Our Team
World-class and highly qualified professionals make up the Gunnebah team.
Led by Doctor Jennifer Parer, the goal of the Gunnebah team is to provide the latest evidence-based world’s best practice addiction treatment methods to break addictions and replace them with good physical and mental health and provide the tools for permanent recovery. (Read more about our method and our program).
Dr Jennifer Parer, MBBS, FRACGP, DipRACOG – Medical Director
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, Diploma of Obstetrics, Fellow of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Dr Jennifer Parer is a General Practitioner on the Gold Coast with over 30 years experience and special interests in mental health, addiction medicine, women’s health and preventative health care. She has an honours degree in Medicine, a diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and is a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. She visits clients twice weekly or as needed providing general and mental health care. See Jennifer talk about health at Gunnebah. See Jennifer talk about health at Gunnebah.
Dr Kylie Cheng BMed, MMed (Adv)(Psych), FRANZCP – Consultant Psychiatrist
Bachelor of Medicine, Master of Medicine, Certificate of Advanced Training in the Psychotherapies, Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry Dr Kylie Cheng is a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist with over 10 years’ experience in mental health. She specialises in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Having worked in emergency services, she understands the challenges of service and re-integration. Dr Kylie is trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma Informed Stabilisation Therapy (TIST), and Qigong (Chinese Medical Energy Work). She is passionate about holistic care and combining healing practices from the East and the West. Dr Kylie has been the Clinical Stream Director of Community Mental Health in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven local health district and a Conjoint Associate Lecturer at the University of New South Wales. She has supervised many medical students and psychiatry trainees. She has a psychotherapy private practice in the Southern Highlands and is developing a small holistic mental health retreat. Outside of work, she enjoys fitness, art, making videos, and DIY projects.
Dr Damien Ford MBBS, FRACGP - General Practitioner
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, Fellow of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners I am a specialist GP with over 20 years experience in the fields of emergency medicine, general practice and addiction medicine. I have completed advanced skills training in mental health. I worked for a number of years with “The Sanctuary Byron Bay” Private Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre and I’ve previously been a member of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, where I worked closely alongside world leaders in the fields of diet, nutrition and training. I perform regular locum emergency medicine roles around Australia and also work closely with a number of indigenous communities. I take a holistic approach to medicine and have a passion for lifestyle and fitness. I firmly believe that diet, sleep, exercise and mindfulness are core to health and recovery. I’ve seen countless people completely transform their lives, when they finally learn to get these things right. I believe that life is a journey, and everyone deserves a second chance. I believe that practicing medicine is a privilege and I still get an amazing thrill from being able to help people. My proudest career moment would have to be placing in the top 1% of all national candidates for my General Practice Fellowship Exams. When not working I am usually training, travelling and hanging out with my beautiful wife and daughters. We love to take our bicycles overseas and explore. I once rode 10,000 Km’s through Europe in under 100 days and have also ridden over the Himalayas, from Tibet to Nepal, and half way around Australia.
Warwick Parer, LLB – Managing Director
Bachelor of Laws, Solicitor Supreme Court Queensland, Captain Australian Army Reserve
Warwick practised law for 14 years before moving into the world of business where his involvements ranged from Ship Repair to Retail, Manufacturing, Property Development and Financial Management. Warwick has always had a passion for exercise and nutrition and through this has developed a strong belief in holistic wellness which is a core belief in the Gunnebah philosophy. Outside work he is the proud father of six children and was also a Captain in the Australian Army Reserve. See Warwick talk about the background to Gunnebah.
Trinity Ferrier, BBA, DipBus, Dip AOD – General Manager
Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Business, Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Trinity has been working as a part of the admin team since we opened our doors in 2017. Since she finished her Bachelor in Business management in 2018, she has been full time as the administration manager. Trinity has also completed her Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs in 2020, which has helped her gain a better understanding of guest needs. She has a passion for healthy living through fitness and nutrition which she enjoys sharing with guests. In her spare time she breeds border collies and the puppies are a special treat when they make a visit to work.
