The Baptcare and Monash University Research collaboration is a strategic long term research alliance that generates new knowledge and applies that knowledge for effective translation. We are achieving this goal by pioneering innovation across the areas of child and family, and aged care (MindSet, MyCare Ageing and Dementia Model of Care).
Research is a critical part of Baptcare’s commitment to providing leading edge care, services and support that helps people in our diverse communities live their best possible lives. Meet the team:
Ann MacRae
Baptcare Senior Researcher
Ann MacRae is a PhD candidate with Monash University and has a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), Master of Family Studies and a Specialist Certificate in Implementation Science.
Ann has experience working in the Child Protection, Housing and Homelessness and Family Services sectors in Hobart, Tasmania. After moving to Victoria in 2016, Ann commenced a research role, undertaking research in various human services fields including out-of-home care, aged care and affordable housing.
Additionally, Ann has been part of the implementation team for outcomes measurement at Baptcare. Ann has an interest in developmental trauma and attachment, and a passion for trauma-informed practice. Her PhD will investigate trauma-informed approaches in an aged care setting.
Daniella Rigoni
Dani is the Senior Project Officer for the Family and Community Services (FACS) Team at Baptcare. Dani has a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (psychology). Dani worked for Child Protection for 12 years in various roles, however prior to taking a few years away from work to raise her children, she held the position of Investigations Team Manager.
Dani joined Baptcare in 2018 in the Quality Team and then moved into the Project Officer role in 2019. Dani co wrote the FACS Practice Framework and has been involved in the implementation of several new programs in both Victoria and Tasmania.
Dani began working on the Dementia Model of Care project in 2021 and has completed ‘Understanding Dementia’ and ‘Preventing Dementia’ training with The Wicking Institute at the University of Tasmania, as well as ‘Creating Supportive Environments’ with Dementia Training Australia.
Darshini Ayton
Dr Darshini Ayton is a public health/health services researcher at Monash University and an NHMRC emerging leader fellow (2021-2025). Dr Ayton has strong expertise in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research. Her extensive collaborations with clinicians, multidisciplinary researchers and patients is reflected in her 80 publications and 12 million in Chief Investigator funding. Dr Ayton’s implementation skills have been demonstrated by adopting co-design approaches and mixed methods data collection and analysis to develop, implement and evaluate complex health service interventions. Dr Ayton’s is a project co-lead on Baptcare’s Dementia Model of Care project and assists with other Baptcare projects in partnership with Monash University.
Our research partners
To accelerate our research impact, drive innovation and access leading expertise and resources, Baptcare proudly collaborates with a wide range of tertiary research partners across Australia.
We are currently collaborating with the following partners on world-class research projects that will inform and drive evidence-based best practice in Aged Care and Community Services in Australia and globally.
Monash University
Baptcare partners with Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine (Health and Social Care Unit) on a variety of research projects.
Current research projects include: An evaluation of Baptcare’s Mindset Mental Health program; Family & Community Services Churn research: Investigating new models of intervention for individuals who have repeated contact with Child Protection and Family Services; Aged Care research: Dementia Model of Care.
University of Divinity, Whitley College
Whitley College is one of the eleven theological colleges of the University of Divinity. The College has a Baptist heritage and is home to a diverse community of learners committed to practical expressions of God’s activity in the world.
Together with Baptcare, Whitley College is undertaking research examining the outcomes and impact of Spiritual Care in Aged Care.
Baptcare funds a PhD scholarship to further this research goal.
The University of Melbourne
Baptcare has an ongoing partnership with the University of Melbourne’s Social Work and Health Sciences Department.
The University of Melbourne currently conducts an evaluation of Baptcare’s Positive Shift program and has also been involved in several projects across the Victorian Family and Community Services program.
University of Tasmania
The University of Tasmania is involved in evaluations of Baptcare’s state Family and Children’s Services program.
Baptcare co-funds a PhD scholarship which will focus on Family Services in Tasmania.
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
RMIT School of Social Work and Management has partnered with Baptcare on several studies involving community partnerships for people with disabilities and evaluation of disability service provision.
RMIT is also involved in Aged Care research projects.
