Meet the SMT!

Here's an introduction to the senior managers working across the PKAVS services. Read on for a profile of Raymond, Sarah, Melanie and Andrea, highlighting their motivations, goals, and what they appreciate most about their teams.

Raymond Jamieson, Carers Centre

Thanks to April for designing this graphic!

What inspired/motivated you to take on your current role?

I was a young carer when I was younger so that motivated me initially when I joined PKAVS as I wanted to help children get the support I didn’t get. Since become the carers centre manager it’s become clear that the challenges carers of all ages face every day are difficult to hear about so you just want to do what you can to help.

What do you appreciate most about working with your team?

I appreciate the way that the team all just mucks in together and helps each other out as and when help is needed and without a second thought. I also appreciate how they manage an often-ever-increasing workload without complaint as ultimately they know this will help make a difference to more carers we support.

What’s a key priority for your service in the coming year?

Unfortunately, despite there being several ways I’d like to look to develop the carers centre further, next year will have to be about securing what we already have due to the financial climate we are currently trying to operate in.  

Sarah Oelmez, Walled Garden & Wisecraft

What inspired/motivated you to take on your current role?

PKAVS couldn’t get rid of me after completing one of my social work placements with Wisecraft in 2012! Being largely on site at The Walled Garden, the environment inspires me and provides a sense of calm and happiness in my day-to-day work.  

What do you appreciate most about working with your team?

Our team is diverse with each person bringing their own unique professional and personal expertise. These skills are used individually and collectively to achieve the best possible mental health outcomes for our clients.

What’s a key priority for your service in the coming year?

Our team would love to see our Café back up and running again next year. This will not only enhance our service delivery options but support financial sustainability and re-establish a “farm to fork” approach with our garden.   

Melanie Devlin, TSI (Perth & Kinross)

What inspired/motivated you to take on your current role?

I believe that change occurs at the heart of the system. After working with partners to change policies that supported Women experiencing Domestic Abuse, I wanted to do more. 

What do you appreciate most about working with your team?

I have the privilege of working with the TSI team and the SMT and I learn lots from every person. 

What’s a key priority for your service in the coming year?

To grow on what we have achieved so far! Keep working creatively to support the health of the third sector. 

Andrea Balogh, The Gateway

What inspired/motivated you to take on your current role?

I was keen to work locally in Perth, particularly within HR, and when this role came up, I knew it’s the right fit for me. I was excited to be part of PKAVS and contribute to its mission.

What do you appreciate most about working with your team? I enjoy the diversity of the employees at PKAVS. Being a smaller organisation, it creates a great atmosphere where everyone knows each other, fostering a sense of community.

What’s a key priority for your service in the coming year?

I want to ensure that we have the best people in PKAVS who work together and are engaged, allowing us to make a positive impact.