Our Team
Meet Our Caring Team
At Care Nation, we take pride in our dedicated team of professionals who share a passion for supporting individuals with disabilities. Our caring and compassionate staff are committed to creating a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. We understand that each person’s needs are unique, and our team works closely with families to ensure personalised care that promotes independence and enhances quality of life. Together, let's create a supportive community where everyone feels valued and empowered.
CARMEL BRENNAN
CEO / GENERAL MANAGER
I have 34 years of clinical and managerial experience in the health, disability, and aged care sectors across the UK and Australia. This experience is diverse with the inclusion of various clinical roles in rural and remote Queensland and managing large departments of social work services at The Royal London Hospital (UK). I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Queensland and have a keen interest in dementia, mental health, intellectual impairment, and brain injuries.
I've had the fortune of living in the Wynnum Manly area for the past 16 years, raising four wonderful children and building a vibrant social and business network. I am deeply passionate about social justice and am dedicated to improving the lives of those less fortunate, using my knowledge of aged care and NDIS systems to truly make a difference for Care Nation clients and the people around me. I value a healthy lifestyle, and try to run most mornings, I also enjoy Yin Yoga and meditation to unwind in the evenings.
I would like to consider myself as having a friendly and approachable manner which I believe is the key ingredients to building trust and confidence within the team of extraordinary Care Nation staff which in turn helps to build strong and brave clients that are ready to take on life’s challenges.
TANYA BONNEY
TEAM LEADER
I am a proud Torres Strait Islander with a deep commitment to my community and a love for helping others. For the past 18 years, I’ve been a dedicated volunteer with the Capalaba Warriors Rugby League Club, including serving as President for seven of those years. My passion for supporting others has extended into my career, where I’ve worked as a support worker for the past seven years, gaining invaluable experience supporting individuals with high needs, mental health challenges, and nonverbal communication.
Beyond my professional and volunteer roles, I am a mother to six wonderful children—five boys and one girl—and a proud grandmother to five delightful grandchildren, including two girls and three boys. My life is rich with family, community, and connection. I stay active and motivated by spending time outdoors, whether fishing at the beach or exploring the bush, and I enjoy unwinding with crafts or movies in my downtime.
I am deeply compassionate, easygoing, and driven by a desire to make a difference. My involvement in the local community and Rugby League has shaped my belief in the power of teamwork and perseverance. If I had to choose just one role, it would be the one I hold now, helping people live their best lives and encouraging them to embrace new experiences. It’s a privilege and a passion I carry with pride.
LEAH GOULD
TEAM LEADER
With a Certificate III in Health completed during high school and currently studying nursing, my journey in healthcare has been guided by a deep passion for supporting others. I bring two years of experience as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) within aged care, where I developed a particular interest in both aged care and mental health. I approach each client with a person-centered mindset, valuing their unique needs and desires because I believe that no two people are the same.
To me, it’s essential that my clients have the opportunity to engage in activities they love and that bring them joy, enhancing their quality of life. Outside of work, I find relaxation and joy in all things water-related, especially spending time at the beach with my two sheepadoodles. Our walks and beach outings keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of finding happiness in life’s simple pleasures.
CARYS TURPIN
TEAM LEADER
Our enthusiastic McCurley Street SIL Team Leader, who's always had a passion for Community Health Care. From a young age, she's been driven by a desire to care for others, a journey that began during her school years when she delved into Childcare. Since graduating in 2021, Carys has been dedicated to support individuals of all ages, from 3 to 80!
With her "give it a go" attitude, Carys brings fresh energy into our team, infusing each task with compassion and dedication. Dreaming of pursuing nursing, she embodies a spirit of continual growth and inspires her colleagues to strive for excellence.
Beyond her role, Carys enjoys exploring Brisbane with her two furry companions, making the most of life's simple pleasures.
MELISSA MARTIN
TEAM LEADER
Even though I have only been working in this industry for a short time, I am very passionate about caring for others. My husband and two daughters are my world, and we love supporting our local communities through volunteering. When we do have spare time I love exploring our beautiful bayside with my Cattle Dog and Art Therapy.
Over the last 10 years I have fulfilled a dream of being a qualified Florist and listening to customers’ stories, which I believe has provided me with the tools to stop and be present while listening to clients’ hopes and dreams and fulfill them to the best of my ability. As my floristry chapter came to a close, I just knew where I needed to be and had the pleasure of meeting Carmel and being welcomed into the team at Care Nation.
I have started studying Dementia in 2024, as this is a field I am very interested in. I believe our Aged Care clients have so many incredible experiences and stories to tell and share with future generations and I love being a part of their day. Each day is unique with our clients, which is what I love most about this role - bringinglaughter, jokes and compassion each day is awesome.
CATHY SMITH
TEAM LEADER
I was fortunate to be born and raised in the beautiful Wynnum Manly community, an area I continue to feel deeply connected to both personally and professionally. Growing up in such a supportive and community-focused environment has helped shape my compassionate and people-centred approach to care.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working across a variety of industries, including childcare, aged care, and disability services, both within Australia and internationally in Germany. These diverse experiences have provided me with a broad understanding of individual care needs across different stages of life, cultures, and support environments. They have also strengthened my ability to adapt my approach to ensure every person feels respected, understood, and supported in a way that is meaningful to them.
I have a strong passion for health, wellbeing, and holistic care. My personal interest in yoga and meditation has helped me develop patience, empathy, mindfulness, and calm communication skills, which I believe are invaluable when supporting people living with disabilities and other complex challenges. I understand that every individual has unique experiences, goals, and needs, and I pride myself on creating a safe, supportive, and positive environment where people feel empowered and valued.
I am also highly passionate about nutrition and wellness and have supported many clients experiencing food-related challenges by encouraging healthy habits, balanced lifestyles, and positive relationships with food. I strongly believe that overall wellbeing is closely connected to both physical and emotional health, and I enjoy helping people work towards improved confidence, independence, and quality of life.
Above all, I am committed to providing compassionate, respectful, and person-centred support while building genuine and trusting relationships with the people I work alongside and support every day.