Ari has worked in the AOD sector since 2014. Ari works as a psychologist at Arrow Health and an addiction researcher at Monash University, where he explores addiction treatment, recovery, peer support, and several other fields. Ari's PhD thesis focused on the relationship between anxiety and self-control and the implications of this for addiction-related problems.

Latha Nithyanandam has 30+ years of experience as a Psychologist working as a Consultant, Faculty, Therapist, Supervisor and Research Head at various Hospitals, De-addiction Centres, Teaching Institutes, and Facilities in Australia and India. She did an internship in West Germany. Her doctoral thesis was on ‘Yoga as a Mind Body Approach for Well Being’. Presently she is the General Manager of Alcohol & Drug Foundation NSW- Kathleen York House a long term rehabilitation centre for women wanting to overcome their substance dependence

Senior Psychologist, Drug and Alcohol Services, Richmond / Clarence Network, Northern NSW Local Health District. A Psychologist since 2004, Darren has a long background in Mental Health Services, including holding leadership and legal roles, as well as having functions in various specialist portfolio positions. A long period in a portfolio involving dual diagnosis further developed this area of interest eventually resulting in a movement to the Drug and Alcohol sector. Darren has only recently joined the PSU as a committee member.

Nathan Akoka is a provisional psychologist, studying the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) program at Swinburne University. Nathan completed his Bachelor of Psychological Sciences from Deakin University and Graduate Diploma in Professional Psychology from the University of Melbourne. Clinically, he has worked across the private and public Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector as an AOD Clinician providing individual counselling, group work and assessments to forensic and voluntary clients. Nathan currently works as a Youth AOD Worker at YSAS, supporting young people aged 12-25 while completing their residential withdrawal stay. Nathan is also employed by YSAS as a Research Assistant, working on Randomised Control Trials related involving young people with substance use disorders, in collaboration with Orygen.

Ann is a clinical psychologist who has been working in private practice since 2008. She completed her clinical masters in 2015 and is currently enrolled in the Master of Addictive Behaviours through Monash University. Ann is passionate about advocating for a better understanding of addiction and reducing stigmatisation in the general population, health care workers, and the justice system. As addiction is a growing concern in Australia, it is vital that more services are available for those ready to seek help, along with their families, and that addiction is viewed as a health issue not a moral failing.

Jeremy trained in both neuroscience and psychology with a research focus on stress-induced dopaminergic dysfunction and its effect on behavioural flexibility. Through his experience in crisis support counselling, he learned the importance of coaching communication, family reconciliation and recovering equanimity through accessible harm minimisation strategies. He recognises that the neuro-physiological effect of both substances and medications, often taken in inconsistent patterns, can disrupt progress in therapy. As such he is committed to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to provide clinicians with the best resources for successful client outcomes