a sitting member of VR Net International and various working groups. In addition to his work in the field of occupational rehabilitation, Frank has a Masters Degree in Technology, and avidly pursues the intersection between technology and health, having developed risk screening tech tools and health and wellbeing technology frameworks in collaboration with academics.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-imbesi-58492269/

Amanda Johnston

Chief Operating Officer - KINNECT

Amanda Johnston is the COO for KINNECT and brings over 20 years management and leadership experience in the health sector as a Registered Psychologist and People Leader working in the field of workplace injury/health, occupational rehabilitation and workers compensation. Amanda is also a Board Director for Towards International Medical Equity (TIME).
Amanda brings value to organisations through strong business development and market knowledge of the health sectors to deliver tailored and innovative solutions in workplace health as well as a genuine and proven interest in making a difference.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandarouhliadeffjohnston/

Venerina Johnston

Program Director, Physiotherapy, University of Southern Queensland

Prof Venerina Johnston is the Program Director of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) program at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. Her qualifications in occupational health and safety and work disability prevention provide the backdrop for unique contributions to the health of the working population. Venerina’s research focuses on improving work participation for those with musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions and cancer with the end goal of minimizing the negative impact of these conditions on the individual, the employer and society. She has published over 140 scholarly works; obtained AUD$4.7million in research funding and successfully supervised 16 PhD students to completion. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/venerina-johnston-a67650a/

Tatjana Jokic

Managing Director | Vocational Psychologist, JK Corporate Resourcing

Tatjana is a Registered Psychologist who currently works in corporate health facilitating return to work programs and rehabilitation. Tatjana has over 20 years’ experience as a Psychologist, working with individuals and organisations during this period to assist with workplace wellness, reducing the risk of psychological harm and in particular working with complex psychological claims within the health sector. Tatjana works with stakeholders to reduce the stigma attached to psychological claims and conditions, promoting the need to treat psychological safety the same as physical safety.
Tatjana is a member of the Standards Australia Committee on Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems which developed the standard for psychological health at work and is part of the working group on the International Standards Organisation which is developing a standard for safe working during pandemics. She is the President of the Qld Council for the Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association and sits on the NSW Council, also having been heavily involved with the Health Benefits of Good Work campaign. Tatjana is a full member of Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors, AAPI, CDAA and the International Association on Workplace Bullying & Harassment.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatjana-jokic-8aa7a74/

Elizabeth Kirkman

Registered Psychologist, Altius Group

Elizabeth is a Senior Registered Psychologist with a particular interest in neurodiversity. She has extensive experience in diagnosing and supporting neurodiverse clients across the life span. Elizabeth draws from a range of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). In her presentation, Elizabeth will share her insights and strategies on how to embrace neurodiversity in the workplace and promote a culture of wellbeing and inclusion. She will also discuss the benefits and challenges of occupational rehabilitation for neurodiverse employees and provide practical tools and tips for enhancing their performance and satisfaction at work.

Emma Langford

Emma Langford

Manager Health Provider Supervision, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)

Anthea Lorigan

Rehabilitation Consultant/ Psychologist, Counselling Appraisal Consultants

Anthea is a psychologist who has recently graduated with a Master of Psychology (Organisational). She understands the intersection of work and life stress. Anthea is passionate about supporting individuals to achieve optimal wellbeing both in and out of the workplace. She has experience in counselling, coaching and consulting, and brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges individuals face in balancing work responsibilities with personal demands. Whether individuals are facing personal and/or work-related challenges, Anthea will support them to enhance coping mechanisms, foster resilience and promote healthy work-life integration.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthea-l-3aa6b6182/

Aidan McFarland

National WorkCover/CTP Manager, Specialised Health

An experienced Exercise Physiologist with 8 years’ experience within the Occupational Rehabilitation Sector as a Rehabilitation provider and Treating Exercise Physiologist. An advocate for effective and appropriate Exercise Rehabilitation using the most evidence-based practice with emerging technology to assist clients return back to work and life. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidanmcfarland/

