Marie-Louise is a degree qualified Social Worker and has been the Executive Director at Karinya House since it opened in 1997, as the first employee of the Service, and then titled, Coordinator. Marie-Louise retired as the Executive Director on 25 March 2022. Marie-Louise remains as a valued Committee Member.

During her time at the helm of Karinya House, Marie-Louise developed and expanded the service, its staff and service delivery.

In addition, through the development of effective partnerships with Government, Corporates and members of the regional community, Marie-Louise has negotiated an expanding funding base, to ensure continuity of the service and continuing enhancement of service delivery, from a premise of best practice within the Sector.

Prior to her work at Karinya House, Marie-Louise worked within the community sector in Western Sydney for almost 20 years and her combined professional experience spans over 40 years. Marie-Louise has an extensive family, from a regional farming background, and her commitment to family is easily measured by an assessment of her tireless commitment to the clients, staff and volunteers of Karinya House. Marie-Louise’s retires to spend time with and support her family, as well as to remain as a Friend of Karinya.