Conference Speakers
SIAN PRITCHARD, FACNP, FACMHN | APMHA HEALTHCARE
Born in Wales Sian completed her Registered Nurse training and then emigrated to Australia in 1989. She worked as a general nurse for 18 years, much of it in ED, before moving into the area of mental health and addiction. Sian is a multi award winning Nurse Practitioner, CMHN and Dip AOD with 41 years of experience across the healthcare sector. After qualifying as a NP Sian moved into private practice, setting up Geelong's first Nurse Practitioner-led clinic. Her company Pritchard Health collaborated with others across the region to provide accessible affordable mental health and addiction services. In developing Pritchard Health, Sian was able to offer opportunities to other mental health nurses to move into private practice settings and empowered others to undertake NP training, offering mentorship and clinical experience working alongside her. In July 2023 Sian joined the team at APMHA Healthcare as a General Manager and continues to provide NP services alongside a team of social workers and mental health nurses. As a strong advocate Sian has influenced changes to Government policy and services to improve access to affordable health care in Australia and how the nursing profession is viewed. Sian never forgets how lucky she is to live in Geelong, close to the ocean and the country and has a therapy dog Barnaby and is very excited to present at this year's Next Gen NP Conference believing the format that has been developed has been inspirational and incredibly supportive for those aspiring to grow their skill set.
MICHELLE PITCAITHLY | NURSE PRACTITIONER, MSRS/AOD | ACCESS HEALTH & COMMUNITY
Michelle is a Nurse Practitioner and Credentialed Mental Health Nurse in Victoria, with specialised expertise in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health, Hepatitis care, and Sexual Health. Her career includes extensive experience across emergency and primary care, mental health services, and forensic settings, giving her a broad and deeply informed clinical perspective. With a nursing career spanning 45 years and over 12 years practising as a Nurse Practitioner, Michelle is committed to delivering care grounded in respect, compassion, and genuine collaboration. Her holistic approach integrates comprehensive physical health assessment, psychological evaluation, and psychosocial support—empowering clients to work toward their personal goals and achieve meaningful treatment outcomes. Michelle is a strong advocate for individuals experiencing drug dependence, mental health challenges, and sexually transmitted infections, with a particular focus on Hepatitis C education, treatment, and elimination. She is also a supporter of evidence‑informed plant‑based medicines as part of a person‑centred and harm‑reduction approach to care.
MARK MCLEAN | NURSE PRACTITIONER, DRUG & ALCOHOL | SOUTH EASTERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT
Mark is an Endorsed Nurse Practitioner / accredited opioid treatment prescriber working for South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. An advocate for evidenced based drug policy reform, Mark has assisted long term Methadone maintenance patients to transfer to safer long acting Buprenorphine formulations.
LUCINDA SCOPELLITI | AOD NURSE PRACTITIONER
Lucinda Scopelliti has 27 years’ experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector, working across clinical, leadership and advanced practice roles. Her positions have included inpatient withdrawal nurse, Nurse Unit Manager of a withdrawal unit (including outpatient services), and Consultation Liaison Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC). Lucinda completed a Master of Nurse Practitioner and has since worked in custodial settings and public health. She now delivers AOD care through a private telehealth service supporting clients across Australia. Across her career, Lucinda has represented the AOD sector at local, state and federal levels, contributing to sector advocacy and system-level discussions to strengthen access and outcomes in AOD care.
