SENIOR STAFF

ConnectGV’s senior staff bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to lead our team.

Jacinta Russell

Jacinta Russell

Chief Executive Officer & Company Secretary

READ JACINTA'S BIO

Jacinta Russell is the Chief Executive Officer of ConnectGV, a position she has held since July 2022. Prior to commencing at ConnectGV, Jacinta held the position of Executive Director at Goulburn Valley Health as well as various other management positions across metropolitan and regional health services.  Jacinta brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in health administration, corporate and clinical governance, business and ensuring participants and clients have an opportunity to determine and be supported in their care needs.

Jacinta is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Masters of Science from RMIT, Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management (Quality & Safety) (UTAS), Graduate Certificate in Management (AIM), Professional Certificate in Health Systems (Uni of Melb), a Bachelor of Science (La Trobe Uni), Prince 2 Practitioner qualifications and is a graduate of the Fairley Leadership Program (FF 2014). Jacinta is also a member of the Australian College of Health Services Management.

Jacinta is actively involved in the local community, having been born and raised in Shepparton. She currently is a Board Director at Game Traffic, WorkTrainers and Recruitment Select, which run the social enterprise businessGeared 4 Careers, and has previously been the Board Chair at Primary Care Connect and the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Program. (Fairley Leadership).

Jacinta is passionate about assisting the most vulnerable people within our community, via her paid and volunteer work. 

stacey ferrito

stacey ferrito

Executive Manager - NDIS Services

READ STACEY'S BIO

Stacey has extensive experience within the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) having previously worked as a Program Manager at Intereach, a Partner in the Community (PiTC) – partnering with the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) to deliver the NDIS within the Goulburn Valley region. She also assisted in Disability Employment Services working as an employment consultant.

Stacey commenced her journey within the disability sector upon completion of Certificate IV in Disability Services. This was done as part of the VET (Vocational Educational Training) in Schools program, Stacey carried out work experience as part of this program at the GV Centre (now ConnectGV). Continuing on a voluntary basis, she was then offered paid employment as a DSW (Disability Support Worker), working within the Recreation & Leisure Club and Day Centre, as well as the Wahroongai Hostel which was the residential house prior to the houses we have now. Being an Integration Aide at a local Primary School, saw Stacey working with students in a 1:1 ratio.

Outside the realm of disability support, Stacey is a qualified personal trainer and has run her own business within this space.

Stacey is committed to offering the best services and supports possible and is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science via Swinbourne.

BRANT DOYLE

BRANT DOYLE

Executive Manager – People, Quality & Safety

READ BRANT'S BIO
Brant is an experienced executive, with substantial leadership in people and culture, organisational development, safety, wellbeing, corporate governance, customer experience, strategy, policy, and process development. Brant has a Master of Employment Relations from Griffith University, a Graduate Certificate in Industrial Relations, a Diploma of Business (Human Resources) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Brant started with ConnectGV in April 2023 after spending over 20 years in People and Culture, Corporate Governance and Performance Leadership and Executive roles. His career has been varied across law firms, disability and community services, large health services and local government.

Brant is a current Board Director with NCN Health, and was a previous Board Chair and Board Director of Primary Care Connect, Cobram District Health, and the Bridge Youth Service.

Brant is people focused with a strong desire to ensure high quality safe service provision for staff and participants.

Ramesha Jayasuriya

Ramesha Jayasuriya

Financial Controller & Manager of Corporate Services

READ RAMESHA'S BIO

Ramesha’s qualifications include a Master of Business Administration from Edith Cowan University (W.A), Bachelor of Science (Hons) Management Information Systems – National University of Ireland, as well as being a full member of CPA Australia and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants – UK). 

Ramesha is a CPA accountant with over fifteen years of experience in financial and management accounting and business administration. Prior to her promotion at ConnectGV, as Financial Controller and Manager of Corporate Services in June 2023, Ramesha was the Finance Administrator from 2018 – 2023, overseeing Payroll, month and year end reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, and implementing new software programs.

