ABOUT US
Over 30 Years of Trusted Clinical Leadership
Bringing together multi-disciplinary expertise to bridge the gap in complex neurological community care across the Eastern Seaboard.
NCAAS is a specialist healthcare provider delivering a wide range of therapeutic interventions focused on providing exceptional bowel, bladder, HEN (Home Enteral Nutrition), stoma, wound care, and lymphoedema management services for people living with neurological disabilities. Led by Dr Joanne Lawrence, our multidisciplinary team includes Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Nurse Consultants, and an ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner, all of whom are highly qualified and committed to delivering unrivalled, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs.
In addition to our clinical services, NCAAS provides comprehensive education and training for disability support workers, carers, and healthcare providers. Our evidence-based training programs build confidence and competence in areas including bowel and bladder care, HEN, stoma care, wound management, lymphoedema management, and other complex care needs, helping to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality support for participants.
We work collaboratively with participants, families, Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Coordinators, Local Area Coordinators (LACs), Support Coordinators, NDIA Planners, healthcare professionals, and service providers to deliver coordinated, person-centred care that promotes independence, wellbeing, and improved quality of life.
Our Vision
The mission of NCAAS is to partner with people, burdened by bladder and/or bowel dysfunction and provide them with a range of highly specialised skills and therapeutic solutions.
Our Mission
Neurological Consultancy and Assessment Services – NCAAS is committed to improving the well-being and social inclusion of all people who are experiencing neurological bladder and/or bowel dysfunction.
Our Aim
The aim of NCAAS is to maximise each person’s ability to engage confidently in their community.
Navigating NDIS & CAPS Scheme
Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)
CAPS is a federal Medicare scheme providing an annual indexed payment to help assist with the costs of permanent and severe incontinence products. Managed through Services Australia, this scheme applies to eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 5 years or older. Our clinical team provides the formal continence reassessment
Partnering with the NDIS
Navigating the complex requirements of profound or severe disability care can be overwhelming. We work directly alongside you, your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or NDIA Planner to formally justify and request the necessary assistive technology, equipment, and consumable funding your plan requires.
The NCAAS Team
Dr Joanne Lawrence RN PhD
BAppSc; MA; PhD; Continence Promotion Graduate Certificate. GradCertLymphMgmt (MQ); Cert Developmental Disability (R.M.R.N); Cert IV Workplace Training & Assessment
Dr Joanne Lawrence directs NCAAS and leads a specialist team of nurse consultants dedicated to our diverse population of clients. With 35 years of clinical practice, a PhD in Medicine, and recognised expertise in continence, wound, stoma, and lymphoedema care, Joanne partners with people living with complex neurological disabilities to achieve independence and wellbeing.
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As Director and Clinical Team Leader of NCAAS, Joanne leads a specialist team providing continence, respiratory, stoma, wound, home enteral nutrition, and lymphoedema services. Her clinical and academic career has been driven by a deep commitment to people living with autism spectrum disorder and complex degenerative and acquired neurological disability and injuries.
Joanne brings both breadth of experience and personal understanding to her work. She is an accomplished clinician, educator, researcher, and author with a proven track record of delivering clinical and behavioural solutions.
My Role with NCAAS
Director and Clinical Lead, NCAAS
Continence, HEN, Wound, and Stoma Consultant
Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner
Where Do I Work?
Joanne provides specialist consulting services across the wider Sydney Metropolitan area and regional New South Wales, delivering care that is recognised and valued by her NCAAS clients, team members, and the wider medical and allied health community
Some More Things About Me
I love arts and crafts, when I am not working, I enjoy painting, watercolour and making glass beads. I love traveling and learning about new cultures, especially eating new foods.
Sarah
Bachelor of Applied Nursing (BAppN); Post Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health; (PGCertCFH); Diploma of Counselling (Dip Counselling); GradCertLymphMgmt (MQ)
My Role: Continence, HEN, and Wound Nurse Consultant; Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner.
Sarah is an experienced Registered Nurse with over 25 years working in a variety of settings including disability, aged care, community health and women’s health. Sarah brings expertise and genuine, compassionate care to all NCAAS clients with strong assessment and therapeutic skills across all aspects of complex wound, continence care and lymphoedema management.
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Where Do I Work?
Wider Sydney Metropolitan, Wollongong and Central Coast
Some More Things About Me
I enjoy Zumba, walking my dogs and swimming at the beach.
Melissah Krigstein
Bachelor of Nursing (BN), Graduate Diploma Stoma, Continence and Wound (GradDip).
