Our Staff

Biography

Professor Knight comes from an extensive background in remote and Indigenous primary health care, public health, and education. Originally a Remote Area Nurse (RAN) in NSW, Professor Knight gained her Master of Tropical Health from the University of Queensland and has held various remote health practice, service and academic roles, including extensive work as a RAN in very remote communities of Central Australia.

Professor Knight has served on numerous national, state and regional committees and advisory councils. Her leadership roles have included foundation roles with the Council of Remote Area Nurses of Australia; the National Rural Health Alliance, the Central Australian Rural Practitioners Association and as a commissioner with the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission.

Research Topics

• Health inequalities – remote, isolated, vulnerable populations and rural health, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and health workforce maldistribution.

Achievements/Professional Roles

• 2021 Member of The Order of Australia
• 2009 finalist of the NT Australian of the Year and Centenary Medallist
• Fellow of Rural Leadership Australia• Fellow of CRANA plus
• Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing• Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Biography

Sarah has worked in Marketing for over 25 years and comes from an extensive background in marketing and business management. Originally from England, Sarah has held various marketing and business management roles during her career, including extensive work in shopping centres.

In 2005 Sarah won a government award for innovation when she created and implemented a scheme to protect the British public from being ripped off by rogue traders. The Buy With Confidence scheme was subsequently sold on to County Councils all over the UK to be run by Trading Standards Officers.

Sarah has served on a variety of community committees and was hand-picked to work for the Commonwealth Government Digital Solutions program as a small business advisor.

Role with CQCRRH

Kali-Jean is the CQCRRH Multidisciplinary Training Facilitator based in Emerald. Kali-Jean’s role is to develop, organise and facilitate authentic rural and remote health placements. Her role includes management of student accommodation, cultural awareness and administrative support to Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Students. She is a liaison for all students and assists with their rural placement experience. These students will be across various disciplines and universities. Her role also includes networking and building relationships with key stakeholders in the Central Highlands community.

Biography

Kali-Jean grew up in Charters Towers in North Queensland. She has spent majority of her career in the Queensland Police Service as a police officer, before taking this role. She is married to a cattle farmer with 4 beautiful daughters. She is a very active volunteer in the community with roles on multiple committees.

Education

Kali-Jean has completed her Bachelor of Arts majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She is now currently studying a Master of Social Work.

Biography

Pim’s undergraduate training as a psychologist was in Toowoomba and he completed Honours in Tasmania. He then worked as a psychologist for several rehabilitation and disability services in Queensland.

He undertook postgraduate study in Michigan and completed a PhD at Griffith University in the late 90s, on the topic of community based (including rural) approaches to rehabilitation. Pim has worked in two “joint-appointed” positions between Griffith University and Queensland Health, as Associate Professor, supporting allied health practitioners to conduct research and publish findings. His work has also included two two-year stints with disability-related International NGOs in Laos (SE Asia) and Geneva (Switzerland). He has conducted substantial training activities internationally, mostly in implementation research and qualitative methods. He has advised numerous services and conducted service and project evaluations across Asia. He was awarded and Erasmus Mundus Fellowship to University College London in 2006.

Pim worked as a senior researcher at the Centre for Remote Health, Alice Springs (2007-2010). He has published widely across areas of disability, rehabilitation, rural and remote primary health care, workforce, allied health services and leprosy services.

He is the Editor in Chief for the Australian Journal of Rural Health and continues to support research at the Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health. As Editor in Chief, he works closely with the AJRH editorial team. He ensures the ongoing relevance and high standards of the Journal. He prioritizes more inclusive actions, ensuring ongoing relevance to rural health practice, and direct benefit to policy makers and managers.

Professor Lenthall has an extensive background as a remote area nurse in Queensland and in the Northern Territory. Sue has worked in Queensland as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker educator as well as an education coordinator of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

Sue is a leading academic in the field of remote health and remote area nursing and the founding staff member of the Centre for Remote Health in Alice Springs. She is a fellow of CRANAplus and was the foundation course coordinator of the Flinders University Remote Health Practice program, the development of which received a national teaching award. She has developed numerous award and short courses for remote area nurses and other remote health professionals. She has also undertaken evaluations and research projects related to remote and rural health.

Sue is a JCU Alumni holding a Masters of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She completed a PhD in ‘’reducing occupational stress among nurses in very remote Northern Territory which involved a participatory action research approach and has supervised numerous research students, most involving remote and rural health. Sue was most recently the Director of the Flinders University CRH Katherine and has received numerous awards, including two national teaching awards, a CRANAplus Research and Education award and the Aurora Award for leadership and outstanding contribution to remote area health in Australia as well as being a finalist in the 2023 NT Nursing and Midwifery Lifetime achievement award.

