Our people provide the backbone to our organisation and the reason why we have a reputation for success.

The team at Goldbridge have enormous experience, knowledge and understanding within the field of work we undertake. They are all valued for their individual contributions as well as the integrated approach the entire team provides.

Bernice was Service Manager for Goldbridge for 5 years from 2010 to 2015 and then returned to Goldbridge in April 2017, where she undertook the role of CoCEO in August 2017. Bernice was appointed CEO in March 2019. Bernice is committed to the values of Integrity, Respect, Community, Empowerment and Compassion.

Bernice holds a Bachelor of Social Science, Dip of AOD (Major in MH Management), Cert IV in Workplace Training and Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Training Certificate from the Gestalt Association of Qld.

Bernice has 35 years of experience working in the Health and Community services sector in Queensland. After starting her career as a Nurse in 1977, she started work in Logan City in 1985 at the Woodridge, Beenleigh and Beaudesert Community Youth Support Scheme (CYSS) centres followed by Youth and Family Service (YFS) Logan City, the Valley Youth Unit; Office of Youth Affairs; Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; and ‘The Outlook’ in Boonah. In 1998 Bernice became Director/CEO of the Youth Affairs Network of Qld. In 2003 she coordinated the Hospital GP Accreditation project throughout Queensland and Australia and later worked in the Disability sector with Life Without Barriers.

Bernice was a member of the Steering Committee for the Drug and Alcohol Summit held in 2001, Qld Community Service Strategy Committee, the Qld Taskforce Committee for Child Protection, Chair of YFS; Chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and is currently a member on both the Qld Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (QNADA) Board and the Australasian Therapeutic Community Association (ATCA) Board.

Bernice undertook TC Peer Reviewer Standards training with ATCA in 2013 and in 2014 Bernice led the Goldbridge project to obtain ISO 9001:2008. Bernice participated in the new ATCA Standards training course conducted in 2018.

Toni was born in the UK where she trained as a teacher and began working within the prison education system with both Young offenders and Female detainees.

Later she worked with disengaged adults including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, asylum seekers and within community mental health facilities.

After moving from the UK to the Gold Coast in late 2006, she joined the team at Goldbridge, initially as an AOD worker, followed as the TC Coordinator and is now the Goldbridge Operations Manager.

Toni provides day-to-day supervision of the AOD Workers and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Residential Program routine and all associated activities.

Jim has been working in the field of addiction as a psychologist for over 10 years. He completed his psychology internship over three years at two different TCs. This experience has given Jim a broad understanding of the issues facing our current client group.

Jim has seen the rise of methamphetamines as an addiction factor which has further complicated the already severe and complex nature of the mental health issues that our clients face. He has also worked as a psychologist in government Alcohol and Other Drug Services, in private practice, and is currently the Senior Psychologist at Goldbridge Residential Therapeutic Community (TC). He has a particular interest in trauma and psychosis.

 

Marie-Claire has been an AOD Worker with Goldbridge since 2007 and is the TC Team Leader and Registered Nurse. She leads a multi-skilled team which strives to help individuals with a history of substance abuse, reclaim their lives.

After over 20 years of nursing and some personal experience with problems stemming from substance abuse, Marie-Claire initially volunteered at Goldbridge, “fell in love” with the AOD work and decided to follow her heart. She has now been in the AOD field for nearly 12 years, both as a volunteer and worker.

Wendy has managed a Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal unit for 12 years and has 25 years experience in the Alcohol and Drug Field. Working at Goldbridge since 2010 – for 6 years as the sole Intake and Assessment worker and from January as the Intake and Assessment Coordinator; as the program has expanded.

Wendy says that it is a privilege to be involved in a Program that “walks the talk” and offers people a real opportunity for recovery from alcohol and drug dependency as well as a pathway to create a happier, more fulfilling life.

For over 20 years (on and off) Nathanael has worked in the Alcohol and Other Drug sector and his extensive professional experience inlude working and assisting in program development of a residential therapeutic community program and coordination and development of a transitional program.

Nathanael joined the Goldbridge team in April 2016 as the full-time Transition Coordinator.

