Karen’s current role is the CEO of Rural Youth Tasmania which provides opportunities and experiences for young Tasmanians to grow professionally and personally – and delivers Tasmania’s premier rural event – Agfest annually.  Agfest attracts over 55,000 visitors during the three days to visit the sites of over 600 exhibitors.  Before joining Rural Youth ten years ago, Karen worked in the not for profit sector in a training and business development role for TL3. This followed an extensive career in banking and managing a range of commercial enterprises in Launceston. Karen will bring her skills in critical thinking and strategic planning to the work of the Board.

Renee Malby joined the Board in July 2023. Renee is the Founder of Therapy CoLab that offers a comprehensive mentoring and administrative solution designed to support practitioners from all disciplines across Australia.  Renee has worked extensively in the aged care and disability sectors both at provider and peak body level in NSW, Victoria and now Tasmania.

Paul Veerhuis comes to the Board with over 20 years of experience in the banking and finance sectors. Following roles in the private sector, Paul joined the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) in 2005. Paul works in APRA’s supervision division, overseeing a portfolio of banks. Paul is also a member of the Board of Scotch Oakburn College.

Angela joined the Board on 3 October 2022. Angela brings expertise and many years of experience in marketing, communications, advertising and public relations to Self Help Workplace. Angela has worked with Tourism Tasmania and the Bank of Us and is currently employed as the Marketing Manager with St Giles.

Dr Hindrum joined the Board as an intern director in April 2023 and transitioned to full director in October 2024

Sonja brings a wealth of experience in the arts/cultural field as a volunteer and co-ordinator in events such as Tasmanian Poetry Festival, Tamar Valley Peace Festival and Junction Arts Festival. Sonja also has personal experience as a carer and advocate. Ms Hindrum has also completed a PhD at the University of Tasmania with part of her research working with a methodology of Care.

Peter has over 30 years’ experience in leading organisations who support people with disabilities, working across 5 states and territories as a General Manager and CEO.

He has a focus on transitioning people deemed to have high support needs from schools and traditional service settings into community-based employment and skills focussed activities.

Peter has extensive links to disability employment centres of excellence, both within Australia and overseas and has sat on the boards of industry peak bodies. In 2024 he was the lead consultant in developing a definition for ‘Customised Employment’ for the national peak body for disability services.

Peter is engaged with the sector through his role supporting two other organisations providing support for people with disabilities navigate the challenging operating environment.

As a strategic and people-focused professional, Jessica brings over 17 years of experience across the disability and vocational education and training (VET) sectors. Her journey has been deeply shaped not only by professional roles held, but by personal experience as a proud parent. Jessica’s son lives with autism and ADHD, he faces daily barriers in systems not built for his brain, yet he constantly reminds her that ability looks different for everyone. His unique strengths and perspective fuel Jessica’s drive to build more adaptable communities and workplaces.
Throughout Jessica’s career, she has worked across direct support, education, leadership, and service design, always striving to create environments where people feel safe, seen, and valued. Jessica is committed to culture-led success, operational excellence, and continuous improvement and she leads with integrity, authenticity, and heart.
Jessica is also the founder of Racing with Autism Australia, a nationally recognised initiative promoting opportunity through motorsport, and has proudly represented this cause on both national and international stages. Jessica’s advocacy has been recognised through several awards, including 2021 Tasmanian Young Achiever of the Year for Service to the Disability Sector, and as a semi-finalist for Young Australian of the Year.
As a Director at Self Help Workplace, Jessica is honoured to support a purpose-driven organisation that empowers people through meaningful work. Bringing a blend of lived experience, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to adaption and innovation to the table.