A little about me.

What inspired you to become a Support Coordinator?
I became a support coordinator motivated by my personal experience witnessing my family's struggles. This firsthand insight into their challenges ignited a profound empathy within me and a desire to make a difference. I am passionate about helping others navigate similar difficulties, ensuring they have access to the support and resources they need to thrive. My mission is to create positive change in the lives of those facing adversity, offering guidance and compassion as they navigate their journeys.

How long have you been working in this space, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I have been working as a Support Coordinator since February this year. I truly enjoy being a support coordinator because it allows me to assist those in need during their most challenging times. I am dedicated to ensuring that individuals receive the support they require, empowering them to navigate difficulties and achieve their goals. It’s rewarding to help others find the resources and guidance they need to thrive.

What types of support services do you specialise in or have experience with?
I specialise in working with participants who face mental health and psychosocial challenges. This focus allows me to tailor my approach to meet their unique needs, providing compassionate support and resources. By understanding the complexities of mental health, I aim to empower individuals to navigate their journeys, improve their well-being, and achieve their personal 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 as a support coordinator was working with a client diagnosed with a rare disease. Initially, they faced significant challenges in accessing the right services and support. I took the time to understand their specific needs and worked diligently to connect them with appropriate resources, including specialised medical professionals and support groups. As we navigated this journey together, I learned a great deal about their condition and the complexities involved. Watching my client gradually gain confidence and improve their well-being was incredibly fulfilling. With the right support in place, they not only managed their health better but also began to engage more fully in their life. Seeing their transformation reinforced my commitment to helping others and highlighted the profound impact that tailored support can have on someone's journey.

Are there any resources or programs you find interesting and beneficial for a lot of your participants?
As my time as a Support Coordinator, I have come across a lot of great organisations that are eager to assist participants in any way they can. Being on the Gold Coast, I have found that there are extensive programs tailored to assist participants in achieving their goals. A participant actually showed me the ‘Healthy and Active’ programs run by the City of Gold Coast - I have found these are amazing for participants to engage in as they promote healthy lifestyles at little to no cost.

What do you believe are the most important qualities for a Support Coordinator to have?
Compassion, empathy, communication, and patience are essential qualities for a support coordinator. Compassion enables us to connect with individuals on a personal level, showing that we genuinely care about their well-being. Empathy helps us understand their unique experiences and challenges, allowing us to provide tailored support. Effective communication ensures that we convey information clearly and listen actively, fostering trust and understanding. Lastly, patience is crucial, as it allows us to navigate complex situations and provide consistent support, even when progress may be slow. Together, these qualities help create a nurturing environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to achieve their goals.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
Outside of work, I stay active by regularly hitting the gym and playing Oztag at both social and competitive levels. I also cherish my time with my friends, family and new adoptive dog, Leo, who brings so much joy to my life.

Tell us something we don’t know, but need to know?
I recently played State of Origin for Queensland Oztag after only being in the sport for three years. When I played my first game, I disliked it that much I said I’d never play again.