Military and Emergency Services and Psychology

Committee Information

Below are details of the current committee and vacancies. The APS is always on the look out for members who are interested in joining a Member Group committee, to help support and promote members, the profession, and the APS. For more information about joining a Member Groups committee, click here.

Have questions? Please feel free to contact committee members via PsyCommunity direct message here or reach out to APS Member Groups via [email protected].

 

Convener

Mr David Paterson
I am a registered psychologist and Organisational Psychology Registrar working with Ambulance Victoria focussed on workplace reform. I am a graduate of the Master of Psychology (Organisational) at Deakin, a qualified accountant (CPA) and served as an Armoured Corps officer in Army.

I am passionate about people thriving at work with special interests in change and organisational culture.

I am an active Surf Lifesaver and enjoy mountain biking, adventure motorcycle riding snowboarding and spending meaningful time with friends and family.

I live in Warrandyte, Victoria.

Secretary

Position vacant

Treasurer

Position vacant

Committee Member

Mrs Deborah Shepherd
I’m currently working p/t as a chronic pain clin psych at the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare and doing a Graduate Diploma in Pain Management with Sydney Uni. Previously I’ve worked with NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Police Force and as an Army Reserve Psych Officer. In my spare time I like to cycle, kayak and ride my motor bike.

Committee Member

Ms Carolyn Heward
I'm a clinical psychologist and PSYBA supervisor. I have held leadership positions within the public service and have experience with mental health and organisational sectors, including public health, NGOs, universities, private practice, and the military. In the past 10 years, I have worked with the Defence Force both internally and externally in civilian mental health professional roles. As of the past year, I have left the Defence sector to take up a position as a Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at James Cook University.

Over the past 10+ years, I have been an executive member of the NQ APS Branch, most recently serving as Chair for three years. During this period I have also served as Secretary for the APS Queensland Branch. In my professional career, I have worked extensively with the Australian Defence Force, and it is the subject of my doctoral research. I am very interested in the military and emergency services interest group and maintaining its progression.

Committee Member

Mr Patrick Watkinson

Committee Member

Dr Carolyn Deans
Carolyn is a clinical psychologist with a focus on military and veteran mental health, resilience interventions and trauma. She is currently the Mental Health Advisor at RSL Victoria.

Carolyn has worked as a uniform military psychologist for 20+ years including on military deployments. She has conducted trauma education and research, and consulted on managing staff in challenging work environments, transition from uniform service, and veteran mental health.

Carolyn is a researcher and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Victoria University and previously worked at Phoenix Australia at the University of Melbourne.

Committee Member

Ms Anita Savic

Committee Member

Dr John Durkin

Committee Member

Position vacant

Student Representative

Mr Daniel Wood