Belongside Families

Melo Kalemkeridis – Parent Peer Facilitator

Melo lives in Kangaroo Point, New South Wales (NSW) with his wife, son, and daughter, Victoria, who is 11 years-old and has a significant Intellectual disability, ADHD, and numerous physical challenges. For the last 7 years, Melo has been delivering parenting programs on secure attachment, emotion coaching, and family leadership. He has been lucky to do this in Australia, Canada, Finland, and New Zealand. He has also led a dad’s group for over 5 years, providing resources and a place for dads to connect. On weekends, Melo enjoys taking his son to his soccer games and getting out into the community with Victoria, anything from hitting the beach to shopping. Melo’s motto, born from Victoria’s energy and desire for social connection, is “Anywhere there are people, is somewhere Victoria can thrive.”.

Bree Pennie – Parent Peer Facilitator

Bree is a mum of two children. Her second child Dax was born with Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). She has lived around Australia before settling on the south coast of NSW with her family. Bree is the Program Manager at Kindred, where she leads and facilitates various workshops and peer groups for families with young children with disability. Bree is passionate about raising awareness about disability inclusion. Bree and her partner Mitchell love the outdoors and will always find a way to include Dax in their adventures along with their daughter Dylan.

Pamela Rogers – Parent Peer Facilitator

Pam lives in Canberra, Australia Capital Territory (ACT) with her husband Tom and their four children. Their nine-year-old son, Christopher, was born with Congenital Cytomegalovirus. They enjoy spending quality time together as a family, creating special memories and raising compassionate humans – their brother’s best friends and fiercest advocates. Pam is passionate about empowering new mothers and carers to own their choices. She is currently studying to become a qualified birth, postpartum and end of life doula to work closely with and better support families facing difficult diagnosis in utero, neonatally and beyond.

Eliza Hoare – Parent Peer Facilitator

Eliza is a resident of the beautiful Darkinjung land’s peninsula area on the Central Coast of New South Wales (NSW). She has 3 children aged 10, 7 and 3, with her eldest and youngest children both with Autism, along with other aspects of neurodivergence. Eliza was a primary school teacher from 2008 – 2019, taking breaks to focus on having her own children. Her journey as a mother of neurodivergent children redirected her passion for learning towards the disability sector. When she is not researching strategies for disability support, Eliza enjoys reading, exercising, making dodgy art, and indulging in her favourite pastime – eating!

Sarah Elsleiman – Parent Peer Facilitator

Sarah is the sole parent of two boys, one of whom is Autistic. She understands the challenges of juggling parenting and looking after her own self-care while managing her son’s supports. Despite the hurdles, she is proud of the journey and growth in herself and her family, always focusing on their strengths and interests to overcome any obstacle. As an Early Childhood Teacher with over 20 years of experience, Sarah has worked in various settings, including pre-schools, long day care, and playgroups, in roles such as centre director, educational leader, manager, Early Intervention specialist teacher, and facilitator of intervention programs. Sarah’s passionate about empowering children and their families through programs that promote inclusion, embrace diversity, and difference, and celebrate the significant role families play in children’s lives.

Mogi Bayasgalan – Parent Peer Facilitator

Mogi lives in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) and is the mother of two boys, one of whom is Autistic. Mogi understands the importance of listening to children, fostering their talents, and nurturing their interests. She firmly believes that every child has unique strengths that can be developed to achieve their full potential. Professionally, Mogi’s expertise is in Tax Economics, Data Analytics, and Project Management. She enjoys telling stories through the medium of numbers, spreadsheets, and graphs. Mogi has delivered parenting programs and is passionate about supporting families from culturally diverse communities.

Kristy Theobald – Parent Peer Facilitator

Kristy lives in Umina Beach on unceded Darkinjung Country. She has one amazing small human who is 8 and has a diagnosis of ASD, ADHD and Global Development Delay. On the weekends you can find her little family either at the beach, in the bush or at the local markets. Kristy worked in the corporate world for 15+ years before becoming a stay-at-home parent, carer and part time artist/creative. She currently works part time as office manager for her local LGBTQIA+ not for profit and recently joined the Kindred team as a parent facilitator with real lived experience.

