Emily Glenn
General Manager – Early Start Australia
Emily has Qualifications in Physiotherapy, and Ergonomics, Safety and Health.
She has over 15 years’ experience working with consumers of allied health services in a variety of settings, and joined ESA in April 2023.
After graduating, Emily worked clinically in a variety of settings including oncology, complex case management and inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation before moving into health management, first in occupational rehabilitation and then in corporate health services, where she ran a 24/7 contact centre supporting Australian employers like Lifeblood, Coles, Qantas and the Department of Education and Training (Vic) to look after their employees’ health and wellbeing needs.
She has also spent time in an Organisational Excellence roles where she oversaw the implementation and functioning of the organisations’ Quality Management System accredited to ISO 9001:2015.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Emily led the implementation of the Australian Government’s Covid-19 Infoline for people with disabilities to provide information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters in response to the emerging health advice and evolving government restrictions in place.
Emily has experience in, and a passion for engaging, supporting and maximising the potential of allied health workforces, to optimise continuity of care for the consumers they serve.
She also has a keen interest in the Australian Privacy Legislation.
Emily’s current role involves the oversight of ESA’s business operations, including the delivery of clinic-based, mobile and community outreach services to children and young adults with developmental delay, disability or other health concerns.
Shannon Hallatt
Regional Manager of NT & TAS, started with ESA in 2018
Shannon has a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Curtin University ( 2004) and has over 18 years’ experience working with consumers of allied health services in a variety of settings.
Nicole Grant
Regional Manager of QLD, started with ESA in 2018
Nicole has a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from the University of Southern Queensland (2001), Master of Occupational Therapy Studies from The University of Queensland (2002) and a Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Queensland (2016), and has over 20 years’ experience working with consumers of allied health services in a variety of settings.
Lauren Ray
Regional Manager of ACT, NSW & SA, started with ESA in 2022
Lauren has a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Curtin University (2005) and has over 17 years’ experience working with consumers of allied health services in a variety of settings.
Lara Lasnitzki
Regional Manager of VIC, started with ESA in 2021
Lara is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist and has a Bachelor Of Speech Pathology (Hons.) from La Trobe University (2000) and has over 20 years’ experience working with children and families in the allied health sector.
Karen Brown
Director of Business Services, started with ESA in 2018
Karen has qualifications in psychology, human resources, finance, quality and risk management.
Portfolios at ESA include Information Technology, Legal, Health and Safety, Property, Procurement, Governance and Compliance, and Clinical Services.
Karen is an experienced executive with over 30 years in health and human services organisations in diverse roles including human resources, operations and business services.
She is a collaborative leader who places emphasis on communication, transparency, professional development and team.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and build diverse successful teams.
- Understand all legal, regulatory, information security and compliance requirements.
- Achieving targets in a dynamic and complex business environment.
- Ability to develop and manage budgets.
- Building and maintaining strong and effective relationships with customers.
James Meldrum
Head of Engagement, started with ESA in 2019
James is an experienced executive with a diverse management background encompassing disability, allied health, employment services, occupation rehabilitation, aged care, and community services.
He has successfully led teams in start-ups, non-profits, and the private sector to address growing demands.
James holds business qualifications and is recognised as a Chartered Manager by the Institute of Managers and Leaders.
With ongoing involvement in both the private and NFP sector, he is deeply committed to improving health, social, community, and employment outcomes for individuals in need.
As a parent within the NDIS scheme, James is passionate about supporting families of children with disabilities and advocating for better access for all.
Hayden Long
Regional Manager of WA, started with ESA in 2022
Hayden has a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Curtin University (2005) and has over 17 years’ experience working with consumers of allied health services in a variety of settings.
Caroline de Fina
Autism Early Intervention Clinical Lead, started with ESA in 2018
Caroline is a psychologist, holding dual masters in developmental and educational psychology and cross-cultural child development.
Caroline is a Certified Early Start Denver Model Trainer.
She has over 20 years’ experience working with children and families in a variety of settings. Caroline joined ESA is 2018.
Caroline started her career providing direct early intervention supports to autistic children and has worked across hospital, not for profit, university, school and private settings.
Caroline established the first FAHCSIA services at Monash University and was team leader and consultant psychologist to the Victorian ASELCC.
Caroline has developed and lead multi-disciplinary teams, including autism diagnostic assessment teams.
Caroline’s role at ESA involves supporting ESDM clinical training and organisational supports to national autism and early intervention teams.