We believe that normalising conversations around mental health leads to better care.
Our Team
Poonkulali
Psychologist
I’m a psychologist with experience supporting children, adolescents, and families, particularly in areas like child protection, sexual assault, and immigration detention. I’ve worked with asylum seekers and refugees, providing care in detention centres across Australia during the refugee crisis and helping families adjust to their new lives.
I am passionate about supporting families and young people to build a future that’s safe, inclusive, and empowering. I’m excited to bring my diverse experiences to Thadam, where I aim to help strengthen our Tamil community’s understanding of mental health and its positive role.
Originally from a family rooted in Pungudutivu, Sri Lanka, I was raised across three continents before settling in Australia.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring vegetarian dining in Sydney, though I admit, I occasionally need my trusty Navman to find my way!
Join us on the journey to better mental health.
(Founder)
Rohini
High School Teacher
Vannakam, I am a high school chemistry teacher with experience spanning over 21 years with the Department of Education. I also engage with the school community in my role as an anti-racism coordinator and a well-being advisor.
I have worked to support the broader community through my role at Lifeline as a crisis support worker and have a strong commitment to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health in the Tamil community, which I feel very connected to as I was born, brought up, and studied in Colombo, Sri Lanka, my ancestry is from Karaveddi (Vadamarachy).
There is a growing realisation that improving mental health is essential for improving the lives of our entire community. I have experience offering counselling support to high school students through early intervention strategies and awareness. I honestly believe empowering the youth in our community can be achieved through Thadam’s advocacy.
I continue to be passionate about improving the knowledge of mental health within our community and look forward to working with Thadam to achieve this. During my time away from work, I like to enjoy the slower tranquil pace that rural NSW has to offer and experience peace and serenity that can be found.
Father Jegasothy
Growing up in Sri Lanka during the civil war, I witnessed the impact of state violence and persecution on the Tamil community. Despite the hardships, I served as a minister, chaired the Human Rights Organisation in Trincomalee, and advocated for peace as a member of the Central Committee. I was deeply involved in resettling displaced people and became a voice for Tamils in public forums, putting myself at risk.
After moving to Australia, I worked to help refugees and asylum seekers settle, offering support to those on Temporary Protection and Bridging Visas. With the Uniting Church's backing, I launched a mission providing care to asylum seekers in detention, particularly at Villawood, where I became known as ‘Father.’
I am a member of various organisations including the Asylum Seekers Interagency Network, the Sydney Alliance, and the Australian Council for Tamil Refugees. I serve as Treasurer for Friends of STARTTS.
In 2003, I was nominated for Amnesty International’s Human Rights Award, and in 2009 I received the ‘Outstanding Australian’ award from STARTTS. In 2019, the Tamil Uniting Church honoured me with awards for ‘Service with Compassion’ and ‘Highly Commended’ in the NSW Human Rights Category.
With training in family counselling, drug and alcohol support, and domestic violence, I currently sit on the Advisory Committee of Men Against Violence and the NSW Ethnic Council.
In retirement, I look forward to reconnecting with my childhood passion for drawing, which provides me with peace and time to reflect on my fulfilling journey.
Maiyoori
General Practitioner
I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate training in Western Sydney, a region rich in cultural diversity. My passion for mental health started early in medical school and has continued throughout my psychiatry rotation and general practice career.
I’ve had the privilege of supporting many individuals on their mental health journeys and have seen how closely mental health is linked to physical and overall well-being. This motivates me to continue promoting mental health awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding it.
Born in Australia to parents from Jaffna, Sri Lanka, I’ve grown up in the Tamil community, learning the values of hard work, generosity, and strong family bonds. With Thadam, I hope to inspire our community to be even more inclusive and supportive, encouraging people of all generations to express their feelings and seek help when needed.
In my free time, I love dancing and listening to music—find me on the dance floor if you ever lose sight of me!
Amalan
Software Engineering/Business Student
Vanakkam, my name is Amalan, I am a 3rd year student studying a double degree in Bachelor of Engineering (Software) and Business. I feel very fortunate to be a part of Thadam as we work across different teams to help empower our community to achieve a better understanding of mental health leading to an improved way of life.
Thadam is one of the only organisations that is addressing mental health within the Tamil community that is led by the Tamil community of which I am proud to be a part of. Outside of studying and volunteering, I enjoy improving my physical fitness which helps with my mental toughness when playing competition frisbee, but I find it also helps me in all areas of life. I also enjoy cooking-all of the satisfaction is in the eating!
Kobika
General Practitioner
I am working as a General Practitioner in Western Sydney and have a special interest in working with children and in women’s health. During my work, I have noticed a growing need for mental health awareness in our community.
I am passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health in our Tamil community and am honoured to be a part of the Thadam team. I am a part of the social media team in Thadam. I was born in Sri Lanka, grew up in New Zealand and then settled in Australia. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and friends and enjoy playing with my chocolate Labrador, Archer.
