Karenza Louis-Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Tertiary qualified with a BA (Hons) in Youth and Community work, Karenza has over 25 years industry experience working in the UK and Australia. 16 of these have been as the CEO of leading, award winning for-purpose organisations. Her areas of expertise include designing and leading services that respond to mental illness, psychiatric disability, offending (including services for those at risk of entering the criminal justice system) as well as drug treatment and homelessness. Karenza’s unique perspective as a sector leader and innovator includes her own lived experience of mental ill health as a young person. Passionate about changing the world, Karenza has participated in intensive leadership development with the Global Leadership Foundation and Leadership Victoria and is a current Board Director at Mental Health Victoria.
Michael Bowers
Chief Finance and Information Officer
Michael has over 35 years’ experience as a Finance Professional working in large multi-national organisations and private businesses across a broad range of industries, including financial services, transport, catering, facilities management and disability services. A Certified Practising Accountant, Michael brings to ermha365 a range of skills including Financial Accounting, Business Partnering, Budgeting, Negotiation, Management and Business Planning. With personal lived experience of disability, Michael is also a supporter of the NDIS and the positive change it will bring to the sector.
Tara Laursen
Chief Operations Officer
Tara brings an impressive wealth of senior leadership experience and expertise in the field of community-based mental health, social services, and community engagement. With a career that spans leadership roles in prominent organisations including Neami National, Wellways, Better Health Network, and the Eastern Melbourne PHN, Tara has made a lasting impact in various areas of Mental Health, Social and Community services in Australia.
Her leadership journey extends beyond professional appointments, with significant contributions as a Non-Executive Director at the Victorian Pride Centre, Spectrum, and Nadrasca. In recognition of her exceptional skills, Tara was also appointed as a member of the North East Interim Regional Body for Mental Health Governance, further exemplifying her commitment to improving mental health outcomes in the community.
Belinda Ellis
Chief Operating Officer – Quality, Safeguarding and Risk
A registered Psychologist and AHPRA board approved Supervisor, Belinda has over 15 years experience working within high risk and complex need service areas. Belinda has extensive experience working within the field of forensics, with roles spanning across clinical service delivery, clinical leadership, management and operations. Belinda holds tertiary qualifications within the area of Business, which has supported her role within various Government restructure and reform activity. Belinda holds a passion for progressive, clinically informed and evidence based service provision. Belinda strives for positive intervention outcomes for individuals and communities, with a strong commitment to clinical governance, integrity and human rights.
Robyn Haydon
Chief Growth and Advocacy Officer
Robyn has spent most of her career helping people who do great work to win more work. A successful business development consultant for more than 25 years, she has helped organisations in highly competitive industries to win hundreds of millions of dollars in new business, while being a sought-after speaker and author of three books (including an Institute of Management bestseller). Robyn has also held senior business development and marketing roles in the private sector, managing brand and market position, external communications, and new business pursuits.