Started with Auscare Support:

May 2024

What I do:

As a Support Coordinator, I support people to build their independence, gain a better understanding of their NDIS plan and coordinate their supports. I am passionate about supporting people to reach their goals.

Unique skills:

Strong relationship building skills, empathetic, organised, person-centred, efficient, calm under pressure and a happy disposition.

Previous experience:

I started my career as a School Learning Support Officer supporting children with disabilities in schools. I found this role extremely rewarding and it kickstarted my career in the disability sector.
I then began working as an ABA Therapist working with children with Autism. From there I found Support Coordination and have been in the role since.

Other interesting roles:

In the past I have volunteered in animal shelters, worked as a Childcare Educator as well as a Nanny for various families. These roles helped me to further develop my ability to display compassion, build relationships and face challenges head on.

What’s Auscare Support like?

Auscare is extremely supportive whilst always striving for the best outcomes.

Life outside: 

Coastal swimming, spending time with my dog outdoors, spending time with family and watching the footy.

To sum me up:

I am genuine, caring and driven to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people I support.

Started with Auscare Support:

March 2024

What I do:

As a Support Coordinator, I work with Participants to navigate the NDIS, empower them to build capacity by engaging service providers and assist them to achieve their goals.

Unique skills:

I am patient, empathetic and have an eye for detail. I strive to connect with each Participant by listening to what they want to achieve and empower them to make informed decisions. I am a critical thinker and creatively solve problems to addressing barriers to accessing services.

Previous experience:

After completing a Bachelor of Policing and Bachelor of Social Science (Honours), I worked for the NSW Police Force for ten years in a range of roles including intelligence coordination for Counter Terrorism and project lead for Hate Crime. More recently I’ve worked as an Operations Manager in the allied health services sector, advocating for quality supports and ensuring compliance with the NDIS. My unique work experience has allowed me to gain a robust understanding of how people living with disabilities are impacted by the criminal justice system, care agencies, the local community and their families.

Other interesting roles:

I have a passion for being involved in the community and have been volunteering with the Rural Fire Service in NSW, which has led me to form connections with a range of people coming together to give back to the community and built my resilience in dealing with challenging situations.

What’s Auscare Support like?

Auscare’s passion for empowering and innovating support for individuals shines through in every employee and their genuine care for their work. The ability to have independence and flexibility is also great for work/life balance.

Life outside: 

My family are very much outdoor people! Any spare time I have with my husband, two children and our long-haired chihuahua is spent in nature. Fishing, snorkeling, four-wheel driving, and hiking are our favourite activities.

To sum me up:

I am a compassionate, adaptable, and curious soul, with a thirst for knowledge and have a knack for finding solutions in every situation.

Started with Auscare Support:

February 2024

What I do:

As a Support Coordinator, I assist participants with various disabilities, creating personalised plans, connecting them to relevant services, and providing tools for independent living. My aim is to empower and support every participant in leading a fulfilling life and feel confident navigating the NDIS.

Unique skills:

1. Lived experience with disability
2. Knowledge of intersectionality
3. Intersectional thinking
4. Inclusive practice
5. Advocacy and human rights lens
6. Understanding of power dynamics
7. Cultural humility
8. Compassion and empowerment for others
9. Adaptibility and flexibility
10. Reflective practice

Previous experience:

In my previous roles as a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and community development worker, I gained extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families. I have worked closely with service providers, government agencies, and community organizations to coordinate and deliver support services to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Having worked as disability advocate, I have also advocated for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities and their families, and have worked to promote inclusivity and equity in the community.

Through these experiences, I have developed a strong understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by individuals with disabilities and their families, and have gained valuable skills in communication, interpersonal skills, project management, leadership, research, and analysis. I have also developed a strong commitment to social justice and human rights, and a passion for promoting inclusivity and equity for all individuals.

These experiences have helped me build the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this role, and have prepared me to work effectively with individuals with disabilities, their families, and service providers to promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life.

Other interesting roles:

As an authorised marriage celebrant, I have developed strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in working with diverse groups of people. I have also gained experience in event planning and coordination, which has helped me develop project management and leadership skills.

