WeSupportU Team

---

 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.

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. 

Bronwyn joined WeSupportU shortly after it started in November, 2018 as a Support Coordinator. Prior to this, she worked in various Administration and Customer Service roles in Education, Not-for-Profit Organisations and Private Companies where she discovered her passion in supporting people to help them achieve their goals.  She is proud to be leading a caring and skilled team of Support Coordinators and Disability Support Workers who are all helping to make such a difference in people’s lives.

Madeleine is a registered Occupational Therapist with a passion to make a real difference to increase Occupational independence and satisfaction in the lives of everyone she works with. Prior to joining WeSupportU fulltime, Madeleine worked part time as an Occupational Therapist at a primary school in Keysborough developing the occupational therapy program and providing intervention to children with a variety of needs. Madeleine has volunteered in Vietnam working with children living with disability in remote and disadvantaged communities. This role included providing interventions to increase children’s independence and educating families to ensure sustainability. She is excited in to provided her new and evidence based knowledge to support families and children in the WeSupportU community. 

Brien has been working in the Welfare Industry for 25 years.  He  worked in Child Protection with Berry Street for 7 years and provided disability support for youth under the age of 18 for a further 9 years with Berry Street. Brien is experienced in Crisis Intervention and Crisis Management and is committed in helping people who find themselves in crisis, providing intensive support when they need it. Brien is enjoying working with mature aged adults at WeSupportU.

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.

 Bronie has been a Support Coordinator for nearly 2 years. 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.

Karoline has a Diploma in Nursing and has chosen to continue her Nursing studying by undertaking a Bachelors degree. Karoline’s commitment and determination in helping people is a strength that results in positive outcomes in her role as a Support Coordinator.  Karoline has vast experience in dealing with people and helping them achieve their goals.  She is dedicated in her pursuit to a lifelong career in Nursing and is focused on furthering her Nursing skills in postgraduate study. 

Chris has maintained a client a focused approach over her 30+ years of work force experience, bringing a compassionate and optimistic nature to all her client interactions. Possessing a Certificate IV in Phlebotomy and a Certificate in Drug and Alcohol. Chris has over 5 years of clinical healthcare experience and a broad knowledge base to expand upon. Previously being employed in customer service roles, Chris has well developed communication skills which enable her to empower her clients as best as possible. Further pursuing her passion for assisting others. Chris is enthusiastic in the opportunity to support her clients at WeSupportU. 

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.

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.

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. 

Mithun has a Bachelor Degree in Commerce and recently completed a Certificate IV in Disability from Holmesglen. Mithun’s past experience includes banking and finance roles, relationship and practice management including business development management positions. Mithun has worked as a volunteer in age care facilities for several years and is passionate about charity work. As part of his current role, Mithun strongly upholds the core values of client self determination and empowerment.

Larissa joined WeSupportU at the beginning of 2020 as a Disability Support Worker.  She developed her passion for working with a range of clients, helping them work towards achieving their goals in this role.  She has recently moved into the Support Coordinator role. Larissa has a Social Work degree and has previously worked in Germany and Finland with people with disabilities. It is her passion to support people achieve their goals and have equal opportunities in life. 

Sarah has a diverse career history within the care industry. She has a strong passion in advocating for self-determination in the lives of people living with disability. She endeavours to provide opportunities for people to live feeling fulfilled and as independently as possible. She has an extensive background in both aged care and disability settings with experience in physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities. Sarah has a Certificate IV in Auslan and is currently studying a Diploma in Nursing.

Madeleine is a registered Occupational Therapist with a passion to make a real difference to increase occupational independence and satisfaction in the lives of children and their families. Prior to joining WeSupportU fulltime, Madeleine worked part time as an Occupational Therapist at a primary school in Keysborough developing the occupational therapy program and providing intervention to children with a variety of needs. Madeleine has volunteered in Vietnam working with children living with disability in remote and disadvantaged communities. This role included providing interventions to increase children’s independence and educat ing families to ensure sustainability. She is excited in to provided her new and evidence based knowledge to support families and children in the WeSupportU community. 

