Governance
Seton Villa is an incorporated work of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul. It is a Company limited by guarantee incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001. The Board is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Seton Villa. As non-executive Directors, the Board members are not remunerated for the work that they do to ensure that Seton Villa continues to pursue its mission providing support to women with intellectual disabilities.
Responsibility for the day-to-day management of the organisation is delegated to the Executive Management Team.
Our Directors
Sr Debra McCarthy – Provincial Delegate, Provincial Councillor and Director
Sr Debra entered the Daughters of Charity in 1982 after graduation as a speech pathologist and six years working in the field of children with multiple disabilities including the deaf and visually impaired. Sr Debra also has a degree in Theology and Clinical Pastoral Education.
As a Daughter of Charity, Sr Debra has extensive experience in residential care, pastoral care in acute health as well as many years in various roles in disability services. Her leadership experience includes seven years as CEO of Marillac [disability service], Provincial Treasurer [six years] and Director of Pastoral Care at Calvary Health Care ACT [eight years].
Sr Debra has been on a number of Boards within the services of the Daughters of Charity and in other not-for-profit agencies. These include St Mary’s House of Welcome, Marillac and Seton Villa [2000-2006, 2018-]. Sr Debra has twice been a Trustee/Provincial Councillor of the Daughters of Charity, 1999-2006, 2015- and is currently the Delegate of the Provincial on the Board of Seton and St Mary’s House of Welcome.
Ms Judi Higgin – Board Chair
BA. Social Sciences, EMBA, Grad Dip Community Sector Management
Judi has been actively and passionately employed in the human services sector for over 30 years, including senior executive roles.
Judi is committed to the principles of recovery, empowering individuals to achieve their potential by exercising their rights to choice and control over their own lives. Judi sees the biggest challenge facing the sector as achieving a balance between the changing nature of government funding and the importance of strategic partnerships, technology and sustainability – for both the sector and individual organisations.
Judi has strong skills, capabilities and experience in governance, strategy, finance and risk management as well as comprehensive board experience given her tenure as a Director of MHCC and Ostara Australia.
Mr John Cassimatis – Director
BBus, Grad Dip App Fin, FFin
Mr John Cassimatis was appointed to the Board of Seton Villa on 16 February 2018. John is an experienced project development and finance executive with a proven track record in delivering major property and infrastructure projects for Government and large corporations.
He has led high performing teams delivering greenfield developments and refurbishment projects for organisations including NSW Police, Fire & Rescue NSW and Stockland Corporation Ltd.
John’s previous work in facilities and asset management services along with his funds management experience will be valuable in our mission to deliver a caring and empowering community for Seton Villa’s clients.
Mr Wallace Fan – Director
B.A Econ, MBA, CFA, GAICD
Wallace is a strategic finance and investment specialist with a deep interest in social impact, social enterprises and disruptive innovations. He brings over 20 years of commercial and financial management experience in helping corporates in various capital and strategic funding initiatives. In addition to his commercial interests, he is also an adjunct faculty of the School of Banking & Finance at UNSW Business School.
Wallace joined the Board of Seton Villa in February 2019 and will Chair the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
Suzanne Brown – Director
BSc, MBA
Suzanne Brown was appointed to the Board of Seton Villa on 9 August 2021. Suzanne is an experienced business development and fundraising executive with over 25 years in not for profit and corporate industries.
Suzanne is passionate about helping people in the community and making a difference. She is committed to help Seton Villa achieve the goal of empowering the lives of women with intellectual disabilities.
Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Science, an MBA, a Diploma of Nutrition and a Certificate in Fundraising.
John Yealland – Director
BCom, MAICD
John has over 35 years of management experience in diverse businesses in the private and public sectors. John has been involved with the disability sector since the initial roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Western Sydney and has a good understanding of the opportunities and challenges that the NDIS presents to people living with disability.
As an Aboriginal man of the Wiradjuri people, John has a keen interest in social justice and has been involved with various ‘for purpose’ organisations particularly in the areas of strategy, leadership and governance. His interest in continuous improvement helps organisations develop systems and processes that contribute to providing value for money businesses.
