Our people

Clinical Psychologist, PhD (Clinical Psychology), Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons)

Dr Lee Cubis is a Senior Research Fellow at the Summer Foundation and joined the Research Unit in early 2020.

He leads projects that examine various aspects of the support needs of people with disability. This includes understanding what makes a good support coordinator, evaluation of the barriers and facilitators for effective hospital discharge, and examining components of NDIS plans for people with disability and complex needs. The outcomes of this work will help to inform practice and policy that can have positive impact on the lives of people with disability.

Lee is a Clinical Psychologist with 6 years’ experience in a variety of clinical settings, including working with people who have acquired brain injury. Before becoming a psychologist, he worked in health and disability services, including as a disability support worker, assistant in nursing and as a specialist dementia carer.

Lee is also skilled in qualitative and quantitative research design and methodology and was recently awarded his PhD in the area of social and psychological adjustment to brain tumour.

When combined with his diverse understanding of the support needs of people with disability in clinical and community settings, including NDIS processes, Lee is well equipped to lead evidence-based research projects within the Research Unit.

Key Publications

1. Cubis, L., Ownsworth, T., Pinkham, M.B., Chambers, S. (2018). The social trajectory of brain tumour: a qualitative metasynthesis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 40(16):1857-1869.
2. Cubis, L., Ownsworth, T., Pinkham, M.B., Foote, M., Legg., M., Chambers, S. (2019). The importance of staying connected: mediating and moderating effects of social group memberships on psychological wellbeing after brain tumour. Psycho-Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5125
3. Nicol C, Ownsworth T, Cubis L, Nguyen W, Foote M, Pinkham MB. Subjective cognitive functioning and associations with psychological distress in adult brain tumour survivors. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. 2019;13:653–662.
4. Ownsworth, T., Cubis, L., Prasad, T., Foote, M., Kendall, M., Oram, J., Chambers, S. & Pinkham, M. B. (2020). Feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth platform for delivering the Making Sense of Brain Tumour programme: A mixed-methods pilot study. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 1-29.

PhD (Political Science), Masters (International Relations), Bachelor of Arts

Pete is the Research Centre Administrator, responsible for providing support to the research team by creating and maintaining the research infrastructure required for their projects. This includes by assisting with funding applications, ethics applications, budgeting, project management, data management and general research support.

Pete also assists the CEO in ‘knowledge translation’ and disseminating research findings for a broader audience, as well as managing the financial and staff resources in the research team, and providing drafting and editing support on internal and external reports, journal articles, and media releases. He has experience in the tertiary education sector in both a research and professional services capacity, as well as extensive writing experience across academic and policy sectors.

Key publications:

Madhavan, D., Winkler, D., and Mulherin, P. (2021). SDA Investor Think Tank: Findings and Recommendations. Melbourne: Summer Foundation.

Winkler, D., Aimers, N., Rathbone, A., Douglas, J., Wellecke, C., Goodwin, I., and Mulherin P. (2021). Specialist Disability Accommodation Provider Experience Survey. Melbourne: Summer Foundation.

Winkler, D., Harvey, C., Davis, E., Goodwin, I., Wellecke, C., Douglas, J., Mulherin, P. (2021). Incorporating Minimum Accessibility Standards in New Housing: A Survey of Access Consultants and Architects. Melbourne: Summer Foundation.

Bishop, G., Mulherin, P., and Winkler, D. (2021) Young People In Residential Aged Care in Australia, 2019-2020. Melbourne: Summer Foundation.

Winkler, D., McLeod, J., Mulherin, P., Rathbone, A., and Ryan, M. (2020). Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Explainer For Investors. Melbourne: Summer Foundation and JB Were.

Masters of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor Occupational Therapy, PhD (Occupational Therapy)

Dr Kate D’Cruz is a Senior Research Fellow at the Summer Foundation and joined the Research Unit in 2020. She leads research projects to evaluate the experiences and outcomes of young people with disability.