My experience as a former hobby weightlifter has taught me the importance of discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting, which are valuable skills in any career.

Having formerly lived in the USA has given me a broader perspective on different cultures and ways of thinking, which has helped me develop cultural competence and adaptability.

Having been a part of a local women’s football team in the past, I have gained experience in teamwork, leadership, and collaboration. I have also developed a strong sense of community and a passion for promoting inclusivity and equity for all individuals.

My experience in social media and marketing for my former local footy club and the Northern Territory peak body for people with disability has helped me develop sound marketing and communication skills, as well as experience in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.

As a self-taught graphic designer, I have developed creative skills and experience in designing logos, graphics, and websites for friends and services.

Lastly, being a mother to my boys has taught me the importance of time management, multitasking, and prioritising tasks. I wish I could clone myself or have more energy and more time to do more of what my brain wishes to do, but I am grateful for the skills and experiences that I have gained through my various roles and hobbies.
This diverse range of life experience has helped to form the person I am today and have contributed to my belief in possibilities.

What’s Auscare Support like?

Some of my favourite things, to date, about Auscare Support is that it is a space where everyone is inclusive, has a ‘can do’ attitude, knows how to balance professionalism with approachability and that they take a nurture approach to boosting others and providing opportunity for people to grow.

Life outside: 

Outside of work, I love to spend time with family and friends, and to carve time out for myself too. I am studying another degree, and love to be involved with my local community in my spare time, going on walks with women’s group, being a part of parent peergroup and finding ways to make sure life is a mixture of what excites my brain, lights up my heart and recharges my body.

To sum me up:

Quirky, outgoing, private, compassionate, hopeful. I am AuDHD and my birthday is in May, I feel that Gemini is the best representation of my personality which is a yin-yang.

Started with Auscare Support: 

January 2021 

What I do:

I support people and help build capacity to understand their plan and get the best out of it while planning for the next one. The most rewarding part of my role as a Support Coordinator is seeing clients achieve their goals.

Unique skills:
I find it easy to join people in their world to create a connection and trust. I love building rapport with people and helping them to grow and gain confidence in themselves.

Previous experience:  

I have over 26 years’ experience working in the disability sector.

After starting my career as a support worker/key worker in a supported accommodation home for the Department of Education, Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC), I moved on to a role with the Intensive Family Support program. The program supported families who had a child/children with a disability to connect with and maintain services in their community.

Other interesting roles: 

I worked at a horse-riding ranch!

What’s Auscare Support like?: 

Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I love the flexibility and the autonomy of being able to plan my day and to ensure that the time allocated to work with clients is 100% focused on them.

Life outside: 

I am a keen gamer in my spare time!

To sum me up:

I don’t think a sentence is supposed to go that long! Lol.

Started with Auscare Support:

June 2022

What I do:

I am a support coordinator, it’s my job to make sure that a participant’s needs are being met and their services are delivered according to their plan. 

Unique skills:

I lived in the USA for 28 years and have a good sense of humour.   

Previous experience:  

I started my nursing training in 1974 and have worked in the medical and healthcare industry since then. I am also a disability and aged care trainer.  

Other interesting roles:

I volunteer with the Australian Red Cross in emergency services on the local Mornington Peninsula team and in logistics in the Emergency Operations Centre. I also raise Guide Dog puppies for Guide Dogs Victoria.  I have a brand–new granddaughter. 

What is Auscare Support like: 

I like that everyone is accountable and the support from other departments is great. 

Life outside:

My kids, my granddaughter, AFL (go Lions). 

To sum me up:
My son says that I always try to help but sometimes help too much! 

Started with Auscare Support:

April 2021

What I do:

I connect my clients with the services that will help them to achieve their goals and aspirations. This includes support workers, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, day programs, short-term accommodation, group activities and supported independent living. 

Unique skills: 

I think one of my best qualities in this role is being adaptive and forward thinking.  My outlook is to always be positive and find something good out of every situation. 

Previous experience:  

I moved to the Gold Coast in 2018 from Tasmania to set up Disability Employment Offices across the Gold Coast and Tweed Regions. Finding employment opportunities for people with disabilities has been a long-term and strong passion that has helped improve and change people’s lives. 

