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.

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.

Susanna has 20 years’ nursing experience in both public and private settings, with a dedicated focus on addiction and mental health in acute care settings. In her role at South Pacific, she leads a talented and experienced team of 27 mental health nurses working as part of our integrated, multidisciplinary team to deliver compassionate, holistic care to all clients at South Pacific.

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.

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 has trained with the Nobel Institute of Neurophysiology and Human Brain Mapping in Sweden and served as co-joint Associate Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Sydney and Senior Staff Specialist Psychiatrist at the RPA. He then moved to the Australian outback to work with remote Indigenous communities. Dr O’Sullivan specialises in mood disorders, post-natal depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, C-PTSD, personality issues, schizophrenia and drug and alcohol dependence.

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.