About Us

Meet the Team

Meet the team at Greystanes Disability Services – a group of skilled and passionate people who are dedicated to community work. Everyone in the GDS Team are vital in actively supporting people with disability. At GDS we are proud to work alongside individuals, families and the community to create positive outcomes for the people we support.

Management Team

Amanda Coleman-Watson

Chief Executive Officer

Amanda has worked in the community services sector since 2001. Her leadership approach is grounded in frontline experience, having commenced her career in direct disability support work and youth services and moved through roles Team Leader, Manager, and Senior Leadership positions progressing to Chief Executive Officer. As CEO of Greystanes Disability Services (GDS), Amanda reports directly to the Board of Directors and leads the implementation of GDS strategic plan, ensuring a strong focus on governance and service quality. Amanda has a long commitment to evidence-informed practice and research. She participated in collaborative research projects with La Trobe University in 2015 and 2021, contributing to the development of educational resources on Person Centred Active Support . In 2015, Amanda completed the Certificate in Person-Centred Active Support Train the Trainer through La Trobe University, supported by a scholarship aimed at embedding evidence-informed practices across GDS. Amanda is an Associate Researcher on the Western Sydney University Disability Oral Care Grant, led by Professor Nathan Wilson, contributing her experience. Amanda's qualifications are a Dip Community Services, Dip Youth Work, Dip of Counselling, Dip Disability Studies, Certificate of Narrative Therapy Studies. Amanda is currently studying Diploma of Governance through the Institute of Community Directors. Amanda also volunteers her time to direct support and advocacy to communities in the Blue Mountains through local charity work and advocacy for mental health and Suicide prevention in peer led space.

Vanessa Balfour

Quality, Safeguarding and Community Engagement Manager

Vanessa's role focuses on Quality, Safeguarding, and Community Engagement. Vanessa supports the CEO of GDS and is the Company Secretary. Vanessa's background is in marketing and administration. Vanessa is currently studying a Diploma in Governance from the Institute of Community Directors, Australia. Vanessa will happily tell you that GDS is the best place she has ever worked due to its human rights-based approach and culture that aligns with her ethos.

Anita Ferrari

Business Manager

Anita Ferrari is Greystanes Disability Services Business Manager. Anita’s previous working experience business administration in corporate sectors. With a Bachelor of Social Welfare Specialised in Law for Human Services Disability and Community Analysis, Anita is an active member of Voices of Lived Experience (VOLE) as a woman with lived experience of disability.

Tory McPhee

Operations Manager

Tory McPhee oversees the NDIS Operations and Home Support Services within GDS. Tory has over 20 years of experience in the disability services sector and no plans of ever changing. Roles within the sector have included Support Worker, Team Leader, Operations Manager, Accommodation Manager, Manager of the DHASI Initiative and YPLC and finally Specialist Support Coordinator. Tory’s 5-year focus within GDS work is to continue to deliver, person-centred supports, develop and expand into housing for those with a disability, ensure equality and lead confided, knowledgeable and goal-driven teams.

Courtney Litchfield

Operations Manager

Courtney Litchfield is the Operations Manager ensuring compliance across our community living services and day programs. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for quality care, she supports our Team Leaders in the smooth, day to day operation of their locations helping to create safe, supportive and empowering environments for the people we support. Courtney has an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management, which strengthens her leadership skills and sector knowledge. Courtney is a proud and busy mum to four young children.

Organisational Support

Karina Manzo

Business Services Assistant

Wilma Nederhof

General Services Officer

Thomas Francis

Maintenance Officer

Disability Support Services

Bettina Schulz

Community Program Coordinator

Bettina has worked at Greystanes for 12 years, starting as a support worker in Home and Living and then moved on to working in the Day Program. Over the years, she has supported most people who have attended the Day Program. Everyone at Greystanes plays an important role in providing support and Bettina aims to facilitate the smooth running of the Community Program.

Team Leaders

Team Leaders at GDS are essential for embedding person-centred active support into frontline practice through effective practice leadership, modelling active support principles, and working alongside support staff to actively support people with disability. Their hands-on guidance and experience help maintain consistent, person-focused support and drive better outcomes for people with disabilities.