Dr Kamal Dhaliwal BA(Psych)(Hons), DPsych(Clin), MAPS – Program Supervisor
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Full Members of Australian Psychological Society, registered with APHRA
Kamal is a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in anxiety, panic, depression, workplace stress, post-traumatic stress, anger and OCD, childhood trauma, relationship difficulties and the impact of drug &/or alcohol addictions. He is highly skilled in assisting his clients free themselves from negative childhood experiences so that they can experience joyful and fulfilling relationships with the significant people in their lives. He has extensive experience supervising therapists, including 15 years supervising psychologists for the Qld Psychologists board (both Registered and Qualifying) as well as Masters and PhD students. He was also Clinic Manager of the Nyunga Student and Family Counselling Centre at Griffith University. He volunteers in the community as a professional mentor to new psychology graduates and as a director of BUSY At Work, a not-for-profit organisation assisting disadvantaged people into meaningful employment. In his spare time Kamal has developed an online self-paced Happiness Program, publishes content on his website DrKamal.com.au, is interested in travel, loves spending time with family and his puppies and practices Kung Fu.
Jessica Bork BSc(Psych), MHlthSc(Behav), Post Grad Dip(Couns) – Clinical Team Leader
Master Health Science (Behavioural Science), Post Graduate Diploma (Counselling), Bachelor Science (Psychology), ACA Level 3 Membership. SIRA accredited, PACFA Reg. Clinical.
Jess has over 20 years experience in addiction counselling, general counselling and community case management. She has a particular interest in the biopsychosocial model of addiction and practices CBT, Motivational Interviewing and Compassion Focused Therapy. With lived experience, Jess is passionate about addiction recovery and enjoys walking with her clients as they reconnect with their authentic selves and begin their journey to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Judith Magee MCP, BHSc, DipHC, ADipN – Therapist
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Bachelor of Health Science (Comp. Med); Diploma of Holistic Counselling, Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy and Clinical Nutrition, PACFA Reg. Clinical.
Using a strengths-based, trauma informed and client-led approach, Judith seeks to support the personal insights, empowerment and life-skill development needed to achieve and maintain a healthy and addiction free life. Interventions used can include Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Family Systems work and Relapse Prevention Processes. Additional to her psychotherapy work, Judith has a long-standing clinical career utilising clinical nutrition and naturopathy for the treatment of a wide range of chronic disorders, with a special focus on optimising function and wellbeing, at the intersection of physical and mental health. Judith loves to balance her work life by enjoying time with friends and family, music, reading, cooking, dining out, nature and community.
Madelyn Cox, BPsy, DipHyp – Therapist
Post Grad Diploma Clinical Hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, Bachelor of Psychological Science. Member of Australian Hypnotherapy Association
Madelyn comes from a background of supporting marginalised people to cope with the now, motivate for the future and reconnect with the community. Her recent program in private practice focused on long term weight-control issues and offered therapeutic support to those seeking to delve into early life experiences to repair self-esteem, whilst instilling methods of practical behavioural change. Madelyn incorporates hypnotherapy into her work to assist in accessing the beliefs found in the subconscious mind to build healthy thought processes. She advocates a mindful relation to nature, our higher purpose and human connection in the journey to recovery from addiction. Madelyn utilises Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Motivation Enhancement Technique in everyday practice and is also a certified SMART facilitator.
Rochelli Ricciuto de Souza, MCP, Grad Dip Couns, MBA, Dip L&M, MN&N, Cert III Grp Fit & Cert IV PT, ACA, IICT – Therapist
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Graduate Diploma of Counselling, Master of Business Administration, Diploma of Leadership & Management, Master of Naturopathy and Nutrition, Certificate III Group Fitness, Certificate IV Personal Training, Australian Counselling Association, International Institute of Complementary Therapy
Rochi is a Holistic Psychotherapist with over 20 years experience nationally and internationally helping people overcome mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges. Her expertise in mind-body-soul transformation and her unique programs in private practice have helped thousands of people to live a healthy and balanced life and recover from severe addictions such as eating disorders, drugs, alcohol, exercise… Rochi loves connecting with people and contributing to the community as a motivational speaker and facilitator of group processes such as guided meditations and movement practices. Outside work she loves spending time with family and friends, walking her dog, meditating, fitness training, running, surfing, skating, dancing, singing freely and travelling. Her purpose in life is to grow, contribute and share.