Biography

Kehinde has a background in pharmacy and completed a Ph.D. in pharmacy at the University of Tasmania and a Master of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh. His research interest includes promoting an evidence-based rural health agenda, public health (epidemiology, biostatistics, and disease surveillance), and clinical pharmacy. He has supported many undergraduate and postgraduate research students as well as healthcare practitioners in improving their research skills.
Kehinde is skilled in a range of research methodologies across both qualitative and quantitative studies and he is a competent user of several software, including Nvivo, STATA, R, and SPSS. He has also published in many peer-reviewed journals, including The Lancet and Lancet Public Health, and has been successful in several grant applications.

Kehinde has been involved in several innovative initiatives, including setting up a university teaching site in an aged care facility in New Norfolk, Tasmania, and the expansion of pharmacy offerings to Launceston and Burnie campuses in Tasmania.

Education

• PhD, Pharmacy Practice, University of Tasmania
• Fellow, Royal Society of Public Health, United Kingdom
• Master of Public Health, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• Graduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching, University of Tasmania
• Graduate Certificate in Research, University of Tasmania
• Master of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Nigeria
• Bachelor of Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria

Biography

Bev has achieved a long and rewarding career in various health service areas.  Initially qualified as a Registered Nurse, Midwife and Nurse Practitioner, her career pathway took a turn from clinical practice to more managerial and executive positions in mid-2000. Over the past twenty or so years, her exposure to the domain of rural and remote health service provided in many regions across Australia has been fundamental to accumulating the skill sets and level of experience needed to participate in critical conversations on what might be done to reduce the disadvantage and equity issues faced daily by minority populations living in Australia.

The opportunity to contribute to strategies and plans aimed at introducing and preparing clinicians for rural and remote roles is both exciting and challenging and Bev is looking forward to the next year with a great deal of anticipation

Achievements/Professional Roles

• Senior Lecturer Flinders University, 2006 -2009

• Chief Executive, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service 2018 -2023

• Executive Director. Tropical Academic Health Council 2019 -2023

• Regional Executive, Midwest Region, West Australian Country Health Service 2023 -2024

Biography

Asmita is an occupational therapist. Asmita has practised as an Occupational Therapist in Australia and the United States of America. Asmita has worked both in the public and private health sectors. Her clinical experience comprises paediatrics (including newborns); rehabilitation; rural generalist (sole practitioner in a rural hospital) and clinical education. Asmita is passionate about paediatric Occupational Therapy and, rural and remote health care. Asmita is highly motivated to provide high-quality student learning and teaching experience.

Education

• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (2007): Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai, India
• MS in Occupational Therapy (Early intervention and school-based therapy) (2009): State University of New York at Buffalo
• PhD. in psychology (2024) La Trobe University, Melbourne

Role at CQCRRH

As the Clinical Lead for Speech Pathology, Steph coordinates and supervises speech pathology student service-learning placements in Emerald and across the Central Highlands. Steph connects with community stakeholders to build and foster relationships to develop appropriate service-learning placements that respond to the needs of the community, and better support the rural and remote health workforce.

Biography

Steph relocated to Central Queensland in 2016. She has considerable clinical experience working across both public and private sectors with additional understanding of small business, running her private practice that delivered pediatric services to Clermont and outreached to Moranbah, Dysart and Kilcummin. Through her community involvement and advocation for better access to health and educational services over the years, she has built strong connections across Central Highlands and the Coalfields. Steph is extremely grateful for the opportunities and positive impact that living rurally continues to have on her development as a rural health professional. She is looking forward to mentoring students and sharing the rural experience with them.

Role with CQCRRH

As the Social Work Clinical Lead, Taegen develops, coordinates and supervises Social Work student service-learning placements and facilitates Social Work Placement opportunities with local service providers. Taegen’s role encompasses community engagement and support to host organisations, whilst supporting students to integrate learning through developing and implementing interprofessional learning opportunities.

Biography

Taegen has extensive experience spanning rural and remote locations in QLD, NSW, NT and WA. Her background encompasses working from a trauma informed approach within therapeutic services (School Counselling and Counselling with Indigenous Children, Young People and families in Remote Indigenous Communities), program-based youth services, program development and student and professional supervision. Taegen brings enthusiasm, experience within rural and remote contexts, and a passion for community development approaches to working with communities and vulnerable populations.

