Our Team
View From Property
A world-class team of caring and highly qualified professionals.
Led by Doctor Jennifer Parer, the goal of the Southern Highlands team is to provide the latest evidence-based world’s best practice addiction treatment methods to break addictions and replace them with good physical and mental health and provide the tools for permanent recovery.
Dr Jennifer Parer MBBS, FRACGP, DipRACOG
Medical Director
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, Diploma of Obstetrics, Fellow of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Honorary Adjunct Associate Professor Bond University
Dr Jennifer Parer is a General Practitioner with over 30 years experience and special interests in mental health, addiction medicine, women’s health and preventative health care. She has an honours degree in Medicine, a diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and is a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
She has been Medical Director of Gunnebah Addiction Retreat in Northern NSW for 8 years and enjoys educating Bond University Medical Students in Addiction Medicine.
Dr Jenny is passionate about her family of 6 children and her first grandchild. Outside of work, Dr Jenny spends her spare time reading, cooking for family and friends, learning languages, hiking and planning her next travel adventure.
Warwick Parer LLB
Managing Director
Bachelor of Laws, Solicitor Supreme Court Queensland, Captain Australian Army Reserve
Warwick practised law for 14 years before moving into the world of business where his involvements ranged from Ship Repair to Retail, Manufacturing, Property Development and Financial Management. Warwick has always had a passion for exercise and nutrition and through this has developed a strong belief in holistic wellness which is a core belief in the Southern Highlands Retreat philosophy. Outside work he is the proud father of six children and was also a Captain in the Australian Army Reserve.
Dr Kamal Dhaliwal BA(Psych)(Hons), DPsych(Clin), MAPS
Program Supervisor
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Full Members of Australian Psychological Society, registered with APHRA
Kamal is a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in anxiety, panic, depression, workplace stress, post-traumatic stress, anger and OCD, childhood trauma, relationship difficulties and the impact of drug &/or alcohol addictions.
He is highly skilled in assisting his clients free themselves from negative childhood experiences so that they can experience joyful and fulfilling relationships with the significant people in their lives. He has extensive experience supervising therapists, including 15 years supervising psychologists for the Qld Psychologists board (both Registered and Qualifying) as well as Masters and PhD students.
He was also Clinic Manager of the Nyunga Student and Family Counselling Centre at Griffith University. He volunteers in the community as a professional mentor to new psychology graduates and as a director of BUSY At Work, a not-for-profit organisation assisting disadvantaged people into meaningful employment.
In his he spare time Kamal has developed an online self-paced Happiness Program, publishes content on his website DrKamal.com.au, is interested in travel, loves spending time with family and his puppies and practices Kung Fu.
Linda Jackson MSW, BHSc, Dip Com Serv, Grad Cert Couns
Lead Therapist
Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Health Sciences (Naturopathy), Diploma of Community Services, Graduate Certificate in Counselling, Certified SMART Facilitator, AASW member, Approved NSW Victim Services Counsellor.
As a Social Worker, Linda combines her 10 years of experience in residential AOD and mental health programs with her background in counselling, teaching, Naturopathy, and NDIS Support Coordination to provide person-centred, holistic care.
With a lived experience of addiction, Linda is passionate about supporting people on their recovery journey and wholeheartedly believes that everyone can overcome addiction with support, compassion, and time.
She utilises various therapeutic approaches like CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, Schema, Compassion-Focused, and Narrative Therapies, focusing on strengths and solutions to help clients understand and overcome maladaptive behaviours. Linda also specialises in sexual health and healthy relationship education for people with disabilities.
To recharge, she loves to get into nature, practice yoga, scuba dive, hike, travel, meditate and SUP with friends.
Janine Walker GradDipCouns, BBus (Mkg&Psych)
Therapist
Graduate Diploma of Counselling, Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Psychology), PACFA member.
Janine holds a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and is a member of PACFA. With a deep-seated dedication to supporting individuals in their journey towards recovery and emotional wellness, Janine specialises in addiction recovery, suicidal crisis and distress, and mental health support. Janine's approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and empowerment, providing guests with a safe and nurturing space to explore their emotions and develop effective coping strategies.