YODITH TEKABE, MENTAL HEALTH & AOD NP
Yodith Tekabe is a Mental Health and Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Nurse Practitioner and Credentialled Mental Health Nurse with extensive experience across community clinics, forensic services, and private practice. She works with a wide range of mental health conditions and has specialised expertise in AOD and ADHD assessments. Yodith uses evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to provide compassionate, collaborative care. Currently practicing at the Hamilton Centre, Austin Hospital, she also contributes to education and training for mental health and AOD clinicians. Yodith is committed to community development and supporting culturally diverse populations while mentoring and encouraging the next generation of Nurse Practitioners in Australia
ANTHONY SOKOLOWSKI | DIRECTOR | AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Anthony has been a Nurse Practitioner for fifteen years and has twenty-four years of experience within NSW Health, primarily in critical care. Since 2020, he has served as a Director of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP). In this role, he advocates for Nurse Practitioners across Australia, supporting them in practicing to their full scope and overcoming barriers within the healthcare system through negotiation and promotion. He is committed to improving the health system by advocating for equitable access to services for patients and their caregivers. Anthony has also developed and supported a national network for Nurse Practitioners, candidates, and students. Within the Hunter New England Local Health District, Anthony holds two positions. He has worked clinically as a Nurse Practitioner in the Belmont Emergency Department for fifteen years and has been the Nurse Practitioner Development Facilitator for the Nursing and Midwifery Directorate at HNELHD for eleven years. These roles have allowed him to lead projects at both local and district levels, influencing policy development by conducting research on Nurse Practitioner models of care and roles. Additionally, Anthony is the lead for the Professional Performance Framework
NOMUSA NAPIER DIRECTOR | MENTAL HEALTH & AOD NURSE PRACTITIONER | TRINITY COMMUNITY SERVICES
Nomusa Napier is the 2025 Colleen Blum Excellence in Nursing Award–winning Nurse Practitioner and the 2025 Afro-Aussie Trailblazer Award winner in Victoria, with extensive experience in mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), primary care, and correctional health. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Sciences (specialising in AOD), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, and completed her Master of Nurse Practitioner in 2021. Nomusa has received national recognition from Drug and Alcohol Nurses Australasia (DANA) for her contributions to the AOD sector, as well as awards for her community development work supporting women from the African diaspora in Australia. In 2025, she returned to Zimbabwe to receive the Global Achiever Award at the ZAA Diaspora Forum. She has worked across a range of healthcare settings in Victoria, including rural community health, correctional health, and residential AOD detox services. Nomusa is the Founder and Director of Trinity Community Services, an accredited NDIS service provider, which in 2023 expanded to offer ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments and clinical reviews. She also serves as Head of We Care Beyond at The New Clinic, supporting the delivery of integrated, holistic care and alternative therapies. A proud single mother of three adult sons, Nomusa is passionate about empowering women and advancing holistic, comprehensive mental health care, including thorough assessments, diagnostic evaluation, and complex or dual-diagnosis treatment planning.
TANYA LOVETT | ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS TRANSITIONAL NURSE PRACTITIONER
Tanya Lovett is an enthusiastic Nurse Practitioner specialising in chronic pain management and alcohol and other drug (AOD) care within the Northern NSW Local Health District. She holds a Master of Nurse Practitioner from the University of Queensland and a Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) from the University of Sydney, supported by a strong academic and clinical foundation in advanced nursing practice.
Tanya served for 10 years in the Royal Australian Navy and has over 14 years of experience in perioperative nursing, bringing a depth of clinical expertise, discipline, and leadership to her practice. She now provides autonomous, evidence-based care for individuals with complex health needs, including chronic pain and substance use disorders. Her clinical expertise spans comprehensive assessment, advanced pharmacological management—including opioid agonist treatment—and delivery of trauma-informed, person-centred care. She is particularly committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable and marginalised populations through harm minimisation and recovery-oriented approaches.
ALAN GROCHULSKI | AUTHORISED NURSE PRACTITIONER
Alan is an authorised Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) for 25 years and transitioning into a NP private bulk billing practice for mental health and drug and alcohol clients and prescribing OPT medications. Alan has previously held senior clinical positions across a range of services including FACS/DOCS as a senior clinical consultant for mental health, drug and alcohol, domestic violence and child sexual assault. Transcultural Mental Health Centre as CNC 3, Bilingual/Cross cultural senior clinical consultant for mental health, addiction and gambling. Mental Health CNC 3 at Royal North Shore Hospital Emergency Department for child, adolescent, adult, aged, developmental disability and dual diagnosis ED presentations. Alan is currently employed as DA Comorbidity CNC for complex community mental health clients with severe addiction. Alan also provides education, mentoring and a multi-disciplinary Cross cultural mental health, drug and alcohol and gambling clinical supervision group funded by the NSW Transcultural Mental Health Centre and individual clinical supervision with NP students. Alan’s areas of interest include Men’s mental health, fathering, physical health, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), and trauma.
