Karen Edwards Joins Gidget Foundation Australia

Gidget Foundation Australia appoints Clinical Director, Karen Edwards, as national perinatal service expands

Gidget Foundation Australia today announced the expansion of its clinical leadership team with the appointment of Karen Edwards in the newly created role of Clinical Director.

Joining the Foundation in October, Karen will be responsible for leading Gidget’s clinical governance and compliance framework, within a culture of continuous quality improvement and clinical excellence. As an experienced health executive working across public, private, and not-for-profit healthcare Karen is committed to achieving quality health service delivery through comprehensive health system safety, robust governance practices and sound risk management.

Throughout her career Karen has worked in various roles across the sector supporting expectant and new parents as a clinical psychologist, AHPRA approved supervisor and health director.

Karen brings expert knowledge in corporate governance, strategic leadership, and financial management to theGidget team having most recently been Director of Governance and Corporate Services and Company Secretary at NSW-based parenting and early years’ support service Karitane. Prior to that, Karen was the Allied HealthCoordinator and Senior Clinical Psychologist responsible for the delivery of perinatal and infant mental health services.

Karen’s appointment comes as the Foundation celebrates 21 years of supporting expectant and new parents across the country. Gidget Foundation Australia CEO, Arabella Gibson says the role was created following an increase in demand for the vital services.

“At Gidget Foundation we pride ourselves on our clinical excellence, and as the Foundation expands across the country, we want to ensure we have the best systems and governance to support our clients as we grow. I couldn’t think of a more perfect fit for us and am thrilled Karen has chosen to join the Gidget family. I have complete confidence in the leadership she will bring and I am really looking forward to seeing what magic comes of our collective efforts,” Gibson said.

Of her appointment Karen said, “I am deeply honoured and incredibly proud to be appointed to the Gidget leadership team. My aim is to strive for high quality, innovative health service delivery and it is a pleasure to be joining Gidget Foundation Australia at such an exciting time in its history.”

Karen has a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, a Graduate Certificate in Adult Education, a Bachelor of Arts (hons) degree, and is also completing a Masters qualification in Health Leadership and Management. MsEdwards holds current professional memberships with the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS), theAustralian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), the Australian College of Health Service Managers (AACHSM)and the Governance Institute of Australia (AGIA).

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ENDS

About Gidget Foundation Australia

Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA) is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to support the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents, to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care. GFA provides a range of clinical treatment programs. These include individual psychological consultations (with no out-of pocket expenses) via face to face or telehealth, group treatment and early intervention screening.

With more than 100 clinicians across Australia, GFA is the largest known contractor of perinatal specialist mental health clinicians delivering psychological services nationwide. The GFA workforce includes: clinical psychologists, registered psychologists, mental health accredited social workers and occupational therapists.

media contact:

Amy Bramman
amyb@mediacast.com.au
MediaCast on 07 3160 3370