Who is CHSS
Coffs Harbour Support Services (CHSS) was established in 1993 by local families and community members committed to the support, inclusion and empowerment of people living with disability.
We are a Not-for-profit.
Our Vision
A community in which people with disability are valued and contributing members.
Diversity
Respect
Innovation
Integrity
Wellbeing
Our People
Cathy Lengyel
Chair
Evans Kurinyepa
Treasurer and Member Finance, Risk, Audit Committee
John Oldfield
Director and Member Finance, Risk, Audit Committee
Tracy Welsh
Director
About Me
Cathy Lengyel is a consultant in the Human Services area (with a focus on service re-design and business reviews in the aged, disability and healthcare sectors).
Cathy has a social work degree with postgraduate qualifications in business management. She has more than 25 years’ experience in Executive Management roles in community, health, disability, and aged care services in Not-for-profit, Government and Private sectors, across the Eastern seaboard of Australia.
Cathy has been a Director of several not-for-profit Boards and completed the Governing for Not-for-Profit organisations course at Harvard University in 2011. Cathy is also a graduate and fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Cathy grew up in Melbourne and now lives in Coffs Harbour. She is passionate about innovative service delivery / projects, empowering people with disabilities and building inclusive communities.
Director since 2022.
Brett Kelly
Director
About Me
Brett Kelly joined the CHSS Board seeking an opportunity to give back to the community using his diverse professional experience. Since stepping into the role, Brett has gained deep insights into the disability sector and has been continually inspired by the meaningful impact CHSS has on the lives of its clients.
With a career spanning both banking and finance—where he worked as a commercial lender—and aged care and retirement village management, Brett brings a broad and versatile skillset to the Board. His cross-sector experience has proven invaluable in contributing a unique perspective to strategic discussions and decision-making.
Brett is passionate about CHSS’s mission to grow sustainably and expand its reach, enabling more individuals to access services that enhance their quality of life and community participation. He sees exciting potential for CHSS to diversify its offerings beyond the disability sector.
Proud of the collaborative and high-performing Board team, Brett values the opportunity to collaborate with fellow directors while contributing meaningfully to CHSS’s governance and strategic direction.
Outside of his professional commitments, Brett is often found paddling his outrigger canoe in the early mornings at the Harbour, soaking in the beauty of the ocean and the vibrant marine life. He feels fortunate to live in such a stunning location and makes the most of every moment outdoors.
About Me
Evans, a seasoned CPA and committed Christian professional, grounds his career in the Ubuntu philosophy. He staunchly believes in the symbiotic relationship between personal success and the collective well-being, inclusion, and support of the vulnerable within our community.
As CFO of a local values-based charity, Evans drives impactful change for vulnerable seniors in Coffs Harbour, combining financial expertise with a commitment to community well-being.
Evans boasts a wealth of expertise in investment research and fund management, with a specialized focus on financial management in the For-Purpose sector. His experience spans residential aged care, retirement villages, home care, and community services.
With a professional background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Evans holds a Master of Business in Accounting, a Bachelor of Accounting and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) with Honors. He is a passionate Chelsea FC supporter.
Saasha Greeney
Director
About Me
Saasha is a former HR Manager and now a specialist employment and workplace relations solicitor, with extensive experience and a strong focus on the social impact sector. She runs her own law firm, delivering tailored and pragmatic legal solutions to clients across the Far North Coast of NSW and South East Queensland.
With experience from both sides of the table, Saasha brings a unique perspective that allows her to provide practical, people‑centred outcomes aligned with organisational objectives and culture.
Saasha holds a Juris Doctor (First Class Honours) and is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Outside her professional commitments, Saasha is an avid equestrienne who loves travelling across the countryside to compete and enjoy the sport of dressage.
About Me
John has held C-suite roles in both public and private sectors. Notably, he led GP Synergy Limited from a small startup to a large public enterprise with revenue exceeding $60M, while managing a workforce of 250 employees across nine offices.
He is Principal consultant for Jam RegTech delivering strategic management services, including InfoSec (ISO27001:2022) and Cybersecurity systems development and auditing.
His strategic acumen is reflected in the execution of corporate amalgamations, operational and ITC strategy, integrated systems development, and complex change management.