Kate has a particular interest in partnering with people with lived experience of disability to develop meaningful and relevant research. Current research projects include examining the impact of moving into purpose-built specialist disability accommodation (SDA); understanding the personal experiences of people with disability living in aged care facilities; peer support and sharing stories of lived experience. The outcomes of this work will help to inform how practice and policy can have a positive impact on the living choices, goals and quality of life for young people with disability.

Kate is an occupational therapist with over 12 years’  experience supporting community integration following acquired brain injury. She is also a qualitative researcher experienced in interviewing adults with cognitive and communication impairments, facilitating focus groups and data analysis. In addition to her role at the Summer Foundation, Kate is a lecturer in the Occupational Therapy program at La Trobe University, Melbourne. Her primary teaching and research focus is acquired brain injury rehabilitation, person-centred practice, and engagement in goal setting and narrative storytelling.

Key Publications

1. D’Cruz, K., Douglas, J., Serry, T. (2020). Sharing stories of lived experience: A qualitative analysis of the intersection of experiences between storytellers with acquired brain injury and storytelling facilitators. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. doi: 10.1177/0308022619898085
2. D’Cruz, K., Douglas, J., Serry, T. (2019). Personal narrative approaches in rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury: A synthesis of qualitative research. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 29(7):985-1004.
3. D’Cruz, K., Douglas, J., Serry, T. (2019). Narrative storytelling as both an advocacy tool and a therapeutic process: Perspectives of adult storytellers with acquired brain injury. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/09602011.2019.1586733
4. Chew, N., Hayward, K., D’Cruz, K., Thompson, E., Li, X., Lannin, N. (2019). Validity and reliability of a smartphone inclinometer app for measuring passive upper limb range of motion in a stroke population. Disability & Rehabilitation. doi: 1080/096382888.2019.158972.
5. D’Cruz, K., Douglas, J., Serry, T. (in press). Sharing stories of lived experience: A qualitative analysis of the intersection of experiences between storytellers with acquired brain injury and storytelling facilitators. British Journal of Occupational Therapy.
6. D’Cruz, K., Douglas, J. (2018). Participant led training video: Literature review: Melbourne, Australia: La Trobe University
7. Douglas, J., D’Cruz, K. (2018). Participant led training video: Evaluation report: Melbourne, Australia: La Trobe University
8. Carra, K. A., Fortune, T., Ennals, P., D’Cruz, K., Kohn, H. (2017). Supporting scholarly identity and practice: Narratives of occupational therapy academics. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(8):502-509.
9. Potter, A., Sansonetti, D., D’Cruz, K., Lannin, N. (2017). What is Known About Transitional Living Services for Adults With an Acquired Brain Injury? A Scoping Review. Brain Impairment, 18(02):240-257.
10. D’Cruz, K., Unsworth, C., Roberts, K., Morarty, J., Turner-Stokes, L, Wellington-Boyd, A., Matchado, J., Lannin, N. (2016). Engaging patients with moderate to severe acquired brain injury in goal setting. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 23(1):2-13.

11.Ennals, P, Fortune, T, Williams, A, D’Cruz, K. (2016). Shifting occupational identity: Doing, being, becoming and belonging in the academy. Higher Education Research and Development, 35(3):433-446.

12. D’Cruz, K., Howie, L., Lentin, P. (2016). Client centred practice: Perspectives of persons with a traumatic brain injury. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 23(1):30-38.
13. Mistretta, K. & D’Cruz, K. (2007). Phenomenological exploration of an Individual’s lived experience 21 years following head injury enabled understanding of self and opportunity for personal growth. (CAP). Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 54(2):160-161.
14. Noonan, A. & D’Cruz, K. (2007). Adults who experienced traumatic brain injury described needing to find and accept a new self identity before they could successfully integrate occupational adaptations. (CAP). Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 54(2):158-160.
15. McLean, K. & D’Cruz, K. (2007). Environments that facilitated learning about personal capacities helped adults with an acquired brain injury to successfully return to productive activities. (CAP). Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 54(2):160-161.