Emily McGuill

Claim Specialist - Mental Health, Insurance and Care NSW

Emily is a highly respected injury management and workers’ compensation expert with 20+ years of practical experience. Having worked in a variety of roles in the injury management and workers’ compensation sector, Emily has gained expertise from the perspective of the employer, rehabilitation provider and insurer. Using this broad experience, Emily understands and draws on levers that can effectively influence recovery and return to work. Passionate about using evidence-based strategies to support people with a psychological injury get back to work and life, person centred and trauma informed approaches are fundamental to her work. In her current role with icare’s Test & Learn team, Emily is using her expertise to inform innovative and practical solutions to support injured workers with a psychological injury.

Rhea Mercado

Healthcare Humanist, The Intelligent Rebellion

Leading The Intelligent Rebellion, Rhea Mercado is revolutionising organisational structures, empowering professionals for a brighter future. As a Healthcare Humanist, she blends a passion for medicine with curiosity about human interactions' intricate web and explores beyond her industry, embracing collective knowledge to improve rehabilitation and healthcare systems for all. As both an workplace consultant and business owner, she navigates the delicate balance between the mission of healthcare and the margin of business. After witnessing the rise of occupational burnout in colleagues and experiencing it herself, Rhea authored "Compo: A Rehabilitation Consultant's Journey," shifted her focus from the patient to the professional, and founded The Intelligent Rebellion and Threesticks Training and Development offering safe spaces for creativity, collaboration, and impactful conversations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheamercs

Grant Porter

Founder and Rehabilitation Consultant, Rethinko

Expert in workplace rehabilitation with more than two decades of experience and specialisation in psychological injury. Holds a Master's in Labour Law and a Graduate Certificate in New Technologies Law as well as a background in Psychology and trained in AI Programming. Passionate about the future of work and its evolving relationship with new tech, particularly the collaborative potential between humans and AI. A strong advocate for the ethical use of new tech, emphasizing the importance of proper systems and governance to ensure these advancements positively impact our professional and moral lives. Currently investigating, in collaboration with Dr. Greg Horscroft at Wetherill Park Occupational Health Practice, the application of AI in Injury Management, Recovery and RTW strategies, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and legal compliance.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantporter1/

Lisa Rapsey

Rehabilitation Consultant, RehabCo

Lisa is an experienced Rehabilitation Consultant with over 12 years of experience in the field. Recently completing a Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling from La Trobe University, Lisa has dedicated her career to helping individuals with injuries and illnesses, to overcome complex barriers, and successfully guided them through the process of identifying career goals, acquiring necessary skills, and securing gainful employment.
Currently working as a Rehabilitation Consultant at RehabCo, Lisa is passionate about empowering individuals with barriers to reach their full potential in both their personal and professional lives. She is known for her compassionate approach and her ability to tailor rehabilitation plans to meet the unique needs of each client.
Lisa is excited to share her expertise and insights at the ARPA International Forum. She looks forward to engaging with fellow professionals and contributing to discussions on vocational rehabilitation, and inclusive workplaces.

Cindia Reine

Senior Rehabilitation Counsellor | Culture Competence Specialist, Altius Group

Cindia Reine, a Senior Rehabilitation Counsellor at Rehabilitation Services by Altius, specialises in assisting individuals with workplace-related Psychological Injuries. She employs a multifaceted approach, including motivational interviewing, vocational counselling, and job-seeking education to facilitate a sustainable Return to Work for her clients. She adeptly coordinates logistics to advance claims and manages the intricate relationship between clients, insurers, and employers.   
Cindia holds a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences with Honours from The University of Queensland, where she completed research on “Compassion and Self-Compassion”.   
Her diverse experiences include volunteering as a Music Therapist for human trafficking survivors at the Cambodian Children’s Trust. Additionally, she has facilitated scholarships for Women Leaders to attend world-leading institutions for Leadership Programs, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.  
In 2024, Cindia, together with Indigenous researchers, has commenced research to develop Culture Competence in Workplace Rehabilitation for Indigenous Australians.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindia-reine-6b912279/

Luisa Santamaria

Senior Rehabilitation Consultant, Recovre

I am an experienced Osteopath and Senior Rehabilitation Consultant at Recovre, with a diverse background spanning 15 years in business administration, sales, and health and wellbeing. My expertise lies in providing comprehensive rehabilitation services, utilizing my knowledge of osteopathy and rehabilitation techniques to help individuals recover and regain their optimal physical function. With a strong foundation in business administration and sales, I bring a unique perspective to my role, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of rehabilitation programs. I am passionate about technology and implementing new tools to help in my work as well as life administration tasks. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisa-s-6aa92158/

Graeme Shepherd

Rehabilitation Manager, IOH Health

Graeme Shepherd is a Physiotherapist who has been working in Workplace Rehabilitation for 15 years. Primarily working and providing Same Employer services when a Rehabilitation Consultant, Graeme has taken an interest in New Employer Vocational Rehabilitation. Graeme and his New Employer team have worked together in assessing and analysing the complex and long list of challenges in providing New Employer services with the goal of improving RTW outcomes. Graeme strongly believes that work is good and working needs to lead the approach to Workplace Rehabilitation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-shepherd-9b28844a/

Angela Stojanovska is joining Graeme in this presentation. Angela commenced working as a Rehabilitation Counsellor within the occupational rehabilitation industry in 2017. Angela worked with a diverse range of clients, continuing to develop her knowledge and skills, which extended from her Rehabilitation Counsellor qualification. Angela’s dedication to her work and results driven by her belief in the Health Benefits of Good Work, have resulted in her now leading a high performing team of Rehabilitation Consultants and Employment Consultants who continuously deliver strong outcomes.

Alison Sim

PhD Candidate, The University of Sydney

Alison Sim is an advanced pain management osteopath who has worked with compensable patients with chronic pain for many years.  She has a masters degree in pain management from the University of Sydney and is currently completing a PhD on early interventions following injury to prevent chronic pain.  Alison has worked clinically for over 20 years and currently works one day a week in Geelong.  She also teaches in the osteopathy and physiotherapy undergraduate and post graduate courses at RMIT, Victoria University and LaTrobe University as well as teaching continuing education courses for clinicians.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-sim-a0763b94/

Sally Singe

Head of Customer Solutions, Konekt

Sally is a strategic leader with over 25 years experiencing working in the organisational health industry, having held a range of operational leadership and national customer management roles during her career. She has a background in occupational therapy and has supported some of Australia's largest corporate and government organisations to deliver effective wellness, injury prevention and injury management programs. 

Sally has a strong interest and extensive experience managing national contracts, especially for defence, and is passionate about developing solutions designed to support people with chronic workplace injuries to return to life. 

Prior to her current role as National Contract and Performance Manager for Generation Health, Sally was the Head of Customer Solutions for Konekt, developing new and innovative service solutions for internal and external customers and leading associated change management initiatives to deliver best in market product offerings and outcomes. Sally enjoys working with customers to understand their unique needs, develop trusted partnerships and deliver bespoke service solutions that provide superior outcomes.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-singe-b6b3098/

Austin Smith

National Clinical Lead, Guardian Exercise Rehabilitation

As the National Clinical Lead at Guardian Exercise Rehabilitation, Austin serves a multidisciplinary team specialising in Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy, and Dietetics. With a mission to connect individuals to healthier lives, especially in workplace rehabilitation, he is dedicated to elevating clinical standards through evidence-based, innovative, and biopsychosocial services. Austin brings over a decade of experience, leading high-performing teams and engaging in numerous speaking engagements and publications.

