PSYCHIATRISTS
DR MARTIN COHEN
DR NARAYANI NAIR
DR JOSEF MCDONALD
DR TANYA HALL
DR HALDANE BEGG
PSYCHOLOGISTS
NICOLE HART
KATE GRIFFIN
BIANCA ROSIN
BRONWYN SHIELDS
TORI ENGLISH
GABE HEATON
STEWART OXLEY
SOPHIA WOLLDRIDGE
MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER & COUNSELLORS
SIMEON EVANS
CALE MOLONEY
GP PSYCHIATRY SUPPORT LINE
DR KUMUDU RATHNAYAKA
DR SUJATHA VENKATESH
DR MICHAEL BREAKSPEAR
DR ANJALI SAINANI
DR SU LYNN CHEAH
DR MEERA RANGANATHAN
DR SALLY LAMBERT
DR TOLULOPE FAJUMI
DR TARUN YADAV
Our team of psychiatrists are well experienced across a range of mental issues, and collaborates with Hunter New England Health, GPs, community groups, and other stakeholders. This collective approach helps us to provide timely and appropriate care to the community.
Dr Martin Cohen is the clinical lead for the team. Apart from his role at ProCare, Dr Cohen also serves as Deputy Commissioner for the Mental Health Commission of NSW; Board Member of Hunter New England Health; Board Member of the Hunter Medical Research Institute; and Conjoint Associate Professor for the University of Newcastle.
CREATING A BETTER PLACE TO WORK
Working with ProCare has been an amazing experience for our clinicians. At ProCare, we pride ourselves on providing top tier quality not only for our clients but also for our employees. Our central offices and friendly, professional support staff mean that our psychologists and psychiatrists are better able to deliver their services to our community.
Some of the benefits of working with ProCare includes:
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Financial and administration staff to manage accounts and bookings
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Personal air-conditioned office with computer and ergonomic chairs
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Consistent marketing to increase client reach
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State of the art kitchen & bathroom facilities
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Flexible work hours to suit any schedule
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Private secure car park
NICK SOVECHLES - CHAIRMAN PROCARE / HPCA
Nick Sovechles is the Chairman of ProCare Alliance and brings extensive experience in board governance, leadership and strategic oversight.
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Nick is deeply committed to organisations within the health and community services sector. He believes that strong governance is fundamental to the success of all not-for-profit organisations. His approach is grounded in clear board structures, well defined roles and responsibilities, sound financial oversight, and a strong emphasis on accountability and transparency to members and stakeholders.
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Nick has more than 25 years of experience in the ticketing and marketing industry. He previously served as Managing Director of PROticket Pty Ltd, Level 7 Advertising and Printic Promotions.
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In addition to his executive career, Nick has prior experience in funds management and investment securities, further strengthening his financial and strategic expertise.
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MICHAEL HAGAN - DIRECTOR PROCARE / HPCA
Michael Hagan is a highly respected figure in Australian rugby league and a former Team Manager of the Australian Kangaroos. A premiership winning coach with the Newcastle Knights, Michael led the club to victory in 2001 and remains a significant part of its history. As a player, Michael was a Queensland State of Origin representative half. He played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, where he won premierships in 1985 and 1988.
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Following his playing career, Michael transitioned into coaching with senior roles at Newcastle and the Parramatta Eels. In recognition of his contribution to the game, he was inducted into the Newcastle Knights Hall of Fame in 2012. Michael currently works with KWM Media and is part of the KOFM commentary team for Knights games.
​Diagnosed with prostate cancer in his 40s, Michael is now a passionate advocate for early detection. Through his work with HPCA, he promotes the importance of regular PSA testing, often referred to as the “Little Prick” test, helping to raise awareness and save lives.
DR CARY LEE - DIRECTOR PROCARE / HPCA
Dr Lee joins the Board previously serving as CEO up until 2019. During his time with the organisation, he was instrumental in the financial stability and embryonic reinvention of our services. The result was a range of outreach throughout the Hunter New England area, expanding to multiple levels of mental health practitioners, and collaborations with primary care. His experience in the not for profit sector also includes community development for local multicultural communities, serving as the Hunter Region's liaison with NSW Government.
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In industry, he is part of the leadership team for Australian Financial Risk Management (AFRM), a national financial services company based in Newcastle. Being specialists in life insurance and claims management, AFRM is a key stakeholder in the mental well-being of Australians. Academically, his research focuses on addictive implications of consumer collecting behaviour and particularly when combined with uncertainty marketing (i.e. blind boxes, loot boxes).
His expertise has been sought after for interviews published in the Guardian, ABC News, Wall Street Journal, and Reporterre Magazine. Further, his teaching experience spans over 25 years, primarily for the University of Newcastle and Kaplan Education, with more recent work for the University of Sydney.
ALEX SOVECHLES - CEO PROCARE / HPCA
Alex Sovechles brings over 15 years of experience in advertising, marketing and communications, alongside a long-standing connection to ProCare and the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance.
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Alex began his career in 2009 with local agency Level 7 Advertising, where he progressed to the role of Creative Director. During this time, he worked closely with ProCare and HPCA, leading the development of digital campaigns, television and radio advertising, media content, and below-the-line marketing. He also played a key role in the coordination of fundraising initiatives and community awareness events.
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​In 2020, Alex transitioned into a full-time role as Marketing Manager for ProCare and HPCA. With a deep understanding of the organisation’s history, purpose and impact, he helped strengthen its brand, expand its reach and support the growth of its services.​
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In 2022, Alex was appointed Chief Executive Officer. In this role, he leads the organisation’s strategic direction, overseeing the continued expansion of its clinical services, national programs and charitable initiatives.
TERRIE-ANN LEPISTO - PRACTICE MANAGER PROCARE / HPCA
Terrie-Ann is an experienced Practice Manager with over 17 years in healthcare management, operational management, and patient services. She is highly regarded for her professionalism, efficiency, and commitment, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the practice to ensure exceptional support for both patients and clinical staff.
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With strong organisational and communication skills, Terrie-Ann is dedicated to fostering a professional, welcoming, and well-managed environment. She is passionate about improving systems and processes that enhance the patient experience while contributing to the ongoing success and growth of the practice.
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​Known for her warm and approachable nature, Terrie-Ann is committed to supporting both patients and staff. She values opportunities to network, expand her knowledge, and continue her professional development within the healthcare industry.
ADMIN & SUPPORT STAFF - PROCARE / HPCA
OUR PATRONS
JULIE AINSWORTH
FORMER PROCARE
BOARD MEMBER
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MIKE RABBITT
RETIRED NBN TV PRESENTER
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KRIS LEES
HORSE RACING TRAINER
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MICHAEL BRIDGES
FORMER NEWCASTLE JET
& EPL STRIKER
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DR MARK SARGENT
FORMER NEWCASTLE
KNIGHT & FORMER
AUSTRALIAN PLAYER
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RICHARD KING
2HD RADIO HOST
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AARON KEARNEY
ABC RADIO PRESENTER
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ROSS MELVILLE
FAIRFAX MEDIA
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MARC GLANVILLE
FORMER NEWCASTLE KNIGHT
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MERYL SWANSON MP
FEDERAL MEMBER PATERSON
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CRAIG HAMILTON
ABC RADIO & SPORTS
COMMENTATOR
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