About Me
Joel Aitken
Chief Executive Officer
Rachel Landrigan
Manager, Service Delivery
Jenna Richards
Manager, People & Culture
Vishal Sharma
CFO
Sarah McKittrick
SIL Team Leader
About Me
Joel Aitken is the CEO of CHSS, bringing over 20 years of experience in disability, aged care, mental health, and employment services. A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Joel is committed to empowering communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive through meaningful participation.
With a strong background in business growth and strategy, Joel has led successful organisational expansions, delivering multi-million-dollar revenue growth while maintaining a people-first focus. His leadership is defined by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to building resilient, high-performing teams that deliver both social and commercial impact.
Joel’s career spans frontline work with vulnerable communities through to executive leadership, where he has driven major reforms, including NDIS transitions and new service models in employment and well-being. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, and is completing a Graduate Certificate in Business (MBA Pathway).
At CHSS, Joel is dedicated to driving strategic growth, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of delivering meaningful, community-driven services.
About Me
Rachel Landrigan leads with heart and purpose. With over 15 years of leadership experience—including six dedicated to the community services sector. Rachel is known for her ability to bring out the best in people. Whether she’s guiding teams, supporting individuals, or shaping programs that make a real difference, Rachel’s approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a belief that strong communities start with empowered individuals.
As CHSS’s Manager for Service Delivery, Rachel blends strategic thinking with a deep commitment to human connection. She is passionate about mentoring teams, building individual capacity, and cultivating cultures of learning, empowerment, and growth. Her coaching strengths and ability to develop others are central to her leadership style, helping people thrive both professionally and personally.
Proudly based in beautiful Mid North Coast, Rachel draws inspiration from the natural environment and the vibrant community around her. Outside of work, you’ll often find her exploring the coastline, recharging in nature, or sharing a laugh with friends and family.
About Me
Jenna is our leader in the People & Culture team, with over five years of experience in this space. Jenna consistently brings warmth, integrity, and a profound commitment to staff wellbeing. With a diverse background spanning retail, administration management, and the university sector, she offers a sharp eye for detail and a well-rounded perspective on workplace dynamics and organisational growth.
Jenna holds a Bachelor of Criminology from the University of New England. During her studies she also contributed to Earle Page College’s Coast Run fundraising committee as Secretary, supporting the Children’s Medical Research Institute—a reflection of her enduring passion for justice and community impact.
Jenna is dedicated to fostering inclusive, people-centric environments and is committed to the ongoing enhancement of workplace culture. Her meticulous attention to detail, empathetic disposition, and innovative approach significantly drive our initiatives, assisting in shaping the strategic direction of CHSS. Outside of work, she enjoys expressing herself through art and spending time outdoors, where she finds balance and inspiration.
About Me
Vishal Sharma is a seasoned finance and strategy leader with over 25 years of international experience across the not-for-profit, corporate, and manufacturing sectors. A Chartered Accountant and MBA, he has held senior executive roles including Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, driving organisational growth, operational efficiency, and strong governance. Vishal has a proven record of delivering financial sustainability, spearheading strategic initiatives, and leading teams to achieve transformational outcomes. His expertise spans corporate governance, risk management, business planning, and large-scale financial operations, including managing $100M+ annual disbursements under the NDIS framework.
Passionate about creating lasting impact, Vishal combines technical excellence with a people-first leadership style. He has contributed significantly to community organisations, serving on boards and committees, and volunteering in crisis support and firefighting services. With a global career that has taken him across Asia, Europe, and Australia, Vishal brings a unique perspective to strategy and operations, fostering innovation and resilience. Guided by values of integrity, service, and collaboration, he is committed to strengthening organisations and delivering sustainable value for stakeholders and communities alike.
About Me
Sarah is a Team Leader, Supported Independent Living and joined Coffs Harbour Support Services in 2014. She has enjoyed the experience gained through various roles with CHSS and that led to her appointment as Team leader in June 2020.
Throughout her time in the disability sector she has applied the “Person centred approach” to all individuals she has supported, is client focused and has a passion for supporting people living with a disability to live a full inclusive life by supporting the individual to be as independent as possible and reach their goals.
Outside of work Sarah is a mother to two beautiful little girls and they enjoy long walks on the beach with their dog Dickson.
CHSS 2025 - 2028 Strategic Plan
Please click the below button to view our 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan
