Kate Heine
Background Paediatric physiotherapist; founded Heads Together in 2002
What Heads Together means to me I love the wisdom, understanding and sense of family within our Heads Together community. It has become my family, too, since I lost my parents. I know the difference we can make in people’s lives – that’s what motivates me to keep driving for positive change.
Lara Kerr
Background Paediatric occupational therapist; health and disability development projects; part of Heads Together since 2006
What Heads Together means to me I’m passionate about developing Heads Together as a charitable organisation, and being part of a community that understands brain injury. We value everyone impacted by brain injury and their journey. Whether you’re a mum, brother or therapist, you bring something special to our community.
Jane James
Background Administration, management and finance; lived experience of brain injury as a parent; part of Heads Together since 2016
What Heads Together means to me I love what Heads Together gives to our families and young people, and I love being able to share and learn from other families.
Kayla Summers
Background Applied behavioural therapist; residential support worker for adults with acquired brain injury; part of Heads Together since 2010
What Heads Together means to me I love watching individuals and families grow, achieve their goals and overcome their barriers. For me, Heads Together embodies family, friendship and love.
Isabel Penny
Families Event Coordinator
Background Student, Bachelor of Business, majoring in Event Management; part of Heads Together since 2003
What Heads Together means to me Heads Together means being a part of a family. Being involved in these programs since I was three years old, I know how much our work means to everyone in our community. I love being to be able to bring these events to life.
Tanja Spencer
Background Physiotherapist in childhood neurological rehabilitation, Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service; part of Heads Together since 2004
What Heads Together means to me In 2004, as a freshly graduated physiotherapist, I was dragged along to a Heads Together camp by my room-mate. Heads Together helped direct my career towards working with children with acquired brain injuries. I love the joy, acceptance, positivity and support that the organisation offers.
Mike Kendall
Background Chartered Accountant in financial, professional and media services industries; lived experience of brain injury as a parent and grandson; part of Heads Together since 2016.
What Heads Together means to me I found out about Heads Together after Kate spotted me crossing the road to school with my son Miles, who has an acquired brain injury. My favourite thing about Heads Together is that it is built from a foundation of care, understanding and acceptance, which resonates throughout the community.
Sue Anderson
Background Specialist in management consulting and applied innovation; lived experience of brain injury as a parent; board member since 2018
What Heads Together means to me Joining our first camp was totally transformative: we felt as if we all belonged and were deeply understood. I started to appreciate the journey I was on, and what a roadmap of support could look like. Each catch-up is an opportunity to reflect, learn and deploy the next part of our plan.
Ange Barry
Background Former CEO of Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation; non-profit and ethical business strategist and leader; part of Heads Together since 2019
What Heads Together means to me I love that Heads Together brings together people with lived experience, giving voice to their stories and, as a result, shaping the way the health sector supports and services the community. Flipping the model to participant-driven care is not only innovative, but sorely needed.
Sim Kendall
Background Administration in other NFP organsations. Parent of a child with an acquired brain injury; part of Heads Together community since 2014, and part of the team 2021.
What Heads Together means to me Heads Together for ABI is an amazing organisation and community that I am so honoured to be a part of. They embody their values entirely and ensure there is a community that is accepting and understanding. I feel at home and part of a family here.
Luke Camilleri
Young Adults
Background Building and Construction, now studying Bachelor of Youth Work and Sports Management; part of Heads Together since 2020
What Heads Together means to me Heads Together has become a second home to me where it is safe to express yourself and be heard by people who truly understand and have life experience.
Lachie Tyson
Background Accounting and business consulting. Suffered a traumatic ABI followed by a stroke and left side hemianopia in October 2011.
What Heads Together means to me Heads Together has been a godsend. It is a group you can grow and improve within. From socialising to cooking the group has it all. Striving to be the best we can be!
Taylor Jenkin
Background: Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology); researcher in childhood brain injury rehabilitation; part of Heads Together since 2019.
What Heads Together means to me: Heads Together is an amazing community that welcomes everybody with open arms and makes them feel at home. I value the connections that I’ve formed through being part of Heads Together, and I’m so lucky to be able to connect with and learn from this wonderful community!
Colleen Murphy
Background Extensive experience in education and leadership including in teaching, health and wellbeing, social inclusion and disability. Personal lived experience with brain injury.
What Heads Together means to me I feel so grateful to be a part of the Heads Together team and community. I want to help to ensure that everyone that needs us knows about us and that we make a genuine difference to lives.
Kristine Bugeja
Background Bachelor Degree in Business (marketing & event management); currently studying Post Graduate Certificate in Career Education & Development; part of Heads Together since 2020
What Heads Together means to me I was drawn to Heads Together because of the sense of community, engagement, inclusiveness and connections that are formed with families, children, teens and young adults. It’s a unique place where voices in the community shape how programs are created and delivered, and I am thrilled to be a part of it!