Georgia is a Speech Pathologist graduate who completed her studies at the Australian Catholic University. She specialises in providing communication 

assessment, intervention and supportive education for children and their families. Georgia understands the impact of communication difficulties on everyday activities and is passionate about helping children enhance their quality of life through improved communication. She is excited about supporting families within the WeSupportU community. 

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.

Roee has 15 years experience working as a counsellor, mental health social worker and personal development coach. Roee has worked across the public, private and corporate sectors in both the UK and Australia dealing with various clients and presenting issues. Roee uses positive psychology principles and teaches tools & strategies to improve emotional health, psychological flexibility and ultimately create positive health outcomes. Roee's SPECIALITIES include Walking therapy, nature based mindfulness, Motivational interviewing, goal setting, overcoming barriers, ACT, CBT therapies helping manage Stress/Anxiety/Depression, working with people with disability, mental health and in aged Care. Roee qualifications include: Qualified Personal Development Coach (Life Coach),Qualified ACT therapist,  Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, and a Medicare Provider.

Jess is an accomplished Psychotherapist with over 10 years' experience working in a broad range of settings in addition to running her own Private Practice. Jess is fuelled by a passion to develop unique ways of understanding how we think, what we feel and why we behave as we do. Jess works with children, adolescents and adults. She is adept at dealing with a broad range of concerns, supporting my clients to examine their core beliefs and understanding of issues affecting them. Adjusting thoughts, feelings and behaviours through evidence-based counselling techniques creates opportunities for authentic growth and long-lasting change. Jess supports her clients in adopting and maintaining effective approaches to any difficulties that they’re experiencing, creating a renewed sense of optimism and wellbeing. Jess draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Positive Psychology and Mindfulness.

Hollie is currently studying to be an Occupational Therapist at Australian Catholic University. She aspires to work with children, teens and young adults to assist them in reaching their full potential. Hollie loves being involved in the community through volunteering at the local football club where she interacts with a wide variety of people. She enjoys travel, being creative through surf photography, and passionately barracking for the St. Kilda football club.

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.

Brien has been working in the welfare industry for 25 years.  He  worked in child protection with Berry Street for 7 years and provided disability support for youth under the age of 18 for a further 9 years with Berry Street.  Brien is experienced in crisis intervention and crisis management and is committed in helping people who find themselves in crisis, providing intensive support when they need it.  Brien is enjoying working with mature aged adults at WeSupportU. 

Maddy is planning to study Naturopathy at Endeavour College of Natural Health to peruse my passion of helping people and to learn about the benefits of herbs and their medicinal properties. Maddy has  experience working as an aide at St Joseph's Primary School in Korumburra, and volunteering at Bass Coast Special School during my high school studies. Maddy enjoys doing yoga in my spare time, as she believes it can cure anything. 

 Kaitlyn is currently in her second year studying the Diploma of Nursing and first year in Paramedical Science. Kaitlyn enjoys helping young children as well as older people with anything they need extra support to make life easier for them.  Kaitlyn has great computer skills and has enjoyed being able to support primary school-aged children with remote learning this year.

In her spare time, Kaitlyn loves shopping and photography and also follows the AFL team Richmond.

Bernie is a Support Worker with WeSupportU. Bernie has just finished a Certificate 4 in Disability. She is interested in Mental Health and would like to pursue it further. Her interests are going to beach, movies, AFL and the races. Bernie is passionate about her work and feels privileged to support the people she does. Bernie believes that the rewards of the job out way the challenges. She loves what she does.

Laura is someone who is passionate about helping others. She likes to think that she brings positivity to any environment she is in. Laura has a huge love for travel and is also in fact a travel agent. She is currently studying at Tafe, in a course about the NDIS. She loves shopping, cooking and organising things. Laura  goes for Essendon Football club and will try to attend a few games a season. She loves helping people of all ages. 

Rosie is a graduating Occupational Therapist. She is passionate about connecting with and supporting people from all walks of life. She is passionate about community and mental health as well as paediatric care. She enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach and travelling the world. She is also employed part-time at a not-for-profit and spends a fair amount of time volunteering for various organisations. She is enthusiastic about working with the WeSupportU community and enabling individuals to engage in life to their full potential.