Senior Staff

Margaret Spalding - CEO

Since taking on the role of Koomarri CEO in December 1997, Margaret has lead the development of Koomarri so that it now serves a significantly increased number of clients and their families, has established a greater level of service provision and has gained wide-spread public support not only in the ACT but also in the surrounding districts.

Prior to joining Koomarri, Margaret had worked in a range of positions from the grass roots level to senior management positions in the human service field. She has over thirty years experience in government and non-government positions with expertise in service provision and advocacy as well as in policy and purchasing roles.

She has worked with the ACT Department of Health and Community Care and has held community-based positions including Executive Director of Headway Victoria, Founding Coordinator of the advocacy service ADACAS and the Executive Director of the family based respite service FaBRiC.

Margaret also contributes to the human service industry at strategic policy and direction level.Current positions held include Member of the ACT Community Inclusion Board, Co-founder and member of the ACT Leadership and Development Group, committee member of NDS ACT.

mspalding@koomarri.asn.au

Amie Cossens – Manager, Quality Improvement & Client Services

Completing a Bachelor of Business (Tourism Management) in 2000 Amie spent the last year of her studies focusing on leisure options and activities for people with disabilities.

Amie joined Koomarri in May 2003. During this time Amie has undertaken a number of roles within the organisation from Receptionist to Quality Development Officer and Executive Assistant to the CEO. Whilst at Koomarri Amie has been a member of both the Leadership and Strategic Development Groups contributing to planning and management activities across all levels of the organisation.

During her time at Koomarri Amie has built strong networks within the non government, government and business communities. This has included acting as secretariat for the Partnership Forum and the Future Directions Oversight Group.

Amie has been instrumental in the successful organisation of the ACT Leadership Development Group's 2005 Conference "Searching for Authentic Change – Getting the Head & Heart Together", which was attended by national and international presenters and delegates. A key focus for the next couple of years will be the planning and successful execution of the 5th International Social Role Valorization Conference in 2010 which Australia (through Koomarri) will be hosting.

In July 2007 Amie took over the role of Manager Client Services & Quality Improvement. Amie is currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Management which is due for completion in 2009.

acossens@koomarri.asn.au

Laura Dalle – Manager, Community and Residential Services

Following six years experience within the Disability Industry Laura joined Koomarri as a Disability Support worker in Employment Services Branch, supporting individuals in their day to day employment.

In November 2006 Laura commenced her role as a member of the Community Services Branch, as Facilitator and then as Team Leader. During this time Laura has been an active member of the Leadership Development Group and actively contributed to the overall Branch development.

In August 2007 Laura was appointed Manager of Community Services Branch, which has a strong focus on working with people with disabilities to develop valued social roles.

ldalle@koomarri.asn.au

Daryl Weiss – Manager, Employment Services Operations

Daryl Weiss joined Koomarri in June 2002 in Contract Solutions as a Training Placement Officer and was responsible for a number of supported clients. He assisted in the provision of quality client support that is consistent with best practice standards. After two years, Daryl became the Team leader at Pack ‘n’ Post where he was responsible for supported employees in both Pack ‘n’ Post and Cut Cloth.

After a further two years, Daryl joined Employment Services Branch as a Business Development Officer where he was responsible for sustaining and maintaining current business as well as expanding and developing other business opportunities for the organisation.

Daryl is now currently the Manager, Operations and his main function is to coordinate and oversee the day to day operations of the Employment Services Branch.

Prior to joining Koomarri Daryl was employed by the ACT Government Public Service for twenty years working in a number of areas including Records Management Unit, Worker's Compensation, ACT Housing, Rehabilitation Case Manager and finally with Domestic Animal Services.

Daryl has done extensive travelling for six years visiting Europe, Central and South America, Africa and Asia.

Daryl's hobbies include squash, tennis, golf and bike riding.

dweiss@koomarri.asn.au

Miranda Garnett, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Qualifications - Advanced Diploma in Accounting (CIT 1997), Bachelor in Commerce (Acc.) University of Canberra (1999) and Chartered Accountant (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia) (2003)

Prior to joining Koomarri, Miranda worked as a Manager in Governance and Assurance Division of WalterTurnbull. This included performing organisational reviews for FaHCSIA of several funded organisations across Australia. Other areas of experience include:

• Statutory Audit;
• Grant Acquittal Audits and Management;
• Managing and performing internal audit services for several government departments, including compliance, performance and IT audits;
• Forensic Accounting services;
• Development and implementation of strategic and business plans;
• Development and implementation of risk management plans;
• Procurement and probity advice; and
• Financial Management Training.

Miranda Worked overseas for 2 years performing implementation of legislation and implementation of new accounting systems for a subsidiary of a US company.

Miranda returned to WalterTurnbull in 2005 as a manager where she worked until joining Koomarri in April 2008 as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).