Program Team

Narelle joined the MESHA team in March 2022 as the new Program Facilitator.
Narelle worked as a Police Officer with SAPOL for 6 years in a variety of roles and at a variety of locations both rural and metropolitan. In 2007 she commissioned into the Royal Australian Airforce and served for 10 years until she was medically discharged in 2017 as a result of physical injuries obtained during her service. Narelle’s husband is current serving Air Force and they have two children. She has been working as a counsellor and lived experience mentor since her discharge, working predominately with Veterans and First Responders, but more recently branching out to adults and older persons with acute mental illness. Narelle has been part of the Invictus Pathways program since 2018 and competed in the Warrior Games in 2019 in Florida, using sport as an outlet for recovery and wellness.

Matt joined the MESHA team formally in November 2020 after volunteering as a Program Facilitator since 2018. Matt manages the service delivery component of MESHA, with oversight of the Group Emotional and Relationship Skills (GEARS) program, MindRight and StoryRight programs, as well as engaging key stakeholders within the Military and Emergency Services sector. Matt is also responsible for the growth and support of MESHA’s lived experience workforce.

Matt brings his lived experience of service, following 10 years as a Police Officer with the South Australia Police, and his lived experience of mental distress, help-seeking challenges and self-stigma, as well as his pathway to post-traumatic growth to his roles with MESHA.

Matt is a passionate mental health advocate in the community, particularly for Military and Emergency Services personnel.

Dr Sharon Mascall-Dare is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author who has helped hundreds of veterans to share their stories during her 30-year career. After working for the BBC, the ABC and The Age, Sharon completed a PhD researching media coverage of the Anzac story and has subsequently dedicated her career to sharing veterans’ stories as a communications strategist and Public Affairs Officer in the Australian Army Reserve.

Since 2019 Dennis has been apart and lead facilitator of MESHA’s Group Emotional and Relationship Skills Program (GEARS) which is a skills-based program, assisting those with chronic stress and PTSD. He is also a lead facilitator on MESHA’s MindRight and StoryRight programs and is nationally accredited in Mental Health First Aid Training and is a Level 2 accredited member of the Australian Counselling Association. He draws most of his experiences on almost 30 years of service with the SA Police Force (SAPOL) and the SA Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS). Dennis also runs his own business in the mental health space.

Curtis served in the Australian Navy as a Medical Administrator and the British Navy as a Communicator, a Medic, and a Medical Administrator. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Health Management and broad military experience including submarines, surgical department management in amphibious ships and Civil/Military liaison in health system reconstruction. A keen Nordic Skier, interest in the mindset-benefits of Biathlon brought Curtis into veteran support, founding a Parabiathlon organisation to provide the opportunity for injured ex-Service personnel to take part in the sport; while his own experience transitioning from the military brought him to the StoryRight team.

Diana served in the Australian Army as an Air Dispatcher before transferring to the Army Reserve. With a Bachelor of Government and Public Management, Diana specilalises in policy, international relations and marketing. Both in and out of Defence, she works in public affairs focusing on stakeholder engagement and social media. Following her passion to support veterans, Diana is an executive officer for the Flinders University Student Veterans Association. She joined StoryRight in late 2018 where she is a lead facilitator.

Oliver Andrews served in the Australian Army for nine years. In 2012, he deployed to Solomon Islands in a peacekeeping role. Following his discharge from the military in 2018, he has undertaken a Bachelor of Marketing and Communications, works as a Public Relations Coordinator for a veterans’ not-for-profit, and sits on the board of two veterans’ charities. Oliver dedicates his spare time to advocating for veterans transitioning from the ADF.

Cassie has served in the Australian Army as a Command Support Clerk for 10 years both in the Regular Army and Army Reserves. With a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours), Cassie is passionate about supporting the mental health and well-being of Veterans and supporting Veterans as they transition out of Defence. She is the Vice President and co-founder of the Australian Student Veterans (ASVA) Flinders University chapter, and a Crisis Support worker at Lifeline Australia. Cassie joined MindRight in early 2020 as a workshop facilitator.

Dr Kate Ames is an Associate Professor at CQ University and a current serving member of the Australian Army Reserve. She has a varied background in public relations, journalism, cultural research, and education and training. She sits on a number of advisory and journal boards. Currently, Kate is a director for innovative projects that aim to improve access to education.

Kane Hall served in the Australian Army for four and a half years as a Cavalryman. During that time, he deployed to Afghanistan. Kane is now employed by RSL Care in South Australia and dedicates his time to veterans’ welfare. He also assists veterans who are transitioning from Defence to civilian life.

Alex Heidenreich is a former commander in the Australian Special Air Service Regiment. Alex is a co-founder and executive director of Diamond Cyber Security. He is also partner in high-performance leadership consulting firm Laterus and a director of RSL Care South Australia.

Sally Heidenreich is a former Intelligence Officer in the Australian Army. Since leaving the ADF, she has undertaken a law degree and now practices as a Barrister after spending a number of years working as a disputes lawyer. Sally is also a director of the Leaders’ Institute of South Australia.

Elouise McFarlane is a HR professional with over 25 years’ experience. In December 2018, she became a director of OnMe Careers a veteran focussed recruitment company. Currently, she is the Employment Pathways coordinator for Soldier On South Australia.

Tom Moore holds an Honours degree in Psychology and a Master in Business. Additionally, Tom served as an Officer in the Australian Regular Army, leading Infantry teams, including managing, rehabilitating, and transitioning personnel. Tom is now employed as an Operations and Human Resource Manager at an Adelaide based IT company. Tom has an interest in creative and mindset focussed means to enable transitioning personnel to achieve their goals.

Bec van Reesema has over 10 years’ experience in marketing, communications and sales roles in a variety of business sectors. In her role as Engagement and Commemorations Officer for Veterans SA, Bec is dedicated to assisting young veterans through the promotion of programs that can assist with career development, translation of military skills and health and wellbeing. Together with the StoryRight team, Bec has implemented a popular platform whereby positive veteran stories of overcoming challenges are shared with the veteran and wider community.

Dr Andrea Parks works for the University of South Australia as a Project Officer for Defence and Space and is connected to UniSA’s Veterans’ Engagement and Education Program (VEEP). She has spent her career supporting students with transition to and through tertiary education, including veterans in Canada and Australia. She recently completed her PhD in career decision-making and university degree choice and is passionate about improving student access to education, building agency, and supporting others’ in realising their aspirations. Andrea has had a lifelong association with Defence and is a proud military spouse of 25 years.