WeSupportU Team

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 Louise is both a social worker and teacher, with a PhD in social work education. She has 30 years' experience in the field, having worked in corrections, child protection, private counselling, universities and primary schools before starting WeSupportU. She has written about and presented world wide on empirically based client centred intervention. Supporting clients to reach their goals will always remain her passion.

Cath holds a Masters in Social Policy and has a background in community development, strategic planning and engagement. She’s returned from 6 years in New Zealand where she had her own Consulting Company, lectured in Social Work and Community Development, and provided specialist advice for trauma clients in the justice system. 

She had been an Executive Officer for a national justice company, and held roles in state, Federal and local government, universities and community organisations. Cath has worked with women, rural communities, young people, refugees, and Aboriginal and Maori communities. She is passionate about people and communities. 

Josie joined WeSupportU in 2019.  She has over 36 years managing accounts in small and large businesses and has completed a Diploma of Business Management.  Josie brings a broad range of skills and life experience assisting people with living with disabilities and mental health.  She uses this in her role at WeSupportU to support clients understand the financial side of their NDIS Plan and funding.  This is such an important component for many clients to be able to meet their goals.

Kelly started at WeSupportU as an Intake & Administration Officer in June 2020. Before joining the WeSupportU team, Kelly worked within Administration and Customer Service for an Allied Health Service.  Kelly looks forward to discussing the many services WeSupportU can offer. Utilising her youth and enthusiasm, Kelly will enable you to reach your full potential and live your best life.  In her downtime Kelly enjoys exercising, spending time with friends and being outdoors.

Tinne has a Master's Degree in Social Work with three years of experience in NDIS mental health support and coordination. She worked for ten years as a High School Teacher and Counsellor in China and an International Student Support Officer in an Australian University. While studying overseas, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Economics, and Certificates in Teaching, Psychological Counselling and Nutrition. Tinne is compassionate and supportive, working well with those from diverse backgrounds. She aims to assist clients in achieving their goals and improving their overall quality of life. Tinne has a passion for life and loves oil painting, reading, swimming, gardening, cooking and science. 

 Bronie has been a Support Coordinator since 2018 when the NDIS rolled out in the Bayside area. Through her work with  Not-Profit Organisations and Private Companies she discovered her passion for supporting people to help them achieve their goals.  She is inspired by the clients she works with and is dedicated to working with them to make the most of their NDIS plan.  She has a strong understanding of the NDIS system and works within this to ensure clients are given choice and control so that they can reach their full potential.

Leanne has over 25 years' experience in the health industry. She has a Bachelor of Nursing.  Leanne worked as a nurse in Acute care and as a RN before upgrading her nursing qualifications to include working in Neonatal Intensive Care. Leanne has extensive medical knowledge that she uses to assist clients fully understand professional recommendations and therapy supports.  She is dedicated to assisting all her clients reach their true potential through genuine choice and control.

Nistha is a Social Work graduate who completed her studies from Federation University. She joined WeSupportU as a Social Work placement student in the Behaviour Support Team and has worked with people with special needs for 3 years. As a part of her Social Work studies, she conducted an integrative quantitative and qualitative research titled “Support Coordination for people with complex health and disability in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) –Is the role FIT FOR PURPOSE?” among 125 Support Coordinators from Victoria. She believes in helping people with disability with a person centred approach. 

Kath joined WeSupportU in March 2020.  She has over 25 years' experience within the Education sector, assisting students find apprenticeships and employment. Her passion continues to be assisting young people and adults with special needs into training and employment. Kath is looking forward to empowering her clients to live life to their full potential, by understanding their goals and supporting them within the community setting.  

Ron joined WeSupportU in 2020 and has over 10 years' experience working in the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer, massage therapist and health food store owner. He has years of experience as a contract administrator in the construction industry. Ron is extremely passionate about supporting people to live up to their full potential and realise their best life. After a car accident left Ron with serious neck injuries, he also has firsthand experience of the challenges one might face and the enormous effect these challenges can have on one’s life. While overcoming his own injuries, Ron was only made more determined to support people with empathy, kindness and energy and to continue to motivate and assist people to realise their best life.

 Deb joined WeSupportU in 2020 as a Support Worker and has since moved into the role of a Support Coordinator. She is looking forward to a long and happy  working relationship with us. She started her working life as a dental nurse, working her way to be  Practice Manager before leaving to explore the corporate world. For the past decade she has been  heavily involved with the aged care sector. For 5 years she was a full time live in carer for her elderly  mum who suffered Parkinson Disease. It was during this time that she realised she had a passion for  helping people to stay in control of their destiny and help provide support to live at home as long as  possible. She continues to work as an advocate for the elderly. Deb follows the AFL and watches most  games. She likes reading, cooking and looking after Her fur babies. 

Maureen joined WeSupportU in March 2021 to fulfil a passion to support individuals to realise their potential. Maureen has numerous years’ experience supporting clients with OH&S and scientific

solutions and wish to transfer these skills as a Support Coordinator. The past 15 years Maureen has also advocated for neurodiversity children - implementing various learning supports, and managing social and behavioural goals. Maureen has “walked in your shoes” navigating NDIS funding;

organising and accessing various bayside support services. More recently, Maureen attained a Cert. IV in Allied Health Assistance and undertaken training to Understand Dementia through

the Wicking Institute at Tas Uni. Both have been invaluable in my on-going role of providing

support to stay-at home Aged Care recipients.

