Our Team

Here you can get to know the dedicated individuals who are the heartbeat of our Health hub family. Behind every exceptional patient experience and successful treatment outcome is a team of passionate professionals committed to your well-being. From skilled physicians, to empathetic therapists and friendly support staff, each member of our team brings a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and dedication to their role.

Meet our team and learn about their backgrounds, and discover what drives them to make a difference in the lives of our community members every day.

Dr Brent Thomas - Psychiatrist

Dr. Brent Thomas brings over 30 years of expertise in adult and geriatric psychiatry, having
served in both public and Catholic health systems. With qualifications from Australia,
England, and the USA, Dr. Thomas has held significant roles including Clinical Director at
Blacktown/Mount Druitt Mental Health and Director of Aged Care Psychiatry at St Josephs’
Hospital, Auburn.

At the Health Hub in Medowie, Dr. Thomas is continuing his dedicated work in psychiatry.
He adopts a comprehensive approach to mental health, collaborating closely with a network
of specialists to craft personalised treatment plans that address all aspects of a patient’s
health. His clinical interests are broad, focusing on conditions such as anxiety, depression,
bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and substance abuse, as well as providing
specialised care for older adults experiencing cognitive or behavioural issues. Dr. Thomas
also has significant experience in managing Huntington Disease.

An esteemed educator, Dr. Thomas has a wealth of experience teaching both
undergraduate and postgraduate students, and training general practitioners. He is also a
Supervisor with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and
practices privately.

At the Health Hub, Dr. Thomas is committed to enhancing patient outcomes by identifying
and reinforcing mental health resilience, aiming to improve overall quality of life through
targeted, individualised care.

Chantel Walker – Speech Therapist

Introducing Chantel, our esteemed Speech Pathologist at the Health Hub. Graduating with
Honours from the University of Newcastle in 2022 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology,
Chantel brings a personal touch to her professional role. Her passion for speech therapy
was ignited when her own child required early intervention, providing her with unique insights into the profound impact of speech and language support.

Chantel has cultivated extensive experience across various settings, including clinics,
schools, homes, hospitals, community centres, and aged-care facilities, allowing her to
develop a comprehensive approach tailored to individuals of all ages—from children to
adults.

Proficient in both standardised and non-standardised assessments, Chantel utilises a range
of diagnostic tools such as the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF), Pre-
School Language Scales (PLS-5), Renfrew Action Picture Testing (RAPT), and the
Articulation Survey Test. Her meticulous method ensures precise and personalised care
plans for her clients.

An active member of Speech Pathology Australia, Chantel is dedicated to continuous
professional development, ensuring she remains at the forefront of her field. Her commitment to her practice is evident in her patience, responsibility, and unwavering dedication to her clients’ progress and wellbeing.

Shannon sakun – dietitian

introducing Shannon Sakun – Shannon is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with a wealth of experience across various sectors. She has worked in private practice, NDIS, Medicare, and aged care, honing her skills and knowledge in each setting. Shannon has also taken on leadership roles, including serving as an NDIS team leader.

Throughout her career, Shannon has been involved in impactful projects. She has supported dietitians in advocating for better support for NDIS participants, recognising the importance of tailored nutrition interventions. Additionally, Shannon has organised and led an education seminar focusing on enteral (tube) feeding for NDIS participants, aiming to enhance the understanding and implementation of these specialised feeding methods.

Outside of work, Shannon finds joy in spending time with her partner and their two dogs, Pepper and Nala. They often escape to the outdoors, enjoying camping adventures together.

Shannon’s drive to work stems from her desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. She approaches her work with compassion and a person-centered mindset, making her a highly effective practitioner. Shannon’s values of compassion, empathy, expertise, and excellence are evident in all aspects of her professional life.

Nicole O’Neill – Director

Introducing Nicole, the visionary Director of the Health Hub and the driving force behind its inception. Nicole’s journey began with a personal challenge—navigating the complexities of accessing multiple specialists and allied health professionals for family members. This experience, compounded by the logistical difficulties of travel, fuelled her determination to centralise such essential services for the Port Stephens community, simplifying access to healthcare.

As well as The Health Hub, Nicole is also the director of Lotus Assist, where she hones her exceptional problem-solving skills and financial acumen. Her career is marked by a series of impactful roles, including significant contributions to the Partners in Recovery Program, aiding those with severe and persistent mental illnesses, and her transformative work in school nutrition, which earned Grahamstown Public School the title of “Healthiest Canteen in NSW.”

Nicole’s expertise extends beyond her professional achievements. As a supermom of four, two of whom are on the NDIS, she blends personal experience with professional knowledge to provide unparalleled guidance on navigating the NDIS system. Her hands-on approach helps individuals maximise their plans, offering support that transcends typical administrative assistance. A passionate supporter of community and teamwork, Nicole fosters a collaborative environment at the Health Hub.

