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
Vanakkam, I am a high school chemistry teacher with over 21 years of experience in the Department of Education. I also serve as an anti-racism coordinator and well-being advisor, supporting students and the school community.
Beyond school, I have volunteered as a crisis support worker with Lifeline and am deeply committed to reducing mental health stigma in the Tamil community. I was born, raised, and educated in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with roots in Karaveddi, Vadamarachchi.
I have supported students through early intervention and counselling and believe youth empowerment is key to long-term change. Thadam’s advocacy offers a vital pathway to achieving this.
I remain passionate about building mental health awareness in our community. Outside of work, I enjoy the slower pace and quiet of rural NSW, where I find peace and reflection.
Father Jegasothy
Growing up in Sri Lanka during the civil war, I witnessed the effects of state violence on the Tamil community. Despite the risks, I served as a minister, led the Human Rights Organisation in Trincomalee, and worked to resettle displaced people while advocating for peace. After moving to Australia, I supported refugees and asylum seekers on Temporary Protection and Bridging Visas. With the support of the Uniting Church, I launched a mission to assist those in detention, especially at Villawood, where I became known as ‘Father.’
I am involved with the Asylum Seekers Interagency Network, the Sydney Alliance, and the Australian Council for Tamil Refugees, and I serve as Treasurer for Friends of STARTTS. Over the years, I have received recognition including a nomination for Amnesty International’s Human Rights Award (2003), the ‘Outstanding Australian’ award from STARTTS (2009), and two awards from the Tamil Uniting Church in 2019 for Service with Compassion and Human Rights. With training in family counselling, drug and alcohol support, and domestic violence, I currently serve on the Advisory Committee of Men Against Violence and the NSW Ethnic Council. In retirement, I enjoy returning to my childhood passion for drawing, which brings me peace and reflection.
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! I’m Amalan, a final-year student studying a double degree in Bachelor of Engineering (Software) and Business. I’m grateful to be part of Thadam, where I work alongside a passionate team to support our community in building a stronger understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
Thadam is one of the few initiatives focused on mental health within the Tamil community, and it is led by members of the community itself, which makes me especially proud to be involved.
Outside of uni and volunteering, I’m passionate about staying active. Playing competitive frisbee has taught me a lot about mental resilience, which carries over into many aspects 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.
Niranjanan
Junior Doctor
Hi I’m Niranjanan, I’m currently 23 years old, working as junior doctor in St George Hospital. Mental health has always been an issue close to my heart, having grown around the big and little things affecting my young adult peers, and in equal part the things that aren’t so talked about in my community.
It is what drove me to my profession but also specifically to Thadam, which specifically advocates for impactful change and healthy conversations around mental health.
Beyond my work, I like to keep things light and varied - I’ve got a big fondness for writing, songwriting and theatre specifically, which I dabble in from time to time, and like a lot of people sometimes kicking back and throwing on a good movie franchise (AKA The Lord of the Rings specifically) is always a reliable relaxation :))
Archana
Junior Doctor
I'm Archana a junior doctor working in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Sydney. My passion is advocating for equal access to health, especially in women's health. Through my work, I have seen that mental health is just as important for physical health. As a community, we struggle to voice our emotions and I've seen first hand how this can negatively impact every aspect of our lives. This is why I've joined Thadam, to help educate and advocate for our community.
I was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka and my family migrated when I was a child. I have grown up in Western Sydney as a part of the Tamil community. Outside of work, I love to spend time with my family and friends, trying new cafes and reading books.
Anjally
Civil Engineer
Hello my name is Anjally
I completed my double degree of civil engineering and commerce and I am currently working as an engineer in construction in Western Sydney. I am very grateful to be a part of the Thadam team as we continue to make a difference in the South Asian community through our social media platforms, workshops and outreach events.
I believe mental health is a topic that needs to be spoken about freely to break the stigma and guide our growth as a community.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and most importantly my dog, Teddy! I also enjoy knitting and vegan baking.
Kabilan
Software Engineering Student
Vanakkam, I’m Kabilan, a 4th-year Software Engineering student with a passion for learning and trying new things. That’s exactly why I love being part of Thadam: every day brings new opportunities to grow, connect, and make an impact.
At Thadam, I contribute to social media and outreach, helping spark important conversations about mental health in the Tamil community. Volunteering here isn’t just about giving back; it’s about constantly learning, meeting new people, and challenging myself in different ways.
Outside of Thadam and my studies, I enjoy playing badminton, chess, and all types of card games. I'm always up for learning a new one!
