Rachel McIntosh
Managing Director – Business Operations
Rachel brings a wealth of experience and her passion for health and people to Zave.
First starting her career as an Orthoptist, Rachel worked across busy private practices and public hospitals in three states. A thirteen-year stint at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) prepared Rachel to explore clinical research further, where she managed the Clinical Trials Research Unit during its inception.
It was at CERA that Rachel discovered her passion for clinical trial coordination, protocol development and implementation, systematic review and meta-analysis, and the idea for ZAVE was born in 2014.
With her collaborator Danielle, the vision for Zave was to create opportunities for private practices to participate in trials and give them the resources, expertise and support they needed.
Nowadays, Rachel predominately oversees Zave’s business operations, but still enjoys being involved in clinical trial coordination at the site level.
Outside of work, you’ll find Rachel enjoying time with her three children, listening to music, playing piano and camping in the great outdoors.
Education
Master’s Degree – Public Health (Clinical Epidemiology) (Monash University)
Bachelor’s Degree – Orthoptics / Orthoptist (LaTrobe University)
Graduate Diploma – Journalism(Deakin University)
Danielle Healey
Managing Director – Clinical Operations
With 25 years of clinical trial management expertise and Ophthalmology under her belt, Danielle is an undisputed leader in her field. In 1995 she commenced her career working at The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital/University of Melbourne, Department of Ophthalmology (now known as Centre for Eye Research Australia - CERA) where she helped set up the Glaucoma Trials Unit. After more than a decade at CERA she then pioneered the creation of the oncology clinical trial unit at the Mercy Private’s breast unit in 2005, which she managed for seven years before moving to Radiation Oncology Victoria, where she managed another eight years of oncology clinical trials.
After two years of private consulting in Ophthalmology trials, Danielle sparked the idea of ZAVE with her colleague and collaborator, Rachel, and their vision for a private practice client-focussed trial setting and solution was created. Today, Danielle oversees the quality conduct of all Zave trials, and continues to manage trials of her own.
Danielle is known for her eye for detail, masterful knowledge of ICH / GCP and trial conduct, combined with her background in Psychology and Counselling, all of which makes her a well-rounded and highly regarded industry innovator.
In her free time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and planning her next overseas adventure.
Education
Bachelor of Science – Psychology (Victoria University)
Graduate Diploma – Loss and Grief Counselling (Victoria University)
Cleopatra Mhlanga
Clinical Project Manager
After completing her Masters in Orthoptics, Cleopatra started working in retinal and device clinical trials.
With her keen interest in ethics and study start-up, she joined the Zave team in 2018, where she’s further advanced her skills as a study coordinator and project manager.
As a mentor and manager of Zave’s junior study coordinators, she dedicates her time to ensuring the trial process is efficient, effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Cleopatra loves to travel and go hiking with her husband.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Pyschology (University of Tasmania)
Master of Orthoptics (University of Sydney)
Sandra Spencer
Consulting Project Manager
A highly experienced clinical researcher, Sandra brings more than 35 years of expertise in radiation oncology in both public and private sectors.
Since participating in a cattle growth study as a primary producer in the 80s, Sandra’s interest and enthusiasm brought her to North Queensland in the 90s, where she was introduced to clinical research in radiation dermatitis management.
During her sixteen years at Radiation Oncology Victoria, Sandra became a member of the research team, focussing on prostate cancer management and treatment with Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy, She also worked as program lead for clinical trial coordination, research and development and Stereotactic radiation therapy.
As a Zave Project Manager/ Study Coordinator since 2018, Sandra’s depth of practice and wisdom are an invaluable asset to the team.
Sandra enjoys cooking, music, relaxing, horse riding and getting out and about in nature.
Education
Diploma of Applied Science - Medical Radiotherapy 1978 (RMIT)
Jessica Tyler
Junior Coordinator
Jess began her orthoptic career in regional Victoria at a bustling eye clinic, where her dedication to patient care quickly became evident. When you first meet Jess, her kindness and caring nature immediately stand out. Her greatest asset is her unwavering commitment to her patients, consistently going above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcomes for them.
In July 2022, Jess transitioned from Orthoptics to clinical trials when she joined ZAVE as a Clinical Trials Assistant. In this role, she has worked on several large projects, which have allowed her to showcase her passion for patient care across various trials. Jess's experience and dedication have made her an invaluable member of the team, as she continuously strives to improve patient outcomes through her meticulous and compassionate approach.
In her spare time, Jess is passionate about exploring her creative side with a love of painting, film and cooking!
Education
Bachelor of Biological Science: Deakin University
Melissa Arsov
Junior Coordinator
Melissa is an extremely people-oriented clinician with extensive experience in both customer service and patient care. Since embarking on her career as an orthoptist in January 2021, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional patient care, even in the demanding environment of a fast-paced clinic.
Her passion for eye health drives her commitment to providing the highest quality of care to her patients. Since transitioning to a Clinical Trials Coordinator role with ZAVE, Melissa has shown that same passion and care for her trail patients.
Melissa is known for her high work ethics and her unwavering motivation to make a meaningful difference. Her patient-centered approach, combined with her professional skills and compassionate nature, enables her to build strong relationships with her patients and important stakeholders, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
In her free time Melissa is known to be able to hold a tune at Karaoke, the staff at ZAVE can vouch for this!
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science/ Master of Orthoptics: La Trobe University
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health: La Trobe University
Ranita Charitra
Senior Coordinator
Ranita joined ZAVE in April 2024, bringing with her an extensive and diverse background in patient care. Her career began in the late 90s as a nurse, where she gained invaluable experience working in a variety of medical specialties. Ranita’s nursing expertise spans burns, plastics, medical wards, oncology, maxillofacial surgery, theatre, anaesthetics, and recovery, showcasing her versatility and depth of knowledge in healthcare.
In 2020, Ranita made a significant transition to the field of clinical trials. Since then, she has been involved in large-scale trials for haematology, gastroenterology, and neurology. Her ability to adapt and excel in these specialized areas underscores her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Ranita's role in these trials has not only expanded her skill set but also allowed her to contribute to advancements in medical research and patient care.
Ranita is known for her diligence and meticulous approach to maintaining good clinical practices. Her primary focus is always on the well-being of her patients, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care throughout their participation in clinical trials. Her compassionate nature and dedication to ethical practices make her a standout practitioner in her field.
At ZAVE, Ranita’s wealth of experience and her unwavering commitment to patient care have quickly made her an invaluable member of the team.
On the weekend, Ranita has 2 small children to run around to various commitments, loves going for walks and she is partial to a lovely glass of wine at night.
Stacy Szalay
Human Resources
Stacy is a dedicated human resources professional with 15 years of experience specialising in recruitment, training, and staff development.
With a passion for helping both employees and businesses thrive, Stacy loves to provide strategic HR support that can help drive growth and achieve the businesses goals.
Outside of work, Stacy loves all sports either participating or watching her 2 children compete. She also loves spending time with friends and family and thoroughly enjoys a glass of red wine or bubbles.
Jan Grious
Bookkeeper
Jan is a seasoned bookkeeper with over 20 years of experience, managing accounts and financial records for a diverse range of businesses, including her own printing company. Jan brings a a great deal of experience to the ZAVE team and is a valued member. She works closely with the Directors and project managers on to ensure they can focus on their core patient responsibilities.
Jan is a doting grandmother and the team love hearing about her 5 grandchildren.