Meet Our Team

MBBS (Hons) RACGP

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.

MBBS, BSc (Med), FRANZCP, MIPH, MPsychiatry, Cert. Cons-Liaison Psych.

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.

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.

MBBS, MD, FRANZCP

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.

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.

BBusSC(Hons), CA(SAI), GAICD, LCF

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 earlier this year 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.

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.

FRANZCP

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.

BPSYCH (UK) and MCOUNS (Australia)

Alyssa brings over a decade of experience in the private hospital sector to South Pacific Private. A registered counsellor with PACFA, Alyssa joined the South Pacific team in 2016 as the Program Director. Alyssa is committed to delivering a rigorous, industry-leading program driven by our commitment to long-term, sustained recovery and ensuring we maintain our leading-edge status through ongoing program development.

MB ChB (UK), FRANZCP, MMed

Dr Lau is a fellow of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, with Advanced Masters in Medicine Psychiatry. Dr Lau’s interest includes addiction psychiatry, neurostimulation treatment modalities and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Dr Lau is also NSW Staff Specialist in Hornsby Adult Mental Health Unit with experience in severe mental illness, and promoting transcultural mental health. His fellowship scholarly project was on vaccine preventable illness and primary health equity amongst people with severe mental illness.

MBBS BMed Sci FRANZCP FAChAM

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.

B Med (Newcastle) MPH (Hons) FRANZCP

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.

MBBS (Uni NSW) FRANZCP Cert Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (RANZCP)

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.

Amy is a Registered Nurse with a focus on continuous improvement. In her role as Quality and Systems Manager, Amy ensures that the highest standards of care are maintained throughout the organisation and assists in the continuous refinement of our program. Systematic and thorough, Amy applies her expertise in clinical and organisational risk management to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients and staff is always our top priority.

PhD MA MB BS BSc(Hons1) FRANZCP

Dr O’Sullivan graduated with first-class honours from Sydney University. He trained in Psychiatry at RPA Hospital, Sydney and upon completing his PhD studied at the Nobel Institute, Sweden before returning to RPA as an Assoc Prof & Senior Staff Specialist Psychiatrist. With over 30yrs experience as a Consultant Psychiatrist including 10yrs in private practice and subsequently served Indigenous communities across rural Australia. He maintains a broad interest in all aspects of Psychiatry, including mood & addiction disorders.

MBBS,FRANZCP, MRCPsych (UK)

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.

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.

Daughter of South Pacific 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 has returned as Director to work closely with the senior management team on communications, business strategy and her vision for inclusive, accessible, high-quality care.

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.