First Step Leadership Team

First Step’s Leadership Team provides collaborative, cross departmental advice and insights into operating a unique organisation with a complex clientele.

• Patrick Lawrence, CEO
• Gayle Wood, Operations Manager
• Dr Peter Wright, GP
• Joe Fishburn RPN, Manager Mental Health Services
• Kym Coupe, Team Leader Mental Health Services
• Chloe Bradford, Manager ResetLife
• Nelly Katsnelson, Fundraising and Engagement Manager
• Tania Wolff, Director of Legal Services

First Step Clinical Director

Dr Nico Clark has worked in the field of addiction medicine for over 25 years, including 10 years with the World Health Organisation in the Substance Use Team and as Medical Director of the North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR). He is currently also Head of Addiction Medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

First Step Board

First Step is governed by a Board of Directors – a diverse group of leaders who bring a variety of talents, experiences and expertise to the governance of First Step.

The Board works closely with our Leadership Team to guide their decision-making on strategic issues and hold them to account for their leadership of the organisation.