CHRIS HELMS | Strategic Policy Advisor for the ACNP
Chris Helms is a Nurse Practitioner and health system leader with extensive experience across urgent care, primary care, and national health policy. He is a Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner and has specialised interests in cardiovascular health, sexual health and wellness, and the treatment of blood borne viruses. Chris has led multidisciplinary clinical teams in both civilian and Australian Defence Force settings, and has a strong track record managing complex, chronic conditions alongside mental health care. He has held senior leadership roles, including acting as the Interim CEO of the ACNP and contributing nationally as an advisor to the MBS Review Advisory Committee and Services Australia’s Professional Services Review. A Life Member of the ACNP, Chris is an active contributor to nursing scholarship, regulation, and workforce reform, with a focus on improving access to high-quality, culturally safe care.
RAQUEL HOW | NURSE PRACTITIONER, CO-FOUNDER, RND HEALTH
Raquel How is an experienced Nurse Practitioner with 26 years in nursing, including a decade as a Nurse Practitioner. As the co-founder of RnD Health, she is dedicated to improving access to opioid replacement therapy and addiction treatment across Queensland. Passionate about helping marginalised populations and bridging the healthcare gap, Raquel is committed to ensuring fast, accessible, and compassionate care for those who need it most. With over 15 years of experience in custodial nursing, Raquel has a deep understanding of the unique healthcare challenges faced by previously incarcerated individuals and other that are often left behind by the current health care system. Beyond her professional work, Raquel is an avid collector of Dr. Martens boots, reflecting her unique style and personality. With strong partnerships across AOD services, GPs, pharmacies, correctional centres, and parole offices, Raquel continues to drive innovation in telehealth, breaking down barriers to care and advocating for equitable health services for all.
DONNA SEARLES | NURSE PRACTITIONER, SPECIALISATION OPIOID TREATMENT
Donna Searles is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a specialisation in opioid treatment, a field she has passionately engaged in as a nurse practitioner since 2020. Her journey in healthcare has been driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of her patients, particularly those who are vulnerable and facing significant health challenges.
As the co-founder of RnDHealth, she have had the privilege of collaborating with business partner Raquel to establish an NP led bulk-billed telehealth service designed specifically to empower vulnerable patients throughout Queensland. RnDHealth strive to create an accessible and supportive environment where patients can actively participate in their own treatment journeys. Their approach emphasises compassion, respect, and understanding, ensuring that every individual feels valued and heard, regardless of their circumstances.
Before stepping into the role of Nurse Practitioner, Donna gained extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, including those who are incarcerated. This experience has profoundly shaped her perspective and reinforced her dedication to advocating for individuals who often find themselves marginalised within the healthcare system. Donna understands the complexities and barriers these patients face, and is committed to providing them with the comprehensive care they deserve.
TONI SLOTNES‑O’BRIEN | SENIOR LECTURER UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE, ENDORSED NURSE PRACTITIONER
Toni Slotnes‑O’Brien is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide and an endorsed Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in advanced nursing practice, education, leadership, and advocacy. Toni completed her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of South Australia in 1993, followed by a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Management in 2008 and a Master of Nurse Practitioner in 2012. Toni is deeply passionate about the Nurse Practitioner role and the advancement of advanced practice nursing both nationally and internationally. She served for five years as the South Australian State Chapter Lead for the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners and Co‑Chair of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Advanced Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner Education Subgroup. She is also a committee member of the ANMAC Nurse Practitioner Accreditation Council and the Australian Nurse Practitioner Academic Collaborative. Toni provides a specialist Nurse Practitioner–led clinic at the University of Adelaide City West Health Clinic, delivering inclusive healthcare for transgender and gender diverse individuals. This service has received significant recognition, including being a Finalist for the 2023 ACN Trailblazer Award, Winner of the 2024 Primary Health Network Equity Awards, Finalist for Excellence in Practice (Registered Nurse) at the 2023 South Australian Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards, and Finalist for the 2024 Outstanding Leadership Awards (Community Leader). In recognition of her clinical practice, and contribution to the profession, Toni was awarded Nurse Practitioner of the Year in 2025.