PhD, BA (Psych)(Hons), BSc (Psychology and Psychophysiology)

Dr Nicole Aimers is a Research Project Manager at Summer Foundation and has been working with the Research Team since August 2020. She currently leads several research projects examining the housing needs and preferences of young people with disability and explores how these important insights can be implemented into future Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) dwellings. It is intended that the outcomes of her work will increase confidence in the SDA market and help people with disability to live in housing which supports their goals.

Nicole has over ten years of experience working within the academic sector and has been leading research in the area of psychology, health and design. Prior to commencing at Summer Foundation, Nicole managed several projects exploring how products, systems and services can improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people in the community. Nicole also has extensive experience in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research and is passionate about applying research findings in a meaningful way to create change.

Key publications:

Winkler, D., Aimers, N., Rathbone, A., Douglas, J., Wellecke, C., Goodwin, I., and Mulherin P. (2021). Specialist Disability Accommodation Provider Experience Survey. Melbourne: Summer Foundation.

Aimers, N., Pedell, S., Borda, A., & Keirnan, A. (Submitted). Wearing the smart city: Supporting older adults to exercise by combining age-friendly environments and tailored digital public data.

Pearce, A., Aimers, N., & Parrington, L. (2017). Assessment of high velocity head impacts using transcranial magnetic stimulation in Australian national ice hockey players: A multi-case study. In: Proceedings of the 50^th Winter Conference on Brain Research. Big Sky, Montana, United States, January 28 – February 2, 2017.

Pearce, A.J., Young, J., Parrington, L., & Aimers, N. (2017). Do as I say: Contradicting attitudes towards sports concussion in exercise science undergraduate students. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Ozolins, B., Aimers, N., Parrington, L., & Pearce, A. (2016). Movement disorders and motor impairments following repeated head trauma. A systematic review of the literature 1990-2015. Brain Injury, 30(8), 937-947.

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), BA (Hons) Psychology

Dr Stacey Oliver is a Research Fellow at the Summer Foundation and has been working with the Research Unit since 2018. Stacey leads research projects that explore the relationships between housing and quality of life for young people with disability. She also contributes to a variety of research projects, conducting scoping literature reviews, analysing and interpreting research data, writing research reports and manuscripts, and disseminating research findings.

Stacey has 6 years of experience as a psychology researcher, employing skills in research methods and study design, and teaching university students research methods, community development and other aspects of clinical psychology and neuropsychology. She recently completed her PhD in Psychology at Flinders University. Throughout her candidature, Stacey presented her research both locally and internationally. In addition to her work at the Summer Foundation, Stacey was recently engaged as a research supervisor at Monash University, where her research focused on how the built environment contributes to well-being.

Key Publications

1. Oliver, S.B., Gosden-Kaye, E.Z., Jarman, H.K., Winkler, D., Douglas, J.M. (2019) A scoping review to explore the experiences and outcomes of younger people with disabilities in residential aged care facilities: Interim Report. Melbourne, Australia: Summer Foundation.
2. Oliver, S., Kemps, E. (2018) Motivational and implicit processes contribute to incidental physical activity. British Journal of Health Psychology, 23(4):820-842.
3. Oliver, S., Gosden-Kaye, E. Z., Winkler, D., & Douglas, J. M. (2020). The outcomes of individualized housing for people with disability and complex needs: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-15.
4. Oliver, S., Gosden-Kaye, E. Z., Jarman, H., Winkler, D., & Douglas, J. M. (2020). A scoping review to explore the experiences and outcomes of younger people with disabilities in residential aged care facilities. Brain Injury, 1-15.

