Welcome to The Advanced Breast Cancer Group in Queensland, Australia. Our team is comprised of passionate professionals dedicated to providing exceptional support and care for those affected by advanced breast cancer. With a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach, we strive to create a supportive community where individuals can find understanding, resources, and hope. Together, we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
Director – Claire Kelly
Claire is an accomplished nurse, health coach, and educator with more than 30 years of experience in the field of cancer care. She has worked in various settings, including private, public, and non-profit organisations in Australia and the UK with highlights that include serving as Cancer Network Nurse Director in the UK, Hospice Clinical Director, National Support Manager for Melanoma Patients Australia, and Executive Manager at Cancer Council Queensland.
Until recently, Claire was a Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Mater Hospital working within a large Private Medical Oncology service. During this time she supported many women with metastatic breast cancer and their families, guiding them through their diagnosis, treatment and palliative care transition. Claire brings a wealth of experience in cancer services leadership, program development, service delivery and research to the ABCG team.
Psychologist and Group Therapist – Dr Carly Cameron
Dr Carly Cameron operates her own private practice, providing consultations to both individuals and organisations on Trauma-Informed Practice. Before launching her own consultancy, she served as the Director at the Lighthouse Institute in Melbourne, Australia. She brings over twenty years of experience from her work in various settings across Australia and the UK and has a passion for delivering high quality evidence-based training and workshops.
Carly’s research focuses on Attachment and Psychopathology, investigating how childhood adversity relates to the development of psychiatric disorders. She specialises in identifying protective factors that foster resilience, helping individuals who have faced complex trauma to achieve better quality relationships and improved mental health.
Psychologist and Group Therapist – Dr Keely Gordon-King
Dr Keely Gordon-King is a clinical psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Queensland University of Technology. Following her studies, she went on to work in cancer support. She has worked with patients throughout their entire cancer journey, including during diagnosis, treatment, and end-of-life stages. She now balances her time between a community mental health service, her private practice, and the ABCG.
Keely has worked across a range of settings focused on complex trauma and cancer support, which she is truly passionate about. She values warmth and sincerity in her interactions, always respecting the feelings, priorities, and dignity of every person. She strives to cultivate a space where all topics can be discussed openly and safely.
Executive Officer – Mircha Mangiacotti
Originally from Milan, Italy, Mircha relocated to London in 1999 to chase his dreams in the performing arts after completing his MA in Writing for Performance at Goldsmiths University in 2004. However, his career took an unexpected direction when he ventured into media sales, serving as an Account Manager at The Evening Standard and subsequently at Time Out magazine between 2005 and 2009, where he specialised in online advertising. Since relocating to Brisbane in 2009, Mircha has re-engaged with the arts and in 2017, he earned his MA in Screen Production from Griffith University.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Mircha has been serving as an Executive Officer for the ABCG since 2012. He takes great pride in being part of the team and values the positive impact the group has on the lives of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
Communications Manager – Simon Buutveld
Simon Buutveld is a creative and strategist with over fifteen years experience in the advertising industry. During this time he has held senior leadership positions in various advertising agencies and worked for many large and influential brands from around the world.
He has found working with the Advanced Breast Cancer Group particularly rewarding, noting it has given him a sense of pride and purpose he hadn’t felt before. “I’m no psychotherapist, so I can’t help at that level, but I know I’m very good at connecting those seeking something to those that can provide it. Communicating ABCG’s message effectively doesn’t just mean more products are sold, it means genuinely bringing some comfort and help to an individual’s life that needs it more than most – I feel like I’m using my powers for good.”
Digital Manager – Matt Ascough
With over two decades of experience in web design and digital services, Matt’s career has seen him at the forefront of the industry, building websites and providing IT support for clients across many categories. Passionate about creating successful online businesses, Matt combines his technical expertise with a drive to help others.
He enjoys spending time outdoors and understands how it contributes to his mental clarity, allowing him to better support those in need. He is particularly proud of his role with The Advanced Breast Cancer Group, where he has been assisting for over ten years managing the website and online assets.
Travel Insurance
Women who have advanced breast cancer will usually not be insured for any treatment that involves the breast cancer while travelling overseas, but can be insured for other health events.