Bernette Redwood - Executive Officer

Bernette has worked in the area of mental health for approximately twenty years and has extensive research experience. She has an extensive peer reviewed publication list and co-authored the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and an Australian Treatment Guide for Consumers and Carers for the RANZCP.

Bernette has a very strong peer support focus and has written a book on facilitating peer support groups (We Can Do It Together: A Guide for Support Groups) and has developed a peer support program for people with bipolar disorder. However, she also has personal experience of mental illness as she has a bipolar disorder.

Daniel Satrapa - Client Support Manager

Daniel started working at Café Pazzini as a client for seven months over 2000-2001 and then was appointed as Administration Assistant for MIFACT. After 6 years in this position he was appointed as the new Client Support Manager in mid-2007.

Daniel is now in charge of inducting new trainees into MIFACT’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program and monitoring their progress. He also provides support for trainees exiting the program.

Daniel also organises monthly trainee seminars and helps select ‘Employee of the Month’ for NorthSouth Contractors and Café Pazzini.

Ariel Kauffman - Manager, Café Pazzini

Ariel is a qualified chef and has worked in the hospitality industry for seventeen years. He originally worked as a trainee at the Café but in July 2008 was appointed as Manager of the Café.

Ariel is very committed to both providing the trainees with a thorough knowledge of hospitality skills as well as the ongoing productivity of the Café.

Ariel states that his goal is “to mentor every trainee to give them skills for life”.

Leeann Jamal - Assistant Manager, Café Pazzini

Before Leeann started working at Café Pazzini she was doing casual work as a housekeeper in various hotels, which was hard work as it was very physically demanding. She started her traineeship at Café Pazzini last year, she was nervous to start with but the staff were really helpful and made her feel welcome, especially the manager Ariel who is now a good friend of hers. Most of the staff work for 12 months on a contract but she was fortunate enough to gain the position of Assistant Manager. Working at Café Pazzini means a lot to her, and she says it feels good being part of a team and being able to help other people with mental health issues get back into the workplace.

Warren Higgins - Manager, NorthSouth Contractors

Warren has been with NorthSouth Contractors for the past 2 years. He started working as a client in November 2008 as part of our mowing crew and in November 2009 he took over the role of Manager of NorthSouth Contractors. Warren comes from a trade background and is a fully qualified fitter/machinist.

Phillip Clark- Acting Webmaster, Vista Vocational Services

Phillip has just recently commenced work with Vista Vocational Services as our Acting webmaster. He comes from various backgrounds with work and volunteer experience and he does webpage and computer building and in his spare time enjoys doing photography and graphic designs.        

 Geraldine Duff,Vista Vocational Services

Geraldine is the Personal Assistant to the executive Officer Bernette Redwood. She is in charge of all pay advice and matters that can be directed to the Executive Officer. She likes art and volunteers at the Salvation Army retail store.