Empax Centre
The people behind Empax Centre

Dedicated experts.
Compassionate care.

Our collective expertise

Empax Centre Team

We have assembled a team of experienced mental health professionals with expertise in trauma-informed clinical care and innovative treatment research, united by a commitment to compassionate, courageous, and forward-thinking care.

Our clinicians have backgrounds in psychiatry, medicine, mental health nursing, clinical psychology, social work, occupational therapy, and trauma-informed counselling and work collaboratively to ensure we deliver comprehensive, evidence-based, and patient-centred care.

Meet the team

Clinical experience, shared purpose

A multidisciplinary team working together to create thoughtful, individualised pathways through complex mental health challenges.

National team

Angela McGuire

Angela McGuire

Chief Commercial Officer

Angela is the Chief Commercial Officer at Empax Centre. Angela brings extensive experience in the management of mental health clinics in prior roles at senior and executive level. With two decades of leadership experience in Australia’s private mental healthcare sector, as an executive-level manager Angela has built and scaled organisations that unite clinical excellence with strong commercial performance.

Her career has spanned startup ventures, multi-site operations nationally, mergers and acquisitions, business development and compliance, cross-functional initiatives, with a consistent focus on delivering high-quality care for patients while ensuring sustainable growth and organisational success.

Ryan Arrowsmith

Ryan Arrowsmith

General Manager – National Operations

Ryan is the National General Manager at Empax Centre, bringing extensive experience in operational leadership, service delivery, technology, and business transformation, having spent over 15 years in a range of senior leadership roles within healthcare. Throughout his career, Ryan has led national teams, delivered large-scale business improvement initiatives, and supported complex service environments, with a strong focus on improving systems, processes and the experience of both clients and staff.

As General Manager – National Operations at Empax Centre, Ryan is responsible for supporting the performance and ongoing development of clinic operations nationally. He works closely with clinical, operational, and administrative teams to strengthen service delivery, improve consistency and efficiency, and support the continued growth of the Empax Centre business.

Systems development

Reuben Forwell

Reuben Forwell

Business Systems Transformation Lead

Reuben is the Business Systems Transformation Lead, bringing more than 12 years of experience in systems and technology within the healthcare industry. He has a strong background in leading cross-functional teams and delivering technology solutions that support complex, enterprise-scale healthcare operations.

With a passion for understanding business needs and translating them into practical, scalable solutions, Reuben focuses on ensuring technology not only meets today’s operational requirements but also enables future growth and innovation. Working closely with stakeholders, end users and technology partners, he helps bridge the gap between business and technology to deliver solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen capability and enhance the client experience.

Clinics development

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith

Project Manager

Catherine is the Project Manager at Empax Centre, with a diverse background spanning health and medical research, clinical trials, ethics and governance, and clinical service delivery.

She brings a strong understanding of healthcare regulation and governance, alongside practical experience in developing and implementing new clinical services. Her work encompasses clinic development, operational systems and service improvement, with a focus on creating effective environments that support high-quality patient care.

Julianna Summers

Julianna Summers

Operations Lead – Clinics Development

Juliana is the Clinical Services Manager at Emyria, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Pax Centre and Empax Centre. With a strong focus on clinical governance and operational excellence, she ensures both clinics provide high-quality, trauma-informed care in a safe and supportive environment.

Juliana collaborates closely with clinicians, management, and administrative teams to maintain best practices and foster a patient-centered approach. She plays a key role in growing and developing these specialized mental health services, supporting specialist care for people experiencing complex trauma and mental health challenges.

Clinical

Claire Kullack

Claire Kullack

National Clinical Lead / PAT Trainer

Claire is a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse, Psychological Trauma Therapist, and Accredited EMDR Trainer with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with complex mental health concerns. She has worked extensively with first responders and provides EAP services through St John Ambulance.

Claire is passionate about delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed care and has trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, Brainspotting, and Schema Therapy. She co-founded The Pax Centre in 2014 to expand therapy options for individuals affected by trauma and continues to drive innovative approaches to mental health care.