Drawing from a diverse array of therapeutic modalities, including trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, strength-based, somatic, person-centred, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Janine tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual she works with.
In a previous chapter of her professional life, Janine honed her skills in marketing, with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Psychology, specialising in events and communications. This background enriches her understanding of human behaviour and communication dynamics, enhancing her ability to connect with guests on a deeper level.
Janine's hobbies reflect her holistic approach to well-being. She finds tranquillity through yoga, meditation and reading, having completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training program in Vinyasa Yoga. Running and swimming are her go-to activities for physical fitness and mental clarity. Currently pursuing a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Janine is committed to continual growth and enhancement of her therapeutic skills.
Stuart Jamieson-Pate Dip Couns, BASc, MBA
Therapist
Diploma Counselling, Bachelor Applied Science, Master of Business Administration (People and Resources), ACA member, APS student member.
Stuart combines his experience in crisis support and residential AOD with an extensive Human Resources and people development history in the NFP and corporate environment.
Person and strengths centred, Stuart draws upon an integrated therapeutic approach to provide support to guests whilst they focus on their recovery and a life worth living based on values and actions. Collaboration, positive regard and compassion form the basis for his work whilst guests work on their skills and tools for ongoing growth.
Stuart enjoys his family life in the Southern Highlands and unwinds with swimming. He is continuing his study with a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
Stephen Schofield - Psychologist (Grad Dip App Psych, Grad Dip Soc Sc., BA, Ass. Dip. Soc. W.)
Psychologist
Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Social Science, Bachelor of Arts Degree, Associate Diploma in Social Welfare, Post Graduate Certificate in Divinity, Certificate IV in Workplace Trainer and Assessor and registered with AHPRA.
Stephen has over 21 years experience in the psychology field. Prior to this, he did welfare work for 14 years.
Stephen uses a range of counselling modalities including CBT, ACT, Brief and Solution Focused Therapy, Happiness-Positive Psychology, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, stress management strategies and life skills training, in the context of a strength-based approach.
Stephen’s therapeutic interest is working with adults who are experiencing: anxiety, stress, depression, existential crisis, grief, low self-esteem, and addiction.
To recharge he enjoys reading, bike riding with his wife Jacqui, playing guitar, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Linda Burgess AMSW, BSW, BA (Psych, Anth), Adv dip TAT
Art Therapist
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Anthropology), Advanced Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy, Cert IV Training & Assessment, AASW member, Approved NSW Victims Services Counsellor.
Linda Burgess is a Social Worker with 27 years of experience in various settings, including family support, parenting training, counselling, and art therapy. Linda is passionate about mental health, disability, group therapy and using art to heal past trauma; ACT, CBT, and other approaches to therapy combine well with art therapy.
Linda has been working in private practice in Mittagong for 8 years.
Outside of work hours, Linda is an enthusiastic woodworker and artist, both hobbies are a great way to relax and be ready for the next day. She is a Southern Highlands resident with 3 children, lots of animals and a variety of other interests.
Danielle Small Cert IV MH, Cert IV CS, Cert IV VN
Admissions Manager DVA
Certificate IV in Mental health, Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Danielle joined the Gunnebah team in early 2019 as an administrative assistant. Prior to Gunnebah she spent four years as a qualified veterinary nurse and technician. A positive change of scenery caused Danielle to recognise her passion for mental health and she is now a qualified mental health support worker and our admissions manager. Danielle has now expanded her duties to include admissions for the Southern Highlands Retreat. She is passionate about helping people and seeing them make a positive change in their lives. Danielle will be there to support you and help you in taking the first step into your recovery journey. Danielle enjoys drawing, camping, and the company of her family and her dog.
Felicity McKellar Cert SS, Cert T3, AARS, Tm, Dip CS
Admission Manager NDIS
Secretarial Certificate III, Travel Certificate, Advanced Airline Reservation Systems, Travel Management, Cruise Master, Diploma of Community Services.