Ineke Warner– Parent Peer Facilitator

Ineke is Mum to Imogen (4) and Patrick (2), and together with her husband Matt, has navigated the early days of diagnosis, therapies – and further diagnoses – with the support of family, friends and Kindred’s community. As a primary school teacher, Ineke is passionate about adjusting and accommodating for all students and supporting families to hold aspirational goals for their children. She has lived experience of raising a child with complex medical and disability-specific needs in a regional area, and navigating a subsequent move to the city. When she catches a moment to relax, you will find her at the pool with her kids.

Nadine Kelly– Parent Peer Facilitator

Nadine is mum to 3 beautiful children including 9 year old Ryan who has Cerebral Palsy. Nadine works part time as an educator and has recently headed back to Uni to study Occupational Therapy after discovering her passion for helping people find creative ways around their obstacles.

Lifestart

Susan Spruce – Service Provider Facilitator

Susan is trained as a primary school educator who has been working in disability for over 30 years.

Susan is currently employed at Lifestart and manages programs that focus on inclusion and supporting parents in their role as the main educator of their child. Susan is busy in her spare time enjoying being Nanna to her 4 grandchildren.

Donna Bennett – Service Provider Facilitator

Donna is an Early Childhood Teacher working as a Specialist Early Childhood Educator in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). Donna works across both mainstream and early intervention services and has done for over 15 years. Donna works closely with families providing capacity building supports to parents who have children with disabilities and developmental delays.

Penny Graham – Service Provider Facilitator

Penny is a social worker and has worked with children and families both in medical and community health settings. Her recent work supports families with young people with developmental disabilities preparing for their high school transitions, as well general family support.

She currently works at Lifestart, an Organisation supporting children 0 – 24 years with developmental disabilities. Penny has an interest in disability advocacy, and inclusion. She is a parent to 4 adult children, her youngest has a disability. Penny is based in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) and in her spare time writes poetry and loves gardening and reading.

Rosemary Cordi – Service Provider Facilitator

Rosemary is a Specialist Early Childhood Educator and works for Lifestart in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). She has worked alongside families of children with developmental delay in supporting their transition and inclusion into mainstream settings. She is passionate about all children having access to early learning settings. At home, she has taken on the role of the family matriarch and enjoys bringing family, friends, and a few pet dogs together

Jacqui Hester – Service Provider Facilitator

Jacqui is a Speech Pathologist with many years of experience supporting children and families at Lifestart.

Noah's Ark

Sarah Greet – Service Provider Facilitator

Sarah’s combined loves of languages and linguistics, and working in the community, led her to Speech Pathology. She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2015 and has worked as a Speech Pathologist in Canberra since 2016. Sarah joined the Noah’s Ark team as a Key Worker and Speech Pathologist in November 2022. She is particularly interested in working with families and colleagues to promote neurodiversity affirming intervention practices.

Bettina Barber – Service Provider Facilitator

Bettina is a Speech Pathologist and is Based in Albury on the New South Wales/Victoria (NSW/VIC) border. Bettina has worked in Early Intervention with children with disabilities and developmental delays for over 10 years. In her spare time Bettina loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys a range of crafts and making things for the people she loves.

Milton TLC

Katharine Kinch – Service Provider Facilitator

Kate is a certified practicing speech pathologist and early intervention therapist based on the south coast of NSW. Kate has worked with children and their families for nearly 20 years in NSW and ACT. She is the co-owner (with her husband) of Milton and Bay and Basin TLC’s providing therapy and supports to families in the Shoalhaven. Kate is also the mother of four sons ranging in age from 7 to 16 and she grew up in a family with neurodivergent parents and siblings.

Clever Bees

Steff Bee – Service Provider Facilitator

Steff is an Occupational Therapist. She works with families throughout Australia, predominantly online. She works with children with developmental concerns. Steff has worked as an OT for the past 16 years, working in Australia and in London. Steff lives in Newcastle (NSW) with her family, and in her spare time loves going on family adventures and playing with her young kids.

Beyond Boundaries Rehab

Carly Nisner – Service Provider Facilitator

Carly is the owner of Beyond Boundaries Rehab, leading a passionate team of allied health professionals dedicated to enabling life without limits. With years of experience as an OT working with people of all ages and abilities, Carly thrives on creating innovative, client-centered solutions for complex needs. When not driving new ideas at BBR, Carly loves exploring the outdoors paddle boarding and learning to surf, spending time with her kids, and hanging out with Wombat, their first “therapy dog” who hilariously flunked the role-but still steals the show at home!