PhD (Psychology), BAppSc(Hons) in Psychology, GradDip (Psychological Studies), Bachelor of Contemporary Arts

Dr Mark Brown  is a Research Fellow at the Summer Foundation and has been working with the Research Unit since 2018. He leads research projects that explore the issue of young people in aged care, performing in-depth data analysis on large administrative datasets. The outcomes of his work will help to influence policy and inform stakeholders and the general public about the key facts and trends regarding young people in aged care.

Mark has over 10 years’ experience as a statistician, data analyst and social researcher, with lived experience of disability. He has worked as a researcher, analyst and consultant for a variety of government, private and not-for-profit organisations in the disability sector, including the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Mark is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Living with Disability Research Centre at La Trobe University.

Key Publications

1. Brown, M.G., Bishop, G.M., Winkler, D., Douglas, J.M. Young people in Australian residential aged care: evaluating trends 2008 to 2018, Australian Health Review, in press.(accepted 15/10/19)
2. Callaway, L., Brown, M.G., Fensham-Cobb, P., Worsnop, T., Farrell, D. (2015) Considerations for National Disability Insurance Scheme design: The health and disability interface for people with complex needs living in shared supported accommodation. Melbourne, Australia: Monash University, Yooralla, Summer Foundation & Multiple Sclerosis Limited.
3. Craig, D., Brown, M.G., McNamara, C., Forbes, S. (2013) Moving into My Own Home (Report). Melbourne: Youth Disability Advocacy Service.

Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture & Planning)
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Dr Stephanie Liddicoat is the Research Project Manager for a longitudinal research project examining tenant outcomes of people with disability who move into new, appropriately designed, housing. She manages the collection, analysis and storage of data, contributes to publications, and provides liaison with research assistants, housing providers and participants, and the wider research team.

Stephanie is particularly interested in capturing the lived experiences of people moving into new specialist disability accommodation so that future housing developments and related environments can be designed in the most supportive way.

Stephanie’s research interests are at the nexus of architecture and health and include how the built environment can support wellbeing within hospital settings, and the role of design in mental health service environments. Her doctoral research focused on the design of environments to support mental health service outcomes and experiences.
She is a regular speaker at conferences and public forums on the role of the designed environment in supporting health and wellbeing.

Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)

Robin Ramme joined the Summer Foundations Research Unit in 2021 to take on the role of Research Project Manager. In this role, he manages data collection and statistical analyses for the Housing Brokerage Service project whose aim it is to support and build the capacity of key professionals working alongside people with disability who are stuck in hospital and require suitable housing.

Robin has 6 years’ psychological research experience spanning all aspects of the research process from study design to statistical analyses in projects ranging from body image to cognitive psychology. Prior to his work as a researcher, Robin spent close to 3 years working in residential aged care in Sweden. In addition to his work at the Summer Foundation, Robin is currently in the process of writing up his PhD at Griffith University where he’s utilised experimental design to examine, and disrupt, factors resulting in motivational inconsistency during working memory training. During his time at University, Robin has also taught undergraduate students in courses focusing on quantitative research design and statistics.

MSc Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Physiotherapy), BSc (hons) Physiotherapy

Suzanne Currie is a doctoral researcher at Summer Foundation and is now working in the Research Team, having moved from the Housing Brokerage Service. Suzanne’s PhD is focusing on examining approaches for improving community integration outcomes for people with severe acquired brain injury.

Alongside her research, Suzanne is a Physiotherapist (part time) working with people who have had a severe brain injury. She has worked within Alfred Health Brain Injury Service for the past 4 years and is extremely passionate about supporting this population group.

Prior to her current role, she has experience working as a Physiotherapist within private and public rehabilitation settings, in both the UK and Australia.

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Psychology

Megan Topping is an international PhD candidate at La Trobe University, working on a collaborative project between the Summer Foundation and the Living with Disability Research Centre at La Trobe University. She began her PhD in 2019 and is expected to complete in 2023. Megan’s PhD is examining approaches for Improving the quality of support for people with acquired disability and complex needs. The outcomes of her work will help to inform policy and practice to improve the supports provided to young people with disability, helping them to live independently in the community.

