Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Catherine Vaara

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Catherine is the CEO of Lifeline Mid Coast where she is well known for her expertise in crisis support and suicide intervention and prevention. She has led Lifeline Mid Coast with a focus on staff development and continuous improvement of Lifeline services.

She has a BA majoring in psychology and sociology from the University of New England.

Catherine has continued her education in her field of expertise and has certificates in clinical supervision, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), neuro linguist programming (NLP) mental health and human resources.

Catherine has been an active participant on many Lifeline reference groups working in areas such a service development, policies and procedures.

As the CEO of a regional Lifeline Centre, Catherine regularly participates in local mental health forums and community presentations focusing on suicide prevention awareness.

Glenn Parker

Business Manager

Glenn holds Bachelor's degrees in Economics and Law from the Australian National University. He has held leadership positions including chief financial office and chief executive officer in digital technology businesses. Glenn was the regional vice president for Getty Images with responsibilities across ANZ, Asia, India and Middle East/Africa. He has held various non-executive directorships, run his own trading company and a network of cafes. At Lifeline Mid Coast, Glenn leads the operations of the organisation. He manages the marketing and retail departments to deliver business plans and budget goals, and internal efficiency gains and improved profitability, to provide funding for the suicide prevention and crisis support services of Lifeline Mid Coast.

Di Bannister

Telephone Crisis Team and Training Manager

Di has been with Lifeline Mid Coast since 1995, training as a Volunteer Telephone Counsellor (as it was in those days) as well as a face to face counsellor, facilitator and monitor.

In 2012, Di commenced paid employment as the Manager of Training as well as the Crisis Support Team.

She has training in various modalities of counselling, Cert IV Telephone Counselling, as well expertise in Domestic and Family Violence. She attended the University of Western Sydney for 3 years of psychology training. Currently she also offers community training opportunities.

Kelly Saidey

Suicide Prevention and Community Engagement Manager

Kelly began her journey with Lifeline Mid Coast in 2014 as a telephone crisis supporter while studying psychology at Charles Sturt University. In 2018, Kelly took on the role of Suicide Prevention and Postvention Manger.

Kelly and her team of Lived Experience of Suicide Mental Health Peer workers deliver suicide bereavement groups, suicide attempt groups, the Hospital to Recovery program and soon to launch a carers group for people caring for someone who lives with suicide ideation. Kelly has a keen interest in personal development and helping others find the care and support they need to live their best lives possible.

Patti Parsons

Office Manager

Patti is a long-serving employee of Lifeline Mid Coast, starting out as an Administrative Assistant in 2007 before taking on the role of Office Manager in 2010.

Patti has extensive experience in Administration, Payroll and accounts processes. Patti is committed to our values and purpose of supporting those in crisis and works tirelessly in the community to fundraise and raise awareness for a variety of community projects.

Nikki Ward

Marketing and Communications Officer

Nikki holds a Bachelors degree in Science from the University of Sydney majoring in psychology and chemistry. She has held positions in business analysis, senior sales and marketing roles as well as leading a regional office of disability employment and rehabilitation specialists.

She is community minded with a passion for purpose-driven marketing, ensuring that all members of the community are valued, heard and have access to the resources available to them.

At Lifeline Mid Coast, Nikki manages the marketing and communication strategy, including media engagement, advertising and promotion, events management, social media, branding and stakeholder engagement. She supports the seven Lifeline Shops as well as the suicide prevention and crisis support programs of Lifeline Mid North Coast, to support the local community in being suicide-safe.

Steve Prohm

Steve’s military background provided him with skills in logistics and human resources. In the shipbuilding sector, Steve worked with people to ensure quality, environmental, safety and helping workers return to work/rehabilitation.

Steve has supported Not For Profit organisations including Early Childhood, Equine Therapy, BlazeAid and affordable funerals.

Steve is currently in a part time role at Lifeline assisting community engagement/resilience activities in various disaster impacted communities.

Our Staff