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 the NDIS field. She used to be a High School Teacher and Counsellor for ten years in China, and has worked as an International Student Support Officer in an Australian University. While studying overseas she obtained two Bachelor Degrees in Art and Economics, and certificates in teaching, psychological counselling and nutrition. Tinne is compassionate and supportive, working well with those from diverse backgrounds. Tinne’s primary objective in supporting clients is to assist them in achieving their goals and improving their overall quality of life. Tinne has a passion for life and loves oil painting, reading, gardening, swimming, cooking and science. 

 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. 

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. 

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. 

Maureen joined We Support U in March 2021 to fulfill 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.  

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.  

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.