Leading the Future of Vocational Mental Health Care in Australia
We’re proud to introduce the inaugural Executives of the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) - a dynamic group of professionals united by a shared vision to elevate and empower vocational mental health practitioners across the nation.
As the founding leadership of Australia's first dedicated association for practitioners holding Certificate IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma qualifications, our team brings together diverse expertise, deep experience, and a passionate commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and advocacy.
Together, they are guiding VMHPAA’s mission to raise professional standards, strengthen sector recognition, and ensure that vocationally trained mental health practitioners are supported with the resources, training, supervision, and representation they deserve.
With this strong leadership at the helm, VMHPAA is setting a new benchmark for mental health care - one that values every practitioner’s contribution to the wellbeing of our communities.
Philip Armstrong - CEO
Philip Armstrong is a respected leader in the mental health and community services sector, known for his passionate advocacy, innovative thinking, and deep commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive vocational mental health workforce.
With over 30 years’ experience across mental health, community development, education, veteran support, and national peak body leadership, Philip brings a unique blend of operational expertise, lived experience understanding, and visionary leadership to the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA).
Philip served for 15 years in the Australian Defence Force (Corps of Infantry), an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to community resilience, support, and wellbeing. After transitioning from military service, he dedicated himself to supporting veterans, working within community organisations and leading the development of nationally recognised mental health and support services.
As the former Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Philip successfully grew the association into Australia's largest professional counselling registration and advocacy peak body. Under his leadership, ACA introduced new national ethical standards, supervision frameworks, and professional pathways — achievements that have positively influenced tens of thousands of practitioners and their clients across Australia.
Philip Armstrong
Chief Executive Officer
Throughout his career, Philip has championed the recognition of vocationally trained mental health practitioners, advocating for their essential role in early intervention, community support, and recovery-focused care. He has led successful national programs, negotiated with government stakeholders, built international supervision standards, and remains deeply committed to promoting lived and living experience leadership in mental health.
Philip holds several Diploma’s and Certificate qualifications on top of his other qualifications. His drive for transparency and ethically based practice are reflected by his membership to the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Australian Society of Association Executives.
Now, as the inaugural CEO of VMHPAA, Philip is driving the vision to establish VMHPAA as the peak body representing the thousands of Australians who have chosen vocational pathways into mental health practice. His focus is on:
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Professional recognition for vocational practitioners
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Advocating for workforce reform and funding
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Creating stronger career pathways and employment opportunities
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Raising public and sector awareness of the critical contribution of vocationally trained professionals
Philip's leadership style is inclusive, dynamic, and deeply values-driven. He believes in empowerment, collaboration, and ensuring that every practitioner — regardless of their pathway — has the support, recognition, and opportunities they deserve.
Under Philip's leadership, VMHPAA is building a new future for vocational mental health practice: ethical, community-connected, nationally recognised, and powered by lived experience.
Our Team
Meet the Inaugural Executives of VMHPAA
Shane Warren - Chair Person
Shane Warren, our Chair, brings over 33 years of experience in private practice to his leadership role, along with a distinguished career in both business and community service. With an academic foundation in theology (pastoral care) and philosophy (humanities), his vocational qualifications in counselling and coaching are further complemented by his expertise in positive and resilient psychology.
Shane's professional journey began in the community youth sector, progressing into social policy research and political advisory roles, before evolving into his current focus on private practice and corporate welfare consulting. His leadership and innovative approach have made him a recognized figure on various boards, spanning community organizations, business groups, professional associations, and private enterprises. He is particularly noted for pioneering non-traditional corporate strategies and advancing health technology within the mental health sector.
His dedication to advancing mental health services is evident in his extensive involvement with peak professional bodies. He served six years on the Executive of the Asia Pacific Alliance of Coaches (Singapore), where he co-chaired the AsiaPac Ethical Board of Review, and has held an Executive role with the Association for Coaching (UK) for over 13 years. Shane also serves as a convenor for the Mental Health Professional Association, where his impact continues to shape the industry. He is a co-founder in Neuro Balance, an innovative company and world leader dedicated to improving the efficacy of mental health practitioners.
As an accomplished author, Shane has made significant contributions to the field with publications like the acclaimed "Diversity in Coaching" with Professor Jonathan Passmore, and "Perspectives on Coping and Resilience" with Professors Venkat Pulla and Andrew Shatté.
With over a decade of experience in clinical supervision, Shane is committed to mentoring and supporting fellow practitioners, helping them enhance their professional skills and grow their businesses. His dedication to raising the standards within the mental health profession is a testament to his enduring impact on the field.
