MH Program Advisory Committee
Professor Denise Kirkpatrick
Professor Kirkpatrick has extensive experience as a senior leader in Australian and international universities. Prior to her appointment as President of Nan Tien Institute, she was Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Western Sydney University. She has worked as a HE consultant for the OECD, the Commonwealth of Learning, the British Council and the Austrian Quality Assurance Agency. Professor Kirkpatrick has been recognised for her achievements in online learning, learning design and distance education teaching. She has been awarded research grants and published in the fields of online and distance learning, technology enhanced learning, higher education quality assurance and social media development.
Professor Rod Vickers
PhD (University of Canterbury), MSc (University of Canterbury), BSc Hons (University of Canterbury). Rod has spent 35 years as a teacher and researcher. He has extensive experience in academic leadership, including time as Head of School and Associate Dean – Teaching and Learning. As Dean of Studies Rod sees his role as implementing the values of the Nan Tien Institute and assuring academic standards as required by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.
Sylvia Neubacher
Sylvia Neubacher is the Head of Mental Health at the Nan Tien Institute. She holds a Master of Counselling, and diverse post graduate degrees in counselling, human services, family therapy, teaching and learning. With extensive experience in counseling and supervision as well as leadership roles in higher education, she combines her expertise with a profound interest in the contemplative traditions, particularly Buddhist mindfulness practice and Buddhist psychology which inform her work. Emphasising humanistic principles such as integrity, authenticity and empathy, Sylvia fosters a compassionate and safe space for colleagues, students and clients. Her unique approach combines academic and contemplative methods aiming not only to make learning relevant and applicable but also achievable and transformative.
Dr Anita Milicevic
Dr. Anita Milicevic holds an Honors degree and a PhD in Psychology from Victoria University. During her doctoral studies, she worked as a Family Therapist, Community Worker, Youth Justice Cultural Worker, and Lecturer in Psychology. As a senior academic leader, Anita has developed and delivered curricula for psychology, mental health, addiction, and counselling programs in Australia. Her research focuses on phenomenology and mixed method approaches to consciousness. Since 2017, she has been a designated retreat counsellor under Dr B. Alan Wallace. Anita serves as the Research and Education Director for the Center for Contemplative Research (CCR), is a Board Member for CCR Europe, and conducts research at CCR North America.
Kim van Dijk
Kim van Dijk is a highly experienced and versatile mental health professional with over 20 years of experience. Kim holds a Master of Mental Health from the Nan Tien Institute, these studies allowed her to synthesise her various interests and gain deeper expertise in the field. A strong advocate for holistic approaches to mental health, Kim integrates mindfulness and meditation into both her personal and professional life. Her commitment to health and wellbeing extends beyond her clinical practice—she is a dedicated mindfulness facilitator and engages in regular, extended silent meditation retreats to deepen her practice. Her passion for holistic mental health care is further reinforced by her academic background.
Martin Ström
Martin Ström holds a master’s degree in Computer Science and is a serial IT entrepreneur. He serves on the boards of several non-profits, including the Foundation for the Development of Compassion and Wisdom and Yeshin Norbu Meditation Centre. After discovering meditation’s power 20 years ago, he earned a master’s in Psychology, studied Buddhist philosophy and psychology, and became a meditation teacher. For the past decade, Martin has been a leadership consultant and keynote speaker, promoting mindfulness and compassion in companies. He co-authored a number of books, including I’m Sorry You Were Saying?, and The Mind of The Leader.
Margaret Hansen
As a Registered Nurse, Marg is currently working with the Acute Care Service, Community Mental Health, Mid North Coast NSW. Committed to continuous growth, Marg holds prior university studies in Development and Indigenous Studies and has worked in government, private, and non-profit sectors including volunteering in South Africa and the Northern Territory. With the belief that nurses are ‘Change Agents’, Marg holds a strong sense of justice and compassion. Currently pursuing a Masters of Mental Health at NTI, Marg hopes to further strengthen her therapeutic engagements and improve health outcomes for those facing mental health challenges. In her down time, Marg enjoys crocheting and walking/swimming at the beach with her dog, Homer.