Natasha Stapleton

She has a certificate IV in Alcohol and other Drugs and a diploma in Community Welfare.
Up until 4 years ago she was responsible for all aspects of the telephone line operating and working with the volunteers. She now holds a part time position and works closely with James who has taken over a large part of her duties. Unfortunately, this has led to having less contact with the volunteers which was an integral part of her job and one which she enjoyed.
She has worked closely with the Centre for Volunteering for over 20 years on supporting volunteers.
She loves to read physiological thrillers and watch UK programmes on renovating houses.
Sandra is a mother to Nicola and Jess and grandmother to Joshua.
Sandra Lines - Volunteer Manager
Catherine first came to FDS in June 2019 as a parent struggling with the impact her son’s substance use was having on her family. She regularly attended the Elizabeth Support Group and found that as well as getting help for herself, she also got a great deal of satisfaction out of listening to others and offering her support. Catherine feels very passionate about the FDS model and welcomed the opportunity to join the organisation in November 2020 as a Family Support Worker.
Originally coming from Scotland, Catherine came to Australia with her parents at age 13. She definitely calls Australia home, but loves to go back to visit her home country when she can.
Outside of work she enjoys the physical challenge of Boot Camp and Yoga. She loves catching up with friends and family & walking her dog Baxter.
Catherine Winter - Family Support Worker, South Australia
Louise's involvement with FDS commenced in 2013 when she was appointed as the Accounts Manager and worked in this position until 2019.
In 2021 Louise was re-appointed in the same position.
Louise has over 30 years of experience in Finance and has worked for a diverse range of businesses and non-profit organisations.
Some of Louise’s qualifications include a Degree in Management, Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Diploma in Financial Counselling.
Louise believes in the FDS model and feels it is vital in supporting families’ in their time of need.
Louise enjoys simple pleasures like sharing a meal and having a laugh with family and friends.James joined FDS in October 2015. As our Volunteer Coordinator, his role encompasses working with the Volunteer team, undertaking Interviews with potential volunteers, assisting with the delivery of the volunteer training courses, overseeing the 24/7 telephone roster including debriefing and supporting volunteers and any other administrative requirements.
Prior to joining FDS, James had worked in a number of customer service, administration and learning and development roles, primarily in the Social Service sector.
James is passionate about social justice and equality.
James is currently completing a Cert IV Coordination of Volunteer programs.
Outside of work James enjoys most sports, collecting records, playing guitar and drums, Scrabble, gardening and DIY projects.
James Lomas – Volunteer Coordinator
Chloe is the Victorian Project Officer for Family Drug Support Australia and is responsible for running support groups, community workshops and the FDS flagship program, ‘Stepping Stones to Success’ for families affected by problematic alcohol and drug use.
Chloe has a background in case management for people receiving unemployment benefits, is a Board Member of Students for Sensible Drug Policy Australia and is in her qualifying degree to become a social worker. She is also a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and the Australia Community Workers Association (ACWA).
Sally originally graduated with a Bachelor in Arts in Sociology and English and worked in Sales & Marketing and Account Management but found herself pursuing further study in psychology. In January 2018, while studying counselling and working as an Alcohol and Other Drugs caseworker, she began volunteering on the FDS support line, and in June 2019 started with FDS as a Family Project Officer with the amazing SA team: Kendall and Angela. Sally enjoys working with family members whether that is at support groups, delivering Stepping Stones or one to one support.
Sally enjoys reading, creative writing, yoga, spending time with close friends and loves the ocean, music and travelling.
Renee joined the FDS team in August 2021 bringing with her 25 years of knowledge and experience working in law enforcement and the education space.
Renee's passion is empowering people within the community to have the confidence to share their stories so we can all put a stop to the shame felt and stigma around substance use. Her focus is creating a safe place for individuals to openly share what is happening in their lives without judgment, so they can get the support they need.
Renee believes in the FDS model and considers it an honour to make a positive impact in the lives of the families, knowing they have the skills and knowledge to effectively cope with the situation.
Renee is a certificated Acceptance Commitment Therapist who has completed a Bachelor of Adult Education at the University of Technology, Sydney. She has completed a Graduate Certificate in Psychology from Charles Sturt and is in her final year at ACAP studying Bachelor of Counselling with a coaching influence.
In her spare time Renee enjoys gardening, studying and spending time with her family and three cats and two dogs.
Since August 2021 Caroline has been the FDS Family Support Worker based in Rockhampton Qld, covering all of Central Queensland.
Caroline arrived in Rockhampton, Australia in June 2008 from the United Kingdom. Caroline graduated from the University of Surrey U.K. BA (Hons) and then spent twenty years with the British Government in various roles. These roles included several years as a British Diplomat based in Embassies in Asia.
Prior to joining FDS she was employed as a Senior Advocate for RSL Queensland. For over 13 years she covered Central Queensland advocating for serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families, ensuring that they gained their entitlements and looking after their wellbeing.
Caroline has a wealth of experience working with clients with physical disabilities and mental health concerns including clients and their families using alcohol and other drugs.
Caroline has all relevant qualifications in training, mental health and casework management.
Caroline is an avid football (soccer) fan having played for over thirty years at various levels. She is a lifelong supporter and avid Manchester United fan. Since arriving in Australia she has also become a huge NRL fan and is a keen South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter.
Caroline Wright - Family Support Worker, Rockhampton QLD