Shane Warren
Chair Person
Sue Sandy - Executive Officer and
Association Secretary
Susan Sandy has over 20 years’ experience, specialising in relationship counselling and working with individuals, couples and families in her private clinical practice in the north east suburbs of Melbourne.
Susan’s practice engages other counsellors, psychotherapists, hypnotherapists and provisional psychologists to provide a comprehensive range of mental health services for patients. She has dedicated her time to the growth of many interns who have completed placement in her practice as they developed and honed their skills, knowledge and experience under her field supervision, and assisted them to build their own successful private clinical practices.
Additionally, Susan has 25 years’ experience working with the Department of Education, Victoria, in both primary and secondary school settings, counselling students and their families. She is currently employed as a Mental Health Expert in the 'Primary Schools Wellbeing Leaders' program at a primary school located in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.
Susan is the Managing Director and co-founder of Neuro Balance Australasia, an innovative company and world leader dedicated to improving the efficacy of mental health practitioners.
Susan Sandy
Executive Officer and Association Secretary
Meet our Legal Counsel
Martin Taylor
Legal Counsel
Martin Taylor - Legal Counsel
Martin Taylor is a distinguished legal professional and dedicated community advocate, whose career spans across multiple fields, including law, policing, military service, education, and mental health support. With a vast academic background, Martin has earned twenty-six (26) undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including law, legal practice, policing, education, management, investigations, fraud, and paramedical science.
His dedication to continuous learning is evident as he nears the completion of his 27th qualification, reflecting his unrelenting pursuit of personal growth and excellence in his professional endeavours.
As a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia, Martin brings a wealth of experience to the legal field. His distinguished career includes serving as Senior Counsel Assisting, prosecutor, and as a Senior Member (Chairperson) of a quasi-judicial administrative appeals tribunal. Martin's legal expertise spans complex areas of law, including civil and criminal investigations and the law, where his deep knowledge and strategic acumen have been instrumental in high stakes environments. His leadership and counsel have proven invaluable in these roles, enabling him to navigate intricate legal challenges with confidence and precision.
In addition to his legal career, Martin has an impressive record of military service, having served for 22 years, both fulltime and in the reserves. He currently holds the rank of Major in the Australian Army Reserve, where he has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to national service and has deployed on several occasions. This military experience is complemented by his significant contributions to law enforcement, further underscoring his commitment to public safety and national defence.
Martin’s passion for community service is evident in his volunteer work with organisations such as St John Ambulance and the Country Fire Authority, where he has applied his paramedical expertise to support community health initiatives. His volunteerism extends to mental health advocacy, particularly in supporting military personnel, police officers, and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Martin is a strong proponent of improving mental health awareness and systems of support for individuals who have served on the front lines, advocating for better resources and treatment options.
As Legal Counsel for the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA), Martin is instrumental in providing legal leadership to the executive committee and shaping policies that safeguard the rights of vocationally qualified mental health practitioners including counsellors within the mental health sector. His involvement in the counselling industry extends beyond policy work, having presented numerous legal training sessions over the last several years, including his recent presentation titled “The Legal Implications Affecting Professional Counsellors in 2024.” His other contributions include authoring two books and several published articles.
Martin’s outstanding commitment to professionalism, leadership, and public service has been recognised by a variety of agencies through numerous commendations, citations, and awards. Among his most prestigious honours are his Queen's Commission (military) and a Statutory Appointment by the Governor of Victoria, awarded upon the recommendation of the Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services.
With his remarkable combination of legal expertise, military service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to community and mental health advocacy, Martin Taylor stands as a leader in his field, continually making a lasting impact on those he serves.
Meet Our Advisory Team
Dr. Brooklyn Storme
Dr Brooklyn Storme is a Private Practice Specialist, business strategist, and therapist with over 30 years of experience in the mental health sector.
Holding a PhD and Masters in Psychology, along with qualifications in Sociology, Frontline Management, Clinical and Professional Supervision, and Results Coaching, Brooklyn has dedicated her career to supporting mental health professionals in building sustainable and profitable practices.
After decades as a registered Psychologist in private practice, Brooklyn made the principled decision to step away from the profession in 2020, following the introduction of a two-tiered system she found incongruent with her values. This shift led her to focus on empowering vocationally qualified mental health professionals, recognising their crucial role in delivering accessible care across Australia.Brooklyn is the creator of the Private Practice Certification and the Mental Health Professionals Marketing Program, programs designed to equip practitioners with the tools needed for business success.