Krystal Sullivan – Service Provider Facilitator

Krystal is an Occupational Therapist based in Newcastle. With over 15 years of experience, Krystal has been dedicated to supporting children and their families in the region. Currently the clinical lead at Beyond Boundaries Rehab, Krystal combines expertise with compassion in her work. In her free time, she embraces life as a “mum taxi,” enjoys a quiet coffee, and indulges her love of indoor plants.

Jade Hayward – Service Provider Facilitator

Jade is an Occupational Therapist who lives in Newcastle. Jade has experience in supporting children with developmental concerns and their families and is passionate about using a relationship-based approach to create strong, meaningful connections and help nurture positive parent-child interactions. Outside of work, Jade enjoys spending time with her Cavoodle, Nala, helping her partner with renovations, or enjoying the sunshine outdoors.

Jessica Webb – Parent Peer Facilitator

Jessica is a registered nurse based in Newcastle, NSW, where she lives with her husband, two children and two cats. As a proud mother of a child with a disability, she is passionate about helping and supporting others in similar situations and sharing experiences. Jessica loves spending quality time with her family, especially doing arts and crafts together. Her favourite colour is blue, and she firmly believes that pineapple belongs on pizza.

Mel Barnes – Parent Peer Facilitator

Mel is the proud Mum of two children aged 4 & 7 years, currently based in Brisbane. As a parent with lived experience of raising a child with developmental challenges, Mel is passionate about supporting families to feel empowered and confident in their parenting journey. As a Lawyer and Social Worker by trade, Mel enjoys working closely with people and connecting over shared experiences. In her spare time, Mel enjoys spending time with her little family and tapping into some creative energy by dabbling in a little adult colouring-in once the kids are asleep.

Early Childhood Australia

Marlies Coleman – Service Provider Facilitator

Marlies has worked within the Early Childhood Sector for around 30 years in Tasmania, Queensland and now Northern Territory. Marlies has always worked closely with children 0 – 6 years with developmental concerns. Marlies has 3 adult children, one of which has a disability.

Naomi Allen – Service Provider Facilitator

Naomi is a social worker who has worked within the disability sector in both South Australia and the Northern Territory for the past 5 years. She currently works with children with developmental concerns and disabilities and their families at Early Childhood Australia NT. In her spare time, Naomi enjoys watching tv series, listening to audiobooks and spending time with family and friends.

Songhwa Chae – Parent Peer Facilitator

Songhwa is the mother of a 5 years old CP boy. She is originally from South Korea and has been living in Australia for 15 years. In her spare time, she loves to be outdoors, play golf and spending time with family, friends and her furry friend, Sooli.

Institute for Urban Indigenous Health

Fiona Burnside – Service Provider Facilitator

Fiona is a Paediatric and Family Nurse. Fiona’s experience in youth, health, and disability settings spans over 20 years.  For the last 9 years Fiona has been working closely with children with developmental concerns. Fiona feels privileged to work for the IUIH and to learn from the families she works with. Fiona craves the outdoors and being in nature and enjoys time with family, friends and her 2 dogs.

Alana Turnbull – Service Provider Facilitator

Alana is a Registered Nurse based in Brisbane, Queensland. Alana currently works with children with developmental concerns and their families at the IUIH.

Julie Cashin – Parent Peer Facilitator

Julie is a community researcher that works and lives in the Moreton Bay area of Brisbane, Queensland. Julie was born on Turrbal Country and is a proud Pitta Pitta woman.

Julie has previously worked with children with disabilities, developmental delays, and First Nations families within the education sector. Julie has a personal understanding of this program as she has lived experience in raising 3 of her own children with different disabilities at various levels. Julie is passionate about this program, as she has experienced the lack of support provided in raising her daughter who is now 26 years old. Julie’s youngest child has a rare disease and is bilateral with (Legg-calve) Perthes disease and was in a wheelchair for 3 years. He was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), separation anxiety and vision impairment at the age of 2.5 years old. He was also later diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), severe anxiety and sensory issues.

Julie is compassionate, empathetic, and understanding towards others and is a great asset to this program. She brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to help others. Julie lives with her youngest son and they both share a passion and love for Reiki in their spare time.