Riccardo Zuccolini, BPsy, DipCouns, ACA – Therapist
Bachelor of Psychological Science. (Hons current) Diploma of Counselling, Australian Counselling Association Member
Riccardo brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in the drug and alcohol field, having worked extensively in both residential and outpatient settings. His commitment to assisting individuals in gaining insight into their addiction’s underlying mechanisms is a cornerstone of his practice. He supports his clients towards embracing a life that resonates with their core values. Riccardo’s approach is deeply rooted in client-centred care and informed by trauma awareness, fostering a safe and supportive environment for healing. Drawing from a diverse toolkit of therapeutic modalities, including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, Riccardo tailors his interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Outside of his professional pursuits, he finds solace and rejuvenation in spending quality time with his family and friends. An avid enthusiast of music, Riccardo enjoys playing the guitar, staying active through exercise, exploring nature via kayaking, and immersing himself in the tranquillity of bushwalks.
Catherine Stokoe,Grad Dip Gestalt Psychotherapy, Cert IV Community Welfare, EMDR Trained (EMDRAA), PACFA Reg. Clinical.
Catherine is a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, specialising in the field of Substance Use, Childhood Trauma and Adult PTSD. Over the course of her career, she has worked in both public and private rehabilitation settings and is passionate about empowering people to live lives free from the debilitating effects of addiction and trauma. Catherine’s approach is warm and compassionate, and she offers therapy that is evidence based, productive and effective. Catherine uses her broad skill base and tailors her therapeutic approach to devise the best course of therapy for each person she works with. Catherine is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and uses this modality to treat a wide range of trauma symptoms, addiction, and other compulsive self-soothing behaviours. When she is not at work, Catherine spends time with her family and friends, investigates different meditation techniques and listens to a lot of interesting podcasts!
Jenny McGee PGD Psych, GD Psych, BSocSc, BEd, MAPS - Psychologist
Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Education, Member of Australian Psychology Society (MAPS), Member of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
With 20 years of experience in the addiction and mental health residential sector, Jenny remains deeply committed to fostering healing and wellbeing for individuals pursuing sustainable change. Her therapeutic approach is embedded in compassion and strength-based methods, encouraging clients to identify and challenge the underlying drivers of unhelpful behavioural patterns. Jenny specializes in collaborative exploration and evidence-based practices, including Schema Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy. She has worked in both public and private residential programs, such as the Buttery, Buttery Private, and Byron Private, while also maintaining a private practice. In addition, Jenny provides supervision for mental health clinicians, supporting their professional growth. Jenny is passionate about working in integrated care models, such as the Gunnebah program, which combines intensive individual and group therapy under the guidance of a medical director, all within a supportive peer community.
Danielle Small, CertIV MH, Cert IV CS, Cert IV VN – Admissions Manager
Certificate IV in Mental health, Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Danielle joined the Gunnebah team in early 2019 as an administrative assistant. Prior to Gunnebah she spent four years as a qualified veterinary nurse and technician. A positive change of scenery caused Danielle to recognise her passion for Mental health and she is now a qualified mental health support worker and our Admissions Manager. She is passionate about helping people and seeing them make a positive change in their lives. Danielle will be there to support you and help you in taking the first step into your recovery journey. Danielle enjoys drawing, camping, and the company of her family and her dog.
Felicity McKellar Dip CS, Cert SS, Cert T3, AARS, Tm, – Admin and Guest Support
Diploma in Counselling (current), Diploma in Community Services. Secretarial Certificate 111, Travel Certificate, Advanced Airline Reservation Systems. Travel Management, Cruise Master.
