Encompass Staff

At the helm of Encompass are CEO Dr Tony Robinson and Clinical Director Dr Gerardine Taylor. Both hold doctoral degrees in psychology and have a wealth of experience in working with helping professionals, particularly those at risk for boundary violations.

The Encompass team receives external supervision from Professor Gill Straker, who holds a position at the University of Sydney and is the author of numerous published papers.

Current staff members, in addition to Gerardine, Tony and Gill, include the following:

Fathima Moosa has been a clinical psychologist at Encompass since August 2001 and is the Assistant Clinical Director. She was previously a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. She has worked extensively with survivors of psychological torture and trauma. She has published papers in the fields of trauma and psychotherapy and has recently coauthored a chapter ‘In the aftermath of political trauma: what price forgiveness’ as part of a newly published book ‘Forgiveness and the Healing Process’ edited by Cynthia Ransley and Terri Spy.

Jacqui Winship has been with Encompass as a part time clinical psychologist since February 2002. Prior to this Jacqui worked in private practice in South Africa and Uganda. She has a Masters in Literature, a Higher Diploma in Education, a Masters in Clinical Psychology and she is currently undertaking a PhD through the University of Sydney. She is also a member of the Australian Psychological Society and ANZATSA. Jacqui is involved primarily in the psychological assessments at Encompass but also sees individual clients, runs a weekly dream group and works from home on the newsletter, research and this web site!

Dr Jennifer Gibbs Bestel joined the Encompass team as a full-time clinical psychologist in January 2005. She trained in the United States and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English Literature, and Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology. She is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society and is interested in psychodynamic therapy.

Marie Casamento began working as an art therapist at Encompass in 1997. After more than twenty years in the field of Primary and Special Education, Marie obtained her MA (Art Therapy, Course Work) in 1995 and her MA (Art Therapy Hons Research) in 2004. Her previous studies included a Diploma in Teaching, a Bachelor of Education majoring in Ceramics, a Graduate Diploma in Religious Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Exceptional Children and a Master of Education majoring in Pastoral Guidance with a strong focus on Psychology. Her Art Therapy internship was carried out in an out-patient center for people suffering chronic mental health problems. Case studies undertaken at the time led her to be curious about the power of the art to speak that which is unspeakable. Prior to Encompass her work was with adults with chronic mental health problems and adults with intellectual disabilities. Marie is a a professional Member of PACFA, ANATA AND ANZATSA.

Felicity O'Connor completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at La Trobe University before moving from Melbourne to Sydney to undertake her Masters in Art Therapy at the University of Western Sydney. In 2005 she obtained a graduate diploma in psychology from Deakin University. She has worked in private practice, in disabilities, and in psychiatric hospitals in Sydney, facilitating group and individual art therapy sessions. Felicity also conducts women's art therapy groups to women with drug and alcohol, domestic violence, and abuse histories. She is a professional member of the Australian National Art Therapy Association (ANATA.) and the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse (ANZATSA). Felicity joined Marie as part of the Encompass Art Therapy team in 2000.

Glenda Palmer has been the Administration Manager at Encompass since 1997. After secretarial training and working in the Public Service for several years, she was recruited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and had postings in Australian Embassies in Pakistan and Kenya, and also did relief work in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Nigeria and Tanzania. She then became Electorate Secretary to Senator Susan Ryan, Senator for the Australian Capital Territory for 6 years in Canberra before moving back to Sydney, where she enjoyed four years in book publishing. She worked for the Chief Executive at St John of God Hospital Burwood for a couple of years, with another couple of years in cosmetics for Nutrimetics at Balmain, before coming to Encompass. She has played an integral part in the growth of Encompass since its inception.

Edwina Crossfield has a background in secretarial and training work and also an interest in adult learning which led her to study for her Bachelor of Adult Education. She loves her job as Encompass Office Manager - helping to keep the administration processes ticking over smoothly and dealing with new and existing clients on a daily basis. "I feel part of a team, using my skills to complement those of the other team members so that together we can restore people to well-being."

Jan Kerpan has just recently joined the Encompass team. Born and raised in Canada, she completed her secretarial training and the first year of an Arts and Science degree before taking time off to travel the world and study in Italy. Jan permanently migrated to Australia in 1991. She worked for Telstra for four years and various other companies including the Human Rights Commission and The Australian Foundation For Youth before taking time out to raise her family of three children.

