We’re delighted to be able to introduce you to our talented integration leaders.
They will be leading the integration work in five streams as illustrated in the diagram below.
John Rowland - Integration Lead
MBA, GradDipPsych, BComp, MAICD
John has a wealth of experience in leading change and transformation in the disability services sector across more than 15 years in senior leadership roles. In recent years, he has led a number of significant integrations within Possability.
John is focused on ensuring high-quality services in competitive environments, organisational alignment with strategic goals, strengthening a positive culture and supporting employees through professional development.
When John manages to extract himself from work, he is kept on his toes by his three year old daughter. He also brews his own Belgian beer which he enjoys sharing with family and friends. He also has a diverse appetite for learning, with courses recently undertaken ranging from governance to welding.
Vanessa Lui - Services, Culture & Practice
BA (Psychology), GradCertProfDevt, MEd
Vanessa brings to the team over 20 years’ service delivery experience in the disability sector across NSW, Victoria and the Northern Territory. She has held senior operational roles in Aruma, Life Without Barriers, the Summer Foundation and the Nextt Group, managing and setting up Disability, Aged Care and OOHC (foster care and therapeutic residential) services.
Vanessa started her career as a Disability Support Worker while studying at Macquarie University. She has a passion for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), with a particular interest in delivering complex services. She has led and contributed to a wide range of large change and transformation projects, including the transfer of Victorian Government Disability Services to Possability in 2019.
Outside of work, Vanessa has two young children and is passionate about travel, dance, and Star Wars (episodes 4-6!).
Rachel Laverick - Organisational Enablers
BBus, DipHR
Rachel is a seasoned project, change and transformation practitioner, working as part of, and managing a team on large scale projects, or as an individual on medium- small scale.
She has more than 10 years’ experience in delivering cross-functional, multi-faceted, process optimisation and/or technology implementations (ERP and other complex technology led business transformations) in large complex organisations. She has worked for a diverse range of organisations from Coca Cola Amatil, to Victoria Police, SA Water, MYOB, North West Melbourne Primary Health Network and Iron Mountain.
When not at work Rachel is learning more about neuroscience and the different ways the brain influences, and can be influenced, by biological and environmental factors. That means I'm adding more play back into my days, going to concerts, events and attending creative classes.
Helen Ashton - ICT & Systems
MBA, BBus
Helen has over 30 years of technology leadership experience, with more than a decade of that in the human services/care sector. Before joining Lifestyle Solutions in 2021, she worked with Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) and Aveo Group as well as having held leadership positions in a number of large corporations across various industries.
Over the course of her career, she has built strong capability in IT teams, governance and process, aimed at enhancing and enabling business operations to exploit the benefits of technology. Helen has, over her career, built strong experience not only in IT management and strategy but also in project management and systems implementation, overseeing large-scale infrastructure and development projects in a wide range of organisations.
When not working, Helen’s passion is her family, with four daughters and six grandchildren. She also indulges a passion for aviation by flying light aircraft around the Sydney basin whenever the weather allows. A small warning: she does get involved in some fairly lengthy fund-raising walks so may hit you up for donation or two!
Sandy Travers - Governance
Bpharm, DipTeach, GAICD
Sandy brings significant experience in management and governance portfolios across a broad range of industries, including healthcare and tourism.
Over the past 25 years, Sandy has demonstrated a natural business flair, successfully operating various enterprises in Tasmania including a pharmacy, franchise and vineyard/cellar door. She started her diverse career as a disability support professional and was acting CEO at a Tasmanian not-for-profit aged care services provider immediately prior to joining Possability. She has also sat on the board of a number of Tasmanian for-purpose organisations.
As the Director of the Office of the CEO at Possability, she has a strong focus on organisational risk management, governance, engagement and communications.
To wind down, Sandy enjoys going on long walks, and spending time with friends and family. She has recently bought a new home and is looking forward to buying new furnishings, getting stuck into the garden and scouting out the best local coffee spots.