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our people

the team behind lifetec

LifeTec was established in 1981 in Brisbane in affiliation with the Independent Living Centre (ILC) to provide specialist, objective advice and evidence-based, practical information to help make people’s lives easier, safer, more functional and independent with the support of assistive technology. Ever since then our success has been based on our passionate team of staff who get a great deal of satisfaction from improving people’s lives.

Our team of professionals work closely together to ensure the best choices can be offered to those wishing to maximise their independence in their lives using assistive technology for augmentative and alternative communication, mobility, vehicle, home and workplace modification, plus many more.

Our team of health professionals include occupational therapists and speech pathologists. Supporting our front-line services is a dedicated team of management and service staff that ensure a high level of service and accessibility is always maintained.

LifeTec offers a positive working environment, encouraging a culture of continual professional development and the take-up of fresh new ideas and innovative technologies.

Executive Management Team

Lifetec headshots (10 of 11)

Craig Blackman

Chief Executive Officer

Lifetec headshots (6 of 11)

Charlie Manchadi

Chief Financial Officer

Management Team

Jenny Velkovic​

Finance & Administration Manager

Jacob
Shaw

Quality&
Compliance Manager

ADMINISTRATION

BRISBANE

LifeTec Headshots 2023 4

Banafsheh
Koklary

Finance
Officer

Braidan
Bones

Assistive Technology Officer

LT Headshots 2024 (1 of 3)

Ewan
Siller

CHSP Assisstive Technology Officer

Lindsay- assistive technology officer

Lindsay
Nott

Assistive Technology Officer

TOWNSVILLE

Katherine- assistive technology officer

Katherine
Shield

Assistive Technology Officer

Barb- assistive technology officer

Barb
McCulloch

Assistive Technology Officer

Chris- home maintenance officer

Chris
Beckett

Home Maintenance Officer

occupational therapists

Jennifer- occupational therapist

Jennifer
Poppe

Cilinical Lead&
Occupational Therapist

Christian
Berndt

Occupational Therapist

LifeTec Headshots - Arceili Niocena

Arceili
Niocena

Occupational Therapist

Duane Mattar (1 of 1)

Duane
Mattar

Occupational Therapist

Brooke Jorgensen

Occupational Therapist

Felicity
Nguyen

Occupational Therapist

Hannah- occupational therapist

Hannah
Smit

Occupational Therapist

Jasmin- occupational therapist

Jasmin
Murphy

Occupational Therapist

Matthew- occupational therapist

Matthew
Goyne

Occupational Therapist

Nicole
Brown

Occupational Therapist

Lifetec headshots (4 of 11)

Nicola
Chan

Occupational Therapist

TOWNSVILLE

LT Headshots 2024 (2 of 3)

Breannon
Oldfield

Occupational Therapist

Sakimah
Stook

Occupational Therapist

speech pathologists

Bryan- speech pathologist

Bryan
Mak

Speech
Pathologist

Lifetec headshots (2 of 11)

Kylee
Flett

speech
pathologist

Shine
Ng

Speech
Pathologist

Also in this section

LifeTec works with you to advise you where assistive technology may assist you in achieving your goals. 

View Our Full Range of Services Here

Learn more about what we do and our efforts in inspiring and enabling people to achieve their goals through assistive technology. 

About LifeTec Australia

Here at LifeTec, we have structured the consumer pathway to allow clients to be be in control and well-informed of the solutions that are available to them.

Discover the Imagine-Seek-Choose-Live Pathway Here

Interested in partnering with us? Learn more about how your consumers and team can benefit by collaborating and partnering with LifeTec.

Learn About the Benefits of Working With Us 

The LifeTec Reference Committee has been established to provide an opportunity for people with valuable lived experience to have a key role in promoting the successful use of AT for community, social and economic participation.

Learn More About the Consumer Reference Committee

Interested in a rewarding career in assistive technology? Jobs are available for passionate occupational therapists and speech pathologists to support consumers to live their potential. 

Look At Jobs

Craig Blackman

Chief Executive Officer

Craig has over 20 years experience working as a leader across the Disability Sector, he has worked passionately to ensure people with a disability have access to the empowering supports and services they need to live a full and meaningful life. He has held positions on the boards and committes of peak representative disability organisations and disability advocacy groups. Craig is committed to the effective utilisation of Assistive Technology across all groups in the Australian Community, understanding the significant impact appropriate and effective Assistive Technology can make to the lives of people with a disability and older Australians, their stakeholders and the broader community.

