Our Team

The New Leaf Advisory team believes in personalised service, tailored solutions, innovative approach and living our values every day. While we each bring a wide and varied set of skills and experience, we have been brought together through our shared values of Growth, Communication, Vision and Trust.

Patrick McStay

Principal

“The greats never sacrifice the important for the urgent. They handle the immediate problems and still make sure to secure the future” said strategic leader, Bobby Axlerod, main character in Billions. It is this approach that I take leading New Leaf Advisory, not only for my valued clients but for my team and practice. My purpose is to spot advantages and/or mitigate risks for our clients to be able to consistently deliver well-considered strategy for the future which enables them to meet their goals. I am driven by the desire to add real value to my clients and to my team. This commitment improves and refines me individually and is a constant source of motivation.

WHERE TO FIND ME

If I am not in the office (or that of a client), I spend my time with the most important people in my life – my 3 kids (Hugo, Munro & Rhodes). Outside of that, which extends to include broader family, you’ll find me at a local restaurant, supporting the Sharks or playing sport with my mates. Have no doubt you’ll be finding me more frequently on the golf course as I move into my older years.

On screen characters I resonate with

Bobby Axelrod (Billions) Harvey Specter (Suits)

FAVOURITE QUOTE

“This is the right question, how can I?”
–Robert Kiyosaki

Alex Thompson

Senior Advisor

I am a Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years’ experience across a number of sectors including public and private practice, mining and banking. I have worked in Brisbane, Sydney and London. While I have extensive experience across a number of industries, my passion is working with small to medium businesses. I thrive on helping our clients achieve their goals with a combination of technical knowledge, strategic thinking and astute business acumen.

WHERE TO FIND ME

You will find me hanging out with my 2 boys and husband, having a long lunch with friends, reading a book with a cuppa or at the gym.

On screen characters I resonate with

Donna (Suits) Elaine (Seinfeld)

FAVOURITE QUOTE

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it’s the courage to continue that counts”
– Winston Churchill

Nick Condon

Intermediate Accountant

I am a graduate accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce from UNSW, majoring in Accounting and Finance. At New Leaf Advisory, I support clients across a range of tax compliance matters, including individual, company, and trust tax returns, as well as SMSF compliance. I work closely with senior accountants to ensure accurate and timely delivery of outcomes for our clients.

WHERE TO FIND ME

In summer you’ll find me out running, trying to surf or at pubs with mates around Sydney, and winter is strictly reserved for carving up the slopes at Perisher.

On screen characters I resonate with

William Costigan Junior (The Departed)

FAVOURITE QUOTE

“You don’t rise to the level of your expectations; you fall to the level of your training.” 

– Archilocus

Dani Stonham

Marketing & HR Manager

I’m a Marketing and HR Manager with a passion for people and processes. In my 5 plus years with New Leaf Advisory, I’ve been pivotal in the implementation of strategic marketing and business development initiatives. I champion the NLA team culture and maintain influential relationships with key stakeholders with high energy and a positive attitude.

WHERE TO FIND ME

Preferably at the beach with friends or dancing on tabletops to some sweet beats. Usually though, running around after, and spending precious time with, my two kids, husband and puppy Milly.

On screen characters I resonate with

Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) Vivian Ward (Pretty Woman) Carrie Bickmore (The Project)

FAVOURITE QUOTE

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”
– Neale Donald Walsch

Shenae Millington

Practice Manager

With an extensive administration background within the accounting industry, I am an expert in systems and processes. This experience has led me to my current role at New Leaf Advisory where I am responsible for improving corporate governance and internal controls to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients along with the implementation of high-quality internal efficiencies.

WHERE TO FIND ME

On the golf course trying to improve my handicap, otherwise enjoying time with family and friends.

On screen characters I resonate with

Erin Brockovich; M (Bond)

FAVOURITE QUOTE

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything”

-Unknown

Jess Erskine

Office Manager

As New Leaf Advisory’s Office Manager, I play a vital role in daily operations. Collaborating closely with the Practice Manager, I manage office logistics, correspondence, and client interactions, ensuring smooth communication within our team. Additionally, I support the Director with administrative tasks such as managing registrations, bookkeeping, and scheduling. With a Bachelor’s in Commerce specialising in Management and a Diploma in Human Resource Management, coupled with four years of experience in accounting firms, I contribute to enhancing our team’s effectiveness and ensuring seamless operations at New Leaf Advisory.

WHERE TO FIND ME

When I’m not there at the office, you might spot me in a Pilates class, or catching up with friends and family.

On screen characters I resonate with

Monica Geller (Friends)

FAVOURITE QUOTE

“What’s yours will find you.”

– Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib