Meet our team

Sarah Ahmed
CEO
Sarah is a passionate advocate for community health and inclusion, bringing over a decade of experience in public health and community services to her role at Hepatitis ACT. Her leadership is grounded in equity, harm reduction, and empowering people to access the care and information they need.
Since joining the team in 2022, Sarah has led the delivery of impactful programs including Point-of-Care Testing and the National Hepatitis Infoline, (now known as HepLink) working to reduce barriers and increase support for people in the ACT. Her approach is driven by collaboration, strategic vision, and a genuine commitment to amplifying the voices of those most affected by viral hepatitis.

Sav Gollapally
Programs Manager
Sav brings a diverse background in clinical pharmacy, business administration, public health, and project management to his role as Programs Manager. Holding a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), an MBA, an MPH, and an Advanced Diploma in Program & Project Management, he combines deep healthcare expertise with strategic business leadership.
With career experience spanning healthcare, sales, marketing, communications, and technology, Sav is passionate about driving innovative, community-focused solutions. He is committed to building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and empowering others to reach their full potential. Guided by the belief that there is always a better way to approach any challenge, Sav is dedicated to continuous growth and delivering lasting impact.

Kareen Tait
Executive Officer
Kareen brings three decades of experience across health and community services, both in Australia and abroad, from her time with the NHS in London to leadership roles with Bosom Buddies ACT and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Her work spans operational management, frontline support, and hands-on involvement in harm reduction.
At Hepatitis ACT, Kareen supports the Needle & Syringe Program and facilitates access to hepatitis C testing and education. Her grounded, caring presence ensures that people accessing services are supported with respect and without judgement. Behind the scenes, she keeps everything running smoothly making her an essential part of the organisation’s heart.

Joe Pearson
Community Outreach Nurse
Joe has over a decade of nursing experience across haematology, oncology, and transfusion services. He has worked with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and NHS Blood and Transplant in London, supporting blood donor and transfusion care both nationally and internationally.
After completing his Bachelor of Nursing and relocating to Canberra in 2023, Joe brings a strong interest in hepatology and community health, with a focus on providing accessible, person-centred care. He is committed to supporting people affected by viral hepatitis through education, connection, and clinical outreach.

Smruti Raj
Project Officer – Hepatitis Testing and Education
Smruti leads health education that is clear, respectful, and tailored to community needs. With a Master of Public Health and experience delivering outreach across Victoria, the NT, and the ACT, Smruti has a strong commitment to building health literacy through accessible, stigma-free education.
As a certified Point-of-Care hepatitis C Tester, she engages directly with people in a range of settings providing information, support, and opportunities for early intervention. Smruti’s work breaks down complex topics and promotes informed decision-making through culturally safe and empowering approaches.

Aaron Gray
Community Hepatitis Educator
Aaron brings a diverse background in community services to his role as an Educator at Hepatitis ACT. Beginning his career as a Youth Worker in Newcastle, he has since built extensive experience working across a range of environments throughout Australia, including major institutions and community-focused settings.
Aaron holds a Certificate IV in Youth Work and a Certificate IV in Business Management, and is currently studying a Certificate III in Community Services. He is passionate about harm minimisation and advocating for alcohol and other drug use to be recognised within a mental health framework. Aaron is committed to supporting individuals with respect, dignity, and access to essential services.

Bryce Jarvis
Peer Support Worker
Bryce offers trusted insight to people accessing Hepatitis ACT’s services. With a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and extensive experience in peer-based work, Bryce supports people who use drugs with empathy and respect.
He has worked across multiple harm reduction settings, including CAHMA, Directions Health Services, and CANTEST, and brings a deep understanding of the challenges people face. Bryce fosters a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where people feel heard, safe, and empowered to take control of their health.

Crystal Mclnerney
Peer Support Worker
Crystal brings warmth, empathy, and real world insight to her role as a Peer Support Worker at Hepatitis ACT. With a background in disability support and a strong foundation in advocacy, she is passionate about empowering individuals and promoting inclusion for people from all walks of life.
Currently completing a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Crystal continues to strengthen her skills in providing informed, non-judgmental support. Her genuine care and understanding help her connect with people in a meaningful way, offering a safe and welcoming space for anyone seeking support or advice.

Yueming (Evelyn) Du
Bilingual Community Educator
Evelyn has a background in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and experience working across diverse multicultural communities and age groups. Fluent in Mandarin, she is passionate about making health information accessible and culturally inclusive, particularly for Mandarin-speaking communities.
With a strong commitment to reducing stigma and misinformation around viral hepatitis, Evelyn focuses on improving health literacy and empowering individuals to understand their testing, vaccination, and treatment options. She is dedicated to fostering equitable access to care and supporting informed, stigma-free conversations about hepatitis.

Trang Le
Bilingual Community Educator
Trang brings over a decade of pharmacy experience across both Vietnam and community pharmacy settings in Australia. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and a Master’s degree in Marketing, she combines strong clinical knowledge with a thoughtful, people-centred approach to health communication.
Fluent in Vietnamese, her work with us focuses on supporting multicultural communities with clear, culturally appropriate health information. Trang applies her language skills and health expertise to strengthen hepatitis B education, promote testing and vaccination, and enhance community engagement. Her commitment to accessible care and ongoing professional growth makes her a valuable addition to the team.
