Our ATACA colleagues

Steven Hughes

With the introduction of the AN-ACC model, managing clinical and operational effectiveness through sound workforce management is crucial for all aged care providers.

My name is Steven Hughes, and I am founder and director of Financial Shepherd, a boutique aged care consultancy. At Financial Shepherd, our goal is to democratise sound clinical and financial management in the aged care industry.

We achieve this by creating unique products that are flexible, insightful, affordable, and easy-to-use, for the following areas:

AN-ACC and care minute optimisation
Workforce and rostering management
Budgeting and labour reporting

We believe that AN-ACC performance thrives in information rich environments and that every provider requires a uniquely focussed approach. Our bespoke products have improved clinical and financial performance across many aged care providers in both Australia and New Zealand.Sustained growth comes through continual nurturing and adapting to your changing needs. Realising long-term goals as a partnership is a fundamental aspect of successfully navigating sustainable business practice in the aged care industry.

Aged care management is about finding the perfect equilibrium between premium quality care and maximising financial performance. We are happy to accommodate any requests for more detail, so please feel free to reach out and let us show you how we can help you today.

Jo Caughtry

Jo Caughtry is a registered nurse, certified biophilic designer, and holistic interior designer with a passion for creating spaces that heal, connect, and nurture wellbeing. Drawing on her extensive experience in aged care, hospital commissioning, and executive health management, Jo understands how environments shape the experiences of residents, staff, and families alike.

Through her consultancy, Sea of Ideas/NeuroNature Design, Jo provides post-occupancy evaluations, environmental audits, and training programs that help organizations align with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Standards while transforming their spaces into welcoming, engaging, and supportive environments.

Jo’s approach blends evidence-based design, neuroscience, and biophilic principles to ensure every space supports mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Guided by professional expertise and lived experience, she helps organization's create environments that go beyond compliance, spaces that truly nurture people, inspire connection, and enhance daily life.