What is Auscare Support Like:

Auscare Support offers me flexibility to enjoy my lifestyle and to do things I love. I can then also help others to achieve the things they dream of. It’s great to be with a supportive company with expert knowledge to help with any tricky situation.

Life outside:

I love the Gold Coast weather and enjoy exploring new places and trails, fishing and travel. I also enjoy painting, being creative and spending quiet times at home with family. 

To sum me up:

I like to be responsive to my participants and to get things done. 

Started with Auscare Support:

May 2023

What I do:
As a Support Coordinator I will work with you and your support network to work towards helping to achieve your goals, live more independently, be included in your community and identify your personal support needs.

Unique skills:
Skills that relate to my day-to-day job are not limited to include: Trauma informed practice, critical thinking, patient, creativity, creative problem solving, I have lived experience with trauma and disability which I believe gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges that face children and young people with disabilities in the out of home care sector and taking a holistic approach to each individual.

Previous experience:  

House parent in OOHC

Foster Carer

Disability and Aged Care Support worker

SIL Team Leader

Day Service, Outreach and Group Activities Service Coordinator

Other interesting roles:

Telephone IT Support dealing with people over the phone trying to problem solve technical issues to people that may not have any knowledge in this area.

Security Guard in various venues dealing with some culture diversity and language barriers.

Community Banking creating and assisting in a variety of community activities and functions.

Meal on Wheels being repour within the community and community providers

What’s Auscare Support like?:

Auscare Support are very welcoming and supportive. I am looking forward to getting to know the team and building rapport and relationships.

Life outside:

My dog, being creative- woodwork, Cricut machine, visual and creative arts, plants, seeing my best friend, camping and spending time in nature.

To sum me up:
I am a driven, hard-working and am passionate about community, equality and working with disadvantaged children.

Started with Auscare Support:

November 2021

What I do:

I help support participants in understanding and utilizing their NDIS plan through helping to identify and arrange suitable supports, building their capacity and helping them to achieve their goals.

Unique skills:

Communication is vital in dealing with all relevant parties and being able to arrange and organise suitable supports for the NDIS participant. I have strong knowledge of the NDIS and relevant community supports involved with the NDIS.

Previous experience:

I have worked as a delegate/planner/LAC/plan manager and previously with disability employment support, and housing, so I have a wide array of skills and knowledge that I can use in my role. I don’t know any other support coordinators that have the same breadth of experience, or unique journey, that I have had. 

Other interesting roles:

I have worked at Southern Cross University, and a range of administrative roles. I have a background in human resources, after completing a degree in health services management, and post-graduate certificate in human resource management.

What’s Auscare Support like?

Auscare Support has amazing people, and I love working with them. There is a great variety of people with different skills and backgrounds, and we all work together to provide the best support possible.

Life outside: 

My wife and son live on a property in northern NSW and we have beef cattle and chickens. I love working with animals just as much as people. I have written a self-help book with my wide array of previous employment and enjoying writing and reading in any spare time that I have.

To sum me up:

I am hard-working and dedicated in helping others in a kind and friendly way. I love my family, friends and creating a more positive future for others.

What I do:

I support NDIS participants to understand and use their plan to achieve their goals. I take a person-centred approach to support participants to understand their plan, have choice and control, and use their NDIS plan effectively. I help connect participants to providers, mainstream and community supports and provide support for plan reviews.

Unique skills:

I have a Bachelor of Education and Master of Public Health (health promotion and research). I also have life experience as a sibling, aunty and parent of an adult daughter with a disability. My experience with the education, health and disability sectors combined with life experience strengthens my skills as a support coordinator.

Previous experience:

I have previous experience working as a local area coordinator (LAC). I have also worked with children, their families and carers in a variety of roles in the education and early childhood sector. My previous experience has allowed me to understand the uniqueness and
complexity of individuals and their supports and how best to support them. I use an individualised, strengths-based approach combined with strong interpersonal skills to help support clients achieve their goals.

Other interesting roles:

I have operated my own small business, worked as an English as a second language teacher, volunteered as a Primary Ethics teacher and even worked as a dental assistant.

