Meet The Team

Owner & Director

James Howey MSc (Env Man) BSc (App Chem)

James has over 20 years of experience in water and environmental management, with roles in both the public and private sectors. Recognised as an industry leader in water quality risk assessment and management planning, James identified a niche in the water industry and launched Viridis Consultants in 2008.

Since its conception, with James at the helm, Viridis has delivered many and varied successful water and environmental projects.

Senior Consultant / Business Manager

Dr. Marty Hancock PhD, B.Ed

Dr Hancock is a water quality and treatment specialist with more than 25 years’ experience and holds academic, management and operational qualifications, including 12 years of catchment-to-consumer experience in water and wastewater treatment.

He has a strong health and safety focus and is committed to developing and mentoring individuals and teams to reach their full potential. He has led and managed teams operating, maintaining, upgrading and commissioning a substantial portfolio of water, wastewater and recycled water treatment plants, as well as catchment assets.

Chief Health Officer

Dr Mellissa Naidoo BSc (Hons I) BMBS DCH MHM FRACMA CHE FCHSM CHE GAICD CHIA

Mellissa has over 15 years of experience in health management as a clinician, medical leader and in executive roles across the public and private sectors.  A specialist in Medical Administration, Mellissa is recognised for her expertise in clinical governance and innovative thought leadership across the health and insurance sectors.

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With a strong focus on improving health outcomes, Mellissa has extensive industry experience in health & safety, risk and quality management, BCP planning including COVID-19, value-based commissioning and corporate health and wellbeing.  
 
Mellissa leads digital strategy and innovation as Chief Medical Information Officer and is a certified health informatician and Clinical Reference Lead with the Australian Digital Health Agency. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland and Bond University Medical Schools and Vice President and board director of MDA National.

Workgroup Manager -

Recycled Water and Environment

Karen Pither B.Sc

Karen is an environmental scientist specialising in water management, risk assessment and management systems.

Karen's environmental experience includes construction environmental management, environmental and water quality monitoring, contaminated site remediation and validation and management plan development and implementation.

Workgroup Manager - Drinking Water

Tasleem Hasan M.Sc B.Sc

Tasleem has more than 13 years of experience in drinking water quality management, including regulation, sanitation and hygiene.

Tasleem has worked extensively across Australia and the Pacific Islands identifying and discussing key water supply issues and challenges, and providing advice on potential improvements and regulatory compliance

Senior Consultant

Scott Prenzler B.Eng

Scott has extensive experience in water and environmental management, both nationally and internationally, specialising in recycled water for the past 7 years.

Scott is not only experienced in water regulation, compliance, assessment and licensing, but is also skilled in high-level problem solving and the interpretation of technical information and legislation.

Graduate Scientist

Kristy Sharvell B.Sc (Forensic)

Kristy is educated in forensic science with a heavy focus on analytical chemistry and molecular biology. Her knowledge in the quality assurance of delivering reliable results comes from her career as a scientist in a fast-paced, NATA accredited laboratory. Her experience in the testing, analysis and reporting of biochemical indicators gives her an understanding of the importance of interpreting and representing essential data to health professionals.

Kristy has a strong passion to apply her skills to perform comprehensive data assessment and reporting to assist and advise clients in the deliverance of quality water services.

Graduate Scientist

Emma Sun B.Sc (Ecology) B.Sc Arts (Journalism/Communication)

Emma is educated in Science and Communications with a heavy interest in Ecology, writing and marketing. Her knowledge in the assurance of accurate results and information originates from her strong background in science communication.

Her experience with research, data analysis and reporting provide her with an understanding on the importance of discerning, interpreting and conveying data information to industry professionals. Emma is keen to apply her skills and knowledge in undertaking comprehensive report and data evaluations to successfully guide and advise clients.

Assistant

Deborah Amsler  

Deborah has been with Viridis for almost two years and plays an instrumental role supporting the team and the day to day activities of the business.

Her experience in executive administration, events coordination, stakeholder engagement, complex projects, and systems design and management, has seen her work across industries spanning property, arts, tourism, sports, health, medicine, education, and infrastructure/asset management.

During her career, Deborah has coordinated outreach programs for 2000 attendees, managed events and provided executive-level advice and support to many leading Australian businesses.