Children's Health Queensland

Belinda Ryan – Service Provider Facilitator

Belinda is a Psychologist and is based in Brisbane, QLD. Belinda has a Masters in Educational and Developmental Psychology and has worked with children with developmental concerns and their families for over 10 years. In her spare time, Belinda enjoys being with family, friends and playing hockey.

Minnie Ma – Service Provider Facilitator

Minnie is a Physiotherapist and is based in Brisbane, Queensland. Minnie has worked with children with developmental concerns and their families for over 12 years, and currently works at Children’s Health Queensland as well as private practice. In her spare time, Minnie loves to spend time with her family including 2 rambunctious kids and a gorgeous labrador.

Natalie Clark – Service Provider Facilitator

Natalie is a Social Worker based in Brisbane, QLD. Natalie has worked with children with disabilities and their families for over 15 years across community and health settings and currently works with the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. In her spare time, Natalie enjoys a coffee and catching up with family and friends.

Tracey Carson – Service Provider Facilitator

Tracey is an Occupational Therapist who has worked in the area of Paediatrics for over 20 years. Tracey has worked in hospitals, as well as in community private practise and not for profit groups. Tracey currently works both in the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service and the OT Department at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. Outside of work, Tracey is busy with her own 3 children and enjoys long walks with her dog.

Australian Catholic University

Colleen Tompkins – Parent Peer Facilitator 

Colleen is the National Project Manager for the ENVISAGE Families Program and is from Geelong, Victoria. Colleen has lived experience as she is parenting her 5-year-old daughter with Cerebral Palsy. Colleen has been working in Project Management for over 15 years and recently worked as the Operations Manager of a service provider specialising in therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy. In her spare time, she is busy running Harper around to all her activities like swimming and circus arts, but she also has a laser production business where she makes signs, therapy aids and cake toppers as a side hustle. 

Rebecca Tamaariki – Parent Peer Facilitator

Rebecca is an Aboriginal woman with cultural and traditional connections to the Wulgurukaba and Yirrganydji peoples in Far North Queensland. She is passionate in assisting the ENVISAGE First Peoples Program from a parent perspective as well providing insight into the healing and connection that can get lost when diagnosis hits the family unit.

Jasmin Link – Parent Peer Facilitator

Jasmin is a single mum of two children. Her eldest child, 10, being diagnosed with Non-verbal Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and an Intellectual Impairment (II) She is a First Nations woman with links to the Guugu Yithimirr/Kuku Yalanji/Yindjibarndi/Manbarra and South Sea Islands. She has enormous lived experience as well as working as a Playgroup, PlayConnect and MyTime Facilitator, a service that is specifically designed to support the needs of special needs families and carers. She also works part time as a Community Engagement Officer. Due to her endless advocacy for being able to access the appropriate supports for her son with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Jasmin works hard to balance her responsibilities as a mother, carer and being able to give back to her community. In her spare time, Jasmin enjoys painting, gardening, eating naughty foods and catching up with family and friends.

Optimum Movement

Debra Quelch – Parent Peer Facilitator

Debra is a mum of two sons with ASD, a primary school teacher, and an inclusive and special education specialist who lives and works near Brisbane, Qld. Debra has over 20 years experience working in classrooms, Distant Education, and home education settings. She currently works providing support for students with complex learning profiles, professional development for teachers and schools, and education advocacy for families. Debra is weeks away from completing a Master of Education (Special and Inclusive Education), and in her spare time, enjoys being out in the garden or spending time with family and friends.

Ellena Oakes – Service Provider Facilitator

Shannon is a mother of two neurodivergent girls based in Launceston, Tasmania. The journey from their early childhood to now has been a mix of experiences, which has led to an interest in supporting other families with their own journey. Shannon is also known as a bit of a crazy cat lady and fosters cats through a local animal shelter.

St Mark's

Lifestyle Therapies and Training Solutions

OCC Therapy

Stacey Palmer – Service Provider Facilitator 

Stacey is an Occupational Therapist and is based in Brisbane. Stacey has worked with children and their families for nearly 30 years and has experience in metropolitan and rural paediatric OT practice in Qld, Western Australia and Victoria. Stacey loves going to the beach and spending time with her family, friends and dog Dougie.

