The people behind the work
Meet our team
Mossman Support Services is powered by a passionate team of staff and volunteers, guided by a dedicated board. Together we serve the Douglas Shire community with care, professionalism and heart.
Governance
Board of Directors
Secretary — Board of Directors
Tina Alderson
Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Management) · Masters of Applied Science · Diploma of Business (Frontline Management)
With 25 years of dedicated service in Protected Area Management for both State and Commonwealth Governments, Tina has held various roles within the Queensland and Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Tina also served as a board member for Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management, the regional NRM body for North-western Tasmania, from 2012 to 2016.
Director
Stephen Oldham
Registered Nurse (retired) · Post Grad Dip Palliative Care Nursing · Masters in Nursing (UTS) · Authorised Celebrant (retired)
A lifetime of travelling worldwide found Stephen moving to the Douglas Shire in 2008. After a 35-year international career in Nursing specialising predominantly in Palliative Care — with many leadership positions across Clinical, Education and Management — he and his partner Paul developed and expanded Community Funerals over 16 years. Stephen has a strong skill set and is committed to volunteering in his community.
Director
Phoebe Kitto
Phoebe serves as Director of Human Resource Dynamics with a wealth of experience and expertise. A resident of the Douglas Shire since 2000, she brings a strong commitment to good governance and ethical practices. Her diverse business skills and lateral thinking enable her to develop innovative solutions that drive organisational success.
Director
Peter McKeown
Local Councillor · Small Business Owner
Peter brings valuable local knowledge and strong community connections to the board through his roles as a Local Councillor and small business owner in the Douglas Shire.
Director
Dr Debbie Jaggers
Dr Debbie Jaggers is the National Foundational Supports Lead, Disability Reform at NDS (National Disability Services) — the peak body for disability service providers in Australia. Her career has spanned health and social care, aged care and disability across the UK and Australia. Debbie is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and brings many years of corporate and practice governance experience at both regional and national level.
Director
Steve Prideaux
Steve Prideaux is an experienced CEO, board advisor and investor with more than 30 years of leadership across retail, digital media, finance and technology. He has led major business transformations and founded successful ventures reaching multi-million-dollar valuations. Steve currently serves as Chairman of Next Financial Services Group, founder and board member of Digital Investment Group, and board member of Rafiki Mwema, a charity supporting vulnerable youth in Kenya.
Leadership
Our operations
Chief Executive Officer
Heather Taylor
As CEO of Mossman Support Services, Heather brings a proven track record in strategic leadership, community development, and human rights. With a strong foundation in the not-for-profit sector, her work is deeply rooted in cultivating healthy work cultures and championing person-centred leadership. Throughout her career, Heather has worked alongside strong leaders and changemakers, embedding skills in building inclusive, purpose-driven teams that create meaningful and lasting impact.
Finance Officer · Lifestyle Plan Management
Karla Eldridge
Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) · 13+ years experience
Karla is a Finance Officer and Plan Manager whose long-standing commitment reflects both her expertise and her integral role within the team. While her path into community services may have been unexpected, she has found her niche working with numbers and budgets — something she genuinely enjoys and excels at. She plays a key role in supporting financial processes and helping participants feel confident and supported in managing their plans. Known for being organised, creative and straightforward, Karla brings both precision and practicality to her work. Outside the office, she enjoys crafting and spending time at Tinaroo Dam and the beautiful Tablelands.
Our People
The organisation team
Community Engagement Worker
Per Kaartinen
Certificate in Community and Youth Services
Per is passionate about social justice and creating lasting positive change. He believes in supporting people through inclusive and meaningful connections that help build strong, caring communities. Fun-loving, creative and considerate, Per brings warmth and energy to everything he does — and loves beachcombing, bushwalking, gardening, and exploring Wonga Beach and the Daintree.
Intensive Family Support Practitioner
Chloe
Bachelor of Psychology · Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)
"As an Intensive Family Support Practitioner, I have the opportunity to engage with families directly and make a significant difference in people's lives that are long lasting — which is incredibly fulfilling."
Youth Development Coordinator
Brody Andrews
Brody has been with the organisation since 2021. With a Master of Professional Psychology and AHPRA registration, Brody is passionate about supporting young people to reach their full potential. He finds the most rewarding part of his role is seeing young people grow and overcome challenges. Motivated, empathetic, and committed, Brody enjoys table tennis, reading, and spending time at home with family.
