Our Board
Leading the Future of Vocational Mental Health Care in Australia
We’re proud to introduce the inaugural Board 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 Board 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.
Meet the Inaugural Board of VMHPAA
Our Team
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
Martin Taylor - General Council and Public Officer
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 General 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.
Martin Taylor
General Council & Public Officer
Sue Sandy - 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.
Sue Sandy
Secretary