Team
Michael Claessens – Chief Executive Officer
Michael Claessens was previously CEO of Regional Development Australia (ACT). As a long-time ACT resident, he has more than 20 years experience in industry and investment, with periods in the NFP sector and Federal Government.
His commitment to the disability sector stems from personal experience. His youngest son Sebastian has Cerebral Palsy and acquired brain injury. Michael and his wife Stephanie know the value of securing as independent a lifestyle as possible for people like Seb in support of their dignity and self confidence. Project Independence perfectly aligns with these values.
Michael has broad experience in stakeholder engagement and is particularly skilled in finding practical market-based solutions. He has successfully maximised investment outcomes for industry, the not for profit sector and government in organisations as diverse as RDAs, Skills Councils, Invest Australia, AusAID and the Australian Airports Association.
As the originator of award winning national projects, he believes that social responsibility and inclusion should go hand in hand with business success.
Steven Giorgioni – Operations Manager
Steve Giorgioni, our Operations Manager at PI, brings thirty years’ experience in the Disability Sector to the role.
He has been a team leader in group homes, worked in respite accommodation, and supported people with disability in the workplace.
Steve’s current role involves providing strategic guidance to the Live-In Resident Coordinators, supporting PI residents to meet their goals of independence and he serves as the primary contact for family/carers.
He is also responsible for operational aspects such as repairs, maintenance, security and coordinating fire drills. Steve finds his work fulfilling because he gets to collaborate with amazing individuals.
Mayuri Bhattacharya – Fundraising Manager
Mayuri Bhattacharya is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in business strategy, marketing, multi-site luxury retail management and leadership. With a proven track record in driving growth and innovation, she excels in developing and executing strategic initiatives that enhance organizational performance.
Her expertise spans various industries, including technology, finance, consulting, and luxury retail, where she has consistently delivered outstanding results. Mayuri holds an MBA degree specialising in Marketing, Operations & Corporate Social Responsibility from the prestigious Macquarie Graduate School of Management in Sydney where she was the founder & president of the MGSM Entrepreneurship Club and won the Dean’s award.
She is passionate about empowering teams and fostering a collaborative work environment, making her an asset to any organisation.
Carrie Wood – Marketing and Social Media
Carrie is an experienced digital marketing and communications specialist with over a decade in business management. Known for her proactive leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for enhancing brand visibility and optimizing online presence, Carrie thrives in fast-paced environments. She consistently drives strategic initiatives that foster collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Throughout her career, Carrie has had the privilege of working in diverse locations, both domestically and internationally, across various sectors. This exposure has shaped her unique perspective, enabling her to innovate with fresh ideas and adopt a collaborative approach to her work.
With a solid foundation in media and communications and a global outlook, Carrie is committed to delivering excellence and measurable outcomes.
Di Brookes – Office Manager
Di has over 20 years’ finance and administration experience in both the public and private sectors.
In 2018 she became the ACT finalist Barnardos Australia Mother of the Year. She received this award for her inspiring resilience and determination throughout her health issues, when she was able to regain her independence after she survived not one, but two debilitating strokes in 2007 which left her paralysed on her left side. Not letting a disability hold her back, Di developed a strong passion for helping others, demonstrated with continued dedication to her many volunteering roles:
- dedicated Camp Quality volunteer since 2011
- a regular St Vincent De Paul Night Patrol Program volunteer since 2014, performing the role of Team Leader since 2017
- weekly Orange Sky Laundry volunteer shifts since 2016 performing the role of Team Leader since 2019, and (last but certainly not least)
- a Ronald MacDonald House volunteer since 2019.
Di says that her greatest achievement to date has been as a single mother raising three beautiful daughters and watching them become wonderful adults.
Live in Resident Coordinators
Our LIRC’s use a person-centered approach to provide day to day support to residents in an active and empowering manner which encourages development of independent living skills while ensuring a healthy, safe and harmonious living environment.
Shari McKenna
Shari is the Live-In Resident Coordinator at PIs newest property in Phillip. With a background in disability support work, Shari takes great pride in helping residents settle into their PI homes and embark on their path to independence.
In addition to managing specific household tasks, Shari sees her role as to support and empower Phillip residents. She understands how important it is to make positive choices and encourages residents to reach for a fulfilling, independent future.
Shari views it a true privilege to accompany the residents every step of the way on their journey to independence.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0459 578 728
Vicki Morris
The Live-In Resident Coordinator for Latham, Vickie Morris, has a strong background in the community sector and has the distinction of being PIs longest-serving LIRC. Vickie is committed to building genuine connections with the residents and assisting them in their daily challenges.
At Latham, Vickie undertakes household tasks such as shopping and cooking, and encourages residents to participate in these activities as much as possible.
Additionally, she provides support to residents to problem-solve and grow their skills of independence. Vickie finds her work very rewarding due to the engagement she has with such wonderful people.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0407 156 758
LIRC at Harrison
The LIRC at Harrison has years of experience working with vulnerable people. She is client focused and gets to know each resident’s needs and concerns. She focusses on their strengths and builds on their weaknesses. She also encourages an inclusive environment where residents accept others weaknesses as part of who they are.
Other staff
- Monique Meacham – Chief Financial Officer
- Carole Fullalove – Financial Advisor
- Christian Tozzi – Maintenance Supervisor