Felicity began working with us in 2021 following a change in the travel industry and she hasn’t looked back. Felicity has over 30 years administration and travel experience, where she managed teams of staff, escorted group tours and was always a listening ear to her loyal clientele and staff. When COVID-19 lockdowns began, she was inspired to change her focus in life. She has now taken her passion for helping people into the mental health and addictions space, having completed a Diploma in Community Services. She has an empathetic nature and listens with compassion and understanding. Felicity is one of your first contacts at Gunnebah, doing your assessments, admission processes and guest services. Outside of work Felicity is furthering her studies in Counseling and loves working in her garden, crafting jewellery and cooking up a feast for her family. Most of all she enjoys sharing her love of nature and exploring with her young grandchildren.
Clare Frost - Admissions Officer
Master Counselling (current), BA (Hons), Cert YTT, Cert TIY, Cert Acu500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate, 100 Hour Trauma-Informed Yoga & Embodied Social Change Certificate, Fusion Acupressure Advanced Level Certificate
Originally from the UK, Clare set off on a journey of travel and self-discovery after completing her degree. She has been creating a life of exploration, adventure and learning ever since. After arriving in Australia in 2013, Clare’s spiritual practice began to deepen and she recognised Yoga and Meditation as powerful yet accessible practices for healing and transformation. In 2017, her inquiring mind led her to a small Ashram in Northern Thailand where she completed a 500hr Yoga Teacher Training. She returned to Australia with a renewed passion for Yogic philosophy and general wellbeing, and soon went on to pursue a variety of training in alternative healing modalities such as Trauma-Informed Yoga, Fusion Acupressure and Intuitive Balinese Massage. Clare is well accustomed to living and working in community settings, providing her with a good understanding of group dynamics and individual needs within various and oftentimes complex environments. She is passionate about the environment and interested in the positive role nature can play when considering our mental health. She is dedicated to furthering her education within a therapeutic context and her eyes are set on studying Counselling next!
Sharon Langshaw - Admissions Officer
BA (Psych). Grad Dip PV, Certified Project Manager, Certified Microsoft Professional, Certified Professional Coach, Grad Dip Property Valuation, Dip MH (pending)
As an Admissions Officer, Sharon helps people take those first brave steps toward recovery. With nearly two decades walking the road to sobriety, she brings a calm head, sharp instincts and a cut-the-fluff approach to recovery. This isn’t theory for her—it’s lived. Gritty. Circular. Hard. And absolutely possible. Her career spans emergency services, IT, psychosocial and addiction coaching, NDIS support, coordination, and executive leadership. She’s worked as a COO, a 000 ambulance dispatcher, a communications strategist, and a direct response copywriter—someone who knows how to make both words and systems work under pressure. Over the years, Sharon has worked in all sorts of roles—because that’s how life has unfolded. Nothing straight, plenty of detours and more than a few lessons (the good, the hard and the ones she never saw coming). At the heart of her work is a calm, compassionate presence, offering clear direction when the road ahead feels impossible. Whether it’s talking someone through CPR over the phone, redesigning emergency call procedures, taking the first panicked call for help or being the steady voice when someone says, “I can’t do this anymore” — she shows up. She’s also skilled in qualitative data, behavioural analysis, and turning human stories into insights that actually lead to change, whether in a crisis or a boardroom. When she’s not deep in a conversation that matters (because they all do), you’ll find her oceanside, face-first in a book, or knee-deep in a “quick project” that somehow hijacked her whole weekend.
Liam Butler BMus, GDipCP (current) BMsc, Cert IV CS – Clinical Support
GradDip Counselling (current), Bachelor of Music, Certificate IV in Community Services
With lived experience of the Gunnebah program, Liam is able to provide empathy and compassion for those beginning their recovery journey. He is currently studying his Graduate Diploma of Counseling, and is greatly involved in the local recovery community. After many years in the music industry, he can often be found tinkering around on our various musical instruments – he’s happy to teach anyone who’d like to learn a little or just have a play together. He enjoys bushwalks, meditation, being in the salt water, and loves a good chat over a cup of tea.