Nathanael has also diversified into working in human resources and the film and TV industry so he brings a wide variety of academic, experiential skills and a passion to the Goldbridge Team.

For 5+ years Pamela was Families, Transition and Outreach Coordinator at Goldbridge. In 2013 Pam directed her attention to developing Nationally Recognised training courses in Counselling and Case Management and in 2015 moved into a 2-year position as Qld Manager for a Not-for-Profit Counselling Service. With a sustained commitment to the Therapeutic Community model, Pam returned to Goldbridge in 2017 to run the Continuing Care Program.

Her commitment to the Goldbridge programs comes from the richness of experiences in developing the Goldbridge Family Support Program, providing clinical services and coordination for the Transition Program and the Intake and Assessment Service.

Pamela holds a Bachelor of Counselling, a Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs, Certificates in Solution Focused Therapy, Core Value Therapy, Eating Disorders, Perinatal Mental Health, Crisis Intervention, Clinical Supervision and Partnership Brokering.

She is a member of Australian Counselling Association Inc, ACA College of Clinical Counsellors, ACA College of Counselling Supervisors, Australian & New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders and Australia & New Zealand Mental Health Association.

Jodey joined the Goldbridge team in July 2020 as an AOD worker for the Welcome House Programme. This is a new initiative for Goldbridge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Welcome House keeps everyone safe by giving new clients time to isolate prior to entering the Therapeutic Community. Jodey supports the clients during this time and delivers an educational programme.

Jodey is passionate about recovery and Goldbridge Rehabilitation Services. Having faced his own personal struggles, Jodey attended several different rehabilitation programmes and in June 2017 successfully completed 12 months of the Goldbridge Transition Programme. Jodey completed over 300 hours as a volunteer after-hours supervisor and had stayed connected with Goldbridge through the Continuing Care Programme provided.

Jodey had a successful career in the manufacturing industry for over 18 years having worked both here in Australia and overseas as a Production Leader. In 2019 Jodey completed a Dual Diploma of Business and Diploma of Leadership and Management, being awarded the QLD TAFE business student of the year. In addition, Jodey has a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Certificate in SMART Recovery Facilitation. Jodey decided he wanted to utilise his leadership skills together with his life experience by joining the Goldbridge team in order to help others recover and give back to the community.

Natalie commenced working as an AOD worker with Goldbridge in June 2022.

Teamed with life experience, Natalie has completed a Certificate lll in Individual Support (Disability) a Diploma in Counselling, and a Bachelor in Applied Social Science.

Over the past 7 years, Natalie has worked primarily in aged, disability, and youth support roles. This has involved working closely with clients and their families in achieving manageable goals, providing practical and emotional support, and assisting clients to maintain community participation.

Natalie is empathetic and compassionate in her approach and believes that everyone deserves a sense of connectedness.

Natalie is passionate about the rehabilitation of people suffering with issues relating to addiction and Mental Health In particular; supporting people in recovery to achieve life skills/ goals, to live independently, and to reintegrate within their communities creating improved opportunities and social outcomes.

As a mother of 4 children, Natalie appreciates the value of mindfulness activities such as yoga, meditation, and a variety of creative artwork to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Sandra is a support worker who commenced working with Goldbridge in 2021. Coming from a food and hospitality management background in both Australia and the UK, Sandra has been able to fulfil the role of trainer and mentor to people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Previously completing courses in nutritional medicine, Sandra is extremely passionate about health and wellbeing and strongly believes in the importance of a healthy lifestyle, an active body, and meditation. Currently in the final year of completing her bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science at Griffith University, Sandra is excited to be a part of the Goldbridge Day Program to support people who are at the beginning of their rehabilitation journey.

 

Donna has worked in the Alcohol and Other Drug sector for more than 16 years working with a variety of organisations on the Gold Coast especially providing AOD support in Withdrawal facilities, Rehabilitation Services, Needle Exchange, Drop-in Centres, and other community-based organisations.

Donna is excited to be part of Goldbridge and especially to work alongside other dedicated staff members who deliver a holistic approach when working in the Therapeutic Community (TC) Model.