John is also a Director of Wentworth Healthcare that supports the delivery of primary health care services in the Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury regions.
Elissa Dwyer – Director
BA(Psychology), Grad Certificate HR
Accomplished HR and Operational Executive with 30 years of experience in leadership, operational excellence and governance in the corporate, research and not for profit sectors. Passionate about advocacy, inclusion and ethical standards for people living with a disability. Mother of three young adults including a daughter with a severe intellectual disability. Resident of the Ryde area for over 25 years.
Brienna Anderson – Director
B.Media&Comm; JDLaw
Brienna is a barrister with experience in commercial matters including building and construction, contract, insurance, retail and residential leasing and property disputes. Brienna brings over 10 years of legal experience to the board in a range of areas, and has an interest in governance, policy and dispute resolution.
Brienna joined the board in November 2025, and is a member of the Quality and Safeguards committee.
Our Executive Management Team
Peter Gardiner – CEO
BSW MBA GAICD FIML
Peter has over 40 years of professional social work and management experience in the human services sector, with a focus around social inclusion and citizenship for people with disability in both government and not for profit organisations.
Prior to Seton Villa, Peter was the CEO of Samaritans Foundation, Diocese of Newcastle responsible for 730+ employees serving people with disabilities including 20 group homes, day projects, community participation and support coordination. Peter has a special interest in clinical governance as part of the Quality Improvement Framework.
Peter has held senior management position with CatholicCare Sydney as Senior Manager Organisational Development, Regional Director of NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, and Executive Director Large Residence DADHC.
Peter’s collaborative leadership is driven by values of faith, courage, integrity, justice and wisdom.
Chandra Sharma – Business Manager
CPA (Australia), CA (India)
Chandra brings over 25 years of finance, accounting and management expertise working with both commercial and Not for Profit organisations in Australia and overseas. He also has extensive experience in process and systems improvements.
Prior to Seton Villa, Chandra was CFO of Holdsworth Community Ltd, organisation providing services to people with disability, Home Care and Community Transport. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity Australia for 7 years as Head of Finance.
Chandra is passionate about working with people to achieve common outcomes.
Belinda Kilner – Head of People and Culture, GradCertMgmt, BBusAdmin, MAHRI
Belinda brings over 20 years’ experience across corporate and private sector organisations in senior People & Culture and Human Resources roles.
She has extensive experience partnering with leaders and teams across all areas of people and culture, with expertise in organisational improvement, governance, employee engagement and operational efficiencies that enhance both employee and client experiences.
Belinda is passionate about working with leaders to build inclusive and supportive workplace cultures where people feel valued, connected and empowered to do their best work. A local to the Ryde area, she values contributing to organisations that make a positive difference in the community.
Andrew Sadleir – Operations Manager
Andrew brings over 15 years of experience in senior roles within the Disability sector which includes NSW/ACT Sport Development Manager at Special Olympics Australia and as General Manager Operations for a NDIS provider in Day Programs and Supported Independent Living. Andrew has worked in Local Government in community-based roles which includes recreation program and asset development and leading over 40 community volunteer park and sporting field committees. Andrew has extensive experience in managing multiple service delivery teams and large volunteer groups.
Andrew is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities where all people, regardless of disability, can live their best lives, be a valued member of their community and strive to reach their potential.
Away from work, Andrew is an active member in his local community, helping out with junior sporting clubs in which his children participate.
National Redress Scheme
Seton Villa has joined the National Redress Scheme – a scheme run by the Australian Government to support people who have experienced institutional childhood sexual abuse.
The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse. It was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia. The Scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years.
We acknowledge the pain and suffering of people who experienced abuse. Our hope is that our participation will offer financial and pastoral assistance to people who, to our deepest regret, were sexually abused while in care.
By participating in the scheme, we hope to contribute toward healing for people who have been impacted by the traumatic experience of childhood sexual abuse. Seton Villa is committed to ensuring that wherever we minister we provide places of safety for children and vulnerable adults.
For more information on the National Redress Scheme, visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or call the National Redress Information Line on 1800 737 377.