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.

Dhammika, Corporate Services Manager

Dhammika brings more than eight years of administration and management experience to her role as Corporate Services Manager at Momentum Mental Health. Her background includes senior administrative roles across several government ministries in Sri Lanka, where she developed extensive experience in organisational administration, policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, research and supporting effective organisational decision-making.

Dhammika holds a Master of Public Administration and Management from the University of Colombo and a Master of Business Management by Research from the University of Southern Queensland. Her research interests include governance, organisational resilience and evidence-based decision-making.

At Momentum, Dhammika supports the organisation’s corporate services and day-to-day operations, bringing strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a collaborative approach to working with staff and stakeholders.

Dhammika is passionate about contributing to a positive workplace and supporting the systems and processes that enable Momentum’s team to focus on what matters most — supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our community.

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.”

Brent, Youth Support Worker

Brent is a proud Toowoomba local with over a decade of experience working alongside young people and families across the community services sector. Holding a Diploma of Community Services, Brent is deeply committed to supporting young people as they navigate an increasingly complex and ever-changing world.

He is passionate about mentorship and leading by example, creating safe, non-judgemental environments where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to share their stories. Brent places strong emphasis on authentic relationship building, believing that genuine connection is the foundation for meaningful and lasting change.

With extensive experience as a Youth Worker, Outdoor Educator, Youth Program Lead, Family Practitioner, and Case Manager, Brent brings a well-rounded and practical understanding of the challenges facing young people and families today. He takes a holistic approach to care, integrating physical wellbeing, mental health, and connection to community.

A strong advocate for the outdoors, Brent encourages people of all ages to reconnect with nature as a powerful tool for growth, resilience, and wellbeing. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, he is committed to delivering personalised, high-quality support and wrap-around care tailored to the unique needs of every individual and family he works with.

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.

Ashley, Youth Support Worker

Ashley brings extensive experience working alongside children and young people across youth justice, residential care, education and community settings to her role as Youth Support Worker at Momentum Mental Health.

A proud Barkindji woman originally from Far West New South Wales, Ashley has a strong commitment to culturally safe and inclusive practice and to creating environments where young people feel respected, connected and supported. Throughout her career, she has worked particularly with young people experiencing disengagement from education, involvement with the youth justice system and other barriers to reaching their goals.

Ashley is passionate about the importance of community and social connection in supporting young people to thrive. She believes in building genuine relationships, helping young people recognise their strengths and giving them opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.

Ashley also brings experience in leadership, mentoring, program development and cultural programs, along with training in Youth Work, Indigenous Leadership, and Leadership and Management.

At Momentum, Ashley works as part of our Youth Team to deliver engaging, strengths-based activities and support for children, young people and families, helping them build connections, discover opportunities and strengthen their wellbeing.

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.

Kat, Wellbeing Coach Team Leader

Kat is the Wellbeing Coach Team Leader at Momentum Mental Health, bringing extensive experience in community services, psychosocial support, and team leadership. With qualifications in both Counselling and Community Services, Kat is passionate about supporting people to achieve their goals while fostering a positive and empowering environment for both participants and staff.

As a values-driven leader, Kat believes that strong, supported teams are the foundation of positive client outcomes. She is committed to mentoring and developing staff, creating a culture where team members feel confident, capable, and connected to Momentum’s purpose. Her leadership style combines operational excellence with genuine care, ensuring participants receive high-quality, person-centred support while staff are equipped to thrive in their roles.

Kat has significant experience delivering and leading evidence-based psychosocial coaching services, working within the NDIS and broader community services sector. She is skilled in balancing leadership responsibilities with direct participant support and has extensive knowledge of compliance, reporting, quality improvement, and service delivery best practice.

A passionate advocate for collaboration, Kat has built strong relationships across health, community, and government sectors to improve referral pathways and create seamless support experiences for participants. She enjoys contributing to service innovation and continuous improvement, always seeking new ways to enhance outcomes for both participants and staff.