Felicity began working with us in 2021 following a change in the travel industry and she hasn’t looked back. Felicity has over 30 years administration and travel experience, where she managed teams of staff, escorted group tours and was always a listening ear to her loyal clientele and staff. When COVID-19 lockdowns began, she was inspired to change her focus in life. She has now taken her passion for helping people into the mental health and addictions space, having completed a Diploma in Community Services. She has an empathetic nature and listens with compassion and understanding. Felicity is one of your first contacts at the Southern Highlands, doing your assessments, admission processes and guest services. Outside of work Felicity is furthering her studies in Counseling and loves working in her garden, crafting jewelry and cooking up a feast for her family. Most of all she enjoys sharing her love of nature and exploring with her young grandchildren.
Margaret Dee Cert III in Hospitality, Cert II in Security Operations
Admission Coordinator
Margaret comes from an extensive background in sales and marketing, predominantly in tourism and hospitality.
She has spent the last decade caring for her mentally ill husband and raising her three daughters.
Margaret has a great interest in health and fitness and is currently studying to become a Pilates and Barre Instructor. Margaret's belief of never being too old to make a change and make a difference brings a strong and positive foundation to her role as Admissions Coordinator at the Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat.
Ben Moller BBus, BA Hons, MBus (IntBus)
General Manager
Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Arts Honours, Masters International Business
Ben possesses extensive experience in the fields of communication, marketing, and general management, most notably in the medical industry. Over the course of his career he has worked for a number of organisations in a variety of fields including banking, real estate, hospitality and health. He has created, developed and delivered complex communication and marketing strategies to specific target audiences using a wide selection of channels. He has won numerous advertising and marketing industry awards for his work. He has also worked in the areas of business development and general management.
Ben lived and worked overseas for a number of years and now lives back in Australia with his wife and two children.
Julie Chamouille Diploma of Work Health and Safety/Operations Management Certificate Level 2
Assistant General Manager
Julie has over 30 years experience in Hospitality and 8 years in facility management and operations.
She is passionate about the serenity Canyonleigh has to offer everyday with its stunning views and tranquil surroundings.
In her spare time she is a wife, mum and grandmother.
Christopher Gibbings MSA, MEd, BSc, PDC, CertTD
Tech Nerd
Master of Social Administration, Master of Education (Pastoral Guidance), Bachelor of Science (Comp Sci), Permaculture Design Certificate, Certificate in Training and Development
Chris loves to help organisations that build a better world to work more effectively and efficiently, so that their staff can spend less time on admin and more time doing what they are passionate about. Chris has 20 years of experience in community development, permaculture design and Information Technology.
He has established a successful ecovillage and for ten years was a Director of the Association for Sustainable Communities as well as a Vision Councillor for the Global Ecovillage Network Oceania and Asia. A former Community Development Coordinator for Brisbane City Council and Red Cross international worker, Chris has led numerous homelessness and refugee projects.
In an earlier incarnation, Chris was a Systems Analyst and Database Designer and his tech background always comes back to haunt him.
In his non-work time Chris runs a ukelele protest group and a world peace meditation network, helps run an eco-spirituality retreat centre, provides accommodation to refugees, provides tech support to various causes and community groups, is learning to surf, meditates, dances salsa and goes on extremely long hikes.
Wayne Miles Certificate III Aged Care Home and Community Care, Advanced Diploma Engineering Design, Welder Fabricator, Ticketed Machine Operator
Property Caretaker
Wayne has a love of the outdoors and a lifetime of working in civil works, construction, welding, and pipelines.
“I have found myself in a very fortunate position of combining all my skills and passion in one place with a family-owned company whose only interest is people’s wellbeing”.
His passion is to maintain a beautiful environment for all guests and visitors. He loves motorcycle riding, fishing and travelling.
Angela Clark
Head Cleaner
Angela has worked in the cleaning industry for the past 20 years, working chiefly in schools and government buildings in the MacArthur area. She has also run a horse agistment property looking after horses. She has a passion for all animals, especially horses and has a wide variety of animals at home. Angela has two grandchildren who she enjoys spending time with.
Sarah Davies Cert III in Agriculture
Operations Support
Sarah has over 10 years experience in hospitality and a background in agriculture. She has a passion for animals and the positive impact they have on people.
In her spare time she enjoys Pilates, hiking, gardening and spending time with her husband, their three dogs and her family.