Charlie Manchadi

Chief Financial Officer

Charlie is a qualified Chartered Accountant (ANZ) with over 20 years’ commercial experience in finance and accounting.  He is a highly motivated and knowledgeable team player with skills providing leadership and support in relation to the effective design, delivery and evaluation of industry-leading talent, organisational development and Human Resources strategies, processes and procedures.

At LifeTec, Charlie is responsible for the finance, corporate governance and quality management system functions, and advises senior management and Board.  He developed LifeTec’s forecast, budget and oversees the management of cash flow.  His skills include financial 3-way modelling and finance strategic planning, as well as experience in implementation of financial systems, process and procedure and adherence with statutory and government regulatory requirements.  Charlie’s other areas of expertise include data analysis, interpretation of financial reports, writing tenders and business plans to complement the strategic direction of the company; development of staff along with training and development and long-term succession needs, along with Corporate Governance, company secretarial, commercial contracts and legal requirements.

Jenny Velkovic

Finance & Administration Manager

Jenny’s keen interest in business and finance led her to the role of Finance & Administration Manager. In her previous roles, she provided training and support to the Client Services Officers and continues to enjoy providing support to all staff, assisting them to problem solve and reach their goals. Jenny is often involved in project work at LifeTec offering her expertise in financial management, ensuring projects run to budget. Jenny’s studies started out in Psychology and she would like to look at postgraduate studies in Forensic Psychology. Whilst working at LifeTec Jenny has seen some amazing therapy and assistance dogs that assist people with disabilities in so many ways. So much so, that Jenny would one day love to see her Airedale Terrier accredited as a therapy dog.

Jacob Shaw

Quality & Compliance Manager

Jacob started with Lifetec in September 2023 after working for 10 years in the adult education sector. During this time Jacob was responsible for developing courses and assisting trainers in delivering training to some of the most disadvantaged community groups in Queensland, including refugees and disadvantaged youth. Jacob enjoys working with a team and sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences to foster productive working relationships and to achieve the best outcomes for the business and the consumers. In 2018 Jacob graduated with an Advanced Bachelor of Science from Griffith University on the Gold Coast with a major in Biology. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the bush, catching up with friends, or working in the garden. 

 

Banafsheh Koklary

Finance Officer

Bani Commenced at LifeTec on the 10th of January 2022 as a Finance Officer. Bani has always had a passion for accounting and bookkeeping and successfully completed her certificate 5 in Accounting and Bookkeeping in 2021 from TAFE Queensland. Bani enjoys the variety of tasks this job offers and enjoys being part of the LifeTec team. Having recently moved back to Australia, Bani enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going out for coffee and weekends at the beach. Bani has lived and worked in many different countries and looks forward to travelling in the near future.

 

Braidan Bones

Assistive Technology Officer

Braidan has been working in guest and customer services for over 10 years. After spending time with the Walt Disney Company in Florida working within the events and operations department, he moved to Brisbane and entered tertiary education administration. From here Braidan found an interest in juggling both customer service and admin. After meeting his partner who lives with a disability, Braidan gained an interest in assistive technology. LifeTec was the perfect fit!

  

Ewan Siller

CHSP Coordinator Brisbane

Ewan has an extensive background in customer service and administrative roles. Ewan has experience volunteering at Greenslopes Private Hospital in hospital admissions, Legacy Brisbane and Motor Neuron Disease QLD. Ewan is also the Justice of the Peace at our office, and he uses all this experience to deliver quality results to our clients at LifeTec. Ewan is currently studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University and volunteers with the Army Cadets during the week. In his spare time, Ewan likes to build wood projects and go out with his friends to the shops and restaurants.

 

Lindsay- assistive technology officer

Lindsay Nott

Assistive Technology Officer

Since commencing work at LifeTec in 2001, Lindsay has gained an extensive knowledge and brings a lived experience that assists in his reception work. Over the years, Lindsay has assisted in numerous workshops, student education sessions and trade displays in Brisbane. Lindsay enjoys sharing his unique knowledge with clients and staff. The best part is of his job is seeing a client receive the correct equipment, that will change their daily activities.

Katherine- assistive technology officer

Katherine Shield

Assistive Technology Officer

Katherine is an experienced Administration professional with a background in both the community and health care sectors. She has recently joined the staff on a full-time basis to provide ongoing admin support to our health professionals in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns. Katherine is passionate about helping people and is proud to be part of LifeTec’s dedicated allied health team.