Claire is the National Lead PAT Trainer at Empax Centre, where she supports therapist training, professional development and the delivery of person-centred, trauma-informed care. She also works as a PAT Therapist within the Empax Centre program.

Dr. Jon Laugharne

Dr. Jon Laugharne

Medical Director / PAT Trainer

Jon is a Psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in mental health across the UK, USA, and Australia. A Fellow of both the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, he has a strong clinical and research focus on trauma and post-traumatic stress.

Jon has extensive experience in trauma-informed therapies, including EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Schema Therapy. He co-led the Post-Traumatic Stress Research Clinic at Fremantle Hospital and co-founded The Pax Centre to expand treatment options for individuals affected by trauma. Passionate about advancing mental health care, he is committed to exploring evidence-based approaches that improve patient outcomes.

Jon is a National Lead PAT Trainer at Empax Centre.

Dr. Chris Watson

Dr. Chris Watson

Senior Medical Practitioner / PAT Trainer

Chris is a psychiatrist who has worked in the field nearing a decade in a variety of clinical settings throughout WA, both public and private. He currently works in private practice at the Pax Centre, and as a psychiatrist at the Empax Centre.

Chris has a strong interest in psychological trauma and is dedicated to exploring emerging and personalised approaches to mental health care, particularly for individuals with complex needs.

Chris is a PAT Trainer at Empax Centre.

Ainslee Gibbs

Ainslee Gibbs

PAT Therapist & Trainer

Ainslee is a registered Counsellor and Accredited Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist with over 5 years of experience supporting individuals dealing with trauma, domestic violence, drug & alcohol addiction, relationship issues and mental health conditions to find peace and achieve positive, lasting progress.

Ainslee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling and has pursued further postgraduate training to support her work with people experiencing complex mental health challenges, including Narrative and Schema Therapy, ACT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing and Children’s and Attachment Informed EMDR. With extensive experience supporting first responders, Ainslee has a particular passion for working with trauma and complex treatment-resistant presentations.

Ainslee is a PAT Trainer at Empax Centre and a PAT Therapist.

Dr. Annett Mackereth

Dr. Annett Mackereth

National Lead Psychiatrist

Annette is a Psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in Western Australia, specialising in psychotherapy and trauma-informed care. A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, she is also an accredited psychotherapy supervisor, mentoring psychiatrists and allied health professionals.

Annette is trained in a wide range of therapeutic approaches, from long-term depth therapies to structured and trauma-focused techniques, including EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. She takes a compassionate and individualised approach, ensuring each person receives the right combination of therapy and, where appropriate, medication to support their recovery.

Governance

Claudia Sullivan

Claudia Sullivan

Head of Clinical Governance

Claudia brings extensive experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Compliance and Training, with a background in pharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical trial operations. She has a strong understanding of regulatory requirements and quality management systems, and the importance of applying these in practice.

As Head of Clinical Governance at Emyria, Claudia works across clinical governance, patient safety, risk management, informed consent, incident management and regulatory compliance. She is particularly focused on helping develop practical policies and processes that support safe, high-quality care while supporting clinicians to meet their governance and compliance responsibilities.

Claudia values open communication, collaboration and continuous improvement. Working closely with clinical and operational teams, she aims to make governance practical, effective and part of everyday clinical practice.

Emma Stroud

Emma Stroud

QA and Compliance Officer

Emma is Quality and Compliance Officer at Empax Centre, with over 11 years’ experience working across healthcare, manufacturing and clinical settings. She specialises in document control, quality management systems, SOP development and internal audits.

Emma holds a Bachelor of Food Science (Nutrition) from Edith Cowan University, along with certifications in Business Administration and Work, Health and Safety. Her attention to detail and steady, dependable approach helps ensure Empax Centre’s processes remain compliant, well organised and running smoothly.

Jessica Scott

Jessica Scott

Ethics and Governance Officer

Jess is the Ethics & Governance Officer at Emyria, managing regulatory applications and submissions to Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

With over 12 years of experience across clinical research and research governance, she works closely with the clinical governance team, clinicians and administration team to support the effective management of ethical and regulatory compliance requirements across Empax Centre’s programs.