Donna’s goal has always been to work for an organisation which supports people holistically. To know that the support given to individuals is making a difference and ultimately empowering them to achieve healthy personal goals.

Donna has a Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs and a Diploma in Community Services Work, as well Certificates in Mental Health first aid, Dual Diagnosis and ABC of hepatitis. Donna is trained in 1-2-3 Magic Parenting and Smart Recovery Facilitation.

Work-life balance is important to Donna spending valuable time with her partner, adult children, grandchildren, and extended family, fitting in camping trips where possible.

Since May 2016, Narelle has been working in the AOD sector with experience in intake and assessment, crisis management, and training. She has a Diploma in Community Services, a Diploma in Counselling and is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Science. Narelle is also qualified as a trainer and assessor which has allowed her to support students and team members with their educational or training needs over the past five years.

Narelle joined the Goldbridge team in August 2021 as an intake and assessment worker and continues to support clients and their families at their most vulnerable moments. Her empathetic and compassionate personality comes from the experience she has gained whilst working in this field, and by supporting her own son who has mental health and drug use concerns. She continues to look forward to supporting Goldbridge, clients, their families, and the community.

Sam joined Goldbridge in September 2022 as a Human Resource Manager. With more than 15 years of experience he has been worked in many industries including construction, manufacturing, hospitality, fishing and industries in Asia and Middle east. He migrated to Australia in mid-2018.

Sam holds a Master of Strategic Human Resource Management from the University of Southern Queensland and has a Bachelor of Human Resources from the Institute of Personal Management of Sri Lanka. He also holds Diploma level qualifications in IT and Accounts.

During his previous tenures, Sam engaged with many work-force planning, performance management, Industrial Relations, Employee Relations, Recruitment & Selection, Training & Development and Human Resources Information System (HRIS) activities.

 

Kerri-Anne joined the Goldbridge team in November 2022 as an Intake and Assessment Trainee, and is currently studying Cert IV in Mental Health.

Kerri-Anne has previous work experience as an AOD Counsellor as well Residential Intake Officer and brings both lived experience and on-the-job experience to her current role.

Kerri-Anne has a work history that includes various industries including health. She is passionate about offering people the hope and opportunity to address their substance concerns and find a new way of living without it.

Scott started his employment with Goldbridge in July 2023 as an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Worker.  His past employment as a Construction Supervisor for many years in large companies has given him a range of workplace skills.

Scott holds a Certificate IV in Mental Health and a Diploma in Counselling. He has volunteered for Goldbridge for many years as a Volunteer Supervisor.  Scott has also enjoyed volunteering for the Murwillumbah Community Centre in their youth program.

Scott is goal orientated, multiskilled and has an eye for detail.  He is passionate about assisting people within a Trauma Informed Care Framework

In 2021, Reem commenced (completed) the Goldbridge program and soon after completed studies, receiving a cert IV in Mental Health and AOD. After gaining experience in other AOD facilities, she joined Goldbridge as an AOD Worker in November 2023.

Reem is passionate about role modelling that recovery is possible, especially for clients with dual diagnoses. Reem aims to lead by example, helping residents find a sustainable and enjoyable way to live an effective recovery lifestyle.

For Reem, working at Goldbridge is a privilege! The facility not only saved her life but also showed her a new way to live.

 

Cheyenne joined the Goldbridge team as an Intake and Assessment Worker in January 2024.

Cheyenne has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science (with honours) and a Master of Social Work.

She is a qualified social worker and has previous work experience counselling women who are survivors of domestic violence.

Cheyenne brings the core social work values of respect, integrity, and empowerment to her role, and is passionate about supporting people as they take the next steps in their recovery journey with Goldbridge.

 

Angela has experience working in administration, event management and hospitality operations. Her qualifications include Diplomas in Administration and Hospitality, and recently, she completed her Bachelor of Public Health Promotion. Studying public health has inspired Angela to work in assisting others to better health and more fulfilling lives. She has served as a volunteer for several organisations and programs, including OzHarvest and Hope Worldwide.

Angela provides administrative support to Goldbridge and finds it rewarding to support the Goldbridge team and to contribute to helping others in their rehabilitation journey.