Emily Tupper – Service Provider Facilitator 

Emily is an Occupational Therapist at OCC Therapy, based in Brisbane. Emily works with children with developmental concerns and their families in the clinic, homes and schools throughout Brisbane, Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and catching up for a coffee!

Angela Raphael – Parent Peer Facilitator

Angela is a parent of 4 children (aging from 8 to 15 years), 3 of which have multiple diagnoses. Angela is based in Brisbane QLD. Angela has been attending many different therapies with her children over the past 10 years. Angela loves spending time with family engaging in each Childs special interest, cats (Little Kitty, Uta and Winston) and her poodle (Layla).

Jackie Fox – Parent Peer Facilitator

Jackie is mother of two. Her first child was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 3. He presented with significant verbal and developmental delays. Since then, her son who is now 11, has completed the early intervention program and has continued to thrive with the care of a loving family and a caring professional community. In her old life, Jackie used to be a lawyer and an enthusiastic runner and bookworm. In her current life, Jackie is still a fitness enthusiast bibliophile but has now moved to the country where she homeschools her two kids whilst trying to not kill her veggie garden!

Fiona Jones – Service Provider Facilitator 

Fiona is an Occupational Therapist, who has supported children, teens and their families for over 15 years. She enjoys the beach, spending time with her family, friends and dog, and travelling.

BUSHKids

Joana Mallmann – Service Provider Facilitator 

Joana is an early childhood teacher with over nine years of experience in nurturing and supporting young children. Originally from Brazil, she has made Australia her home since 2015 and has been living in Agnes Water since 2022. With a deep passion for helping children and families reach their full potential, Joana brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her work, aiming to make a positive impact in every child’s development.

Julie Stiler – Service Provider Facilitator 

Julie is a Social Worker based in Bundaberg. She has worked as a teacher and then as a social worker working with families in Queensland for a number of years. In her spare time, Julie loves spending time with family, friends and her dog called Lucy. They attempt to stand up paddle board together.

Melissa James – Parent Peer Facilitator

Melissa is an Allied Health Assistant and is based in Bundaberg, QLD. Melissa has a background as an Early Childhood Educator for 18years and have worked with BUSHkids for 5 years supporting families to access early intervention supports for their children. Melissa’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare medical condition at 5 days old in 2023. In Melissa’s spare time, she loves camping and spending time with family and friends.

Claudia Anderson – Service Provider Facilitator 

Claudia is a social worker and is based in Emerald, QLD. Claudia works at BUSHkids providing allied health services to children and families.

Marcia Hayston – Parent Peer Facilitator

Marcia is a former Allied Health assistant for BUSHkids Emerald, running resilience programs, speech and emotional regulation groups. Marcia has two beautiful children aged 12 and 16 years. Her son was diagnosed with ASD, ADHD and OCD at 4 years old and have been fighting for early intervention for children with additional needs ever since.

Nishani Algama– Service Provider Facilitator 

Nishani is a Speech Pathologist based in Sunshine Coast. Nishani currently works at BUSHkids, servicing children around QLD. In her spare time, Nishani enjoys spending time with her family and friends and getting creative.

Brooke Favier – Service Provider Facilitator 

Brooke is an Occupational Therapist based in Maroochydore, visiting Cherbourg on a regular basis. Brooke has been working with BUSHkids for the past 6 years, supporting children and families to achieve their goals. Brooke loves to spend time baking and going to the beach with her partner and their mini groodle Luna.

Amy Kaplan – Parent Peer Facilitator

Amy lives in Agnes Water with her husband and two children. Amy has a kind and caring nature and has a desire to support and help others in need. Amy enjoys spending time with family and friends doing the things she loves like camping, fishing and hiking.

Novita

Kudos

Shyllie Meakes – Service Provider Facilitator 

Shyllie is a Social Worker and Developmental Educator in Adelaide. Shyllie has worked within the Disability Sector for over 20 years, supporting families and young people. In her spare time, Shyllie loves to spend time with her family (including doggo), attending Yoga and gym.

Kasia Parker – Service Provider Facilitator 

Kasia is a Social Worker, based in Adelaide. Kasia has worked with children with disability or developmental concerns and their families, for over seven years, currently with Kudos Services. Kasia loves connecting with people, sharing knowledge and stories, while learning together. In her spare time, Kasia can be found renovating her home, drinking coffee with a chocolate treat and spending time with her boys.

