Management Team
Nina Shahi | Acting CEO
Nina has over two decades’ experience working in the NFP sector in Australia and overseas and holds an MBA as well as a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Sydney. She leads the Corporate Services team at Metro Assist, delivering critical functions including business support systems, risk management, compliance, human resources, marketing, work health and safety, technology and administration. Her passions include social justice; ethical management and governance; diversity and inclusion; and climate change and sustainability. Nina is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a board director of the Aboriginal Women and Children’s Crisis Service.
Gabrielle Brown | Finance Manager
Gabrielle is a CPA Accountant with decades of management accounting experience, primarily in the manufacturing sector. Gabrielle made the move to the not-for-profit sector in 2011, with the aim of applying her professional skills and passion for human rights and social justice to her work. Gabrielle has worked at Metro Assist since January 2020. Being married to an Indian migrant, Gabrielle is particularly thrilled to work for an organisation focused on service to communities of diverse backgrounds and to be able to make her contribution to a team supporting the welfare of those who come from overseas to make Australia their new home.
April Pan | Settlement and Employment Services Manager
April has been with Metro Assist since 2011. She holds a Master Degree in Social Development from UNSW with two decades of overseas and local experience working for numerous not for profit organisations. April is passionate about supporting and empowering the CALD and broader vulnerable communities to advance their wellbeing and be a positive contribution to Australian society. Having an acute sense of social policy issues, April is an active advocate for CALD and women's affairs. April heads the recently merged Settlement and Employment team which provides settlement services for recently arrived migrants and refugees, and Metro Assist’s employment support programs.
Michelle Lazaris | Family and Financial Inclusion Services Manager
Michelle Lazaris has over 15 years' experience working in the child and family and social sectors. Michelle has worked with Metro Assist since 2007. She was appointed Family Services Manager in 2016 and, in 2021, her role expanded to include Family and Financial Inclusion Services. Michelle's passion and expertise are in working to support culturally and linguistically diverse communities. She is an experienced manager with a strong focus on advocacy, continuous improvement and stakeholder and project management. Michelle has a successful track record in bringing together operations and people.
Michelle Aldred | Human Resource Manager
Michelle joined Metro Assist in July 2016 with a genuine desire to contribute to the remarkable work undertaken in the “for purpose” sector. With over 15 years’ of human resource generalist experience, Michelle has worked in both the corporate and private sectors. Michelle manages all facets of the human resources function including talent acquisition, workforce planning, industrial relations, employee engagement, compliance and change management. Michelle is passionate about ensuring Metro Assist is the best workplace it can be, and supporting staff to reach their full potential and bring their best to their roles.