Prior to working with ConnectGV, Ramesha worked with a local accounting firm as a financial adviser from 2015-2018. 

READ JACINTA'S BIO

Jacinta Russell is the Chief Executive Officer of ConnectGV, a position she has held since July 2022. Prior to commencing at ConnectGV, Jacinta held the position of Executive Director at Goulburn Valley Health as well as various other management positions across metropolitan and regional health services.  Jacinta brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in health administration, corporate and clinical governance, business and ensuring participants and clients have an opportunity to determine and be supported in their care needs.

Jacinta is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Masters of Science from RMIT, Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management (Quality & Safety) (UTAS), Graduate Certificate in Management (AIM), Professional Certificate in Health Systems (Uni of Melb), a Bachelor of Science (La Trobe Uni), Prince 2 Practitioner qualifications and is a graduate of the Fairley Leadership Program (FF 2014). Jacinta is also a member of the Australian College of Health Services Management.

Jacinta is actively involved in the local community, having been born and raised in Shepparton. She currently is a Board Director at Game Traffic, WorkTrainers and Recruitment Select, which run the social enterprise businessGeared 4 Careers, and has previously been the Board Chair at Primary Care Connect and the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Program. (Fairley Leadership).

Jacinta is passionate about assisting the most vulnerable people within our community, via her paid and volunteer work. 

READ STACEY'S BIO

Stacey has extensive experience within the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) having previously worked as a Program Manager at Intereach, a Partner in the Community (PiTC) – partnering with the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) to deliver the NDIS within the Goulburn Valley region. She also assisted in Disability Employment Services working as an employment consultant.

Stacey commenced her journey within the disability sector upon completion of Certificate IV in Disability Services. This was done as part of the VET (Vocational Educational Training) in Schools program, Stacey carried out work experience as part of this program at the GV Centre (now ConnectGV). Continuing on a voluntary basis, she was then offered paid employment as a DSW (Disability Support Worker), working within the Recreation & Leisure Club and Day Centre, as well as the Wahroongai Hostel which was the residential house prior to the houses we have now. Being an Integration Aide at a local Primary School, saw Stacey working with students in a 1:1 ratio.

Outside the realm of disability support, Stacey is a qualified personal trainer and has run her own business within this space.

Stacey is committed to offering the best services and supports possible and is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science via Swinbourne.

READ BRANT'S BIO
Brant is an experienced executive, with substantial leadership in people and culture, organisational development, safety, wellbeing, corporate governance, customer experience, strategy, policy, and process development. Brant has a Master of Employment Relations from Griffith University, a Graduate Certificate in Industrial Relations, a Diploma of Business (Human Resources) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Brant started with ConnectGV in April 2023 after spending over 20 years in People and Culture, Corporate Governance and Performance Leadership and Executive roles. His career has been varied across law firms, disability and community services, large health services and local government.

Brant is a current Board Director with NCN Health, and was a previous Board Chair and Board Director of Primary Care Connect, Cobram District Health, and the Bridge Youth Service.

Brant is people focused with a strong desire to ensure high quality safe service provision for staff and participants.

READ RAMESHA'S BIO

Ramesha’s qualifications include a Master of Business Administration from Edith Cowan University (W.A), Bachelor of Science (Hons) Management Information Systems – National University of Ireland, as well as being a full member of CPA Australia and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants – UK). 

Ramesha is a CPA accountant with over fifteen years of experience in financial and management accounting and business administration. Prior to her promotion at ConnectGV, as Financial Controller and Manager of Corporate Services in June 2023, Ramesha was the Finance Administrator from 2018 – 2023, overseeing Payroll, month and year end reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, and implementing new software programs.

Prior to working with ConnectGV, Ramesha worked with a local accounting firm as a financial adviser from 2015-2018. 

