A little about me.

What inspired you to become a Support Coordinator?
While working as a disability support worker, I encountered many participants who experienced confusion and overwhelm with the NDIS. My time as a support worker allowed me to support people experiencing significant challenges related to their disability and to observe how they overcame those challenges to meet their goals. This experience, combined with my family member's experience navigating the NDIS, has inspired me to help others along their journey.

How long have you been working in this space, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I have been working in the disability sector since 2020, starting as a support worker before moving into managing a SIL home, where I primarily supported individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges.
Before entering this field, I worked in the hotel industry, which helped me develop strong communication skills. This background, combined with my experience working with people of varying abilities, has allowed me to adapt my communication style to meet the unique needs of each participant.
What I enjoy most about this work is hearing people’s stories—learning about their motivations, aspirations, and what drives them. I love being part of their journey and supporting them in turning their goals into reality.

What types of support services do you specialise in or have experience with?
I have extensive experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges, often working with participants who experience both simultaneously.
Empathy is at the core of my approach—I strive to see things from the participant’s perspective and tailor my support accordingly, ensuring they feel understood and empowered to achieve their goals.

Can you tell me about a particularly rewarding or memorable experience you've had while assisting someone?
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was supporting a woman who faced substance abuse issues and social isolation. After achieving sobriety, she expressed a strong desire to reconnect with her community and rebuild her social life.Together, we explored what this would look like for her and created a plan. She started participating in community activities such as fishing, karaoke, and visiting an old friend she hadn’t seen in years. Watching her confidence grow and seeing her rediscover joy in social connections was incredibly fulfilling.

Are there any resources or programs you find interesting and beneficial for a lot of your participants?
Yes! Being based in the Ipswich area, I highly recommend the Active and Healthy Ipswich app. It offers free health and wellness classes catering to all fitness levels, running across various locations in Ipswich.
This resource is fantastic because it promotes physical and mental well-being in a supportive, social environment—without any financial burden. It’s a great way for participants to stay active while building connections in their community.

What do you believe are the most important qualities for a Support Coordinator to have?
A great Support Coordinator should have strong communication skills, active listening abilities, and a deep sense of empathy.
Communication – The ability to adapt communication styles ensures that participants from diverse backgrounds feel understood and supported.
Active Listening – Understanding a participant’s challenges and motivations requires truly hearing them, beyond just their words.
Empathy – Stepping into a participant’s shoes allows a Support Coordinator to tailor support in a meaningful and effective way.

These qualities help build trust, foster collaboration, and ultimately empower participants to take charge of their goals.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family, including my 6-month-old daughter. We love singing, playing, and visiting her grandparents as often as possible!
Personally, I’m an avid reader. I love getting lost in a good book—there’s something special about immersing yourself in a story and escaping into another world for a little while.

Tell us something we don’t know, but need to know?
I had quite an adventurous childhood! I moved around a lot, attended six different schools, and even lived on a boat for a year—three months of which were spent sailing (and skipping school!). I also spent another three months traveling across the top half of Australia in a camper trailer.
These experiences exposed me to diverse people and cultures from a young age, which shaped my love for meeting new people and learning about their stories. Looking back, I believe this naturally led me to a career centered around connection, understanding, and helping others.