Poonkulali, Psychologist
I’m a psychologist with experience supporting children, adolescents, and families, particularly in areas like child protection, sexual assault, and immigration detention. I’ve worked with asylum seekers and refugees, providing care in detention centres across Australia during the refugee crisis and helping families adjust to their new lives.
I am passionate about supporting families and young people to build a future that’s safe, inclusive, and empowering. I’m excited to bring my diverse experiences to Thadam, where I aim to help strengthen our Tamil community’s understanding of mental health and its positive role.
Originally from a family rooted in Pungudutivu, Sri Lanka, I was raised across three continents before settling in Australia.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring vegetarian dining in Sydney, though I admit, I occasionally need my trusty Navman to find my way!
Join us on the journey to better mental health.
Rohini, High School Teacher
Vannakam, I am a high school chemistry teacher with experience spanning over 21 years with the Department of Education. I also engage with the school community in my role as an anti-racism coordinator and a well-being advisor.
I have worked to support the broader community through my role at Lifeline as a crisis support worker and have a strong commitment to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health in the Tamil community, which I feel very connected to as I was born, brought up, and studied in Colombo, Sri Lanka, my ancestry is from Karaveddi (Vadamarachy).
There is a growing realisation that improving mental health is essential for improving the lives of our entire community. I have experience offering counselling support to high school students through early intervention strategies and awareness. I honestly believe empowering the youth in our community can be achieved through Thadam’s advocacy.
I continue to be passionate about improving the knowledge of mental health within our community and look forward to working with Thadam to achieve this. During my time away from work, I like to enjoy the slower tranquil pace that rural NSW has to offer and experience peace and serenity that can be found.
Father Jegasothy
Growing up in Sri Lanka during the civil war, I witnessed the impact of state violence and persecution on the Tamil community. Despite the hardships, I served as a minister, chaired the Human Rights Organisation in Trincomalee, and advocated for peace as a member of the Central Committee. I was deeply involved in resettling displaced people and became a voice for Tamils in public forums, putting myself at risk.
After moving to Australia, I worked to help refugees and asylum seekers settle, offering support to those on Temporary Protection and Bridging Visas. With the Uniting Church's backing, I launched a mission providing care to asylum seekers in detention, particularly at Villawood, where I became known as ‘Father.’
I am a member of various organisations including the Asylum Seekers Interagency Network, the Sydney Alliance, and the Australian Council for Tamil Refugees. I serve as Treasurer for Friends of STARTTS.
In 2003, I was nominated for Amnesty International’s Human Rights Award, and in 2009 I received the ‘Outstanding Australian’ award from STARTTS. In 2019, the Tamil Uniting Church honoured me with awards for ‘Service with Compassion’ and ‘Highly Commended’ in the NSW Human Rights Category.
With training in family counselling, drug and alcohol support, and domestic violence, I currently sit on the Advisory Committee of Men Against Violence and the NSW Ethnic Council.
In retirement, I look forward to reconnecting with my childhood passion for drawing, which provides me with peace and time to reflect on my fulfilling journey.
Maiyoori, General Practitioner
I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate training in Western Sydney, a region rich in cultural diversity. My passion for mental health started early in medical school and has continued throughout my psychiatry rotation and general practice career.
I’ve had the privilege of supporting many individuals on their mental health journeys and have seen how closely mental health is linked to physical and overall well-being. This motivates me to continue promoting mental health awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding it.
Born in Australia to parents from Jaffna, Sri Lanka, I’ve grown up in the Tamil community, learning the values of hard work, generosity, and strong family bonds. With Thadam, I hope to inspire our community to be even more inclusive and supportive, encouraging people of all generations to express their feelings and seek help when needed.
In my free time, I love dancing and listening to music—find me on the dance floor if you ever lose sight of me!
Amalan
Software Engineering/Business Student
Vanakkam, my name is Amalan, I am a 3rd year student studying a double degree in Bachelor of Engineering(Software) and Business. I feel very fortunate to be a part of Thadam as we work across different teams to help empower our community to achieve a better understanding of mental health leading to an improved way of life.
Thadam is one of the only organisations that is addressing mental health within the Tamil community and is led by the Tamil community of which I am proud to be a part of. Outside of studying and volunteering, I enjoy improving my physical fitness that helps with my mental toughness when playing competition frisbee, but I find it also helps me in all areas of life. I also enjoy cooking-all of the satisfaction is in the eating!
Kobika, General Practitioner
I am working as a General Practitioner in Western Sydney and have a special interest in working with children and in women’s health. During my work, I have noticed a growing need for mental health awareness in our community.
I am passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health in our Tamil community and am honoured to be a part of the Thadam team. I am a part of the social media team in Thadam. I was born in Sri Lanka, grew up in New Zealand and then settled in Australia. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and friends and enjoy playing with my chocolate Labrador, Archer.