Kat is inspired by Momentum’s commitment to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care and is dedicated to helping individuals build resilience, confidence, and meaningful connections within their communities. She holds a Diploma of Counselling and a Diploma of Community Services

“I believe that when people feel supported, empowered and connected, they are better able to achieve their goals and create positive change in their lives.” – Kat

Kaylie, Wellbeing Coach (Dalby, Kingaroy, Chinchilla, Miles and Tara)

A Kiwi by birth and now a proud Australian citizen, Kaylie began her Australian journey in Sydney before relocating to the Gold Coast. During her time there, she was offered the opportunity to transfer to Roma—a move that opened up a whole new world for her, having never lived further than ten minutes from the ocean.

Her years in Roma, working as a tenancy coordinator for a not-for-profit managing housing commission properties, gave her a deep appreciation for regional communities and the limited resources often available. She learned how to create pathways for support where they might not typically exist, strengthening her understanding of resilience, community, connection, and the importance of feeling supported, especially during times of change.

Over many years, Kaylie has worked alongside people navigating crisis, instability, domestic and family violence, housing insecurity, and significant life transitions, always prioritising safety, dignity, and practical, grounded support. With her own lived experience of mental illness, she brings an added layer of empathy and humanity to her work, alongside a profound respect for how complex and non-linear healing can be. She believes that support should feel human, steady, and genuinely understanding—not clinical or rushed.

Outside of work, Kaylie is currently studying towards a Diploma in Trauma-Informed Counselling with a focus on mental health. When not studying, she enjoys spending time in the garden (carefully avoiding overwatering!), connecting with friends and loved ones, and exploring the diverse landscapes of Australia.

She is honoured to serve as a Well-being Coach for Momentum Mental Health and looks forward to supporting the growth of the Western Downs Region alongside Tamika, with the support of the 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.

Raman, Wellbeing Coach

Raman is Momentum’s Wellbeing Coach

Raman is a dedicated Wellbeing Coach who is passionate about supporting people to achieve their personal wellbeing goals. Originally from India, she brings a rich multicultural perspective to her work and speaks four languages in addition to English, helping people from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and understood.

As Momentum’s NDIS Portfolio Manager, Raman works closely with participants to ensure they receive high-quality, person-centred support tailored to their individual needs. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and loves sharing her enthusiasm for food and culture with others. Her warmth, compassion, and commitment to helping people thrive make her a valued member of the Momentum team.

Shane, Fundraising and Partnerships Officer

Shane brings more than 30 years of experience in advertising, marketing, production, and operational leadership to his role as Fundraising and Partnerships Officer at Momentum Mental Health. He has a proven track record of building strong partnerships, delivering large-scale events, and developing innovative initiatives that create meaningful community impact.

Prior to joining Momentum, Shane served as Asset and Operations Manager at the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. Shane’s career spans strategic communications, budget management, and complex project delivery. His extensive volunteer involvement with organisations including Toowoomba Grammar School and the Great Western Road Trip Committee reflects his deep commitment to community engagement.

Passionate about creating opportunities that foster resilience and wellbeing, Shane is dedicated to strengthening partnerships and driving sustainable fundraising outcomes that support Momentum Mental Health’s mission and the communities it serves.

Tamika, Wellbeing Coach (Dalby, Kingaroy, Chinchilla, Miles and Tara)

Tamika is a long-time western downs local with over 15 years’ experience supporting people through life’s tougher seasons, with a background across Mental health, youth work, disability, family support, and community services. She brings a calm, steady presence, and a genuine passion for helping people feel heard, capable and connected again.

Tamika believes wellbeing doesn’t come from big dramatic changes, but from small consistent steps, good routines and having someone in your corner when things get overwhelming. She works in a practical down-to-earth way, focusing on building trust, encouraging strengths, and walking along side people at their own pace,

When she’s not at work you will likely find her outdoors with her family, or having a laugh with friends – because she strongly believes connection and humour are just as important for wellbeing as anything else.

Tamika is excited to be part of the Momentum team and looks forward to supporting members on their journey toward better mental health, one small win at a time.

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.