Dunlea Centre is successful because of our team, and it’s this fundamental key that drives us forward.
Dunlea Centre is underpinned by an expert team, skilled at transferring their superior knowledge into programs for young people in a controlled atmosphere at one unique location.
PAUL MASTRONARDI
Executive Director
Mr Paul Mastronardi has been the Executive Director of Dunlea Centre since 2012. Prior to his appointment he worked for the Catholic Education Commission in the Welfare Directorate. Paul has had many years in education and counselling being involved in various leadership roles across the sectors. Paul was initially trained as a teacher but quickly developed a keen interest in marginalised youth. This growing curiosity and further study led to his registration as an educational psychologist. With a philosophy committed to lifelong learning, Paul is currently completing his MBA with a focus on leadership and management and is working towards submitting a PhD research proposal centred on residential care.
Providing young people with better opportunities in life is primarily what motivates Paul in his work at Dunlea Centre.
Qualifications:
Master of Counselling
Master in Special Education
Post-Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health and Social Care
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Graduate Diploma in English Second Language
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
Graduate Certificate in Finance
Bachelor of Arts
Diploma of Teaching
Member of the Australian Psychological Society
BT Intervention & Assessment
Justice of the Peace
CRAIG BRATTON
Business Manager
Before joining Dunlea Centre Craig worked in accounting and finance positions in the corporate sector for over 25 years.
He has had experience in industries covering consulting, insurance, shipping, treasury and stevedoring, including senior management positions in two of Australia’s top 50 public companies.
The desire to promote best practice and work for a worthy cause are now Craig’s primary motivations in his work for the Dunlea Centre.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Economics
Certified Practising Accountant
Fellow Governance Institute Australia
Fellow Chartered Institute of Company Secretaries
Justice of the Peace
SAMANTHA DENNIS
Youth and Family Program Manager
Samantha has worked in the field of welfare and youth work for a significant number of years and also has diverse experience in the field of Mental Health and Nursing. Starting with a position as Youth Worker, Samantha has completed further study and moved into a management role and then into the Senior Leadership Team, overseeing the operational component of the program.
Samantha has completed extensive professional development in behaviour management, mental health, children’s services, education, domestic violence, trauma informed care and health related fields. She has completed BT Intervention & Assessment, of which she is a fully qualified trainer.
Qualifications:
Nursing Certificate of Enrolment & registration with AHPRA
Certificate II & IV in Fitness
Cert IV in Leadership & Management
KATE McLAREN
Compliance Manager
Kate has worked in the field of welfare for over 18 years, starting in the area of Youth Work before going on to teach in Special Education. Kate then gained a Management role overseeing the welfare component of the program before completing further study and moving into the area of Risk and Compliance.
A significant amount of Kate’s further education has been based on working with youth at risk, education, human services and more recently, risk and compliance.
Kate is a qualified trainer of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and BT Intervention & Assessment.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts in PDHPE and Applied Social Sciences
Diploma of Education (Secondary)
Graduate Certificate in Human Services
Certificate IV in Compliance and Risk Management
Justice of the Peace
KATHERINE McEVOY
Clinical Services Manager
Katherine has vast experience working with young people and families both in the government and non-government sectors. Katherine has extensive experience working with children and adolescents presenting with complex mental health needs and backgrounds, providing psychological assessments and evidenced-based interventions.
Katherine is a Psychology Board-Approved Supervisor with AHPRA and a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi).
Katherine in an accredited facilitator of the Boys Town Common Sense Parenting program and BT Intervention & Assessment, of which she is also a qualified Trainer.
Qualifications:
Registered Psychologist with AHPRA
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
JOEL HAMILL
Educational Services Manager
Joel is a passionate and creative teacher who has a keen focus of engaging students in education. Joel has played an integral part in establishing our HSC compressed curriculum accreditation and is constantly looking for new pathways for Dunlea Centre to keep young people engaged in education.
In collaboration with the teaching staff, Joel has created a dynamic and innovative education program at Dunlea with full NESA registration. He is also a qualified trainer of BT Intervention & Assessment.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Education – Physical and Health Education
Currently studying- Masters in Business Administration
BIANCA MATTHEWS
Residential Services Manager
Bianca is an enthusiastic, dedicated Residential Youth Worker who is passionate about supporting youth to make positive changes. Bianca comes from an extensive background of team leadership and logistics, moving into the Community Service sector in 2016, with ambition to support young people to not only see, but reach their potential. She is well versed in the Boystown, Teaching Family Model and has become a qualified trainer of the BT Intervention & Assessment Program within Dunlea.
Qualifications:
Certificate IV Community Services
Currently studying Bachelor of Psychological Science