Megan has 5 years of research experience, including coordinating international multi-centre clinical trials, developing trial protocols, overseeing research governance and performing systematic reviews.

She joined the Research Unit in 2018 and continues to work part-time as a Research Assistant while undertaking her PhD.

Key Publications

1. Topping, M., Douglas, J., Winkler, D. (2019) Understanding the factors that influence the quality of paid disability support for adults with acquired neurological disability and complex needs: a scoping review protocol, BMJ Open, 9:e034654.
2. Topping, M., Douglas, J., & Winkler, D. (2020). Factors that influence the quality of paid support for adults with acquired neurological disability: scoping review and thematic synthesis. Disability & Rehabilitation, 1–19. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2020.1830190

Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Business (research), Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Bachelor of Applied Science

Dr Sharyn McDonald is a Research Fellow at Summer Foundation and joined the Research Unit in 2022. Currently, Sharyn is collaborating on multiple research projects to understand stakeholder experiences, needs and expectations surrounding NDIS housing, support and communication. These research projects seek to highlight global best practice and encourage creative solutions.

Primarily a qualitative specialist, Sharyn is an applied researcher who seeks to inform and resolve real-world problems. Sharyn completed her PhD in cross-sector collaboration examining best practice social partnership models. For 15 years, Sharyn has been leading research that traverses stakeholder engagement, issue management, the creation of social value, and measuring social impact. Her current research program at the Summer Foundation capitalises on this intersection.

Before joining the Summer Foundation, Sharyn worked as an academic within universities specialising in reputation management, social responsibility, activism, entrepreneurship, and research methods. She continues to work on research projects that can create purposeful, positive social change. Sharyn has also been appointed as an Honorary Fellow in the School of Communication and Creative Arts at Deakin University.

Key publications:

• McDonald S, Gertsen F, Rosenstand CF and Tollestrup, C (2018) ‘Promoting interdisciplinarity through an intensive entrepreneurship education post-graduate workshop’, Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 8(1):41-55
• Polonsky MJ, Grau SL and McDonald S (2016) ‘Perspectives on Social Impact Measurement and Non-profit Organisations’, Marketing Intelligence and Planning, 34(1):80-98
• McDonald S (2014) ‘Social responsibility clusters arising from social partnerships’, Social Responsibility Journal, 10(2):331-347
• McDonald S (2014) ‘Social partnerships addressing affordable housing and homelessness’, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, 7(2):218-232
• McDonald S and Ogden-Barnes S (2013) ‘Problem-based service learning with a heart: Organizational and student expectations and experiences in a postgraduate not-for-profit workshop event’, Asia Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 14(4):281-293

PhD (Occupational Therapy), Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Dr Rebecca Jamwal is a Research Fellow at the Summer Foundation and has been working with the Research Unit since 2013. She leads projects that examine how built design, technology and support can be used to improve the opportunities and quality of life for people with disability and complex needs. The outcomes of her work will help to inform the development of future housing built for people with disability.

Rebecca is an occupational therapist with 6 years of clinical experience working with people with complex care needs as a result of acquired brain injury.

In addition to her work at the Summer Foundation, Rebecca is the inaugural research lead in the Occupational Therapy Department at Austin Health. Rebecca is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Living with Disability Research Centre at La Trobe University.

Key Publications

1. Jamwal, R., Enticott, J., Farnworth, L., Winkler, D., Callaway, L. (2019) The use of electronic assistive technology for social networking by people with disability living in shared supported accommodation. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Jan 21. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2018.1534998
2. Jamwal, R., Callaway, L., Winkler, D., Farnworth, L., Tate, R. (2018) Evaluating the use of smart home technology by people with brain impairment: protocol for a single case experimental design. JMIR Research Protocols, 7(11):e10451.
3. Jamwal, R., Callaway, L., Farnworth, L., Winkler, D. (2017) Electronic assistive technology use in Australian shared supported accommodation: rates and user characteristics. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 13(7):634-640.
4. Jamwal, R., Callaway, L., Ackerl, J., Farnworth, L., Winkler, D. (2017) Electronic assistive technology used by people with acquired brain injury in shared supported accommodation: implications for occupational therapy. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(2):89-98.
5. Wood, R. (Jamwal), Fortune, T., McKinstry, C. (2013) Perspectives of occupational therapists working in primary health promotion. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 60(3):161-170.

