Sharon Tuffin – Chief Executive Officer

Sharon is the Chief Executive Officer for Karralika Programs, having previously held the role of Services Director for 4 years. As CEO, Sharon is responsible for bringing the mission and strategic direction of Karralika Programs to life for the team, our clients and the community. Over the past 7 years, Sharon has lead change in the organisation to strengthen the culture and purpose of the organisation as well as operational effectiveness and efficiency. She has driven the establishment of critical partnerships and supported sector-wide initiatives to better meet community need. Sharon has more than 25 years experience in the health and social policy fields across government, private sector and community sector organisations. She develops strong partnerships and has extensive experience in developing, implementing and evaluating programs and policies at national and local levels. Sharon is passionate about building the capacity of the workforce, improving service quality and client outcomes and building the evidence-base for best practice. She is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders and has a commitment to good governance. She holds several Board Director positions with not for profit organisations in the ACT in the alcohol and drug and community services sectors and has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and a Postgrad Diploma in Population Health.

Anna McKenry – Clinical Services Director

As the Clinical Services Director, Anna plays a critical role in the clinical governance and leadership of the organisation to provide high quality programs for individuals and their families. Since completing her nursing degree, Anna has spent over two decades working within the alcohol and drug field in a variety of clinical, management and policy roles. Valuing population health approaches and evidence-based research provides the best of care for people participating in our programs and assists to address the needs of the community. Anna has experience leading and managing complex projects with mental health providers, Aboriginal health organisations, forensic services, community health providers and government bodies which ensures care is holistic, integrated and coordinated and provides the best possible outcomes for clients. Anna has her Masters in Health Administration and is passionate about working with diverse groups to address the health inequities experienced by individuals and the community they live in.

Kerry Fitzroy – Community Services Manager

Kerry has worked in the alcohol and drug sector for over 25 years, starting with Karralika Programs (formerly ADFACT) in 1988 within the Family Program. Dedicated to working with adults, families and children, Kerry leads the suite of programs in the community including the Nexus Men’s Program, Transition and Outreach Programs, drink driver education and intake and assessment for access to our residential services. Working with our partner agencies across community services, mental health and those working with children, Kerry’s goal is to ensure joined up and holistic support for those at risk in our community. Kerry is a member of the Families ACT Advisory Committee and holds qualifications in children’s services, management and alcohol and other drugs and is currently undertaking study to complete a Post Graduate Degree in Social Work.

Mellissa Doran – Quality and Clinical Services Officer

Originally starting her career in women’s services supporting women and children who had experienced domestic violence, homelessness and trauma; Mellissa gained qualifications in Children’s Services and Counselling. After moving to Canberra, Melissa I went on to study further in the areas of Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health and Social Welfare. She has worked in the Community Sector in Canberra for the past 10 years and 6 and a half years of these spent at Karralika in various roles across the different programs. Mellissa has a passion for helping people to realise their potential to be their best selves and to understand and benefit from right living. She has a keen interest in quality service delivery and ensuring that treatment outcomes are of the highest level and match the needs of those seeking support, and has a passion for learning and understanding.

Dawn Bainbridge – Residential Services Manager (including Karralika Therapeutic Community and Family Program)

Dawn Bainbridge has worked in the alcohol and drug sector for over two decades. From a student placement at Queanbeyan alcohol and other drug service she has gone on to work in various government and non government settings making a significant contribution to the sector and to the community through various roles including working with Karralika Programs Inc. (formerly ADFACT) for over 10 years. Dawn’s work has included service and program management, project management, generalist alcohol and other drug work, health promotion, community development, community needs assessment, workplace development and training, program development and strategic planning, therapeutic communities, supported accommodation and outreach, court diversion and education programs for drink drive offenders. During her career Dawn has always sought to challenge herself and those she has worked with to continually improve practice. She has also sought to identify gaps or areas for improvement in programs, services and systems and has a natural inclination to work collaboratively or in partnership to address identified issues. Dawn is committed to a harm minimisation approach that upholds the human rights of consumers and the value of each individual. Underpinning her work are the values of compassion, justice, human dignity, excellence and unity. Dawn has qualifications in alcohol and other drugs and workplace training and assessment, and holds a Bachelor of Social Welfare.

Ilona Prindable – Senior Finance Officer

Ilona joined Karralika Programs as Senior Finance Officer in early January 2017. She oversees the finance team, plays a lead role in the preparation of audited financial statements, grants related reports and prepares financial statements for the CEO, Board and Senior Management.

Ilona is always on a mission to help people and she has mastered the art of adding a warm and quirky personality to the accounting profession. Trained in Five Star Hotels, she has a unique background in customer service, communication, project management, strategic planning and business development. She has successfully managed and mentored small and large teams over the years. Ilona has more than 25 years’ experience working in various accounting offices in Europe; small businesses, private sector and not for profit organisations in Australia.

She does not let any obstacles get in her way. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 and having a passion for numbers she has taken the opportunity to do further studies. Ilona has a Bachelor in Economics and Accountancy, also a Masters in Hospitality Management.

Sharon Tuffin – Chief Executive Officer

Sharon is the Chief Executive Officer for Karralika Programs, having previously held the role of Services Director for 4 years. As CEO, Sharon is responsible for bringing the mission and strategic direction of Karralika Programs to life for the team, our clients and the community. Over the past 7 years, Sharon has lead change in the organisation to strengthen the culture and purpose of the organisation as well as operational effectiveness and efficiency. She has driven the establishment of critical partnerships and supported sector-wide initiatives to better meet community need. Sharon has more than 25 years experience in the health and social policy fields across government, private sector and community sector organisations. She develops strong partnerships and has extensive experience in developing, implementing and evaluating programs and policies at national and local levels. Sharon is passionate about building the capacity of the workforce, improving service quality and client outcomes and building the evidence-base for best practice. She is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders and has a commitment to good governance. She holds several Board Director positions with not for profit organisations in the ACT in the alcohol and drug and community services sectors and has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and a Postgrad Diploma in Population Health.