Barb- assistive technology officer

Barb McCulloch

Assistive Technology Officer

Barb commenced work at LifeTec in 2013, bringing with her over 30 years administrative experience in the child welfare and health sectors. Initially employed as an Assistive Technology Officer at LifeTec, Barb spent several years working in reception and administration roles, specialising in the demonstration of Assistive Technology on display in Townsville. In 2019 Barb was recruited to her current role within LifeTec’s Commonwealth Home Support Program where she manages all the minor home modifications referrals and the administration of the home maintenance program. Barb finds great satisfaction in this role as she is able to help the elderly in our community to remain living in their own homes.

Chris- home maintenance officer

Chris Beckett

Home Maintenance Officer

Chris has been employed with LifeTec as a Home Maintenance Officer with the CHSP Team since 2018.  Since earning his trade he has worked extensively in the home maintenance sector, at one time owning his own small business specializing in fire safety systems.  In his position with LifeTec, Chris draws on his experience and skills to find practical solutions to allow people to remain independent in their homes.  From installing grab rails and fixing door locks to replacing smoke alarm batteries and fitting handheld showers, there is nothing that Chris can’t turn his hand to.  Chris’s dedication and passion for helping seniors and people living with disabilities drives him to be the best he can be and he enjoys being able to make a difference in people’s lives.

Jennifer- occupational therapist

Jennifer Poppe

Occupational Therapist

Jennifer trained as an occupational therapist at the University of Queensland and has been solving complex everyday problems with people who have a disability for over a decade. She loves a challenge and enjoys a wide variety of occupational therapy work, including wheelchairs and positioning, accessible vehicles, home control and automation, specialised access to technology, and aids for daily living. Jennifer has a special interest in supporting people to access computers for work, education and of course for fun! Her expertise has been acknowledged through invitations to present at professional events as well as many repeat referrals from happy clients.

Christian Berndt

Occupational Therapist

Christian graduated from The University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2022. He has experience working with a diverse range of people across NDIS, My Aged Care and DVA, and has recently undertaken further training to become a qualified Complex Home Modifications assessor. He is passionate about his work, and feels he holds a privileged position when helping people live safe, independent, meaningful, and fulfilling lives through the use of Assistive Technology. Outside of work, you will likely see Christian running half and full marathons, spending time with his family, catching up with friends, or working on the sideline at NRL games.

LifeTec Headshots - Arceili Niocena

Arceili Niocena

Occupational Therapist

Arceili graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2015 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. She has had 6 years of clinical experience in geriatric rehabilitation in Singapore, NDIS sector, residential and community aged care in Australia. Arceili joined LifeTec in 2021 after discovering her passion in the Assistive Technology sector. She enjoys working with people from all backgrounds and assisting them to achieve their goals. In her spare time, Arceili likes to crochet, garden, bake and travel.

Duane Mattar

Occupational Therapist

Duane graduated from University of Queensland in 2022 with Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons Class 1). Prior to this, he gained 5 years of experience in the aged care and community sector as an Allied Health Assistant. Duane has a passion for working with people of diverse backgrounds get the most of out their life through Assistive Technology. He holds keen interests in the areas of seating, positioning and wheelchairs. Outside of work, Duane enjoys spending time with his family, baking, training his dog, trying new food, gardening (bonsai) and travel.

Brooke Jorgensen

Occupational Therapist

Brooke graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) from the University of Queensland. Brooke has previous experience in Occupational Rehabilitation. She has undertaken a variety of caseloads whilst at LifeTec including NDIS participants, My Aged Care clients and individuals who require workplace modifications. She has a special interest in Complex Home Modifications and finding Assistive Technology solutions with her clients. Brooke has a passion to work with people of all abilities and to help then live a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Felicity Nguyen

Occupational Therapist

Felicity graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) from The University of Queensland in 2022. She has joined the LifeTec Team with a special interest in Assistive Technology, keen to support the people she works closely with to live a life of their choosing. She enjoys creating art, gaming and volunteering at various organizations in her leisure time to continue supporting people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds to participate in their community to the fullest.

Hannah- occupational therapist

Hannah Smit

Occupational Therapist

Hannah graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in New Zealand and then moved to the UK where she developed her love for supporting people of all ages and abilities, living in the community. This involved minor and major home modifications and simple and complex assistive technology. Since moving to Australia, and more recently joining the LifeTec Team, Hannah has really developed a passion for assisting older people to retain their independence, in their own homes, for as long as possible.

