Started with Auscare Support:

December 2024

What I do:

As a Specialist Support Coordinator at Auscare Support, I empower clients to navigate the NDIS, connect with essential services, and achieve their goals. I provide tailored guidance, manage complex needs, and collaborate with teams to ensure effective support planning and delivery, fostering independence and improved quality of life.

Unique skills:

With a Master’s degree in Social Work, a Diploma in Counselling, and lived experience of disability, I bring a unique combination of expertise and empathy to my work. I excel in developing innovative and practical solutions to help clients achieve their goals, using a person-centred, trauma-informed, and solution-focused approach.

Previous experience:

Prior to my role with Auscare Support I worked as a support coordinator at Caring Approach and a Peer Support worker at Forward Ability Support.

Other interesting roles:

What’s Auscare Support like?

Auscare Support offers exceptional support and professional development for Support Coordinators, equipping us with the energy, expertise, and resources needed to deliver compassionate, informed, and up-to-date assistance to every client.

Life outside: 

To sum me up:

If there’s one sentence that could sum me up it would be that I’m open-minded, empathetic, and honest.

Started with Auscare Support:

August 2024

What I do:

As a Support Coordinator, I assist individuals in navigating the NDIS system, advocating for their rights, and ensuring they access the necessary supports and services to achieve their goals.

Unique skills:

I have lived experience as a woman with a disability, as well as a carer for a young person with disability. I was also raised by a parent who was legally blind and deaf. I understand the journey from many different angles.

Previous experience:

I have worked as an Advocate and AAT Appeals Officer, helping people access the NDIS after previous attempts failed, and assisting them in obtaining evidence-based reports to have their supports reconsidered. I have managed urgent transitions in complex situations, such as moving from unsuitable SIL arrangements or discharges from hospital back into the community.

I take pride in ensuring individuals’ concerns and complaints are heard and addressed by organisations like The Human Rights Commission and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Other interesting roles:

What’s Auscare Support like?

Very professional onboarding and great systems that allow Support Coordinators to do what they do best – navigating the NDIS and assisting people in reaching their goals.

Life outside: 

To sum me up:

TBC

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:

September 2023

What I do:

As a support coordinator, I strive to achieve the best possible outcome for each need in a timely matter. I will work with you and your support network to help you link into services that will help you achieve your goals. I’m happy to support participants remotely from homean d I can support participants face-to-face in the local community. I work with a participant to decide on the best possible approach and what works for them.

Unique skills:

I have the ability to always see a positive in every need and situation. I am very task-driven and strive to complete tasks in a timely fashion. I’m passionate about listening to each individual and getting to know each participant individually.

Previous experience:

I previously worked with the Department of Community and Justice by supporting out-of-home care children for the past 14 years which has led me to want to expand into supporting all aged participants who are on the NDIS with their capacity building and navigating the complex system of the NDIS.

Other interesting roles:

Other than working with the Department of Community and Justice, I have completed my diploma in community services that has helped me understand the best way to support the community by teaching me how to take a person-centered and holistic approach. I have lived experience of disability and navigating the NDIS.

What’s Auscare Support like?

I love working with Auscare as they have created a safe learning and working space, they have been very supportive and take a team approach. I like the flexibility of working from home it gives me the chance to have a good work/life balance.

Life outside: 

I have 5 children, 1 grandchild, and 3 cattle dogs. I love to garden, swim, and go for walks in the local community. I like to catch up with family and friends regularly for coffee.

To sum me up:

Kind and empathetic, non-judgemental, task-driven, and up for a chat.

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:

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:

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:

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.