Shirley-Anne Gardiner, CEO

With over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, quality improvement, and operational performance, Shirley-Anne Gardiner has held several senior leadership roles across primary and secondary healthcare. This includes seven years as Executive Director of Toowoomba Hospital—the largest referral hospital in Queensland’s Darling Downs region.

Shirley-Anne holds a Bachelor of Business Studies (Finance), a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Anthropology, and a Master of Management (Health Services) from Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently undertaking her PhD at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), exploring the impact of public art on wellbeing and physical activity in Toowoomba.

She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at both the Rural Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland (UQ) and the School of Health and Medical Sciences at UniSQ, reflecting her ongoing contribution to research and education in regional health.

Shirley-Anne is passionate about the social determinants of health and serves on the boards of two local not-for-profit organisations. In recognition of her longstanding work with vulnerable communities, she was named Toowoomba’s Citizen of the Year in the 2021 Australia Day Awards and has been consistently recognised as an inspiring female leader at local International Women’s Day celebrations.

Ang, Office Manager

Growing up in southwest Queensland and then starting her own
family there, Ang relocated to Toowoomba for her children’s educational opportunities. She has a background in graphic art & administration and has done a lot of committee work for local community groups. In her spare time, Ang enjoys relaxing with her family, cooking & getting lost in a good book.

Why Momentum Mental Health?

It’s quite unique to be part of an organisation that makes a real difference in the community. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing I’m helping to support mental health & wellbeing for everyone, every day.

Amy, Wellbeing Coach (Southern Downs)

Amy is a proud local of Warwick, Queensland, and a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Human Services through the University of Southern Queensland and brings a strong commitment to supporting individuals in her community. Amy’s local knowledge and lived experience in the region make her a valuable addition to the Momentum team, where she is dedicated to helping others build resilience, connection, and positive mental health.

Ashi, Senior Wellbeing Coach

Ashi holds the honour of being our longest-serving staff member, having dedicated over ten years to supporting the wellbeing of our members and broader community. Her commitment, compassion, and infectious energy have made her a much-loved part of the Momentum family.

An expert in Tai Chi, Ashi brings her calm strength and focus to the regular sessions she leads at Momentum’s Toowoomba hub and through outreach at Sunrise Way, a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation service. Her ability to create a peaceful, inclusive space through gentle movement has helped countless people reconnect with their bodies, manage stress, and find moments of stillness in their recovery and wellbeing journeys.

Ashi’s story is one of incredible resilience. Born in Tibet, she left her homeland as a refugee, growing up in India, where she completed high school before going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English. She later completed a Certificate III in Community Development and Community Work, building the foundation for a career grounded in service, connection, and care.

When she’s not guiding a Tai Chi flow or supporting members, Ashi’s love of dancing and playful sense of humour light up every room she enters. Whether it’s a team event or a casual moment at the centre, Ashi reminds us all of the joy that comes from not taking life too seriously.

When asked why she’s stayed with Momentum for over a decade, Ashi says:

“I love the clients and that they are all individuals. I love seeing our clients and staff work together and support each other.”

Cheryl, Wellbeing Coach

Cheryl started with Momentum Mental Health in March 2024. She has a passion for people with neuro-diverse needs.

Cheryl is originally from the Blue Mountains N.S.W. and has lived in the Toowoomba area for 30 years. She has two adult sons and three grandsons.

Cheryl graduated from the University of Southern Queensland with a Diploma of Human Services with a Counselling major. She has many years of experience in the community services sector and is driven by her desire to make a difference for all people. She finds it rewarding to help people with mental health issues to have a sense of hope for the future by focusing on their strengths.

Cheryl has a passion for neuro-diverse people as she has many family members who have a diagnosis on the Autistic Spectrum. She has spent most of her time in Toowoomba advocating and supporting neuro-diverse people and their carers in a variety of settings including facilitating support groups in schools and peer support programs in community service organisations. She has always used her lived experience to improve the lives of neuro-diverse people and finds it important to treat everyone as an individual with the right to choose their own pathway to wellness.

Coby, Senior Wellbeing Coach

Coby understands the challenges men face when it comes to judgment and stigma around their mental health. This can make seeking mental health services a daunting task. As a young male professional in the industry, he is committed to making men of all ages more comfortable with mental health and ensuring that professional help is easily accessible. Coby hopes to use his relatability to encourage young men to reach out for support when they need it.