Education

• Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy - Latrobe University – 2021
• Masters of Therapeutic Arts - The Miecat Institute – 2018
• Masters of Social Work - Griffith University – 2012
• Bachelor of Human Services Majoring in Family and Youth Justice - Griffith University – 2010
• Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Griffith University– 2010

Biography

Lucy is the Pharmacy Clinical Lead and has been with CQCRRH since it started in 2022, understanding first hand the importance of Allied Health Professional workforce in rural and remote Australia.  Lucy grew up on a cattle property in Dingo, a small outback town in Central Queensland. Lucy has lived and worked in Emerald since 2009, as a Pharmacist and alongside her husband in their family Veterinary business which they have grown with students and graduates. Lucy began her pharmacy journey as a rural pharmacy student back in 1999 and brings to the team 20 plus years of experience working across the fields of hospital and community pharmacy in addition to working within rural communities, cities and internationally. Lucy understands first hand the skills and diversity that rural pharmacy placements can bring, and is excited and passionate to share her expertise of rural practice, mental health and aged-care services to future pharmacy students.

Role with CQCRRH

As the Physiotherapy Clinical Lead, Woo develops, coordinates, and oversees physiotherapy student placements while also facilitating placement opportunities with local providers. Woo’s role includes engaging with the community, supporting host organisations, and helping students integrate their learning through the development and implementation of interprofessional learning opportunities.

Biography

Before joining JCU CQRRH, Woo continued his practice in private clinics on the Central Coast, Gold Coast, and Brisbane, with a special interest in musculoskeletal conditions. Woo is passionate about treating challenging cases using various approaches. Outside the clinic, Woo spends most of his time at the gym, training in Olympic weightlifting.

Education

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Charles Sturt University)

Christine has experience working in rural communities across Queensland. Her background encompasses working as a community based occupational therapist in adult physical health, lymphoedema and vascular therapy in a hospital-based outpatient clinic and working with children in schools.

 Education:

•  Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) – University of the Sunshine Coast
• Level 1 Lymphoedema Practitioner – Macquarie University

Role At CQCRRH

Senior Lecturer Nursing, Indigenous Health

 Biography

Alinta is a Barunggam and Wiradjuri woman from Southwest Queensland and Central New South Wales.

She has joined our team from Longreach where she was the Clinical Nurse Consultant for Indigenous Health in the Central West Hospital and Health Service. Alinta has extensive nursing experience in different areas of health including: Haemodialysis, General Practice, Emergency and Correctional Health in rural, remote and urban settings. 

Alinta is passionate about creating culturally safe spaces within the health system, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel comfortable accessing health care. She is excited for future endeavors with JCU CQCRRH and hopes to contribute to building the Indigenous workforce in not only nursing, but in all aspects of health.

Education

• Bachelor of Nursing Science, James Cook University (2012)

Biography

Sandra belongs to the Djabugandji, Yalanji, Takalaka, Muluridji and Yidindji peoples.

She has been a cultural advisor and facilitator for many years, working with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Sandra has had the pleasure of living and working in Far North Queensland, Mount Isa, Canberra and Alice Springs.

Sandra has a Graduate Certificate in Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Research, Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology) as well as an Associate Diploma of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) which has allowed her to work extensively in State & Federal Government, non-government organisations, Private Enterprise, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations (health, education, land and housing).

Before coming to JCU Emerald, Sandra was involved with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and caring for her aged mother. Sandra loves living in Emerald and is adapting to it's unique environment and social life.

Education

Associate Diploma of Arts (Aboriginal Studies)

Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology)

Graduate Certificate Collaborate and Multidisciplinary Research

Biography

Janna is from the Gubbi Gubbi people in the Sunshine Coast/Noosa area. Her culture comes from her Dad's heritage and Janna is proud to be part of her Indigenous community. Janna enjoys riding and competing in various disciplines with horses. She has represented Queensland for the past 10 years.

Jana has recently completed her senior year here in Emerald and looks forward to starting her study as an Allied Health Assistant for James Cook University CQCRRH.

Education

Certificate III Community Health

Certificate III Health Service Assistant

Certificate II Hospitality

Biography

Adjunct Senior Lecturer Wendy McPhee with a background as a Med Lab Scientist is currently a management consultant. She will draw on her extensive experience in rural Primary care to contribute strategic leadership in rural primary care management, innovative practice models,  development of community-owned social enterprise-led GP training practices and support of registrars, GPs and multidisciplinary teams in rural contexts.

Beyond general practice, Wendy has had deep involvement in community groups such as the Emerald Academy of Dance.

 Drawing on this extensive experience and commitment to rural health and the workforce, Adjunct Professor Ewen McPhee will contribute:

• Strategic and clinical leadership in rural and remote medicine, medical workforce education, training and development
• Collaborative rural and remote health and health workforce research.
• Drawing on extensive rural medicine and health leadership and clinical teaching to assist and guide the JCU CQCRRH activities in achieving the goals of Rural Health Multidisciplinary Program in Emerald and Central Queensland