“First do what is necessary. Then do what is possible. And before you know it you are doing the impossible." - Saint Francis
Expert Advisory Committee
Our Expert Advisory Committee draws on deep expertise in organisational psychology, psychosocial risk, and healthy work design to support CMHAA with clear, practical advice we can use to create mentally healthy workplaces where people and businesses thrive.
“Many of the factors that shape mental health at work are built into the way work is designed. The key is not simply responding when people are struggling, but in addition making small, meaningful changes that remove sources of harm and strengthen the conditions for good work.
I'm pleased to join the CMHAA Expert Advisory Council and contribute to advancing this evidence-based approach to workplace mental health.”
Carlo Caponecchia
Associate Professor
UNSW
“I believe healthy & safe workplaces thrive through better work by design.
It is a privilege to work alongside this expert advisory group to share our collective wisdom and experience with the CMHAA community.
Together we can influence healthy Australian workplaces for the benefit of all.”
Jim Kelly
Head of People Care
icare NSW
“I feel delighted and deeply honoured to be invited onto the CMHAA Expert Advisory Group.
CMHAA’s vision of mentally healthy, safe and thriving workplaces is one I care deeply about. It closely reflects my own professional purpose to make a meaningful difference in the lives of leaders and teams across Australia.
I am very grateful to be offered the opportunity to be part of this incredibly important work, and look forward to working alongside a group of committed and respected workplace mental health sector colleagues."
Kate Connors
Chief Mental Health Adviser | Executive Coach | Principal Psychologist
Elemental Coaching & Psychology
“I am a passionate advocate for work being one of the greatest opportunities to shape human wellbeing. We spend more waking hours at work than almost anywhere else but it’s not just about where we spend our time — it is also where we shape our sense of meaning, belonging, and possibility.
When we design healthy work, we don't choose between people and performance. We discover that one was always the foundation of the other.”
Dr Laura Kirby
Executive Director & Chief Psychologist
Australian Psychological Services (APS)
“My passion is helping organisations create workplaces where mental health is regarded as a key part of sustainable performance. The future of healthy workplaces lies in building organisational cultures where people can thrive at work, actively engage and contribute and seek support for without fear or stigma. I am honoured to work closely with the CMHAA group to see this vision become a reality.”
Rachel Clements
Co-Founder and Director of Psychological Services
Centre for Corporate Health
“Across the organisations we’re working with, the real challenge is what happens under pressure.
Workplace mental health outcomes are shaped by real-time decisions, how well systems hold when things get difficult, and how genuinely organisations listen to and learn from their people. The future lies in strengthening that capability at a system level, not just adding more support around it.”

