MHF Brain Cancer Care Coordinators

Funded by the Mark Hughes Foundation since February 2016, our Brain Cancer Care Coordinators play a crucial role in the Centre’s work.

Located within our key local health districts, our Brain Cancer Care Coordinators play an essential role in caring for adults diagnosed with brain cancer – and we’re so proud of the work they do.

Brain Cancer Care Coordinators deliver specialised support to people going through the brain cancer journey – and also provide invaluable support for loved ones and carers by managing many of the unique challenges and tasks faced by those living with this disease.

Our Brain Cancer Care Coordinators travel throughout the district to offer their support, guidance and strength to our communities.

Our Brain Cancer Care Coordinators

Hunter New England Local Health District

Newcastle region (outreach to Maitland)

Alisha Gooley

Phone: 0417 819 547

Email: HNELHD-BrainCCC@health.nsw.gov.au

Roster: Wed/Thurs/Fri

“I am one of the brain cancer care coordinators based here at John Hunter Hospital.

"My role is focused on caring for and supporting patients/families through a primary brain tumour diagnosis.

"I have been in this position since 2017 and what keeps me returning is the opportunity to meet, assist and witness the strength people emanate when faced with such an incomprehensible, life changing event.

"I get great satisfaction in creating a connection with patients and their families and find it inspiring to see the positive impact that research has had and will continue to have on this devastating disease.

"On the weekends you will find me at the park with my family, off camping in the caravan or playing league tag with friends.”

Sophie Cleal

Phone: 0417 819 547

Email: HNELHD-BrainCCC@health.nsw.gov.au

Roster: Mon/Tues/Wed

“I’ve worked with brain cancer patients for the past 10 years in a surgical capacity and I’ve always found them an exceptionally resilient group of people. It has been a privilege to work with them and their families and be with them throughout their journeys,” Sophie said.

Sophie will be job-sharing with Alisha Gooley, and while they are based at the John Hunter Hospital, they’ll be visiting patients and their families at the Mater, Gateshead, Lake Macquarie and Maitland.

Although the majority of their work is face-to-face, a phone call can often provide the support and reassurance a patient or carer needs. “Our days can be spent talking to patients on the phone, in the car between site visits, seeing people in person, or meeting people at their bedside.”

“The MHF has an incredible reputation, and I’ve been privileged enough to see the Brain Cancer Care Coordinators at work from their very first inception,” Sophie said. “I’ve watched all the girls come through and have seen the work they do with patients and their families. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

Ti-Anna Tipper

Phone: 0460 441 026

Email: Tianna.Tipper@health.nsw.gov.au

Roster: Monday/Thursday and alternate Wednesdays

MHF Paediatric Brain Cancer Care Coordinator Ti-Anna is a neuro-oncology clinical nurse specialist who’s been working in the Hunter for nine years and is a new valuable addition to the MHF BCCC team.

“I started my new graduate year in paediatrics at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in 2012. From then, I knew my nursing future would be based on caring for paediatric patients and their families,” Ti-Anna says.

Paediatric neuro oncology care is multifaceted and requires a holistic approach which aims to provide symptom control, emotional support, organisational support and can include planning for a new future that the child and their family had not foreseen.

“People may wonder, and sometimes I wonder why we choose this area to work in and whilst it can be heart breaking, it is also an incredible gift to work alongside a child and their family in such a difficult time of their lives,” Ti-Anna says.

Tamworth (and outreach to Armidale)

Natasha Malcolm

Phone: 0407 556 837

Email: HNELHD-TamworthBrainCCC@health.nsw.gov.au

Roster: Mon/Wed/Thurs

Natasha Malcolm is the Brain Cancer Care Coordinator for the New England area. “I am based in Tamworth, but also visit Armidale Oncology unit and consult patients up to 300km away, from towns such as Glenn Innes, Inverell, Narrabri & Moree. I’ve been in the role since June 2020, working three days a week.”

“Supporting patients and families through this most difficult journey is incredibly rewarding. Being the first Brain Cancer Nurse in this area fills me with immense pride.  Brain cancer patients often have complex needs, so having a dedicated specialist nurse has provided such a valuable service for those in the area.”

Mid North Coast Local Health District (Port Macquarie Region and outreach to Coffs Harbour and Taree)

Nicole Allen

Phone: 0428 903 111

Email: MNCLHD-BrainCCC@health.nsw.gov.au

Roster: Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs

“I became an oncology nurse after my husband was diagnosed with a haematology cancer when we were young. I remember how overwhelming and daunting that time felt, and it inspired me to be the kind of calm, supportive presence I once needed. I’ve now worked in oncology for over 13 years, including the past 6 years as a Brain Tumour Care Coordinator, guiding patients and families through complex and life-changing journeys. I do this work because I understand how frightening a cancer diagnosis can feel. If I can ease even a small part of that fear and bring clarity to confusion and comfort during uncertainty, then I know I’m making a difference”.