FOUNDING DIRECTOR, CO-CHAIR

Leigh is a medical doctor and a dedicated advocate for individuals affected by Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs). With both professional expertise and lived experience of OCD, Leigh holds a unique position at the intersection of clinical practice and personal understanding, bridging the gap between the medical community and those directly impacted by the condition.

Leigh has a proven track record of achieving success in advocacy, education and support initiatives. Under her leadership, OCD WA has expanded its reach, fostering a strong, supportive community and increasing access to evidence-based treatment. Her outstanding networking skills have brought together experts, clinicians and individuals with lived experience to advance OCD awareness and care in Australia.

A driving force behind clinician training, peer support programs and public awareness campaigns, Leigh is committed to reducing stigma, improving treatment pathways and ensuring that those living with OCD receive the support they need and live full, joyful lives.

CO-CHAIR

Michelle is a psychologist specialising in the intersection of mental health and the arts, Michelle has developed therapeutic art programs for a wide range of organisations. She finds immense purpose in using creativity as a tool to foster healing and transformation, whether through clinical practice, program development, or community initiatives.

Holding psychology degrees from Swinburne and Murdoch Universities, Michelle has also completed professional training in museum studies, visual arts, art therapy, and counselling. This interdisciplinary background enables her to merge psychological science with artistic expression to create meaningful and tailored therapeutic approaches.

With a particular interest in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), especially perinatal OCD, Michelle is committed to increasing awareness, challenging stigma, and addressing diagnostic delays to improve access to care and outcomes for those affected. She is looking forward to serving on the board of OCD WA, where she hopes to contribute to systemic change by building relationships, supporting the development of innovative initiatives, and offering creative, strategic insights.

SECRETARY

Ace is a highly accomplished business and healthcare management professional with over 15 years of experience in leadership, business strategy and consultancy. Ace is the Business Planning Manager at St John WA, the primary provider of ambulance and first aid services in Western Australia. Previously, Ace was the Business Manager for the Global Centre of Excellence in Diabetes Research at the Kids Research Institute/Perth Children’s Hospital.

Armed with an MBA, Ace specialises in evidence-based strategy and business management within the healthcare and medical research sectors. With a background in medical research—including clinical trials, genetics, microbiology and molecular biology—Ace brings a holistic yet data-driven approach to complex environments. Her leadership in both the not-for-profit and healthcare sectors ensures a strategic, impactful contribution to OCD WA’s mission.

TREASURER

Rhem is a chartered accountant who brings a wealth of experience to the role. His background includes public practice accounting, mine accounting and senior auditor positions.

Rhem's expertise in financial reporting, legal compliance and cost management, as well as his lived experience of OCD will be invaluable to OCD WA.

BOARD MEMBER

Aleisha is a dedicated advocate for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) awareness, education, and support. Passionate about reducing stigma and increasing understanding, Aleisha is committed to ensuring that evidence-based care is more accessible. 

With lived experience of OCD, Aleisha understands the difficulties individuals and families face, providing valuable insight and helping to keep the voices of those affected at the heart of OCD WA’s initiatives.

Honored to serve on the board, Aleisha is excited to contribute to meaningful change and help create a world where people with OCD feel understood, supported, and empowered.

BOARD MEMBER

Brodie is a qualified teacher currently pursuing further tertiary studies in guidance and counselling. Having firsthand experience with OCD, she understands the significant challenges individuals face in obtaining an initial diagnosis and accessing timely, affordable and effective professional support. She recognises how these barriers can unnecessarily complicate the recovery process, which has driven her to become a passionate advocate for individuals affected by Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs).

Brodie’s passion for education fuels her drive to create meaningful change in this space. As a board member of OCD WA, she aims to collaborate with like-minded individuals to improve public awareness of OCD. Through open discussions, storytelling and other educational initiatives, she hopes to support not only those with OCRDs but also practitioners, educators and family members navigating these challenges.

Her ultimate goal is to reduce the time between symptom onset, diagnosis and treatment - ensuring that individuals with OCRDs receive the support they need to regain their confidence and improve their quality of life.

BOARD MEMBER

Glen is a seasoned operational leader with over 20 years of experience in frontline leadership, risk management, and learning and development within the mining, resources, and heavy industry sectors. Currently, he serves as the Workplace Health and Safety Business Partner for the City of Stirling, where he guides the organisation in maintaining alignment with WHS legislation and industry best practices.

Glen is also pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, with a firm focus on obtaining endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.

FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER

Richard (Richy) is passionate about education, advocacy and peer support, with 40 years of lived OCD experience.

He also has an interest in dual diagnoses with substance abuse disorder, having struggled with alcohol to cope. He’s proud to be 12 years sober.