Fiona Mulholland – Service Provider Facilitator 

Fiona is a Social Worker based in Adelaide. Fiona has worked with families, children and communities for the last 20 years and currently works with Kudos Services supporting children with developmental delays and disabilities. Outside of work Fiona is a solo parent of one and pet mum to a dog, cat and chickens, Fiona enjoys nature, art and time with friends.

Eva Harper – Service Provider Facilitator 

Eva is an Early Childhood Professional based in Adelaide and has worked with and supported children and their families for over 20 years in New Zealand, the Northern Territory and now in South Australia. Eva enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the different areas of South Australia.

Kid Sense Child Development and Allied Health

Joanna Buttfield – Service Provider Facilitator 

Joanna is an occupational therapist based in Adelaide. Joanna has worked with children with developmental concerns, their families and carers in Adelaide and various locations across the United States in both public and private. Joanna now runs a paediatric private practice providing occupational therapy and speech pathology to children, adolescents, and young adults. In her spare time, Joanna enjoys spending time with family, friends and her 2 busy children!

Angelica Hannam– Service Provider Facilitator 

Angelica is a speech pathologist based in Adelaide who has worked across public and private environments. She now works in a private paediatric centre providing children to supports with children, adolescents and young adults. In his spare time, Angelica was spending time with Family, Friends and her two beautiful cats.

Emerge Allied Health

Nicole Ciantar-Jones – Service Provider Facilitator

Nic is a Teacher/Behaviour Therapist and is based in Launceston Tasmania. Nic has worked with children and families in early intervention for 20+ years, primarily with the Education Department and more recently with Emerge Allied Health. In her spare time, she enjoys time with family and friends as well as a variety of activities relating to health and well-being.

Shannon Williams – Parent Peer Facilitator

Shannon is a mother of two neurodivergent girls based in Launceston, Tasmania. The journey from their early childhood to now has been a mix of experiences, which has led to an interest in supporting other families with their own journey. Shannon is also known as a bit of a crazy cat lady and fosters cats through a local animal shelter.

Association for Children with a Disability

Kim Mace – Parent Peer Facilitator

Kim is a Community Education Facilitator the ACD. She loves her role and enjoys delivering workshops to families and professionals.  Kim also works as a MyTime peer support group coordinator. Kim recently finished a stint of 9 years on the School Council and 7 years as President at a Melbourne Special Development School (SDS). Her background was originally in sales and marketing in the Book Publishing industry, but she now works primarily in the disability sector. Kim has lived experience of parenting two teens with a variety of diagnoses. In her spare time, she loves getting outdoors, reading quality fiction, keeping up with current affairs and meeting up with friends.

Katrina Redcliffe – Parent Peer Facilitator

Katrina is a Peer Facilitator from ACD.

Kylee Brealey – Parent Peer

Kylee is the manager of community education at the ACD. Before this role, she worked as a coordinator of MyTime peer groups in the west of Melbourne. Kylee also has a previous life experience of a leading teacher. She has 3 teens and across these teens, there are multiple diagnoses that provide Kylee with insight into a different parenting experience. She would describe herself as a cat person, even though she owns a dog and has a goal of being a crazy cat lady.

Children's Therapy Services

Kate Brommeyer – Service Provider Facilitator

Kate is a paediatric Speech Pathologist who works in Geelong, Victoria. She has worked in many hospitals and community settings and has a background in education and facilitation of group programs. Kate loves working collaboratively with children, families, and service providers to maximise children’s potential and support families to live happy lives!

Terri Keiller – Service Provider Facilitator

Teri is an Occupational Therapist based in Geelong, Victoria. She has over 10 years’ experience working with children with disabilities and developmental concerns in a range of settings including Special Education, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Early Childhood Intervention. Outside of work Teri enjoys spending time with her family and friends, visiting her favourite cafes, and getting out in nature.

Charleen  Longmuir – Parent Peer Facilitator

Charleen is a mother and full-time carer of 2 boys with disabilities. Her 11-year-old has Autism and Anxiety, and her 7-year-old has Down Syndrome. Between both her children, they also have numerous dietary requirements and medical diagnosis. Charleen has been riding the roller-coaster of NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), funding, therapy, and medical appointments for approximately 9 years.