Marketing / brand development

Claire Hutchinson

Claire Hutchinson

Head of Marketing / Clinical Liaison

Claire is Head of Marketing at Empax Centre and a qualified Occupational Therapist. She also owns and runs an allied health practice, giving her over 20 years’ experience working directly with patients, referrers and multidisciplinary care teams.

That background shapes how she approaches marketing at Empax Centre: translating clinical protocols and emerging treatment pathways into communication that’s clear, accurate and genuinely useful to patients, clinicians and referrers.

Naomi Copas

Naomi Copas

Liaison Manager – Brisbane & Gold Coast

Naomi is a Liaison Manager at Empax Centre, bringing over 20 years’ experience in the medical industry, with expertise in GP liaison, business development, strategic planning, communications and healthcare marketing. She works closely with specialists, GPs and practices to strengthen referral pathways and build meaningful professional relationships.

Naomi supports the growth of Empax Centre through strategic planning and tailored business development initiatives, with a focus on strengthening referral pathways, enhancing patient experience and supporting long-term organisational goals.

Clinical trials

Brydie Allen

Brydie Allen

Clinical Trial Assistant

Brydie is a Clinical Trial Assistant at Empax Centre with a strong interest in clinical research and patient-centred care. In her role, she supports participants throughout their treatment and contributes to a safe, organised and compassionate environment.

Adaptable and people-focused, Brydie is committed to developing her skills and experience across both nursing and clinical research. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing.

Also in this team
  • Mia Kotai PizzaleClinical Trial Coordinator
  • Sarah LeishmanMedical Officer

Client administration services

Cherie Braden

Cherie Braden

Administration Manager

Cherie is the Administration Manager at Empax Centre, leading the national Administration and Support teams. She provides strategic and operational leadership across the clinic network, ensuring teams have the structure, support and resources needed to deliver consistent, high-quality client experiences.

With more than a decade of experience in health administration across mental health services and general practice, Cherie understands the important role effective administration plays in supporting clinical care and operational excellence. She is passionate about empowering teams, strengthening processes and creating a safe, supportive and trauma-informed environment for clients and staff across Empax Centre’s national clinics.

Bronte Condo

Bronte Condo

Senior Medical Admin

Bronte is a Senior Client Administrator at Empax Centre, supporting clients throughout their treatment journey with a warm, organised and approachable style. She works closely with clinicians and the wider team to ensure clients feel informed and supported at every stage.

In her senior role, Bronte also provides training and day-to-day support to the Client Administration team, helping maintain consistent processes and a high standard of client care. She is currently completing a Certificate IV in Business Administration at TAFE, with expected completion by the end of 2026.

Imogen Hobbs

Imogen Hobbs

Client Administrator

Imogen is a Client Administrator at Empax Centre with over two years of administrative experience across a range of professional settings. She brings strong skills in client support, organisation and communication.

Imogen has a particular interest in supporting individuals with trauma backgrounds and is passionate about fostering greater understanding and awareness. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, further developing her understanding of wellbeing and human behaviour.

Sally Lemmon

Sally Lemmon

Client Intake (Team Lead)

Sally is a Client Intake Officer at Empax Centre, with experience in client liaison, integrative healthcare and trauma-informed practice. She is currently completing studies in Counselling and Psychotherapy, building on her experience within integrative medical practices and her passion for person-centred care.

At Empax Centre, Sally is often the first point of contact for clients and referrers. She provides guidance throughout the intake and referral process and works closely with the clinical team to support a safe, informed and considered pathway into Empax Centre’s specialist treatment programs.

Kasey Hunt

Kasey Hunt

Client Intake Coordinator

Kasey is a Client Intake Coordinator, supporting clients and referrers with information about our programs and guidance throughout the intake process. She brings experience in medical administration and client support, including working closely with individuals experiencing family and domestic violence.

Alongside her role at Empax Centre, Kasey is continuing her postgraduate studies in Psychology, further developing her knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellbeing.

Amie Barlow

Amie Barlow

Client Support Coordinator

Amie is a Client Support Coordinator at Empax Centre, coordinating the client journey and drawing on her experience in scheduling and client support to ensure every interaction is thoughtful, compassionate and client-centred. She has worked in the mental health sector since graduating in 2019, gaining experience supporting clients across the lifespan.