LINDA GLOVER

LINDA GLOVER

Quality and Safety Manager

READ LINDA'S BIO

Linda moved to Australia from New Zealand at the end of 2001 before starting work at ConnectGV (as the former GV Centre) in 2002.

She has steadily progressed throughout her career with us, beginning as an Instructor in Day Services (now known as a Disability Support Worker), becoming Supervisor of Residential Houses, then the Residential Manager and Occupational Health and Safety representative for many years, before being promoted to Manager of Quality and Safety this year.

Whilst this was Linda’s first time working with people with a disability, she worked for many years in Aged Carer, specialising in psycho-geriatric. Linda has always had a passion for working with people, and thrives on working toward having a positive impact in the lives of our more vulnerable communities. Now, as the Quality and Safety Manager at ConnectGV, Linda enjoys providing safety in the workplace for both staff and participants.

Linda holds a Certificate IV in Aged Care, Diploma in Psychology and Advanced Diploma in Disability. Additionally, she is an Approved Program Officer (APO) with behaviour practitioners for participants who have an NDIS behaviour support plan and are on restrictive practices.

In her spare time, Linda enjoys gardening, photography and travelling – she must always have a trip to look forward to! Interestingly, Linda was a champion New Zealand dart player, and got to coach the junior team before making Australia her permanent home.

Tracy Lamont

Tracy Lamont

Billabong Nursery Manager

READ TRACY'S BIO

Bio TBA

melissa joyce

melissa joyce

Manager - Day Programs

READ MELISSA'S BIO

Melissa studied Community Services when she was younger, but it was disability support that really captured her interest. She worked for a disability organisation in New South Wales for 3 years before relocating to Shepparton and commencing work at ConnectGV in 2012.

Melissa started at the organisation as a Disability Support Worker, learning the ropes in each sector and continuing to build her extensive knowledge of support work which eventually earned her the promotion to Service Manager of Day Services in 2023.

Melissa handles all operational queries for Day Programs at the Bowenhall St campus, coordinating staff and participants to access programs which assist them to build skills and improve and maintain healthy social connections.

daniel falla

daniel falla

Manager - Outreach

READ DANIEL'S BIO

Bio TBA

READ LINDA'S BIO

Linda moved to Australia from New Zealand at the end of 2001 before starting work at ConnectGV (as the former GV Centre) in 2002.

She has steadily progressed throughout her career with us, beginning as an Instructor in Day Services (now known as a Disability Support Worker), becoming Supervisor of Residential Houses, then the Residential Manager and Occupational Health and Safety representative for many years, before being promoted to Manager of Quality and Safety this year.

Whilst this was Linda’s first time working with people with a disability, she worked for many years in Aged Carer, specialising in psycho-geriatric. Linda has always had a passion for working with people, and thrives on working toward having a positive impact in the lives of our more vulnerable communities. Now, as the Quality and Safety Manager at ConnectGV, Linda enjoys providing safety in the workplace for both staff and participants.

Linda holds a Certificate IV in Aged Care, Diploma in Psychology and Advanced Diploma in Disability. Additionally, she is an Approved Program Officer (APO) with behaviour practitioners for participants who have an NDIS behaviour support plan and are on restrictive practices.

In her spare time, Linda enjoys gardening, photography and travelling – she must always have a trip to look forward to! Interestingly, Linda was a champion New Zealand dart player, and got to coach the junior team before making Australia her permanent home.

READ TRACY'S BIO

Bio TBA

READ MELISSA'S BIO

Melissa studied Community Services when she was younger, but it was disability support that really captured her interest. She worked for a disability organisation in New South Wales for 3 years before relocating to Shepparton and commencing work at ConnectGV in 2012.

Melissa started at the organisation as a Disability Support Worker, learning the ropes in each sector and continuing to build her extensive knowledge of support work which eventually earned her the promotion to Service Manager of Day Services in 2023.

Melissa handles all operational queries for Day Programs at the Bowenhall St campus, coordinating staff and participants to access programs which assist them to build skills and improve and maintain healthy social connections.

