Acknowledging our extraordinary women this International Women's Day
07/03/2025
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Saturday 8 March, we are shining a spotlight on some of the remarkable women making a difference across North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS).
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #MarchForward for a gender equal future.
With more than 76 percent of our workforce being female, we place great focus on providing supportive workplaces that enable our staff to feel respected, connected and empowered.
For International Women's Day, we are profiling some of our staff in recognition of the valuable contribution women make to our workforce.
Kirsti Kilbane, Social Work Manager, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Kirsti Kilbane is a highly regarded Social Work Manager at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) and a member of the SCGH Emergency Department’s (ED) Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) working group.
As part of the group, Kirsti has helped develop FDV clinical pathways, risk assessment tools, and delivered extensive FDV training to the ED team, Social Work Department and other Allied Health disciplines.
“I am immensely proud of the significant achievements of the working group in leading quality improvement initiatives that ensured a consistently high standard of care for women and children at risk,” she said.
Kirsti also represents Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group and NMHS on the FDV Strategic Governance Group which contributes to the development and implementation of the WA Government’s FDV System Reform Plan, to improve our statewide response to FDV.
Kirsti said she was also proud of the efforts of the entire Social Work Department.
“I am inspired by the dedication of the social workers in my team and department, who show up every day with unwavering commitment to provide exceptional care to our most vulnerable patients,” she said.
When it came to naming a woman that inspired her this International Women’s Day, Kirsti couldn’t go past her mother.
“My mother, along with mothers everywhere, inspire me deeply,” she said. “I appreciate the countless ordinary people who act selflessly to support others every day, without accolades, often in the face of challenging circumstances.”
While working in the ED on International Women’s Day, Kirsti said she would take a moment to be grateful for the efforts of all the dedicated women and men working in our hospitals, as well as those in hospitals around the world, who provide compassionate care to patients every day.
Lisa Barry, Occupational Therapy Coordinator, Osborne Park Hospital
First joining Osborne Park Hospital in 2003, Lisa Barry is an Occupational Therapy (OT) Coordinator at Osborne Park Hospital and the co-chair of the Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group’s Disability Access and Inclusion (DAIP) Committee.
As a member of the OT leadership team, Lisa plays an important part across the wider Allied Health Department in providing authentic, compassionate and clinically excellent care.
“I take great pride in helping to support, mentor and empower our staff to provide the best possible, evidence-based care to our patients, as well as encouraging and driving service improvements and innovation,” Lisa said.
Lisa said she was incredibly proud of the OT Department and the strong, supportive culture they had built and sustained over time.
“Being part of the OPH OT team is a privilege, and I take great pride in the dedication and workplace culture that defines us,” she said.
In her role on the DAIP Committee, Lisa said she advocates for equitable opportunities for staff and consumers living with disabilities.
“By driving initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion, I help create a workplace where all individuals - regardless of gender or ability - can thrive,” said.
“Through these efforts, I aim to break down barriers and contribute to a culture that uplifts women and marginalised groups, ensuring that action for equality is not just a conversation, but a reality.”
Lisa said outside of work, her greatest achievement had been raising her three sons while pursuing a fulfilling career in OT.
“Balancing the demands of motherhood with my professional aspirations has not come without its challenges, particularly in navigating the barriers many women face when returning to the workforce and managing multiple responsibilities.
“However, seeing my children grow into capable, independent, and thoughtful young men while continuing to advance my career is something I am deeply proud of being able to balance.
She said it was her Mum who inspired her and showed her what was possible in life.
“I am inspired by her enduring strength and resilience in whatever challenges arose throughout her life, as well has her unwavering commitment to caring and nurturing those around her when in need,” she said.
To celebrate International Women's Day, Lisa said she was attending a presentation hosted by the Allied Health Executive Committee.
Dr Katie Nivenm, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, State Forensic Mental Health Service
Dr Katie Nivenm, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, has been working with the Child and Adolescent Forensic Service and the Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Service at Banksia Hill Detention Centre for the past two years.
Prior to joining the State Forensic Mental Health Service, Katie started her career in mental health as a service registrar at Fiona Stanley Hospital in 2015.
During that time, Katie said she was proud of the teams and services that her and her colleagues had been able to build and implement to the benefit of her patients.
“This required considerable effort and a great deal of adaptability and fortitude from all involved,” she said.
Katie has also undertaken valuable research projects to enhance outcomes in her field.
“I’m very proud of my research – exploring the clinical and forensic risk profiles of referred young people, the impacts of neurodiversity and childhood adversity and the mediating effects of cognitive difficulties – which is ongoing,” she said.
However, Katie said her greatest sense of pride came from seeing the young people she helped look after getting better and seeing them and their families happier, calmer and thriving.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, Katie said she had several female colleagues who had inspired her throughout her career.
“I’m very lucky to have been supported and mentored by some incredible clinicians who have great passion and purpose for their work and who lift other women up with them – Prof Helen Milroy, Dr Natalie Pyszora and Dr Liz Tate in particular,” she said.
When asked what advice she would give to women starting in her field, Katie was reminded of a quote from an American activist for civil rights and children's rights.
“There’s a quote attributed to Marian Wright Edelman that’s helped me a lot: You can’t be what you can’t see,” Katie said.
“Having more senior women visible and available for advice and support has been invaluable in my first couple of years as a consultant.
“Work on the mindset and demeanour that’s visible to others – your ‘command presence’, to use the military vernacular – being firm but calm, composed, and steady to help those around you feel settled and confident.”
Katie also said it was important to never lose the ability to laugh and have fun.
Dr Asha Juniper, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Clinical Service
Dr Asha Juniper is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Clinical Service at Wanneroo Adult Community Mental Health.
Asha has worked for North Metropolitan Health Service since 2008 and is recognised by her peers as a great role model and mentor to trainees, as well as a genuine advocate for both high quality of patient care and staff wellbeing.
Asha said she has great admiration and respect for Nobel Peace Prize Award winner Malala Yousafzai and her courageous advocacy for girls and women’s rights to access education.
“I strongly believe in the role of a mentor, to find someone you are comfortable with to reach out for advice and support is invaluable,” Asha said.
“We all have an important contribution to make. I encourage people to read widely, keep an open mind and lean-in.”
“I chose mental health as a profession because it requires you to get to know and work with the whole person within their social context, rather than focussing on an isolated organ system or disease process.
“It’s a privilege to work in a multidisciplinary team with dedicated and highly skilled colleagues and walk alongside people during their recovery process.
“Every person is different, and every day I am learning and having new experiences.”
Last Updated:
07/03/2025