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
Vanakkam, I am a high school chemistry teacher with over 21 years of experience in the Department of Education. I also serve as an anti-racism coordinator and well-being advisor, supporting students and the school community.
Beyond school, I have volunteered as a crisis support worker with Lifeline and am deeply committed to reducing mental health stigma in the Tamil community. I was born, raised, and educated in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with roots in Karaveddi, Vadamarachchi.
I have supported students through early intervention and counselling and believe youth empowerment is key to long-term change. Thadam’s advocacy offers a vital pathway to achieving this.
I remain passionate about building mental health awareness in our community. Outside of work, I enjoy the slower pace and quiet of rural NSW, where I find peace and reflection.
Father Jegasothy
Growing up in Sri Lanka during the civil war, I witnessed the effects of state violence on the Tamil community. Despite the risks, I served as a minister, led the Human Rights Organisation in Trincomalee, and worked to resettle displaced people while advocating for peace. After moving to Australia, I supported refugees and asylum seekers on Temporary Protection and Bridging Visas. With the support of the Uniting Church, I launched a mission to assist those in detention, especially at Villawood, where I became known as ‘Father.’
I am involved with the Asylum Seekers Interagency Network, the Sydney Alliance, and the Australian Council for Tamil Refugees, and I serve as Treasurer for Friends of STARTTS. Over the years, I have received recognition including a nomination for Amnesty International’s Human Rights Award (2003), the ‘Outstanding Australian’ award from STARTTS (2009), and two awards from the Tamil Uniting Church in 2019 for Service with Compassion and Human Rights. With training in family counselling, drug and alcohol support, and domestic violence, I currently serve on the Advisory Committee of Men Against Violence and the NSW Ethnic Council. In retirement, I enjoy returning to my childhood passion for drawing, which brings me peace and reflection.
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! I’m Amalan, a final-year student studying a double degree in Bachelor of Engineering (Software) and Business. I’m grateful to be part of Thadam, where I work alongside a passionate team to support our community in building a stronger understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
Thadam is one of the few initiatives focused on mental health within the Tamil community, and it is led by members of the community itself, which makes me especially proud to be involved.
Outside of uni and volunteering, I’m passionate about staying active. Playing competitive frisbee has taught me a lot about mental resilience, which carries over into many aspects 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.
Niranjanan, Junior Doctor
Hi I’m Niranjanan, I’m currently 23 years old, working as junior doctor in St George Hospital. Mental health has always been an issue close to my heart, having grown around the big and little things affecting my young adult peers, and in equal part the things that aren’t so talked about in my community.
It is what drove me to my profession but also specifically to Thadam, which specifically advocates for impactful change and healthy conversations around mental health.
Beyond my work, I like to keep things light and varied - I’ve got a big fondness for writing, songwriting and theatre specifically, which I dabble in from time to time, and like a lot of people sometimes kicking back and throwing on a good movie franchise (AKA The Lord of the Rings specifically) is always a reliable relaxation :))
Archana, Junior Doctor
I'm Archana a junior doctor working in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Sydney. My passion is advocating for equal access to health, especially in women's health. Through my work, I have seen that mental health is just as important for physical health. As a community, we struggle to voice our emotions and I've seen first hand how this can negatively impact every aspect of our lives. This is why I've joined Thadam, to help educate and advocate for our community.
I was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka and my family migrated when I was a child. I have grown up in Western Sydney as a part of the Tamil community. Outside of work, I love to spend time with my family and friends, trying new cafes and reading books.
Anjally, Civil Engineer
Hello my name is Anjally Sasitharan
I completed my double degree of civil engineering and commerce and I am currently working as an engineer in construction in Western Sydney. I am very grateful to be a part of the Thadam team as we continue to make a difference in the South Asian community through our social media platforms, workshops and outreach events.
I believe mental health is a topic that needs to be spoken about freely to break the stigma and guide our growth as a community.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and most importantly my dog, Teddy! I also enjoy knitting and vegan baking.
Kabilan
Software Engineering Student
Vanakkam, I’m Kabilan, a 4th-year Software Engineering student with a passion for learning and trying new things. That’s exactly why I love being part of Thadam: every day brings new opportunities to grow, connect, and make an impact.
At Thadam, I contribute to social media and outreach, helping spark important conversations about mental health in the Tamil community. Volunteering here isn’t just about giving back; it’s about constantly learning, meeting new people, and challenging myself in different ways.
Outside of Thadam and my studies, I enjoy playing badminton, chess, and all types of card games. I'm always up for learning a new one!