Meet Our Team
Our dedicated teams work with you in your community to provide NDIS support coordination, manage NDIS payments, provide flexible family support and support HomeShare partnerships. We’re experts in what we do – committed to giving people with disability the information, tools and support they need to gain greater independence and be more involved in the community. Meet the people who work for us.Executive Director
Dougie Herd
Dougie joined the team at Community Connections in July 2018.
Dougie has worked for more than 35 years in disability advocacy, disability advice and service delivery in Scotland and Australia. This includes six years leading the staff team supporting the official advisory body to Ministers of the NSW Government – the Disability Council of NSW. And for two years Dougie was a member of the senior executive leadership team of the National Disability Insurance Agency responsible for launching the NDIS in 2013. Dougie was Chair of the ACT Disability Reference Group, the ACT Government’s official advisory body on disability policy for 4 years. He was also Co-Chair of the ACT Disability Justice Strategy Reference Group. He was community Co-Chair of the ACT Health Disability Health Strategy Steering Group until late August 2023.
Dougie is a member of the independent NDIS Review Panel.
Dougie is a NDIS participant. He has been a quadriplegic wheelchair user for 39 years. He completed an Honours degree in English Literature at the Australian National University. He writes. And every Sunday morning Dougie follows the fortunes of Partick Thistle Football Club, the third and least famous football team in Glasgow. They lose more frequently than he likes.
Manager Support Services
Position Vacant
Quality, Risk and Compliance Manager
Janet Cholewick
Janet joined Community Connections in 2013 to assist in preparing the organisation for the launch of the NDIS. She has developed processes and tools to assist the coordinators and the finance team in keeping abreast of the NDIS, as it continues to develop. She is currently managing the implementation of new IT software which will give the team quicker access to relevant and timely data.
Janet has recently acquired more spare time, giving up her volunteering roles since her sporty daughter moved interstate for university. She is filling the time with walking her dog, running, reading and catching up with friends.
Our Coordinators
Coordinator
Kerry Bargas
Kerry has been involved in the community sector in various roles for more than 25 years. As a Community Connections coordinator, she supports people with disabilities to work towards their goals through community links and utilisation of their NDIS plans. With a Diploma in Disability Services, Kerry thoroughly enjoys connecting with individuals and their families.
When not at work, Kerry spends quality time with her dog Lilly and regularly catches up with friends and family.
Coordinator
Lauren Fitsimmons
Lauren joined Community Connections in 2016. Prior to that she worked as a case manager and speech pathologist for a brain injury rehabilitation service. Lauren loves getting to know her clients and their families. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology).
A creative soul, Lauren enjoys restoring furniture with chalk paint and visiting galleries around Canberra in her spare time. She also runs 5km in the local Parkrun each week.
Coordinator
Margaret Froggatt
Margaret joined Community Connections in 2015, after being a parent who was supported by Community Connections.
Margaret liked the focus, involvement and connections that Community Connections were able to offer her and her sons personally so much she wanted to join the team.
Margaret has worked previously to support young children with a disability in childcare before moving to supporting individuals with their NDIS plans.
In Margaret’s spare time she and her sons enjoying swimming, shopping and getting ready for Christmas.
Coordinator
Yvonne Lucas
Yvonne has worked with Community Connections as a coordinator for more than eight years – a role she finds interesting, challenging and rewarding as she supports people to achieve their goals. This position follows a 25-year career working in the community sector in both ACT and NSW. Yvonne holds a Diploma in Community Services.
When not connecting with and supporting people, you may find Yvonne competing in a long-distance running event, taking photos or heading to the beach.
Coordinator
Robert Pedlow
Photo and bio to come soon.
Coordinator
Linjie Zhang
Lin is an Accredited Social Worker with experience working with a diverse range of people with disability. Originally from China but having resided in the ACT after she completed her master’s degree in Victoria. In the past three years, Lin has worked in a hospital, a mental health organisation and several NDIS service providers, which has equipped her with knowledge of the NDIS and health system. She is passionate in delivering high quality person-centered services with a strong focus on evidence-based practice. She is highly motivated to see those around her to reach their potential.
When Lin is not working, you can find her at the coast enjoying beautiful beaches or exploring nature scenes with her camera! She also enjoys camping, boxing, and painting.
HOMESHARE ACT
Homeshare Project Manager & NDIS Coordinator
Lee Harrison
After emigrating from the UK in 2009, Lee joined Community Connections as part of a new career direction. As well as senior coordinator, Lee is the Community Connections HomeShare Manager – connecting people with disability with housemates who can provide basic support.
Lee enjoys making a tangible difference to people’s lives and wellbeing. When away from work, Lee is a keen sports fan, especially football, and has travelled the world watching it.
Our finance and office team
Finance Manager
Genny Newton
Genny joined in the Community Connections team in early 2017 in the role of Finance Manager. A certified practicing accountant with a bachelor of commerce (accounting) Genny has over 20 years’ experience in both in the public and not-for-profit sectors.
Like the rest of the Finance team, Genny is constantly seeking ways in which CCI can provide outstanding financial service to all our clients/service providers.
Finance Officer
Charles Zhang
Photo and bio to come soon.
Finance Officer
Clement Liu
Photo and bio to come soon.