Coby has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Why Momentum Mental Health?

Coby’s journey with Momentum Mental Health is driven by the opportunity it offers to enter the mental health industry and develop valuable professional skills while making a positive impact in his community.

Davida, Senior Wellbeing Coach/ Western Downs Lead (Western Downs)

Davida grew up on a property and has spent her working life in rural and trade-based industries. Davida’s goal is to bring services to the bush and says that one of the best parts about the job is supporting people to achieve their goals. When she is not at Momentum, Davida enjoys spending time with her family, heading out bush to spend time in nature, attending rodeos and bull-rides or reading a good book.

Davida is an Intentional Peer Support Practitioner with Certificate IV’s in Mental Health and Mental Health Peer Work. She also holds Cert III’s in Individual Support – Disability, as well as in Education Support.

Why Momentum Mental Health?

Momentum is a progressive innovative service who have allowed me to pursue my passion of bringing services to rural and remote areas.

Jana, Accounts Officer

Jana is Momentum’s Accounts Manager and a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with a strong commitment to financial integrity and transparency. Since joining the organisation in 2020, Jana has been a trusted source of financial guidance, working remotely to provide critical support to both staff and the Board.

With her sharp attention to detail and strategic thinking, Jana ensures Momentum’s financial systems run smoothly and sustainably. She plays a key role in budgeting, reporting, and compliance, offering sound advice that helps the organisation make informed, responsible decisions.

Though she works behind the scenes, Jana is a highly valued member of the Momentum team. Her expertise, reliability, and calm professionalism provide essential assurance as the organisation continues to grow and support more people across the region.

Nicola, Wellbeing Coach Intern

Nicola is Momentum Mental Health’s newest team member and our first ever paid intern—a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. Currently completing her Master’s Degree in Professional Psychology, Nicola joins us two days a week as a Wellbeing Coach Intern while undertaking her placement with Mindware Psychology.

Originally from Victoria, Nicola has travelled extensively and made the move to Toowoomba in 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of Tasmania and brings with her a genuine passion for supporting others on their mental health journey.

We’re delighted to welcome Nicola to the team and look forward to the impact she’ll make in our community.

Sarah H, Art Therapist/Wellbeing Coach

Sarah H is an ANZACATA-registered Art Therapist with dual Masters degrees in Art Therapy and Mental Health. Since joining Momentum in 2021, Sarah has become an integral part of the team, known for her compassionate approach, deep insight, and extraordinary creative talent.

A gifted artist herself, Sarah delivers four art therapy sessions each week, which are consistently among the most popular at Momentum. She also facilitates regular journaling and storytelling workshops, creating safe, expressive spaces where members can explore their thoughts, emotions, and personal narratives.

Sarah’s sessions are more than just creative outlets—they’re powerful tools for healing, connection, and self-discovery. Her passion for the transformative power of art is evident in everything she does, and her work continues to make a profound impact on the lives of many in the Momentum community.

Sarah W, Wellbeing Coach Team Leader

Sarah W is Momentum’s Wellbeing Coach Manager and a proud Toowoomba local, though she spent much of her adult life in North Queensland. Her passion for mental health began in 2014, inspired by personal experiences and a deep desire to support others in living full and meaningful lives—regardless of the challenges they face.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Human Services with Distinction and is especially passionate about suicide prevention and supporting neurodiverse individuals. Her approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a strong belief in people’s capacity to grow and thrive.

Sarah first connected with Momentum during her university placement. From the moment she experienced the unique, person-centred culture of the organisation, she knew she’d found her place. She was drawn to Momentum’s holistic model, which works alongside clinical interventions to break down real-life barriers and empower members toward flourishing mental health.

Now leading the team of Wellbeing Coaches, Sarah brings warmth, insight, and a collaborative spirit to her role. Outside of work, you’ll find her spending quality time with her family—something she deeply treasures.

Yassmin, Admin Officer

Yassmin is from Eritrea. She came to Australia in 2013 and has lived in Toowoomba since then. Yassmin joined the team for a placement in 2021. She worked at Momentum to gain practical experience in a real work situation. At the end of her placement, Yassmin had proved to become such an integral part of the Momentum team that she was able to join us as an ongoing
employee.

Why Momentum Mental Health?

I’ve always wanted to work in a role where I can help people and I love seeing members achieve their goals.