READ DANIEL'S BIO

Bio TBA

LEAH DOWN

LEAH DOWN

NDIS Services Manager

READ LEAH'S BIO

After working in retail for 9 years including time as a department manager Leah began her career progression by completing a Certificate 3 in Health Assistance (Nursing) via a traineeship at GV Health where she continued in her role for another 3 years whilst continuing to raise her three children. 

Looking for further opportunity in the health and wellbeing field, she gained employment at Intereach where she was a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for 2.5 years, working with adults and children with a disability aged 7 and up. Whilst working at Intereach, Leah worked her way up to backfill the managerial role where she gained many new skills. 

Leah’s experience with Intereach led her to the role as our NDIS Services Manager, where she oversees the Plan Management, Support Coordination and Participant Engagement Coordination Teams, supporting our onboarding processes and NDIS supports. Leah also assists participants and families/carers with service agreement and billing enquiries whilst also supporting staff to understand and adhere to NDIS service provisions.

Leah enjoys walking her dog in her spare time, and loves playing tennis and spending time with her family.

Leah has a passion for ensuring that our participants are fully supported and that we are providing them with quality supports and services of their choice.

MICHELLE BYE

MICHELLE BYE

Manager Residential Services

READ MICHELLE'S BIO

Michelle Bye has over 20 years’ experience working with adults and younger people with a disability. Michelle started working with SCOPE as an integration aid for kindergarten students with additional needs, working a one-on-one ratio in 2006. After working through the early development of the support industry and raising her four children, Michelle was hired in 2013 as a Residential Disability Support Worker (DSW) at ConnectGV.

While working as a DSW, Michelle also completed her Diploma of Nursing.

Michelle has seen a change in her roles over the years at ConnectGV; Disability Support Worker, Servicer Leader at two Residential sites – 9 Middleton St and Chertsey Rd and her newly appointed role as Residential Manager.

Michelle enjoys volunteering across the community, participating in the Winter Night Shelter Project, local football club, school council and youth programs.    

Irene Timm

Irene Timm

Social Enterprise Coordinator

READ IRENE'S BIO

Irene’s career at ConnectGV spans 25 years of service. She commenced working at the GV Centre (as it was known then) in 1997 where she was employed as the first carer. Three months later she became an instructor (now known as a support worker). From Instructor she progressed to Team Leader and then 12 months later, Program Manager. Irene enjoys the diversity of her employment at ConnectGV and the various role changes including that of Social Enterprise Co-ordinator, overseeing business services and supported employees.  She is currently back in Day Options, while continuing to oversee some of the supported employment areas.

Whilst employed and raising her family, Irene gained qualifications in aged care and disability, was a short-term foster carer and volunteered her time at FamilyCare’s holiday programs for children with a disability. Currently she also volunteers as an ITP (Independent Third Person) in the justice system. This involves assisting people with a disability through the interview process when involved with the police, whether this be as a perpetrator or victim.

Irene is a Mooroopna local, she played basketball as a junior and was a part of the inaugural women’s Gators team. She playing at this level for five years, then continued playing A grade basketball at a club level and coached juniors at club level and was team manager for Under 18 girls’ squad teams.

In her career and personal life, Irene has relished the opportunity to be involved in supporting people in her community.

ConnectGV acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are located in Shepparton which forms part of the Yorta Yorta Nation. We honour and pay our respect to Elders and leaders, past, present and emerging and we celebrate their continuing culture.

ConnectGV is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion at the workplace. It expects its employees to consistently demonstrate its values through the quality of their work and interaction with all stakeholders.

Office

12-16  Bowenhall St
Shepparton VIC 3630

Post

PO Box 1666
Shepparton VIC 3632

Email Directory

General Enquiries:
reception@connectgv.com.au

NDIS Enquiries:
ndis@connectgv.com.au

Feedback:
ceo@connectgv.com.au

Don't forget to follow us on social media!

© ConnectGV 2023

Skip to content