Paul Corkeron joined the Encompass team as a residential carer in 2003. He has taught at primary, secondary and tertiary levels and has worked in and coordinated welfare services in Mount Druitt, including family and youth support programs, youth accommodation services and alternate education programs. He has Masters degrees in Arts, Education and Pastoral studies and has graduated in courses in religious formation and spiritual direction. He is also involved with the spiritual assessments at Encompass.

Patricia Harrison has been working with Encompass as a carer/support person since March 2000. She has a Bachelors degree in Social Work and previously provided support for homeless women, challenged persons and the reuniting of families.

Brother Gerry Burke msc began work with the Encompass team as a residential carer in October 2004. He has worked for many years in the Education field in Darwin. For the past ten years he has been a hospital Chaplain and prior to coming to Encompass he was the Volunteer Coordinator at Matthew Talbot Hostel,Sydney.

Brother Brian Berg, a Christian Brother, joined the Encompass team as a residential carer in 2005. He has taught in both primary and secondary schools and has worked in welfare sevices in Mount Druitt, including teaching at a centre for marginalised youth. He was previously principal of St Leo's College, Wahroonga, and St Dominic's College, Penrith, as well as being Deputy Province Leader of the NSW/ACT Christian Brothers. Most recently he specialised in theological studies which enabled him to teach Scripture at the Catholic Bible College in Johannesburg, South Africa. Brian has recently been awarded an Order of Australia medal for his work with youth, in education and as a Christian Brother.

Jenny Robbins has worked in Finance for over 20 years and has an Advanced Diploma in Accounting. Jenny previously ran her own business and worked almost exclusively in the sporting industry for both National & State Associations. She started with Encompass in July 2001 and for the last 15 months has worked from a remote office on the Far South Coast of NSW. 'I enjoy the close knit team's dedication to their work and know that my contribution is both appreciated and valued.'

The staff of Encompass value teamwork as it enables a comprehensive and varied approach to assessment and treatment.

PO Box 415 Croydon Park NSW 2133 Australia Tel: +61 2 97165602 Fax: +61 2 97165605
enquiries@encomp.org.au

