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:

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 2024

What I do:

I work beside my clients to listen and hear what they need to live meaningful lives. My role is to link people with the supports and services that assist them to meet their NDIS goals. My role is to explain and present options and assist the client to make the decision that they feel is right for them.

Unique skills:

I have lived experience as a parent of children with special needs. I have worked with a vast diversity and range of ages and disabilities. I listen and seek direction of what the client wants their supports and services to “look like”.

Previous experience:

I have worked as a nurse for many years. I have worked in rehabilitation, I have been a support worker. I have over 25 years experience in disability. I went back to University at 40 to follow my passion to expand into mental health services and supports. I am an accredited mental health first aider.

Other interesting roles:

Each role that I have had, has packed my ability to think on my feet and be flexible. No two days are the same and there is no one size fits all way of working, we are all unique and individual

What’s Auscare Support like?

I love the structure and support. This organisation is well set up to support good practice.

Life outside: 

Riding my motorbike clears my head. I enjoy spending time with friends and family.

To sum me up:

I am passionate about life and working out what people need to make life better.

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:

November 2019

What I do:

I work hard to support my NDIS participants to get the most out of their NDIS plans, fully utilise their funding and request plan reviews where necessary. I work with a lot of my clients to help them move out of hospital or nursing home care, often into appropriate accommodation.

Unique skills:

I bring dedication and a wealth of experience working in the human services area. I also like to engage with my clients, their families, support networks and service providers on a very regular basis to ensure my clients get the best possible outcomes.

Previous experience:

I have a history of working as an NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and a long report writing history from years working with NSW Justice and FACS.

My post school university education is extensive:

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – UNE 1998
• Bachelor of Laws – UNE 2004
• Post Graduate Certificate in Drug & Alcohol Studies – USQ 2014
• Master of Social Work – CSU 2018

Other interesting roles:

I worked with NSW and Victoria Departments of Corrections for many years, specialising in working with sex offenders in Victoria. I have worked for FACS child protection services in NSW and I worked on mine sites when younger as a structural draftsperson.

What’s Auscare Support like?

I love Auscare Support. It’s a great, supportive organisation that also allows me a great deal of independence.

Life outside: 

I like gardening, spending time with family and my dogs and walking on the beach.

To sum me up:

I am a hard working committed person who genuinely cares about friends, family, and the clients and families I work with.

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:

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:
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 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.