Community Connect Worker
Therese Maloney
Certificate III Individual Support · Certificate IV Disabilities
With MSS since 2022, Therese is passionate about empowering people to find their potential and reminding them there is always a new day to start over. Compassionate, creative and resourceful, she loves helping people find a pathway through life's big challenges. She describes herself as someone who feels privileged to live in paradise — immersed in rainforest, reef, rivers and culture.
Emergency Relief Administrator · Plan Management Assistant
Leiona Latu
Leiona has been part of Mossman Support Services since 2016 — one of our longest-serving team members. She first joined as a volunteer at reception, became a part-time receptionist, then an Emergency Relief Officer, and now supports Plan Managed participants with their NDIS plans and coordinates room hire. Warm, reliable and deeply connected to Mossman, Leiona reflects the care and community spirit that define MSS.
Lifestyle Support Services Coordination
Nicola Falstein
Nicola has been a valued member of the MSS team since 2014, making her one of our longest-serving staff members. She first came on board as a volunteer, helping to raise funds for a new disability bus — an experience that sparked a deeper commitment to the organisation and the people it serves. When the opportunity arose to take on a greater role, Nicola didn't hesitate. Passionate about community support and inspired by the variety her work brings each day, she takes pride in building genuine connections and helping people live full, independent lives.
Lifestyle Support Services Coordination
Reanna Wickenton
Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management · Certificate III in Community Services · Certificate IV in Education Support
With six years at MSS, Reanna brings a warm and thoughtful approach to her role as Lifestyle Support Coordinator. She was drawn to community services because people naturally open up to her — and because she has seen firsthand how the right support, offered at the right time, can change the direction of someone's life. Every day is different, and that variety is something she genuinely values: meeting new people, hearing their stories, and witnessing the real difference that quality support can make. Caring, empathetic and patient, Reanna enjoys reading, cooking, swimming and camping with her family. Her favourite local escape is a dip in one of the region's beautiful rainforest creeks.
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid."
People, Culture & Communications Coordinator
Holly Todd
Bachelor of Business (Marketing) · Diploma of Sales and Marketing
With MSS since 2021, Holly is driven by a desire to enrich the community and be part of the change. She loves sharing the amazing stories of MSS people and the incredible achievements of the organisation. Thoughtful, passionate and funny, her favourite local spots include her horse paddock, a secret swimming hole and Undine Sand Cay.
Intensive Family Support Practitioner
Trish Rayner
Trish has lived in the region for six years and has been a Family Support Practitioner at MSS since January 2020, previously working in Child Protection and Disability Services in the Wide Bay region. She loves this role for its diversity — never a dull moment. A mother and grandmother, Trish enjoys holidays with her grandchildren, gardening, camping, music festivals and motorcycling. Available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Team Member
Harper
⏳ Profile coming soon
Admin to CEO
Astrid
Astrid is the Administration Officer supporting the CEO, bringing a background in children's services and nearly two years of dedicated service with the organisation. Deeply motivated by a genuine passion for helping others, she finds the greatest reward in seeing the positive difference MSS makes in people's lives. Her compassionate, reliable and dedicated nature shines through in everything she does. Outside of work, Astrid is a self-proclaimed foodie and lover of wildlife — and if she's not exploring new flavours, you'll likely find her at one of her favourite local spots, Shannonvale.
Team Member
Arwen
⏳ Profile coming soonLifestyle Support
Our support workers
Support Worker
Jess
⏳ Profile coming soonSupport Worker
Jasmine
⏳ Profile coming soonSupport Worker
Mark
Certificate III in Individual Support
Mark has been a valued member of our team for many years. Passionate about helping people reach their goals and take part in community life, he is known for his warm and caring nature — always bringing smiles and laughter to the people he supports. In his spare time Mark enjoys gardening, fishing, cooking, and target shooting, and loves watching the sunrise at Cooya Beach with his staffy, Kobi.
Support Worker
Shireen
Caring and patient, Shireen loves making a positive difference in people's lives through fun and meaningful activities — music, karaoke, baking, arts and crafts, or a friendly chat over hot chocolate. She also enjoys helping people stay active and connected outdoors through walking, swimming, bike riding, fishing and beach time. With an open-minded and compassionate approach, Shireen creates environments where people feel comfortable, respected and genuinely cared for.
Support Worker
Dan
Dan has been part of the team for more than two years and loves the ever-changing nature of support work — no two days are the same. Music and travel are his biggest passions; you'll often find him in our Tuesday Music Group, hiking in nature or on the golf course. He encourages everyone to take a moment, appreciate the present and enjoy the journey.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." — Ferris Bueller
Support Worker
Nikki
Nikki has been part of the MSS family for 15 years, bringing laughter, warmth and encouragement to everyone she works with. She finds real joy in helping people grow their independence — one smile at a time. Outside work she loves snowboarding, travelling, hiking, painting, playing guitar and singing. A self-confessed lover of choccy and coffee, Nikki believes in finding happiness in life's little moments.