Jasmin- occupational therapist

Jasmin Murphy

Occupational Therapist

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2015, Jasmin has worked extensively with in Aged Care Sector. Jasmin has a strong passion for using her professional knowledge and skills to help the elder population achieve their goals and remain independent in their home and community. Since joining the Lifetec team in February 2020, Jasmin has witnessed the positive impacts that correctly prescribed assistive technology solutions can have on individual’s quality of life and is thoroughly looking forward to expanding her knowledge of assistive technology.

Matthew- occupational therapist

Matthew Goyne

Occupational Therapist

Graduating in 2010 from the University of Queensland with a Masters of Occupational Therapy Studies, Matthew has spent 10 years in assstive technology prescription at LifeTec assisting clients achieve their goals including both through the NDIS scheme and currently through the Short Term Restorative Care program. Through this program, Matthew assists older Australians to participate more safely and independently at home and in the community through collaborative equipment prescription. Matthew has a particular interest in finding assitive technology solutions for clients with vision loss and memory loss.

Nicole Brown

Occupational Therapist

 

Nicole graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) from the University of Queensland. During her final year of studying, Nicole had taken an interest in the Aged Care and has since worked in the age care sector. She values the friendships and connections she has built with her consumers and hopes to build more during her work with LifeTec. Nicole is looking forward to expanding her knowledge of assistive technology to assist people of all ages and disability types to be engaged and empowered in their life!

Nicola Chan

Occupational Therapist

Nicola graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) from the University of Queensland. She has clinical experience working with clients of all ages with physical and/or neuro-developmental conditions in various settings, including the NDIS, residential and community aged care and veteran community. She is passionate about improving her client’s independence and participation through assistive technology and complex home modifications. She is excited to support her clients’ therapy journey at LifeTec.

 

  

Breannon Oldfield

Occupational Therapist

Breannon earned a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) from James Cook University in 2023. Prior to joining LifeTec, she gained experience in the private sector of the NDIS before shifting her focus to the Aged Care sector, specifically in home modifications and assistive technology. Breannon is dedicated to expanding her expertise in both the NDIS and Aged Care sectors, with a focus on home modifications and assistive technology. She has a passion for working with older Australians to help them stay safely in their homes for as long as possible.  

Sakimah Stook

Occupational Therapist

Sakimah is a dedicated occupational therapist, proud to have graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2023.

 

Currently a part of LifeTec, Sakimah brings a special interest in home modifications and assistive technology to the team. She leverages these interests to enhance the quality of life for her clients. Sakimah has a passion for working in the Aged Care and disability sectors. Her background is enriched by valuable experience in the mental health and disability sectors, gained from her previous work as a disability support worker. Additionally, Sakimah has previous experience in community occupational therapy practice, conducting home assessments, and providing tailored recommendations to support independence and functionality at home.

 

Outside of her professional life, Sakimah is a devoted dog mom to her shar-pei. She enjoys reading horror and thriller novels and attending live music events, with a particular love for electronic music.

Bryan- speech pathologist

Bryan Mak

Speech Pathologist

Since graduating as a Speech Pathologist in 2015, Bryan has been supporting the members of multiple rural communities in NSW. As a enthusiastic advocate for people’s right to communicate despite any barriers from their disabilities or geographical isolation, he developed an interests in area of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Bryan moved to Brisbane in March 2020. While half of the city may be shutting down, he brought along his growing passion in various AAC strategies and ten pounds of “resilience” to LifeTec. So he could continue supporting his clients to communicate whatever, whenever and with whoever they want.

Lifetec headshots (2 of 11)

Kylee Flett

Speech Pathologist

Kylee is a Speech Pathologist who graduated from the University of Queensland in 2000.  Since then, Kylee has combined her career with her love of travelling and had the privilege of working in rural Victoria, England, Scotland, Hobart and Sydney prior to returning to Brisbane.  Kylee loves giving people a voice and is a firm advocate of communication being a basic human right.  She has worked in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, childcare centres and private practice and loves meeting people from all walks of life.  When not at work, Kylee will be outdoors with her husband and three young boys camping, hiking or swimming at the beach; or reading a book.   

Shine Ng

Speech Pathologist

Shine is a Speech Pathologist who graduated from the University of Sydney in 2021. She has always had an interest in supporting people with complex communication needs, as she believes that everyone has the right to communicate whatever they want, whenever they need. Shine has developed specialized skills and knowledge in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to assist people of all ages and disability types to participate through all activities of daily living and live a more independent life.

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