Key Leadership Contacts

Karenza Louis-Smith

Group CEO of The Disability Trust

Karenza brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a genuine passion for creating inclusive, person-centred services that empower individuals and communities.

Karenza’s extensive career began in youth services in the UK, and over the years, she has held senior roles across Australia, including CEO positions at TaskForce and The Australian Community Support Organisation (acso), working in the areas of disability, mental health, offending, employment service, and drug treatment. In 2024, she was involved in the successful merger of ermha365 with The Disability Trust, uniting two organisations with aligned values and complementary strengths to create a stronger, more impactful Group. During her time at ermha365, Karenza built a strong reputation for innovation and advocacy – including initiatives such as the award-winning Get Real podcast and co-hosting the 2025 Australian Complex Needs Conference.

Her leadership is grounded in lived experience, empathy, and a belief in the power of recovery. She’s known for her collaborative style, her ability to build strong partnerships, and her drive to challenge the status quo.

As Chair of the Board at Mental Health Victoria, Karenza plays a pivotal role in influencing policy and driving sector-wide reform. Her passion for inclusion and advocacy ensures that The Disability Trust not only delivers exceptional services but also champions systemic change to improve outcomes for people with disability and complex mental health needs.

Karenza is a passionate advocate and a strategic thinker. Her vision is clear: to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter how complex or challenging their needs.

Shane Armstrong, male board member, short brown hair, maroon tie

Bill Stott

Head of Enviro Services/Commercial & Business Development Manager

Bill is an experienced Business Development and Operational Manager with broad experience from more than two decades of management roles in corporate and not-for-profit environments.

With considerable experience within the disability services sector including a strong familiarity with the NDIS, and broad industry experience across multiple sectors including packaging, horticulture, natural resource management, warehousing, and logistics, he has led large and complex teams.

Bill takes pride in maintaining excellent stakeholder relationships and the ability to drive growth with the teams he leads, with a focus on staff engagement, development, retention and positive financial outcomes.

Kellie Carruthers

Customer Engagement Manager

Kellie has more than 25 years' experience in the disability and healthcare sectors. Her experience ranges from operational to business development, with a passion for helping people to achieve their goals. Kellie has had success in building the business profile and participants base across the sectors for different groups. She has networks across Victoria that ensure continued growth with a pulse on the NDIS changes.

Kirsten Oakley

Head of Community Operations

Kirsten has a strong background in leading teams in specialist support coordination, behaviour support and complex case management as well as practice leader roles in day service and accommodation. Kirsten has a person-centred approach that underpins human rights principles, and she is committed to supporting people with disability increase capacity for self- determination.

Kirsten is passionate about delivering high-quality services with a focus on good practice leadership to support people with disability to engage in lifelong learning, meaningful activities, and social interactions.

Miriana Gazivoda

General Manager NDIS Operations Victoria

With a diverse career spanning the community, government, not-for-profit sectors, statutory authorities and social enterprises, Rosie joined Marriott in 2024 after a successful four-year consultancy.
In her role as Manager of Quality and Compliance, she has been instrumental in driving Marriott’s success in attaining NDIS and IMS (Health & Safety, Environment & Quality) certification, demonstrating her expertise in navigating complex compliance frameworks.

Rosie’s leadership is defined by her dedication, collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement. She empowers others to deliver exceptional results and is passionate about positive change, advocating for the highest level of care and support for individuals and communities.

Deeply committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of people with disability, Rosie fosters a culture of accountability to create a lasting impact.

Mark Mannix

Finance Manager

Mark is a senior finance professional with significant experience delivering at executive level within million-dollar organisations in the logistics (storage and transport) and not-for-profit sectors. Mark has strong conceptual and analytical skills, with significant staff management experience and is experienced in report preparation, budgets, cash flow management and capital expenditure. Mark has also partnered in strategic planning and has successfully led organisational change.

Rosie Chiavaro

Quality Manager

Rosie holds a Master of Education & Management, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability), Diplomas in Business (Quality Auditing) and Management (Workplace Leadership), and training in Corporate Governance, Project Management, Investigations, Mediation and Dispute Resolution.

With a diverse career spanning the community, government, not-for-profit sectors, statutory authorities and social enterprises, Rosie joined Marriott in 2024 after a successful four-year consultancy.

In her role as Manager of Quality and Compliance, she has been instrumental in driving Marriott’s success in attaining NDIS and IMS (Health & Safety, Environment & Quality) certification, demonstrating her expertise in navigating complex compliance frameworks.

Rosie’s leadership is defined by her dedication, collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement. She empowers others to deliver exceptional results and is passionate about positive change, advocating for the highest level of care and support for individuals and communities.

Deeply committed to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of people with disability, Rosie fosters a culture of accountability to create a lasting impact.

Marriott Support Services has officially merged with The Disability Trust. Visit these links for the governing Board, or to find out more about The Disability Trust.