What’s Auscare Support like?:

Auscare Support is professional, responsive and provides a unique individualised and person-centred service. Auscare Support understands the needs of their clients and provides professional support and training so that the best outcomes are achieved for everyone.

Life outside:

I enjoy music, art, travel, coffee, studying, spending time with my family and going for walks with my dog.

To sum me up:

I am curious, dedicated, ethically driven, a life-long learner and appreciate the small things in
life.

Started with Auscare Support:
July 2020

What I do:

I connect participants to services within the community, including crisis support. I also make sure that I connect with my clients weekly to see how they are going and assist them to fulfil their goals using their allocated funding in the best ways possible.

Unique skills:

I bring personal experience of the disability sector to my role at Auscare Support and have the ability to advocate for myself and others with patience and determination.

Previous experience:

I worked at Family Advocacy and volunteered to help friends connect with services in the community (pre NDIS).

Other interesting roles:
I have also worked in the hospital system in mental health.

What’s Auscare Support like?
I love helping people and love that Auscare support can enable me to do this.

Life outside:

I like diamond painting, handcycling, walking my dog Elvis, going out for coffee with my partner and with friends.

To sum me up:

“It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it! It’s not what you see, it’s how you look at it! It’s not how your life is, it’s how you live it.” —Unknown

Started with Auscare Support:

February 2021

What I do:

I assist participants with maximising the usage of their NDIS plans and funding to achieve their goals and support them in building capacity and skills.

Unique skills:

Positive influence and thinking outside the box. I bring creativity and imagination to overcoming challenges my clients face.

Previous experience:

I have done support work, worked with CALD communities, have been in disability service provider management as well as a psychology therapy assistant.

Other interesting roles:

I have a unique and varied past, which includes: photographer, chef, aircraft interior designer, florist, motor trimmer and executive assistant.

What’s Auscare Support like?

It’s a flexible, autonomous and supportive organisation.

Life outside:

I enjoy photography, swimming, hiking, cooking and art.

To sum me up:

I can adapt to any situation and thrive in a fluctuating environment. I transform unexpected obstacles into stepping stones for achievements.

Started with Auscare Support:

January 2020

What I do:
My role is to support clients with understanding and implementing their NDIS Plan as well as help determine their support, therapy or care requirements. I prioritise capacity building, with an emphasis on choice and control.

Unique skills:
I’m a parent of a child with a disability so I am able to relate as a Carer as well as Support Coordinator in my role. The opportunity to make a difference and play a part in achieving positive outcomes for my clients is the most rewarding part of my role as a Support Coordinator.

Previous experience:  

I started my career in the disability sector eight years ago. I have experience working as a Support Worker, a Teacher’s Aide and as an Office Manager in a School for Specific Purposes.

Other interesting roles:

My son has Muscular Dystrophy and uses an electric wheelchair for mobility. I am the Junior Coordinator of Wheelchair Soccer. I help to establish junior teams in the NSW Powerchair Football competition so that my son, and other young people with a disability, can participate.

What’s Auscare Support like?:

As a parent who has a child with a disability, the flexibility to schedule my own work hours is so important. It ensures that my clients receive the highest level of service whilst my son receives all of the care he needs.

Life outside:

I enjoy swimming and paddle boarding.

To sum me up:
I am very family focused, diligent, loyal and passionate about supporting others.

Started with Auscare Support:

September 2020

What I do:

I establish links between participants and service providers, resolve complex issues, engage in higher level inter-agency liaison for complex cases as well as project research.

Unique skills:

I have the ability to conceptualise a variety of solutions to achieve the best outcome for my clients. I have an in depth knowledge of local service providers and an extensive network within the Shoalhaven disability and community welfare sectors. This ensures that my clients connect with the service providers best suited to meet their needs.

Previous experience:

I’ve been an out-of-home care caseworker; a disability group home manager; a disability caseworker; strategic policy developer and business owner. Did I mention multitasking mum?

Other interesting roles:

I am a lead trail rider at a recreational horse riding ranch!

What’s Auscare Support like?

I receive amazing support from my Plan Managers and Support Coordination coach. Can’t praise them enough. They are smart, responsive and knowledgeable.