CHLOE MCGIBBON (NEE WALKER) | ADDICTION NURSE PRACTITIONER
Chloe is an Addiction Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of STEEP Clinic, an Aboriginal-owned, NP-led service. She leads the development of STEEP Clinic’s innovative prison release and diversion program, designed to bridge the gap between custody and community care. Her work focuses on improving care for justice-involved populations and developing scalable models that reduce overdose, relapse, and re-incarceration.
Dr Darren Roberts
Dr Darren Roberts is based in Sydney where he is the Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, a clinical toxicologist and pharmacologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and Conjoint Associate Professor at University of New South Wales
Anne-Maree Cheffins
I have been a Nurse for 45years and a NP for 15yrs.I have a varied Nursing career and have worked in ICU/Cardiothoracic ICU, Emergency, Aged Care and Primary Health focusing on Chronic disease and Rural Emergencies. I have spent most of my NP years covering 4 Multipurpose sites which included community health, home visits, GP clinics, Specialist clinics, Residential Aged care and acute care and covered a 2-3 bed Emergency department without a Dr. During Covid I was seconded to provide a new in-house medical care to 12 large Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). During this time, we were the primary emergency response service to the RACFS providing all care to avoid a hospital admission. After covid, the service was discontinued and I now work at Lismore Base Hospital in the Emergency Department. I am loving the change and learning new skills. One thing I have learnt over the years is that Nursing is a career that is forever changing and you can choose your own nursing journey. As Nurse practitioners we have both medical and nursing skills to be able to provide holistic complete autonomous care. This ability in itself gives a sense of fulfilment.
Lisa Dick Nurse Practitioner
Lisa was endorsed as a Nurse Practitioner in 2016 after completing her Masters of Nurse Practitioner at The University of Melbourne. She also has a Graduate Diploma (1998) in Community Health and Continence Promotion (1996). As a Clinical Nurse Consultant, she specialised in aged care, community health, urological conditions, continence and chronic disease management. In 2021 Lisa commenced specialising in alternative health solutions for chronic illnesses. Lisa is a board member of the Australian New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP) and an active member on additional health bodies advocating for Medicinal Cannabis and the Nurse Practitioner role.
In 2024 Lisa received the highly prestigious Cannabiz award in her Industry as “Highly Commended Prescribing Healthcare Practitioner of the Year” and in 2025 the Clinic where she practices (Leura Wellness) won “Clinic of the Year”. In 2024 Lisa also proudly received the Australian College of Nurse Practitioner Award for Excellence in Clinical Leadership. Lisa enjoys every opportunity to attend and participate in educational events and presents at Cannabinoid and ACNP Conferences to her colleagues.
Dr Hester Wilson, GP & addiction medicine specialist.
Dr Hester Wilson is a GP and addiction medicine specialist. She is the Chief Addiction Specialist for NSW, Clinical Director for Murrumbidgee Local Health District Alcohol and Other Drug Service and Clinical Advisor to Population and Community Health in South East Sydney Local Health District. A clinician of many years, she is interested in supporting access and quality person-centred care for people experiencing harms from alcohol and other drug use. She is committed to supporting AOD nurses and nurse practitioners in their diverse and key roles in the AOD sector. She has just completed a PhD focused on GPs’ experience of patients with chronic pain and prescription opioid dependence through UNSW.
