Meet Our Team

Dr Beardmore is a General Practitioner with expertise in drug and alcohol disorders and mental health. She has extensive experience in drug and alcohol detox management and supporting clients in the early stages of recovery. Dr Beardmore has worked at South Pacific Private for 12 years. As Medical Superintendent, she oversees the medical management and clinical services at South Pacific Private ensuring a high standard of care.

Dr Cass-Verco is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, with an Advanced Training Certificate in Consultation-Liaison (general hospital) Psychiatry, a Master of Psychiatry and a Master of International Public Health. Dr Cass-Verco is the Coordinator of Psychiatry Training for the Northern Beaches. Interest areas include general adult psychiatry and Indigenous mental health.

Dr Laura Cotiga is a Consultant Psychiatrist and a Fellow of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry (RANZCP) with expertise in general adult psychiatry and a special interest in mood disorders and addiction medicine. Dr Cotiga's motivation comes from embracing new challenges each day and being able to make a difference.

Dr Lee is a qualified addiction psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist, who has worked across a broad spectrum of public and private settings in NSW, Victoria and United Kingdom. He has expertise in substance use disorders, behavioural addictions, PTSD, psychosis, anxiety and mood disorders. He has a keen interest in dual diagnosis treatment for his patients, focussing on both psychological therapies and optimising prescribed medicines.

Dr Lachter has more than 20 years of psychodynamic psychotherapy experience. The psychodynamic approach recognises how developmental trauma and deprivation can lead to addictions and other symptoms. A former journalist, Dr Lachter's novel, 'A Break in the Wall', is a satire of contemporary psychiatry set in prison.

Dr Lidbury has a special interest in addiction psychiatry. He has expertise in substance use disorders, behavioural addictions, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety and mood disorders. He's an advocate for comprehensive treatment for addiction and mental health issues, addressing not only the biological component, but the psychological and social drivers behind them. As such, he not only focuses on prescribing medication, but also administering a range of effective behavioural and psychological therapies.

Dr Ong comes to South Pacific with advanced academic qualifications in child and adolescent psychiatry from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and a deep understanding of developmental issues which shape adult behaviours. Dr Ong has a specialist interest in mindfulness-based ‘Eastern' approaches to treatment working alongside more ‘Western' psychiatric approaches, such as the role of neuroplasticity in recovery outcomes.

Dr Padhi is a Fellow of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry. He also holds a membership of Royal College of Psychiatry UK and has practised for over 10 years in the United Kingdom before coming to Australia. He is currently the Clinical Director in Western Sydney LHD and is an expert in general adult and youth mental health. He joins South Pacific with special expertise in addictions, psychodynamic psychotherapy and impulse control disorders.

Dr Ram Ganapathy is a Fellow of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry. He also holds a membership of Royal College of Psychiatry UK and practised for over 16 years in the UK before moving to Australia. He is currently the Clinical Director & Medical Superintendent in Western Sydney LHD. His areas of expertise include general adult mental health issues. He joins South Pacific with special expertise in Neuropsychiatry, Perinatal Psychiatry and focusses on holistic approaches in promoting recovery.

CEO of South Pacific Private, Fleur Wood is the daughter of founders Bill and Lorraine Wood. Fleur is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, creative, author, businesswoman and philanthropist. Formally serving on the board of South Pacific Private from 2003 – 2008, Fleur returned as Director to work closely with the senior management team on communications, business strategy and her vision for inclusive, accessible, high-quality care.

As Chief Financial Officer, Jill is instrumental in ensuring the hospital delivers reliable, compassionate, high-quality care to clients through the management of the HR, payroll, finance and administrative functions of the hospital. She has been with the organisation for almost 20 years, bringing valuable institutional experience and knowledge to the role.

Daughter of South Pacific founder Lorraine Wood, Frances Hansen was appointed Director in 2017 as part of the hospital's succession plan. Formally a university lecturer, based in South Auckland, NZ, Frances' capacity for compassion, connection and understanding is a driving force for South Pacific's vision and culture. A member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Frances is actively engaged across all aspects of the business including facilitating the art therapy program.

Lynne brings decades of hospital management experience to South Pacific Private. She describes her experiences with mental health as the highlights of her career and returned to South Pacific Private in 2020 after nearly 10 years with St Vincent's Hospital. A dedicated advocate for mental health, Lynne also sits on the board of Stride, a leading mental health support charity.

Diane is a Psychotherapist and Holistic Counsellor who runs South Pacific Private's Changes Program, a deep experiential therapy program designed to identify and resolve lingering childhood trauma. She is a trained Trauma-informed therapist with over 40 years' experience with 12-step programs. She is also a Systemic and Family Constellation practitioner and has undertaken extra training and professional development in EMDR, Gestalt, and Process Work.

Andrea is a psychotherapist specialising in the treatment of trauma. She previously worked as a family therapist at South Pacific Private, and after further study and deepening her knowledge returned as the Program Director. Her work is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing® and is informed by attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology. Andi is also an Associate Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sydney M.Sc.Med. (Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy) Program and working on her PhD. Her passion is integrating her academic knowledge with the deeply known wisdom of the body.

Nicola Christie brings a wealth of experience to South Pacific Private. Nicky first started as a Registered Nurse and progressed to Nurse Unit Manager before moving to the Director of Nursing role in 2021. Nicky has worked in many different capacities over the years in general hospital, community and mental health settings. Nicky has a passion for mental health and proudly supports the positive outcomes and holistic approach the program offers clients.

Leanne is a psychotherapist specialising in the treatment of developmental trauma. As Director, Inpatient and Day Programs at South Pacific Private, she is responsible for the mentoring, training and clinical management of the inpatient and day program therapy teams. Leanne is trained in Gestalt Therapy and Group Process, and previously facilitated South Pacific’s Family Program, Changes Program and Primary Programs. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of Pia Mellody’s Model of Developmental Trauma and the work of re-parenting to allow for a deeper connection and return to our authentic selves.

As Inpatient Program Manager, Amy seeks to deliver South Pacific Private's program with excellence and integrity. Amy brings with her 16 years of global banking experience, coupled with her passion and belief in each client's capacity for growth, awareness and change. Since joining South Pacific Private in 2019, Amy has displayed her versatility and ability in supporting clients in their recovery, having held various roles including Evening and Weekend Counsellor, Day Program Therapist and Primary Therapist. Amy holds a Grad.Dip. in Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology and is a registered counsellor with PACFA.

As Head of Maintenance, Zoran has been with South Pacific for over 12 years, overseeing the continuous development of our facilities. From the original 1930's sandstone building to today's fully refurbished, 54-bed, custom-designed facility, client comfort and safety have always been paramount. Zoran always goes the extra mile to ensure the building and landscaping are in prime condition.

A firm favourite with our clients, Ed's talents never fail to appear in our client feedback reports. Whether it's his South African heritage or his time overseas as a Restauranteur, Ed's food is both top-class and nutritious. Adhering to South Pacific's rigorous policies on healthy and mindful eating – and tailored client dietary needs – Ed's recipes are always vibrant, satisfying and delicious.