Life outside:

I like to go to the gym and research health and nutrition.

To sum me up:

I will always put a different spin on a situation and offer a perspective that you had not previously been aware of.

Started with Auscare Support:

April 2022

What I do:
My role supports NDIS participants in understanding their plan and the complexities of the NDIS.  By using my in-depth knowledge, I connect participants to providers that understand their needs so they can achieve their goals. I also help participants to connect with community and mainstream supports and prepare for NDIS plan reviews.

Unique skills:

I have a Bachelor of Science (Cognitive and Brain Sciences), with a specific interest in neuropsychology. I also am a person with a physical disability and have first-hand experience in navigating the health system. I believe that my experiences in navigating the complexities of the NDIS and engaging and managing agreements with providers, allows me to empower participants to develop their own knowledge and capacity to engage with their providers and the NDIS.

Previous experience:

I have experience as a local area coordinator and am well connected to communities in Western Sydney and the Illawarra. I want to ensure every person understands their plan and is connected to supports, so that they can use their plan as intended.

Other interesting roles:

I have worked as a violin teacher, sleep technician and dental practice manager. They have allowed me to develop my skills in building rapport, communicating with people from diverse backgrounds, as well as the ability to think on my feet and creatively produce solutions that help the people I work with.

What’s Auscare Support like?:

I have valued the level of training and support provided at Auscare Support. I believe that they are unique in that they don’t require us to have KPIs, and instead I am able to provide my participants with the time that they need to understand and implement their plan.

Life outside:

I am a keen volunteer and love to travel. I have been to 29 countries and enjoy savouring the experiences and customs of different cultures.

To sum me up:

I am passionate about social inclusion and human rights, and as an optimist I see the bright side in every situation.

Started with Auscare Support:

April 2021

What I do:

I offer individualised and person-centred support to my clients. I love to help them build capacity, and support them to exercise choice and control as I assist them with achieving their goals.

Unique skills:

I think outside of the box. I am compassionate and a great listener.

Previous experience: 

I worked as a disability advocate for a well-known organisation in the sector. It was a rewarding role and I was able to help many people with a disability to overcome challenges they were facing. I helped people to navigate their support networks, advocate for their individual rights, develop their self-advocacy skills and promote cultural awareness.

I am a proud Kamilaroi woman and the mum of a beautiful daughter with autism. When my daughter finished school, I found there were many gaps in supporting children transition to young adults and I wanted to be involved in helping to close those gaps.

Other interesting roles:

I have also worked as a credit analyst.

What’s Auscare Support like?:

Auscare is focused on assisting NDIS participants to achieve their goals and the organisation is  raising the standards in disability care. Working with Auscare Support empowers me to make a difference in my local community. Working with Auscare Support also provides me with excellent work/life balance.

Life Outside

I enjoy oil painting, horse riding, camping and 4WD driving.

To sum me up:

I am a mother, a fierce advocate and a great friend. I am professional, hardworking, reliable, and results driven. I get things done!

Started with Auscare Support:

September 2022

What I do:

As a Support Coordinator for Auscare I am an advocate of self-management and direction with a passion for empowering people with disability to take control. I help participants understand and implement their plans, help them build capacity to live a good life.

Unique skills:

My skills in leadership and mentoring, my personal passion for helping people and making them feel safe and cared for were certainly easily transferred over into the disability sector and the role of a Support Coordinator.

Previous experience:

I have two decades of experience in front-line emergency health and front-line health management as a Paramedic. My last 10 years of service have been in senior leadership roles, where I have supervised and mentored teams of up to 100 members

Other interesting roles:

I have been a valued consumer council member and strong advocate for stroke with the National Stroke Foundation after suffering a stroke myself at a young age. I have spoken and presented my own case study at many stroke conferences held all over Australia

What’s Auscare Support like:

Auscare gives me the flexibility to ensure that I have a great balance of work and life.  My schedules are more flexible and this enables me to give 110% into my role as support coordinator.

Life outside:

I enjoy the gym, spending quality time with my family and friends and getting out in the sunshine for my vitamin D!.

To sum me up:

I bring a grounded approach to all I do and are dedicated to fostering good health and well-being on all levels.