With strong attention to detail, Amie is committed to providing a welcoming, trauma-informed experience for both clients and clinicians, helping everyone feel heard, respected and well supported throughout their journey with Empax Centre.

Zoe Ledger

Zoe Ledger

Scheduling Coordinator

Zoe is a Scheduling Coordinator at Empax Centre, supporting clients throughout their treatment journey across Australia. With four years of industry experience, including previous experience as a Client Administrator at Empax Centre, she brings a strong understanding of client care and organisational processes.

Zoe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is currently completing postgraduate studies, working towards her goal of becoming a registered psychologist.

Site specific

Perth – Cambridge Street & Perth Clinic

Clinical leads

April Pearman

April Pearman

Clinical Lead – Perth

April is a Registered Psychologist and Psychotherapist with over 30 years’ experience working in the field of complex trauma across Australia, the UK and Sierra Leone. She brings extensive clinical experience and specialist training in PTSD, C-PTSD and depression.

April is currently a Clinical Lead at Empax Centre and has worked as a therapist at Empax Centre since 2023. She also maintains a private practice at the Pax Centre.

Danielle Desforges

Danielle Desforges

Clinical Lead – Perth

Danielle is a Counsellor with a Master’s in Counselling and a Bachelor of Nursing Science. Danielle is a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association and holds professional memberships with the EMDR Association of Australia and the International Society of Schema Therapy. She has a special interest in psychological trauma and over six years’ experience supporting veterans, first responders and others experiencing PTSD. Danielle has undertaken postgraduate training in Schema Therapy, EMDR and DBT, as well as additional training in specialised therapeutic approaches in mental health care.

Danielle is currently a Clinical Lead at Empax Centre and has worked as a therapist at Empax Centre since 2023. She also maintains a private practice at the Pax Centre.

Psychiatrists

Dr Irina Kompardt

Dr Irina Kompardt

Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Irina Kompardt is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Empax Centre Perth, qualified in Australia and Germany. She completed her specialist psychiatric training in Germany before relocating to Australia, where she completed her Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

Irina has extensive experience across inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. She takes a warm, compassionate and holistic approach, considering each patient’s individual needs and wellbeing.

Dr Nicholas Carrigan

Dr Nicholas Carrigan

Psychiatrist

Dr Nick Carrigan is a psychiatrist at Empax Centre Perth, with over 27 years’ experience across adult and older adult psychiatry. He completed his medical degree at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, followed by specialist training in Psychiatry and Older Adult Psychiatry. He also holds an MSc in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and further qualifications in Integrative and Nutritional Psychiatry.

Nick has held senior clinical and academic roles in Ireland and Australia, including Clinical Lead for Older Adult Psychiatry in the South West region of Western Australia and Associate Professor at Edith Cowan University. His interests include brain health, cognitive function and the relationship between psychological, physical and metabolic health, and he is involved in research through Alzheimer’s Research Australia and the AU-Arrow Study.

Dr Elena Krylova

Dr Elena Krylova

Psychiatrist

Dr Elena Krylova is a Psychiatrist at Empax Centre with over 15 years of experience across a diverse range of mental health settings, including both public and private services in metropolitan and rural Western Australia.

Elena has undertaken additional training in Psychiatry of Old Age and has a particular interest in individual psychotherapy, incorporating psychodynamic, mindfulness and somatic approaches. She is currently based in the south-west of Western Australia, where she supports the local community through her private practice alongside her work at Empax Centre.

Assessment liaison

Natalie Ratnayake

Natalie Ratnayake

Assessment & Liaison Officer

Natalie is an Assessment and Liaison Officer at Empax Centre, supporting clients through the initial screening process and facilitating communication between clients and clinicians. A Registered Nurse with experience in mental health and primary healthcare, Natalie brings a compassionate and person-centred approach to her work.

She is committed to creating a supportive environment that promotes wellbeing and helps clients access appropriate care and support.