Dr. Brooklyn Storme
Advisory Committee Member
​Her innovative sustainability model for private practice emphasises aligning business operations with personal values, ensuring long-term viability without burnout.
As a neurodivergent professional, Brooklyn brings a unique perspective to her work, fostering inclusive and empathetic approaches within the mental health community.
Her contributions have been recognised with multiple business awards, reflecting her impact on the sector.
Residing on the Mornington Peninsula, Brooklyn enjoys exploring the countryside with her companion dog, Buddy, and seeking out new literary adventures.
Her commitment to the profession is further exemplified by her role on the Special Advisory Board of the Vocational Mental Health Professionals Association of Australia, where she continues to advocate for recognition and support of vocationally trained practitioners.
Dr. Gaye Cameron
Dr Gaye Cameron, a highly qualified and experienced registered Counsellor & Psychotherapist with 11 years plus of clinical experience and over 7500+ clinical hours, also an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) working in mental health [Medicare Provider], has over 37+ working years of experience in all tiers of Government, Private Enterprise and Non-for-Profit Sector.
Dr Cameron’s qualifications are extensive including Post Graduate & Undergraduate including:
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PhD Psychology – Leadership & Human Behaviour
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Master Counselling & Psychotherapy
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Master Business Administration
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Graduate Certificate Safety Science (OHS)
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Graduate Certificate Business & Environmental Management
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Bachelor of Social Work
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Diploma Dementia Care
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Certificate IV Training and Assessment
Dr Cameron provides not only general counselling and psychotherapy but also provides specialised care for couples/marriage counselling, people with childhood and other trauma-related issues, including PTSD and Complex PTSD, and also provides support for victims of crime and worker's compensation.
Approved & Accredited Counsellor for:
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SIRA/iCare Workers Compensation & CTP Insurance
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NSW Victims of Crime
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Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Registered with:
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Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (MHPAA)
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Australian Association for Social Workers (AASW)
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Community Workers Association (CWA – formerly Australian Community Workers Association)
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Australian Counselling Association
Practice located in Gymea, NSW, for Face to Face, Telehealth, and Online.
Dr. Gaye Cameron
Advisory Committee Member
Vicki Johnston
Vicki Johnston is a Domestic Violence (DV) specialist, trainer, trauma therapist and clinical supervisor.
With over 20 years experience working in and running local DV services in south east Sydney, she is a passionate DV advocate and primary prevention campaigner.
Vicki is currently the Coordinator of Jacaranda Women’s Hub, contracting with the Education Centre Against Violence and runs her business, Leopard Consulting.
Vicki Johnston
Advisory Committee Member
Irene Gallagher
Advisory Committee Member
Irene Gallagher
Irene Gallagher is a lived experience executive, psychotherapist, and human rights advocate with more than 20 years experience driving reform in mental health and suicide prevention across Australia. She has held senior leadership roles in government, not-for-profit, and community sectors, including CEO of BEING – Mental Health Consumers, where she established pioneering initiatives such as the BEING Supported Warmline and the BEING Leadership Academy.
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Currently, Irene is CEO of Moving Forward Domestic Violence Services, Co-Chair of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Special Officials Group Lived Experience Advisory Group, and a Higher Education Trainer and Assessor with TAFE NSW. Alongside her leadership roles, she operates a private practice as a trauma therapist, providing psychotherapy, counselling, and supervision with specialised training in trauma and somatic therapy, informed by her lived and living experience.
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Irene has worked extensively with Ministers, Commissions, and peak bodies to influence legislation, co-design policy, and embed lived experience leadership into practice. With a career spanning service delivery, advocacy, and systemic reform, she continues to champion inclusion, equity, and rights based approaches, ensuring lived experience remains central to shaping Australia’s mental health future.
Lyndall Briggs
Lyndall Briggs is a highly experienced therapist with over 25 years of clinical practice in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy at her Kingsgrove, NSW clinic. For more than a decade, she has also facilitated professional supervision training for counsellors and practitioners across a range of therapeutic modalities.
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As the long-standing President of the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists, Lyndall is deeply committed to advancing professional standards and supporting the ongoing development of practitioners in the field.
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Her passion for making therapeutic tools accessible to all led to the creation of Mental Massages—a distinctive collection of more than 50 guided audio sessions designed to calm the mind, reset the nervous system, and enhance everyday wellbeing. This innovative work has since expanded into immersive Virtual Reality experiences, further bridging the gap between therapy and technology.
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