Masters of Leadership (Health and Human Services, Graduate Diploma of Leadership (Health and Human Services), Bachelor of Health Sciences (Speech Pathology

Ella-Rose Minter is a Research Project Manager at the Summer Foundation and joined the Research Unit in 2020. She manages research projects to collect primary research data on the experiences and functional outcomes of young people with disability who have moved into their own homes. The outcomes of this work will help to inform how living choices impact the goals and life experience of young people with disability.

Ella-Rose is a Speech Pathologist with 8 years of neuro-rehabilitation experience working with people who have acquired brain injury, as well as people who live in aged care facilities. She has worked across Melbourne, Hobart and London. She recently completed her Master of Leadership (Health and Human Services), which combined with her professional background, gives Ella-Rose the skills needed to manage complex research projects.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Jacqui Naismith is a Research Assistant at the Summer Foundation and has been working with the Research Unit since 2018. She is our senior research interviewer, collecting primary research data from research participants through in-person and telephone interviews.

Her work contributes to a variety of research projects designed to help inform how housing choices, support options and NDIS funding impact the lives of young people with disability. Jacqui also assists with training other researchers to develop the skills for undertaking research interviews.

Jacqui is an occupational therapist with 14 years’ clinical experience providing specialist neurological rehabilitation services to people with severe traumatic brain injury and return to work programs. Her professional understanding of the needs of our research participants, along with her gentle and compassionate nature, give Jacqui the skills to easily connect with the young people with disability that volunteer for our research projects.

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Psychology

Cornelia is a Research Project Coordinatorat Summer Foundation and has been working with the Research Team since 2020. She assists on several research projects examining the accessibility of Australian housing, as well as the SDA market. The outcomes of these projects will provide evidence for critical policy changes and enable more Australians to have access to housing that meets their needs.

Cornelia has previously worked on clinical trials of interventions to improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing significant life changes and physical health problems. These projects have helped her gain valuable experience in recruitment, data analyses, and clinical interviews.

Key publications:

Winkler, D., Aimers, N., Rathbone, A., Douglas, J., Wellecke, C., Goodwin, I., and Mulherin P. (2021). Specialist Disability Accommodation Provider Experience Survey. Melbourne: Summer Foundation.

Winkler, D., Harvey, C., Davis, E., Goodwin, I., Wellecke, C., Douglas, J., Mulherin, P. (2021). Incorporating Minimum Accessibility Standards in New Housing: A Survey of Access Consultants and Architects. Melbourne: Summer Foundation.

D’Cruz, K., Winkler, D., Douglas, J., Wellecke, C., Goodwin, I., Davis, E. (2021). Accessible Design, Hospital Discharge and Ageing in Place: A National Survey of Occupational Therapists. Melbourne: Summer Foundation.

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Steph is a Research Assistant with the research team, where she is responsible for assisting with projects, including writing manuscripts and data analysis. Some of the projects she is working on include publishing a Scoping Literature Review investigating the utilisation of co-design in adults with acquired neurological disability living in the community; and another project investigating the health needs and general practice service utilisation of people with acquired neurological disabilities.

Steph has previously worked in the mental health sector as a Trauma Informed Care Worker for the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing, and on a crisis helpline for Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria. Along with her work at Summer Foundation, Steph is a Sessional Academic Tutor at Australian Catholic University teaching an undergraduate Psychology unit, as well as in another Research Assistant role at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.