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. After continuing his studies in this field he eventually gained full registration as an educational psychologist. With a philosophy committed to lifelong learning, Paul is currently completing his MBA in 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
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
Residential Manager
Samantha has diverse experience in the field of Mental Health, Nursing and Youth work. She has completed extensive professional development in behaviour management, mental health, children’s services, education, domestic violence, trauma informed care and health related fields.
Samantha has a passion for fitness, health & wellbeing.
Qualifications:
Nursing Certificate of Enrolment & registration with AHPRA
Certificate II & IV in Fitness
Currently studying Cert IV in Leadership & Management
Kate McLaren
Day Manager
Kate has worked in the field of welfare for over 15 years, starting in the area of Youth Work before going on to teach in Special Education. Kate then gained a Management role and now oversees the Welfare component at Dunlea Centre.
A significant amount of Kate’s further education has been based on working with youth at risk and welfare studies.
Kate has completed a significant and diverse amount of professional development in the welfare field and is a qualified trainer of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts in PDHPE and Applied Social Sciences
Diploma of Education (Secondary)
Graduate Certificate in Human Services
Katherine McEvoy
Family Engagement Manager
Katherine has vast experience working with young people 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.
Qualifications:
Registered Psychologist with AHPRA
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Joel Hamill
Lead Teacher
Joel is a passionate and creative teacher who has a keen focus of engaging students in education. He has extensive skills in motivating young people to recognise their strengths, and his diverse teaching practice helps rebuild low self-esteem. Joel is an avid leader in lifelong physical activity, and is constantly guiding our young people into making healthy life choices.
Joel is excited to be Lead Teacher supporting the students and educators at the Dunlea Centre.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Education – Physical and Health Education