Our People
Simon K (he/him)
Chief Executive Officer
Simon leads MHLEPQ with over a decade advancing lived experience-driven reform, human rights, and governance. Previously chairing VMIAC (Victoria’s peak consumer body), he shaped strategy and executive recruitment. From Royal Commission advising to leading harm acknowledgment projects, Simon champions dignity through training, research, and speaking nationally.
He guides our team with shared leadership, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, and collective care—always walking alongside community to amplify diverse voices. Simon also loves to buy books he won’t read, get out for hikes, and talk to cats on the street.
Roam (they/them)
Administration Officer
Roam brings years of experience running diverse teams and is the heartbeat keeping our operations flowing. Currently in their third year of Gestalt Psychotherapy studies, they’re passionate about group therapy for marginalised communities. With lived and living experience of mental health challenges, suicidality, and proud LGBTIQA+ neurodivergent identity, Roam brings warmth and insight to everything they do. They believe everyone deserves a meaningful life within a caring community.
Melanie (Mel) (she/her)
Communications Adviser
Mel lights up our communications with years in the not-for-profit sector and a fierce passion for amplifying lived experience voices. She knows authentic leadership drives real change—challenging stigma and creating hopeful pathways. A qualified Pilates instructor who cherishes accessible wellbeing, Mel also loves getting lost in books and creative writing. She’s here to grow our community and spark inclusive conversations about advocacy and lived experience across Queensland.
Rahim (he/him)
Engagement & Project Lead
Salam! (an Arabic greeting) from Rahim, who brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to every project. A QUT Psychology graduate, he draws on lived experience of mental ill-health, trauma, disability, and CALD challenges to drive systemic change. He has previously worked with 30+ organisations nationwide. As Engagement & Project Lead, Rahim consults with stakeholders and governments at all levels, advocating fiercely for youth, suicidality, AOD, access, and equity. He believes co-design and every voice matter, and he’s passionate about building systems where everyone can thrive. When he’s not creating change, you’ll find Rahim writing poetry, cooking up storms, bingeing movies, staying active with sports and walks, or relaxing with video games. His curiosity means he knows a little about everything!
Danie (they/them)
Policy Director
With 25 years championing justice and fairness, Danie has spent the last 11 years in lived experience-identified roles—most recently leading consumer/carer engagement in Brisbane’s North. Holding a Master of Laws from UCLA, they’ve always put advocacy first, from individual representation to systemic change. Danie brings sharp legal insight and deep commitment to making mental health systems work for everyone. A tennis fan and proud owner of a chihuahua, Danie knows how the right support makes all the difference, on and off the court.
Simon C (he/him)
Psychosocial Peak Body Coordinator
Simon brings frontline wisdom from homelessness, disability, mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), and harm reduction—always choosing lived experience-identified roles since 2013. As PPB Coordinator, he’s passionate about lived leadership driving innovation and systems change, continuing to deepen his understanding of his own mental health and circumstances. Outside work, you’ll find him coaching MMA athletes to national glory, mountain biking, or blacksmithing. Simon knows community and reciprocal relationships are wellbeing’s foundation.