My Role: Continence, Wound Nurse Specialist: Accredited Stomal Therapist
Melissah is a highly qualified and experienced community nurse specialist with extensive experience working with people who have acquired spinal cord injury. Her post graduate qualifications ensure she is certified to provide a wide range of wound, stoma and continence assessment and therapies. Her passion, commitment and competence are often highlighted by many NCAAS clients she services.
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Where Do I Work?
Wider Sydney Metropolitan,
Some More Things About Me
I am a mother of three amazing children. I am a fitness junky and love walking my dog.
Nicole
Nicole is the NCAAS Practice Manager and a warm, approachable point of contact for many clients. She brings a diverse background in leadership, human resources, hospitality and insurance, giving her strong skills in communication, coordination and practical problem-solving.
My Role: Practice Manager
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Where Do I Work?
NCAAS headquarters
What’s My Background?
I have strong administrative management background with expertise in the insurance, disability and healthcare sectors.
Some More Things About Me
I bring a creative perspective through my work as a playwright, theatre producer and sound practitioner. I am committed to helping clients, colleagues and the broader care team feel supported and well connected.
Mark Temple
Bachelor of Nursing (BN); Bachelor of Business (BBus). Accredited Case Manager
Mark is an experienced community nurse, case manager and certified practising accountant with strong expertise in wound management, palliative care, continence management, risk management and process improvement.
My Role: Clinical Coordinator and Case Manager: Continence, Wound and Stoma Consultant
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Where Do I Work?
Wider Sydney Metropolitan
What’s My Background?
Mark has strong ability to organise healthcare teams in accord with each client’s needs, goals and wishes. His sound clinical and case management skills enable him to conduct comprehensive reviews that enhance each person’s care provision.
I am passionate about providing a responsive and caring client-centred service that ensures all NCAAS participants are provided with the best possible case management and sound lifestyle solutions.
Some More Things About Me:
I love walking my two schnauzers and spending time with my glorious Grandson.
Joel
Bachelor of Business (BBus).
Joel has over 10 years of experience in the health sector, with a strong focus on the disability industry.
My Role: Business Development Manager
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Where Do I Work?
Sydney Metropolitan
What’s My Background?
As Business Development Manager at NCAAS, he is passionate about building meaningful relationships with healthcare professionals, support coordinators, and community partners to improve access to high-quality clinical services.
I am committed to increasing awareness of NCAAS’ specialist services and supporting participants to achieve the best possible outcomes. My extensive industry knowledge, combined with my approachable and collaborative style, enables me to develop strong partnerships that benefit both clients and referral networks.
Some More Things About Me:
Together with my lovely wife we have created the perfect son and I love spending time with my amazing growing family. I also love being fit and will always find a time to focus on maintaining my fitness.
Leanne
Leanne is a registered nurse with 35 years of experience working in diverse fields of specialties.
My Role: Respiratory, Continence, HEN, and Wound Consultant
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Where Do I Work?
Wider Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra and South Coast
What’s My Background?
Leanne is a registered nurse with 35 years of experience working in diverse fields of specialties. She works closely with clients who have spinal cord, brain injury, many of whom have high level ventilation needs. Leanne’s skills include setting up home programs for people who have highly complex clinical management needs. Educating care-staff and developing clinical policy and procedures across CPAP, Tracheostomy, Ventilation, Continence, Home Enteral Nutrition and Complex Skin Care Management.
Some More Things About Me
I am married with 3 sons and 2 dogs. I enjoy life and appreciate an occasional Prosecco! I love food and my friends tell me I am a fabulous cook.
Deborah
Diploma of Nursing (EEN)
Deborah is an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse with extensive expertise working with people who have acquired Brain and Spinal Cord injuries.
My Role: Continence, HEN, Wound and Stoma Nurse
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Where Do I Work?
Wider Sydney Metropolitan, Penrith
What’s My Background?
Deborah is an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse with extensive expertise working with people who have acquired Brain and Spinal Cord injuries. Deborah has worked in the NCAAS team for the past 10-years providing Continence, Respiratory, Wound and Stoma care under the supervision of her CNC colleagues.
Some More Things About Me
I love my 4 cats and 2 dogs — they keep me busy and happy!
Supporting Families & Providers
Beyond individual care, we partner with healthcare organisations to deliver specialist training, clinical guidance, and best-practice solutions. From children’s bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis) to complex constipation management, we are top of our field in neurological support.