Chloe McLeod will be joining Austin in this presentation. Chloe, founder and director of Verde Nutrition Co., is an expert in gut health, food intolerance, and sports nutrition. With 14 years of experience, she has worked with individuals, corporates, and the food industry, enhancing their health through optimised nutrition. Chloe has led multiple successful businesses, served as Head of Nutrition for the Parramatta Eels National Rugby League team, and contributed to media outlets like Women’s Health and Vogue. Her expertise and passion make her a leading figure in nutrition in Australia. Together, Austin and Chloe bring unparalleled expertise and passion to inspire and guide health teams towards achieving lasting, transformative results.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinsmithep/

Courtney Stace

Team Leader (Original Employer Services), IPAR Rehabilitation

Courtney is a Senior Occupational Rehabilitation Consultant and Mental Injury Subject Matter Expert at IPAR Rehabilitation, with 15 years of accumulative experience in healthcare and rehabilitation supporting individuals with physical and psychological injury to return to doing what they love. Courtney considers herself lucky to have on-the-ground experience in supporting and restoring well-being pre- and post-injury development. From support during early-intervention stage through to post-injury psychological and physical recovery of workers and organisations, community, and private practice settings. Courtney is passionate about identifying risk factors for the development of psychological injury in the workplace, understanding the interaction between barriers of recovery at all stages, and working together with stakeholders to find creative solutions to overcome the individualistic nature of these cyclical relationships.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-stace-0b95b0221/

Kristin Tinker

National Manager, Resilia

Kristin leads a team of trauma-informed rehabilitation specialists, focusing on optimal return-to-health and work outcomes. With over 20 years as a Registered Psychologist, she specialises in psychological injury recovery. Kristin navigates frameworks like NSW WorkCover and Life Insurance, delivering comprehensive rehabilitation services. She ensures inclusive, trauma-informed care and pioneers programs to meet diverse needs.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristintinker/

Kylie van Luyn

Founder, Elevated Coaching & Consulting Global

Kylie van Luyn is an international speaker, best-selling author, award-winning human rights consultant and DEIAB specialist, with more than 15 years of international experience. Her passion lies in collaborating with organizations to foster workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, and psychological safety. 
Kylie is a regular keynote speaker and is a Harvard Business School graduate, an accredited psychotherapist, emotional intelligence coach, NLP Master Practitioner and a Founding Member of the International Strategic Psychotherapists Association. She has Master’s qualifications in Human Resources and leadership and her first book was published in 2023 on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-van-luyn-420931b2/

James Weir

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, PhD Candidate, Pain Options | Curtin University

James Weir is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist working clinically in private practice with a focus on work related pain and complex musculoskeletal pain. James is also undertaking a PhD Program at Curtin University investigating outcomes following workers' compensation claim finalisation and is a Registrar in the Musculoskeletal Specialisation Training Program with the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-weir-73b95485/

Nigel Wind

Director, Perceptive Health

Nigel brings over two decades of rich experience as an Occupational Therapist. His professional journey has been through diverse landscapes - from hospitals, insurers and mental health settings to leading dynamic allied health teams. Rooted in empathy, innovation, and evidence-based practice, Nigel’s approach aims to empower clients, employers, and insurers to conquer challenges and reach their goals. Collaborating seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams, he addresses intricate physical, cognitive, and emotional barriers to engagement, employing personalised, biopsychosocial assessments and interventions. Embracing cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven tools, Nigel seamlessly blends traditional therapeutic techniques with innovative solutions, ensuring holistic care in today's ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-wind-01494711b/

Mary Wyatt

Lead Fellow, It Pays to Care | RTW Matters

Mary is an occupational physician who is active in policy development and research through AFOEM and other organisations.  Her interest is in getting research into practice.  Decades of work in injury management has included running an early intervention case management approach across several medium to large employers.  Other work has included IMEs, running RTWMatters.org (a non-profit seeking to share evidence-based practices that support better RTW), research on RTW, teaching via Monash University, work as a treating practitioner, conducting a state-based review of return to work for a regulator and advisory work for various insurers / regulators.  

Mary is the lead Fellow in AFOEM / RACP’s most recent Health Benefits of Good Work policy development – It pays to care: Bringing evidence-informed practice to work injury schemes helps workers and their workplaces.  An imperative for change and call to action.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-wyatt-457580/