Mandanna Daemi – Parent Peer Facilitator

Mandanna is a mother of three young daughters, who lives with her husband and children in Geelong, Victoria. She is a secondary school English teacher, who after living and teaching overseas with her husband in Singapore for eleven years, decided it was time to move back to Australia and is very happy to be home!

Mandanna is very excited to be a part of the ENVISAGE team; a program whose values and vision she believes in wholeheartedly. She is looking forward to supporting other families who find themselves on similar journeys as her own, as they navigate the ups and downs of life caring for children with disabilities.

Hallmark

Kerrie Thomsen – Service Provider Facilitator

Kerrie is a First Nations Occupational Therapist living and working in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland, Victoria with a community private practice. Kerrie has worked with families, children, and students for over 30 years in regional Victoria, Tasmania, and Brisbane. She enjoys working with the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in her role to de-colonise the curriculum in occupational therapy. Kerrie loves being outdoors and spending time with her family doing cultural activities.

Matt Brooks – Service Provider Facilitator

Matt is a Counsellor and Behaviour Support Practitioner Based in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland, Victoria. Matt has worked in the disability industry for several years and is currently working for a private practice who assists with early childhood development and life skill capacity building in teens and adults. Matt enjoys cooking, gardening, and training his dog Bundy to provide therapy support.

Kate Maxwell – Service Provider Facilitator

Kate is an Occupational Therapist in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland, Victoria. Her focus in on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and works with a variety of participants and their families across all ages. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, going for walks and swims with her dog and spending quality time with friends and family.

Kate Armistead – Service Provider Facilitator

Kate is a Behaviour Support Practitioner and an Allied Health Practitioner in Developmental Education at Hallmark Integrated Health Group; located in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland, Victoria. She has a passion for Early Childhood Development and working closely with families. On weekends she enjoys camping and bush drives with her family.

Alec Farrell – Service Provider Facilitator

Alec is an Occupational Therapist based in regional Victoria. Alec has worked as an Occupational Therapist for 1.5 years and has spent time with families who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), developmental delay and intellectual disabilities. In his spare time, he likes to engage in a wide variety of activities including surfing, jiu-jitsu, and music.

Kids+

Royal Children's Hospital

Treehouse

Tegan Williams – Parent Peer Facilitator

Tegan is a mum to 3 amazing children based in Bendigo, Victoria. She has lived experience with having children with medical complexity, neurodiversity and not knowing what the future holds. Tegan understands the fear, joy, heartbreak, and anxiety that parents can experience when caring and advocating for their child. Tegan’s experience over the last 8 years has given her the drive to pursue a career in Paediatric Allied Health and she hopes to be able to support other families with empathy and understanding.

Emble Allied Health

Talia Pulis – Service Provider Facilitator

Talia Pulis is the CEO and Founder of Emble Allied Health and a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with over 10 years of experience in early childhood sector. She is passionate about empowering families, fostering connection, and promoting inclusion through her work. Talia embodies family values both in her professional life and at home, where she spends most of her free time with her son, partner and two Cavoodles!

Makayla Rao – Service Provider Facilitator

Makayla is a Speech Pathologist who works with families and children in the North-East suburbs of Melbourne. In addition to working clinically, she also works to connect with community often in her role as General Manager of Emble Allied Health. Alongside her 5 years of clinical experience, Makayla offers the perspective of a family member supporting a child with developmental delays through 12 years of allied health support. In her spare time, Makayla is an avid record collector and enjoys taking her trusty film cameras out to photograph nature.

ACU

Kaela Flood – Service Provider Facilitator

Kaela is a Physiotherapist working in Central Victoria. Kaela has worked with children and their families across several settings and values the connection and relationships she has developed with these families. Kaela is the proud mum to 3 beautiful children and is currently studying her Masters in Paediatric Physiotherapy.

Melanie Keyte – Parent Peer Facilitator

Melanie is the proud Mum of 5 gorgeous children. It is important to Melanie that her family embrace their differences and each of her children are encouraged to be their true authentic selves. Melanie loves the kindness and compassion that all her children have developed from being part of a neurodiverse household. Throughout her journey as a mum of neurodivergent children, she has become a fierce advocate for inclusion, especially in education settings. Melanie enjoys connecting with other families through her work as a paediatric allied health assistant and is currently studying psychology.