Site specific

Brisbane – Avive Health, Windsor

Psychiatrists

At this site
  • Dr Vikas MoudgilPsychiatrist
  • Dr Vicky SatchwellPsychiatrist
  • Dr Tarun SehgalPsychiatrist
  • Dr Aaron MuskerPsychiatrist

Assessment liaison

Rachel Baldock

Rachel Baldock

Assessment & Liaison Nurse Officer & PAT Therapist

Rachel is a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse and Transformational Breathwork Facilitator with over 15 years of nursing experience across a range of healthcare settings, including dementia care, palliative care, hospital in the home and medical specialties. She also has three years’ experience as a breathwork facilitator.

Working within the Clinical Care Team at Avive Health, Rachel collaborates closely with clinicians, management and administrative teams to support best practice and maintain a client-centred approach to care.

Administration

Leela Chunga

Leela Chunga

Client Administrator

Leela is a Senior Administration Officer based in Brisbane, with extensive management experience across WA, VIC, NT and QLD. For the past four years, she has worked in the mental health sector, supporting organisations through practice management and project coordination.

Leela works closely with clinicians, management and administrative teams to support best practice and a client-centred approach. She is committed to supporting both clients and the therapeutic team, helping ensure care remains holistic, consistent and supportive throughout the therapeutic journey.

Site specific

Melbourne – Avive Health, Mornington Peninsula

Psychiatrists

Dr Gary Persley

Dr Gary Persley

Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Gary Persley is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Empax Centre, based at Avive Health on the Mornington Peninsula, and a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He has interests in adult and young adult psychiatry, mood disorders and anxiety disorders.

Gary takes a collaborative, person-centred approach to care, considering the impact of life experiences on mental health and wellbeing. His approach incorporates psychiatry, medication, healthy lifestyle strategies and group therapy to support meaningful and sustainable wellbeing.

Gary leads the psychiatry team at Empax Centre’s Avive Health, Mornington Peninsula site.

Dr Sean Jacobs

Dr Sean Jacobs

Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Sean Jacobs is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Empax Centre, based at Avive Health on the Mornington Peninsula. He has broad experience across public and private healthcare settings.

Sean completed his medical degree and specialist psychiatry training at Stellenbosch University in South Africa before moving to Australia, where he completed his fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He takes a person-centred approach, focusing on each individual’s needs and supporting long-term mental wellbeing.

Also at this site
  • Dr Thomas Gupta-JessopPsychiatrist
  • Dr Emmanuel CostunaPsychiatrist

Administration

Administration team
  • Jayne BowlerClient Administrator
Site specific

Sydney – Matilda Nepean Private Hospital, Kingswood

Psychiatrists

Dr Mark Walker

Dr Mark Walker

Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Mark Walker is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Empax Centre, based at Matilda Nepean Private Hospital in Kingswood. He has over 20 years’ experience in adult psychiatry and has a particular interest in mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD and mental health in older people. He is also a current RANZCP College Examiner.

Mark is trained in a range of psychotherapies and biological therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, trauma therapy, medication management, rTMS and ECT.

Mark leads the psychiatry team at Empax Centre’s Matilda Nepean site.

Dr Rajneesh Singh

Dr Rajneesh Singh

Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Rajneesh Singh is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Empax Centre, based at Matilda Nepean Private Hospital in Kingswood. He has more than 20 years’ experience in adult psychiatry and specialises in the management of mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis and trauma-related disorders. He also has a particular interest in brain stimulation techniques.

Rajneesh is a Fellow of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) and has previously held the position of Medical Director of the Department of Psychiatry for the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. Currently, he chairs the local ECT Committee and supervises psychiatry training registrars and resident medical officers. In addition to his work at Matilda Nepean, he also sees patients at outpatient clinics in Penrith and Liverpool.

Also at this site
  • Dr Augustus PusicPsychiatrist

Administration

Administration team
  • To be announcedClient Administrator
Careers at Empax Centre

Interested in joining our team?

We're always looking for dedicated professionals who share our commitment to advancing mental health care within a collaborative, yet rigorous and evidence-based framework.

If you're ready to respond to the urgent need for better mental health treatments, we'd love to hear from you.

View current opportunities