Emma is a highly-experienced Teacher and Social Worker, with a Masters in Special Education and over 25 years’ experience in the Welfare/ Disability/ Education  Sector. Most of her career has been at the forefront of working with at risk students suffering complex trauma. Emma successfully established the Berry Street School in Noble Park as the Principal, and now brings her expertise to NDIS as an advanced Behaviour Practitioner and Manager. Emma has a deep understanding of how to work with a range of special needs and is an expert in helping families, teachers and a range of professionals  to understand escalation, the functions of behaviour  and how to create strategies that increase self-regulation and positive replacement behaviours.  

Carl has over five years’ experience working in forensic disability. Carl is highly skilled in leading teams with a particular focus on building positive team dynamics, establishing meaningful communication pathways and, developing a staffs’ capacity to engage with and support clients experiencing multiple and complex needs including those involved with the criminal justice system.

Carl has a strong passion for advocating for the human rights of his clients and achieving change at both person and systemic levels. In his various roles, Carl has worked closely with different government, accommodation, mental health and community-based service providers to achieve best outcomes for his clients. Carl is completing a Bachelor of Human Services and a Certificate IV in Disability.

Emily is a graduate Occupational Therapist, and Provisional Behaviour Support Practioner, working as part of the WSU Behaviour Support Team. She is passionate about accessibility and inclusiveness, as everybody deserves to have the opportunity for a meaningful life. She has worked with children with developmental delays and disabilities, adults, and families within the NDIS. This has helped her to learn of the factors influencing participation in everyday activities, social interactions and the community. Her interests include nature and mindfulness, and the benefits of incorporating these activities into our daily lives. Additionally, she has successfully completed training in the Secret Agent Society Small Group Program, an evidence-based social-emotional skills training program for children.  

  Hannah is a provisionally registered Psychologist working in the Behavioural Support Team. Prior to this role, Hannah worked under the Department of Education and Training as a School Focused Youth Service Coordinator, where she implemented capacity building interventions in schools to support vulnerable students to remain engaged in education. Hannah is a qualified trainer of the Neurosequential Model in Education, having trained around 1500 school staff to create optimal learning environments to support student self-regulation.  Hannah is also a registered trainer of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) through Livingworks. Developing from her years of experience in Youth Work and dance teaching, Hannah is passionate about supporting people to live meaningful lives and achieve their potential.

Zoey is a provisionally registered Psychologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner working in the Behavioral Support Team. Previously, Zoey has worked as a Student Wellbeing Coordinator where she collaborated with students, educators and broader community organisations to enhance student wellbeing and engagement. Zoey also has experience in local government youth services, where she coordinated the Department of Education and Training's School Focused Youth Service program. This role involved implementing interventions to support vulnerable students to stay connected and engaged within their school and community. Zoey holds qualifications in psychology, mental Health and counselling. Zoey has a strong passion for working collaboratively to ensure clients can access the support they need to lead a meaningful life.  

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Community Welfare and Counselling, a Diploma of Justice, a Diploma of Business and is completing a Masters of Social Work. For the past 36 years, she has worked with Child, Youth and Families, Children and Adults with Disabilities, families, seniors, refugees and asylum seekers and has held positions as a practitioner and in senior management. Catherine has worked for both Government and not-for-profit organisations and is passionate about supporting people to reach their goals and connect with their communities.

Reece was an automotive mechanic for the last 14 years.  He recently gained qualification Cert 4 in Community Services and mental health first Aid. He wants to study further and gain as much knowledge and experience as possible . He has always had a passion in Gym/exercise and over the last few years have focussed more on self growth and improvement both physically and mentally. He enjoy meeting new people from all walks of life and love to travel Asia and Europe when possible. Surfing is another passion. He frequently stay in Philip Island with the family and surf as much as possible. He loves to explore Victoria in the 4wd and camp in remote places. 
 

Ian worked in non-emergency patient transport for a number of years and more recently spent over 8 years in a full time carer role for a family member during their illness. Being able to support people in both personal and professional capacity was rewarding and fulfilling and has guided him towards his new position as Support Worker.

Ian is a father of 3 children and one border collie. Ian enjoys live music, staying active and playing golf regularly as well as supporting Bonbeach in the local footy and Richmond in the AFL.

Marshall joined WesupportU as a support worker in 2020. He has spent the last 5 years working as an education support worker in a Special Developmental school, working with school-aged children who are living with moderate-severe mental/physical disability. He is also studying online at Swinburne University to complete his primary school teaching qualification so he can begin his dream career as a classroom teacher in the disability sector.
In his spare time, he enjoys socialising with friends, cheering on his favourite sports teams or watching a good movie! 

Ebba has a keen interest in well-being and supporting people reaching their goals and feeling better about themselves. She easily recognizes people’s strengths and is keen on encouraging and helping people acknowledge their positive traits. Ebba has a Diploma in Counselling and is studying towards a bachelor’s degree. Previous she had a cleaning business and worked within the administration, hospitality and customer service. Ebba’s background is Swedish. Her personal interests are walking in nature, Pilates and being creative in the kitchen. She currently volunteers at a phone care line and previously at an age care facility.