Kids are Kids

Laura Whittle – Service Provider Facilitator

Laura is a Speech Pathologist based in Perth, Western Australia. Laura has worked with children with developmental concerns and their families for 4 years in metro and rural Perth, and currently works at Kids Are Kids! Therapy and Education Centre. In her spare time, Laura enjoys cooking, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

Catherine Robinson – Service Provider Facilitator

Catherine is an Occupational Therapist at Kids are Kids! Therapy and Education Centre in Perth, Western Australia. She is passionate about supporting children with disabilities or developmental delays and their families to achieve their goals. In her spare time, Catherine likes cooking, reading, and visiting her family’s farm in the Wheatbelt.

Sarah Browning – Service Provider Facilitator

Sarah is an Occupational Therapist based in Perth, Western Australia. Sarah has worked with children with developmental concerns or disabilities and their families for over 10 years. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys reading a good book and baking sweet treats.

Melanie Boulton – Parent Peer Facilitator

Melanie lives in Perth Western Australia and enjoys being a parent of 4 children aged 13 to 18, including a daughter with Down Syndrome and a son who is legally blind with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has worked for various organisations in the areas of Children’s Services and Family Support. She is not sure what free time is but enjoys time in the garden and playing with her two rescue dogs Jedda (a Kelpie) and Tilly (Staffordshire Terrier x Ridgeback).

Maylyn Elikewela – Parent Peer Facilitator

Maylyn is an accountant is Perth, Western Australia. Maylyn is married and has two children – a daughter and a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He was diagnosed at 2 years of age and is now 8 years old. Maylyn usually spends her spare time with her family, friends, or volunteering.

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Helen Sherlock – Parent Peer Facilitator

Helen is based in Perth, Western Australia. Helen supports parents and carers raising children living with disability, developmental delay, Autism, genetic, rare, undiagnosed and/or chronic conditions in her work with Kalparrin at Perth Children’s Hospital.

Kristie Hardbottle – Parent Peer Facilitator

Kristie is based in Perth Western Australia. Kristie supports parents and carers raising children living with disability, developmental delay, Autism, genetic, rare, undiagnosed and/or chronic conditions in her work with Kalparrin at Perth Children’s Hospital.

Perth Children’s Hospital Child and Adolescent Health Service

Louise Ogilvie – Service Provider Facilitator

Louise is an Occupational Therapist and is based in Perth, Western Australia. Louise has worked with children with developmental concerns and their families for over 10 years in Perth, Canberra, Melbourne, and England, and currently works at the Perth Children’s Hospital. In her spare time, Louise loves to be outdoors and spend time with family, friends.

Kate Dixon – Service Provider Facilitator

Kate is a Speech Pathologist with a special interest in childhood disability. After spending several years in Vancouver, Canada, she has recently returned to Western Australia and is working at the Perth Children’s Hospital. Kate loves exploring new cities, spending time outdoors, and cooking for her friends and family.

Sarah Sayers – Service Provider Facilitator

Sarah is a Clinical Psychologist Registrar and is based in Perth, Western Australia. Sarah has provided psychological support to children and their families, to target a wide range of complex needs, across the last 3 years within the Perth and Peel regions. Sarah currently provides psychological support to assist children who have acquired and congenital neurological impairments at Kids Rehab at Perth Children’s Hospital. In her spare time Sarah likes to catch up with friends at cafes, visit art galleries and enjoys trail running.

Heather Whewell – Parent Peer Facilitator

Heather is a mum to a 3-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy and a 6-year-old boy. Heather’s daughter spent the first 10 days of her life in the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Perth Children’s Hospital and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 4 months of age. Heather has a Master of Counselling Practice and previously worked as a counsellor with children, adolescents, and their parents.

Nicola Hofler – Parent Peer Facilitator

Nicola is based in Perth, Western Australia. She married to David, mother of 3 daughters and has 2 dogs, Murphy, and Winston. Nicola’s 14-year-old daughter Grace who has Cerebral Palsy and cognitive disability. Nicola works at Sexual Headquarters (SHQ), which is an independent, non-profit organisation providing specialised services in sexual health and relationship wellbeing, in the disability team. In addition to this Nicola is an integral member of the ENVISAGE Families Program as a State Parent Coordinator and a Parent Peer Facilitator. She is currently studying Aboriginal Health and Well-Being and Women’s Health.