Amanda Butt, Nurse Practitioner
Amanda is an award-winning mental health leader with over 15 years’ experience across clinical care, leadership, education, advocacy, digital health, and entrepreneurship. She is an endorsed Nurse Practitioner, Credentialed Mental Health Nurse, Certified Health Informatician, and the Founder and CEO of NPathy, Australia’s first virtual, nurse-led mental health clinic. Amanda has contributed to health reform through leadership as past Vice and Acting President of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, academia as Adjunct Fellow at Western Sydney University, and as a federally appointed advisor to the Australian Digital Health Agency.
Sonia Doyle, Clinical Nurse Educator
Sonia Doyle is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience across alcohol and other drugs (AOD), oncology, and general medical nursing. She is an AOD Clinical Nurse Educator at the Riverlands Inpatient Withdrawal Unit, leading training and mentoring in withdrawal management. Sonia also undertakes consultation liaison and nursing unit manager responsibilities. With postgraduate qualifications in addiction studies, she is committed to advancing clinical excellence, reducing stigma, and equipping nurses to deliver compassionate, evidence-based, and recovery-oriented care.
Professor Apo Demirkol
Public Health Medicine and Addiction Medicine Specialist
Professor Apo Demirkol MD, MSc, MMed (PainMgt), PhD, FAFPHM, FAChAM, AFRACMA is the Acting Director of Population and Community Health at SESLHD. He is a Public Health Medicine and Addiction Medicine Specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience, with expertise at the intersection of addiction, pain management and public health. He is a hearing member of the NSW Medical Council.
Dr Jeremy So
Dr Jeremy So is a UQ Graduate, and a GP specialising in treating metabolic syndrome, complex type 2 diabetes, mental health and obesity. He is the founder and director of the Simply Balanced Weight Management clinic and the Clear Focus Adult ADHD clinic, operating out of Morayfield Qld. Dr. Jeremy believes in a comprehensive, holistic, and patient tailored approach to health care.
Nick Terrone
Nick is a Sydney-based Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Certified HeartMath Coach with over 20 years of experience helping individuals overcome addiction, anxiety, trauma, and deeply ingrained behavioural patterns. He is the founder of QuitWithNick, where he has developed the reputation of being Sydney’s leading quit smoking and vaping expert.
Nick’s work sits at the intersection of evidence-based psychology, nervous system regulation, and subconscious change. In recent years, he has expanded his clinical focus to include emerging psychedelic-assisted therapeutic frameworks, reflecting the growing body of research supporting substances such as Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine in carefully controlled therapeutic settings. His approach emphasises thorough client preparation, safety, and structured integration—key factors in translating powerful therapeutic experiences into meaningful, lasting change.
Known for bridging practical clinical strategies with deeper transformative work, Nick brings a grounded, real-world perspective to the evolving role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in addiction treatment. He is also a speaker, author, and facilitator, committed to advancing safe, ethical, and effective approaches to behavioural and psychological change.
Curtis Smyth, Pharmacist
Curtis Smyth is a community Pharmacist having been fully registered in 2022. He has been working in community pharmacy since 2014 and throughout his bachelor’s degree at the University of Sydney, where he graduated in 2021. With specialist knowledge of medicinal cannabis, he was the manager of the medicinal cannabis department at Pittwater Pharmacy from late 2020 up until early 2024. Curtis now works as a locum at community pharmacies across the Northern Beaches of Sydney. His approach to health is a balance of holistic and empirical, and this spills over into his practice of living a healthily diverse lifestyle. He has a real passion for holistic health, vitamins for body/health optimisation, and the relevance medicinal cannabis in the spectre of health.
Dr Chris Holmwood
Chris is an Addiction Medicine Specialist from Adelaide. Previously one of the Directors at Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia with responsibility for workforce development, partnerships with general practice and tertiary hospitals. His main professional interest is enhancing the way non specialist services respond to people with alcohol and drug related problems.
Next Gen Nurse Practitioners gratefully acknowledges the support of our 2026 Conference Sponsors.
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