Nicole holds a Diploma in Business Administration and a Certificate IV in Accounting & Bookkeeping. Whether she’s balancing the books, crafting a gourmet meal, or sharing a dance, Nicole’s zest for life and commitment to making a difference are unmistakable. At the Health Hub, she’s not just building a business; she’s creating a community hub that enriches lives.

Helen Marquez – Director

Meet Helen, the inspiring Director of the Health Hub. Helen’s motivation to establish the Health Hub stemmed from her firsthand experiences with the challenges faced by family members and community members who required access to various specialists and allied health professionals. Recognising the need for a centralised and reliable healthcare service in Medowie and Port Stephens, Helen leveraged her extensive background in community service to create a solution.

With over two decades dedicated to supporting individuals with mental illness and vulnerable community members, Helen’s career is marked by compassion and commitment. As well as this role, Helen is also the Director at Lotus Assist where she applies her deep expertise and knowledge to enhance support systems for those in need on the NDIS.

Her leadership roles have included managing a family center designed to support vulnerable families, directing a gambling counseling program, and leading psychosocial support teams. Helen also played a pivotal role in the Partners in Recovery program, initially as a Referral Manager focusing on system change and later as a Team Leader, facilitating NDIS transitions for participants.

Additionally, Helen served as a Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Commissioning Coordinator, where she oversaw service contracts, assessed participant eligibility, and co-designed the Continuity of Support program for individuals not eligible for the NDIS. Her efforts have extended to educating general practitioners on the critical role they play in supporting NDIS access.

Helen is of Spanish heritage and is fluent in both English and Spanish, which enriches her ability to connect with and assist a diverse client base. Her passions extend beyond her professional work; she loves spending quality time with her grandchildren, tending to her garden, exploring new shopping finds, and expressing her love through cooking. Helen also volunteers to support an Aboriginal youth basketball team, demonstrating her commitment to community involvement and empowerment.

Helen’s leadership at the Health Hub embodies her dedication to making healthcare accessible and supportive for all, ensuring a compassionate and inclusive environment for the community of Medowie and Port Stephens.

Moira Crisswell – Human Resources

Meet Moira, our dedicated Human Resources Manager and Admin Support at the Health Hub. With over 13 years of generalist Human Resources experience, Moira has honed her skills in prominent firms such as Deloitte & Touche and PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal, before bringing her expertise to smaller businesses as a consultant.

At the Health Hub, Moira plays a pivotal role in shaping our workplace culture and enhancing the employee experience. She partners closely with the leadership team to develop and implement HR strategies that foster a supportive and dynamic work environment. Moira’s dual role also involves providing top-notch administrative support, ensuring that both staff and clients are well-equipped and supported throughout their journey with us.

Outside of work, Moira is a devoted mother to three children and finds joy in simple pleasures like cooking and savouring a great cup of coffee. A lover of nature and animals, she cherishes her daily walks with her dog, embracing the peace and beauty of the outdoors.

Moira holds a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Industrial Psychology and Business Economics. Her passion for building strong relationships and her commitment to positive organisational change are integral to her role at the Health Hub, where she continues to drive initiatives aimed at enhancing staff engagement and retention.

Holly McKew – Accounting & Admin Support

Meet Holly, our diligent Accounting and Admin Assistant at the Health Hub. With a robust background in accounting and administration, Holly brings a wealth of expertise and a meticulous eye for detail to her role. Her experience spans various sectors, including real estate and the rural industry, where she developed a profound love for numbers and a knack for organising complex information.

Holly’s skills were further honed through her role as fundraising vice president at her children’s school, where she organized and coordinated events that significantly contributed to the school’s resources. Her ability to manage finances and logistics shines through in every project she undertakes.

While Holly may not directly manage NDIS plans at the Health Hub, her firsthand experience navigating the NDIS system for her child provides her with a unique perspective that enhances her empathetic approach to support and administration. Known for her “neuro-spicy” approach—a playful term for her intense focus and analytical prowess—Holly excels in tackling detailed tasks and ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

Outside of work, Holly enjoys pursuing various hobbies, from crafting to collecting project supplies, although she often jokes about her collection of half-finished projects. Her guiding principles are honesty and authenticity, values that she applies to both her professional and personal life.

Holly holds a Certificate IV in Accounting & Bookkeeping, underpinning her ability to provide exemplary administrative and financial support at the Health Hub. Whether it’s balancing budgets or streamlining processes, Holly’s dedication and precision ensure that all administrative tasks are managed with the utmost care.