Top of Page


			The professionalism and commitment of the Encompass staff form the cornerstone of its service excellence. There are over 20 full-time and part-time staff, all of whom have the appropriate professional qualifications and are registered with the relevant professional bodies. Staff are accountable to the relevant code of ethical conduct and professional standards, which includes a commitment to on-going education. Staff qualifications are available on request. At the helm of Encompass are CEO Dr Tony Robinson and Clinical Director Dr Gerardine Taylor. Both hold doctoral degrees in psychology and have a wealth of experience in working with helping professionals, particularly those at risk for boundary violations. Working with Gerardine and Tony are a multidisciplinary team comprised of: Clinical psychologists Neuropsychologists Art therapists Psychodrama therapists Consultant psychiatrists Consultant medical practitioners Residential staff Administrative staff The Encompass team receives external supervision from Professor Gill Straker, who holds a position at the University of Sydney and is the author of numerous published papers. Current staff members, in addition to Gerardine, Tony and Gill, include the following: Fathima Moosa has been a clinical psychologist at Encompass since August 2001 and is the Assistant Clinical Director. She was previously a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. She has worked extensively with survivors of psychological torture and trauma. She has published papers in the fields of trauma and psychotherapy and has recently coauthored a chapter ‘In the aftermath of political trauma: what price forgiveness’ as part of a newly published book ‘Forgiveness and the Healing Process’ edited by Cynthia Ransley and Terri Spy. Jacqui Winship has been with Encompass as a part time clinical psychologist since February 2002. Prior to this Jacqui worked in private practice in South Africa and Uganda. She has a Masters in Literature, a Higher Diploma in Education, a Masters in Clinical Psychology and she is currently undertaking a PhD through the University of Sydney. She is also a member of the Australian Psychological Society and ANZATSA. Jacqui is involved primarily in the psychological assessments at Encompass but also sees individual clients, runs a weekly dream group and works from home on the newsletter, research and this web site! Dr Jennifer Gibbs Bestel joined the Encompass team as a full-time clinical psychologist in January 2005. She trained in the United States and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English Literature, and Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology. She is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society and is interested in psychodynamic therapy. Marie Casamento began working as an art therapist at Encompass in 1997. After more than twenty years in the field of Primary and Special Education, Marie obtained her MA (Art Therapy, Course Work) in 1995 and her MA (Art Therapy Hons Research) in 2004. Her previous studies included a Diploma in Teaching, a Bachelor of Education majoring in Ceramics, a Graduate Diploma in Religious Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Exceptional Children and a Master of Education majoring in Pastoral Guidance with a strong focus on Psychology. Her Art Therapy internship was carried out in an out-patient center for people suffering chronic mental health problems. Case studies undertaken at the time led her to be curious about the power of the art to speak that which is unspeakable. Prior to Encompass her work was with adults with chronic mental health problems and adults with intellectual disabilities. Marie is a a professional Member of PACFA, ANATA AND ANZATSA. Felicity O'Connor completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at La Trobe University before moving from Melbourne to Sydney to undertake her Masters in Art Therapy at the University of Western Sydney. In 2005 she obtained a graduate diploma in psychology from Deakin University. She has worked in private practice, in disabilities, and in psychiatric hospitals in Sydney, facilitating group and individual art therapy sessions. Felicity also conducts women's art therapy groups to women with drug and alcohol, domestic violence, and abuse histories. She is a professional member of the Australian National Art Therapy Association (ANATA.) and the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse (ANZATSA). Felicity joined Marie as part of the Encompass Art Therapy team in 2000. Glenda Palmer has been the Administration Manager at Encompass since 1997. After secretarial training and working in the Public Service for several years, she was recruited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and had postings in Australian Embassies in Pakistan and Kenya, and also did relief work in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Nigeria and Tanzania. She then became Electorate Secretary to Senator Susan Ryan, Senator for the Australian Capital Territory for 6 years in Canberra before moving back to Sydney, where she enjoyed four years in book publishing. She worked for the Chief Executive at St John of God Hospital Burwood for a couple of years, with another couple of years in cosmetics for Nutrimetics at Balmain, before coming to Encompass. She has played an integral part in the growth of Encompass since its inception. Edwina Crossfield has a background in secretarial and training work and also an interest in adult learning which led her to study for her Bachelor of Adult Education. She loves her job as Encompass Office Manager - helping to keep the administration processes ticking over smoothly and dealing with new and existing clients on a daily basis. "I feel part of a team, using my skills to complement those of the other team members so that together we can restore people to well-being." Jan Kerpan has just recently joined the Encompass team. Born and raised in Canada, she completed her secretarial training and the first year of an Arts and Science degree before taking time off to travel the world and study in Italy. Jan permanently migrated to Australia in 1991. She worked for Telstra for four years and various other companies including the Human Rights Commission and The Australian Foundation For Youth before taking time out to raise her family of three children. Paul Corkeron joined the Encompass team as a residential carer in 2003. He has taught at primary, secondary and tertiary levels and has worked in and coordinated welfare services in Mount Druitt, including family and youth support programs, youth accommodation services and alternate education programs. He has Masters degrees in Arts, Education and Pastoral studies and has graduated in courses in religious formation and spiritual direction. He is also involved with the spiritual assessments at Encompass. Patricia Harrison has been working with Encompass as a carer/support person since March 2000. She has a Bachelors degree in Social Work and previously provided support for homeless women, challenged persons and the reuniting of families. Brother Gerry Burke msc began work with the Encompass team as a residential carer in October 2004. He has worked for many years in the Education field in Darwin. For the past ten years he has been a hospital Chaplain and prior to coming to Encompass he was the Volunteer Coordinator at Matthew Talbot Hostel,Sydney. Brother Brian Berg, a Christian Brother, joined the Encompass team as a residential carer in 2005. He has taught in both primary and secondary schools and has worked in welfare sevices in Mount Druitt, including teaching at a centre for marginalised youth. He was previously principal of St Leo's College, Wahroonga, and St Dominic's College, Penrith, as well as being Deputy Province Leader of the NSW/ACT Christian Brothers. Most recently he specialised in theological studies which enabled him to teach Scripture at the Catholic Bible College in Johannesburg, South Africa. Brian has recently been awarded an Order of Australia medal for his work with youth, in education and as a Christian Brother. Jenny Robbins has worked in Finance for over 20 years and has an Advanced Diploma in Accounting. Jenny previously ran her own business and worked almost exclusively in the sporting industry for both National & State Associations. She started with Encompass in July 2001 and for the last 15 months has worked from a remote office on the Far South Coast of NSW. 'I enjoy the close knit team's dedication to their work and know that my contribution is both appreciated and valued.' The staff of Encompass value teamwork as it enables a comprehensive and varied approach to assessment and treatment. PO Box 415 Croydon Park NSW 2133 Australia Tel: +61 2 97165602 Fax: +61 2 97165605 enquiries@encomp.org.au Top of Page