Our
People

David Kneeshaw

Chief Executive Officer

David has more than 20 years’ experience in both technical and commercial finance management roles. 

He has had significant international experience, having worked in the UK, US and Australia, with long tenures in a top 4 professional services firm and a top 100 listed global organisation. David brings to Unisson exceptional skills in balancing high level strategy with operational responsibilities, and has extensive experience developing strong relationships at all levels of complex and diverse businesses. David comes to Unisson with a strong passion for the people we support and ensuring exceptional business practices are in place to support the sustainability of the organisation.

Gail Jeltes

General Manager - Client Services

Gail has formal qualifications in Psychology and Habilitation and has worked in the disability sector for some 30 years.
Starting as a direct support worker in accommodation after a previous career in motivational training and sales, Gail moved on to establish and manage one of the first individual supported jobs agencies for people with intellectual disability in the west of Sydney. 

She went on to become one of the founding members of ACE (Association of Competitive Employment Agencies) and spent several years lecturing part-time in disability. Since then Gail’s roles have focused on operational and strategic directions. She joined Unisson Disability in 1994 specifically to close the institutional accommodation and move the organisation into a community- based service model. Apart from the rights of people with intellectual disability, Gail is particularly passionate about organisational culture and how it affects the way people and groups interact with each other, with clients, and with other stakeholders. 
 

Joyce Baillie

General Manager, Corporate Services

Joyce has qualifications in Accounting, Finance and Management with over 15 years’ experience across these areas both in the commercial and NFP sector.

Joyce has spent the last three and a half years working within the disability support sector, playing a key role in the successful transition of another disability support provider to NDIS. Joyce brings to Unisson an extensive knowledge of the NDIS, as well as strong experience at an operational and corporate services level. Joyce is a highly motivated individual and is passionate about delivering quality services and providing the required support within the organisation so that individuals and the organisation as a whole can perform at their best.
 

Michelle Carlyle

General Manager - Business Development & Innovation

Michelle has formal qualifications in Business Administration (MBA) and has had over 15 years’ experience in general management roles with a wealth of experience across business strategy, sales/marketing, product/service development and innovation.

She's had significant experience with large global organisations where navigation and influence across complex structures, and wide and varied stakeholder groups has been critical.

She is a Fellow at the Institute of Managers & Leaders, and a Graduate of the Company Directors Course.

Michelle is passionate about every person being able to live the best possible life they can and that philosophy led her to work for the last five years within the mental health and disability services sectors.
 

Cathy Gauci

Practice Leader

Cathy first began her career in early childhood education and continued her studies in the areas of Community Welfare and Social Science.

After gaining experience working with people with disability in employment as well as accommodation settings, Cathy joined Unisson Disability in 1996 to manage our first satellite office, Hornsby Lifestyles. This office was established to support the first group of clients who left the institution to start living in the community. Cathy’s current role at Unisson Disability revolves around improving and growing our accommodation services to ensure the organisation maintains its place within the disability sector. Cathy is inspired by the people Unisson Disability supports and she loves being with people and hearing their stories. It is important to her that her work has value, and that through it, she’s making a contribution not just to Unisson Disability, but also to the the wider community.
 

Jennie Broadley

Practice Leader

Jennie has formal qualifications in Teaching and Management and has worked in the disability sector for over 30 years.

She started her career teaching independent living and life skills to children, and later adults, with disability. Jennie also worked in the UK, primarily in accommodation and employment services for people with disability. In the late 1990s, Jennie worked with Unisson Disability coordinating a joint employment skills development project. She re-joined the organisation in 2009, in order to lead our supported and open employment programs. Jennie is inspired by the people we support as they overcome their personal challenges and community barriers to achieve wonderful things for themselves. She is excited to be working in the disability sector at this time of change and looks forward to a time when people can access the support they want from a diverse range of flexible services.
 

Katrina Jackson

Manager, Marketing & Communications

Katrina has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Business Management and ten years’ combined experience across the commercial and NFP sector.

Having worked across a variety of industries, Katrina has developed a broad set of skills that she now brings to Unisson Disability to support strategic planning, digital strategy, brand management, copywriting and understanding the customer journey.

She is passionate about influencing customer decisions through innovative storytelling and encouraging engagement between a customer and the brand.
 

Rashika Islam

Manager, Human Resources Operations

Rashika is passionate about developing workforce capability and employee engagement and influencing organisation culture with a pragmatic and consultative approach.

Currently pursuing her Masters in HRM and IR at the University of Sydney, Rashika has a Bachelor Degree in Human Resources Management (HRM) and Business from the UK and is a member of the AHRI (Australian Human Resources Institute). With over seven years of experience in the field of Human Resources, and having worked across industries from manufacturing to professional services and NFP, she has adopted a broad set of skills and cultural knowledge that are invaluable to Unisson Disability. Rashika values building relationships and having a laugh whenever she can.
 

Tracey Sherwin

Enquiries Manager

Tracey joined Unisson in March 2005 and has had several leadership roles throughout this time.

With a Diploma in Community Welfare, Tracey has a positive approach to customer service and is passionate about providing the correct service delivery and knowledge to others. She strives to keep up to date with industry trends in order to maintain a positive and consistent approach, and focus on ongoing growth for Unisson Disability.

Sawako Fitchett

Manager, Finance

Sawako is a member of CPA Australia and has over 10 years’ experience in the financial management of organisations in the private and not for profit sectors.

Sawako joined the finance team at Unisson Disability in 2013.

Leading the Finance team, Sawako has extensive experience in the delivery of services such as financial accounting, management accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, annual statutory reporting, payroll and consulting with the operations team, in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policies and strategies.

Sawako is passionate about creating a supportive environment within the organisation and delivering quality services to Unisson’s clients.

Terri Cohen

Manager, Quality & Safeguards

Terri has formal qualifications in Psychology and Criminology and has been working in the disability sector for over 20 years.

Terri is passionate about the rights of people with disability and began her work in the sector as an advocate. This included advocating for people living in supported accommodation or accessing short term accommodation, as well as supporting people involved in the Criminal Justice System. After working as an advocate for several years, she worked for the NSW Ombudsman for 13 years, across a number of the functions relating to disability.

Terri has extensive experience in complaints handling, investigations and oversight, and is committed to helping maintain and enhance safe and high quality supports to Unisson clients.

Karen Bird

Regional Manager, Client Services

Karen has tertiary qualifications in Social Science and Community Sector Coordination and has been working in the disability sector on and off since 1998.

Karen is passionate about building positive relationships, getting to know people and understanding their story. In 2002 she traveled to the Middle East and Africa, where she lived for a few years. In 2005, Karen returned to Unisson Disability, as part of the leadership team. Karen is motivated by the ongoing changes in the disability sector. She feels excited about the future and what it holds for the people Unisson Disability supports and their families.

Ryan Tracey

Regional Manager, Client Services

Ryan Tracey has held a career in the Disability sector for 17 years, always carrying out work duties with commitment and community service in mind. Ryan started out as a Direct Support Professional and went on to obtain an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management. He is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling to further his skill set.

Ryan started his career within Shared Living, (group homes) supporting clients move from large residential centers into the community. He has since held several roles and managed a range of supports, including Supported Living. Ryan is an experienced Client Services Manager with a demonstrated history working in the non-profit organisation management industry. Skilled in negotiation, budgeting, coaching, non-profit operations and government relations. Ryan’s work goals are to ensure that the Good Life is achieved by all and that all voices are heard.