Support Worker
Emma
Emma has been part of the MSS team for six years and loves meeting new people and helping them feel confident and connected in the community. When she's not working, Emma enjoys walking, gardening and cooking something delicious — often with her dogs keeping her company. Her caring nature and positive outlook make her a valued member of the team.
Support Worker
Jayden
Certificate III in Individual Support (in progress)
One of the youngest members of the team, Jayden brings energy, curiosity and a cheerful spirit to everything he does. He loves the variety of his daily work and being part of a team that helps people live more confidently and independently. Outside work, Jayden is passionate about sports and gaming — and a big fan of Chicken Parmi and Harry Potter.
"Don't waste your time chasing butterflies; mend your garden, and the butterflies will come."
Support Worker
Ann Maree
Certificate in Individual Support · 4 years experience
Ann Maree enjoys empowering people to live independently and loves the variety that each day brings. Outside work she treasures country life — working toward her Black Belt in Karate and exploring drama and the latest K-Pop tunes. Her positive energy and unique interests help her connect with people in new and meaningful ways.
Support Worker
Melissa
Certificate III in Individual Support · Background in wellness and nursing
Mel brings a warm, person-centred approach to every interaction, combining her wellness and nursing background with a love of being outdoors. A big animal lover, she finds happiness walking shelter dogs along the beach and seeing them light up with excitement. When not working, Mel enjoys fishing or watching her beloved Carlton — with a Pad Thai and Pepsi Max close by.
Support Worker
Rochelle
Rochelle has been a dedicated support worker for five years, known for her kindness, energy and commitment to helping others live safer, happier and more independent lives. Outside work, she brings people together through her Shimmy Shimmy dance mob — a community group that performs across the Douglas Shire to raise awareness about domestic violence. She loves being out and about, meeting new people, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region every day.
Support Worker
Cory
Certificate III in Individual Support · 6 years experience
Cory brings care and creativity to his work every day, focusing on what makes each participant happiest. Outside work he enjoys gardening, experimenting with audio technology and creating art — staying curious and keeping life interesting. His light-hearted approach reminds everyone that support, like gardening, is about helping people grow in their own time and in their own way.
"You can prune a plant, but you can't plant a prune."
Support Worker
Rachel
Curious, creative and full of energy, Rachel enjoys yoga, pilates, cycling and spending time outdoors. When relaxing you'll often find her sewing, reading, writing, cooking, gardening or gaming — and she speaks several languages! Rachel believes learning never stops and brings this same spirit to MSS, always ready to listen, learn and grow alongside others.
"A mind open to learning is a heart open to growth."
Support Worker
Glen
Certificate III in Individual Support · 4 years experience
Glen is passionate about making a difference and building meaningful connections every day. He believes happiness plays a big role in support work, using exercise and activity as a fun way to connect with participants and support their unique goals. His positive attitude, empathy and energy make a real impact — helping others grow stronger, laugh often and live well.
Support Worker
Liz
Liz truly loves life and lives it to the fullest — energetic, active and always up for new adventures. Whether playing golf, hiking, biking or hitting the gym, she brings great fun and enthusiasm to everything she does. Liz also has a creative side with a love for music, karaoke and gardening. What she enjoys most is connecting people with their community and helping them take part in activities that bring joy and confidence.
Support Worker
Troy
Troy is one of the most energetic members of the team and a proud, lifelong St Kilda supporter — he cheers so loudly you might think you're at the Grand Final! When not watching footy, Troy loves fishing, camping and catching waves along the coast. What he values most is helping people achieve their goals, bringing enthusiasm, care and genuine encouragement to everyone he supports.
Support Worker
Louise
Originally from Quebec, Canada, Louise has proudly called Australia home for the past 47 years and has been a valued member of the MSS team for more than 23 years. Her dedication, kindness and genuine care for others shine through in everything she does. Outside work, Louise enjoys swimming, yoga, walking along the beach, learning new languages and travelling — drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the region she serves.
Support Worker
Summer
Certificate III in Individual Support
Summer brings warmth, care and a calm approach to everything she does. When not supporting others she loves being outdoors — camping, going to the beach, walking and foraging in the forest — as well as expressing her creativity through art, music, gardening and yoga. Summer believes in spreading kindness every day and her gentle nature makes her a valued part of the team.