Su (Steven) Patching Dip Com Services – Activities Coordinator and Guest Support
Diploma of Community Services, Trauma & Attachment Certificate and Foster Carer training
Su draws on his extensive experience in working with people and his gentle, calming demeanour provides a caring and supportive space for guests. Through lived experience and his quest for spiritual knowledge he displays a deep empathy and compassion for all. Su brings to his role a passion for holistic living through healthy diet, activities, sports, and a love of nature. He utilises sound judgement based in trauma-informed and person-centred care to keep guests emotionally safe, whilst empowering them to develop fresh perspectives and reconnection through fun-filled activities. Su has also completed his Trauma & Attachment Certificate and Foster Carer training and, with his partner, is currently providing foster care for an 8 year old boy. He practises yoga, meditation and mindfulness. He loves gardening, the beach, being out in nature and most of all spending time with his young family.
Scott Abrahams - Operations Manager
Scott, the son of a proud farming family, traded life on the land for a passion for the written word. His 90s journalism cadetship was a foundational experience that instilled a capacity to adapt to various communication challenges and an early appreciation for meticulous work. He quickly advanced, editing community papers before becoming chief of staff, content director, publisher, and CEO. These diverse roles honed his operational skills, multi-tasking capacity and sharp attention to detail. Moving to the Northern Rivers, Scott and his partner spent a decade successfully owning and managing one of the area's largest commercial cleaning companies. This venture broadened Scott’s skill set and his commitment to organisational excellence was evident in the company's growth. When not working Scott can be found in his garden or volunteering at his local community hall and as part of the Red Cross Community Resilience Team.
Mark Miller – Kitchen Manager
Mark has over 18 years of experience working in high-pressure environments running kitchens and restaurants in three countries. Fresh food has always been his passion. Being in addiction recovery himself, Mark understands the importance of healthy eating but also knows that healthy can be delicious. Marks enjoys using his recovery experience to help him connect with our guests and showing them how life in recovery can be great. In his spare time, Mark enjoys exercising, yoga and fishing.
Ryan Ferrier – Maintenance and Electricals
Cert 3 in Electrotechnology
Ryan is a qualified electrician and air conditioning specialist. He is very handy and pretty much able to turn his hand to anything. So, after nine years as a trade electrician he moved to Gunnebah where he is working hard to improve the place. When he’s not on the tools he loves getting outdoors: rock climbing, water skiing and playing golf.
Christopher Gibbings MSA, MEd, BSc, CertP, CertTD – IT Geek
Master of Social Administration, Master of Education (Pastoral Guidance), Bachelor of Science (Comp Sci), Permaculture Design Certificate, Certificate in Training and Development
Chris is our go-to for everything technical. He loves to help organisations that build a better world to work more efficiently and effectively, so that their staff can spend less time on admin and more time doing what they are passionate about. Chris has 20 years of experience in community development, permaculture design and Information Technology. He has established a successful ecovillage and for ten years was a Director of the Association for Sustainable Communities as well as a Vision Councillor for the Global Ecovillage Network Oceania and Asia. A former Community Development Coordinator for Brisbane City Council and Red Cross international worker, Chris has led numerous homelessness and refugee projects. In an earlier incarnation, Chris was a Systems Analyst and Database Designer and his tech background always comes back to haunt him. Together, Chris and Warwick spent an intense 20 months setting up Gunnebah as a rehab. In his non-work time Chris runs a ukelele protest group and a world peace meditation network, helps run an eco-spirituality retreat centre, provides accommodation to refugees, is an active Quaker and progressive catholic, provides tech support to various causes and community groups, is learning to surf, meditates, dances salsa and goes on extremely long hikes.
Lauren Thomas, DipFit – Fitness Coach
Diploma of Fitness
Lauren has been running a successful training facility in Murwillumbah since 2015. She designs functional fitness programs with an emphasis on offering a comfortable, fun training environment for clients of all ages and abilities. In the 2019 Tweed Shire Business Excellence Awards, Lauren was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year and was also a finalist in three other categories. When she is not encouraging clients to “drop and give me ten!” Lauren loves to spend time with her young family, hanging out in the beautiful creeks and swimming holes in the area.