Empower. Recover. Thrive.
Our Leadership Team
.png/:/rs=w:1209,h:1209,cg:true,m/cr=w:1209,h:1209)
Libby Stokes - CEO
Libby is an experienced executive with over 25 years' experience across employment services, healthcare and business operations. She has spent the majority of her career supporting people, leading teams and delivering services that create positive outcomes for individuals, employers and communities.
As Chief Executive Officer, Libby is proud to lead the team at Managing Pain Employment Services and the meaningful impact they make in helping people living with persistent pain achieve sustainable employment. She is passionate about empowering people, supporting strong leadership, driving continuous improvement and ensuring MPES continues to deliver high-quality, participant-centred employment services.
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,h:1209,cg:true)
Paul Stokes - Clinical Director
Paul is a registered physiotherapist and clinical leader with more than 30 years’ experience in pain management, rehabilitation, disability, healthcare and employment services.
Paul has particular expertise in persistent pain management and the relationship between pain, function, wellbeing and employment. As Clinical Director, he provides clinical leadership, supports evidence-informed practice and oversees clinical governance and service quality.
Paul has extensive experience designing and leading accredited health and rehabilitation services. He holds degrees in physiotherapy and human movement studies, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is completing a Master of Science in Medicine specialising in Pain Management.
Rue Naidoo - Operations Coordinator
Rue is an experienced Disability Employment Services professional with a strong background in supporting participants, delivering quality services, and building meaningful stakeholder relationships. She brings a wealth of knowledge in service delivery, operational coordination, compliance, and continuous improvement. Passionate about creating positive outcomes, Rue is dedicated to supporting teams to deliver exceptional services while helping individuals achieve their employment goals.
As Operations Coordinator, Rue plays a key role in driving operational efficiency, fostering collaboration, and supporting continuous improvement across the organisation. Known for her strong organisational skills, and commitment to excellence, she is dedicated to empowering others, assisting in building high-performing teams, and contributing to meaningful employment outcomes that positively impact the communities MPES serves.
Natalie Drake – Regional Program Manager, Gold Coast & Tweed
Natalie has over 12 years’ experience in employment services, starting her career as a treating health professional before moving into leadership and program management. She has worked across a range of employment programs including Disability Employment Services and now Inclusive Employment Australia, supporting people living with disability, injury and health conditions to overcome barriers to employment.
As Regional Program Manager, Natalie leads service delivery across the Gold Coast and Tweed regions. She works closely with the MPES team to ensure participants receive practical, individualised support while ensuring the program is delivered consistently and to a high standard. Natalie is also as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, bringing an allied health perspective to her role and a strong understanding of chronic pain, functional barriers and the relationship between health and employment. She has a particular interest in improving processes, building the skills and confidence of her team, and making sure they have the knowledge and tools to support participants.