Meet the Autism Abilities Team
Brooke Paton
Leanne Molloy
Leanne Molloy
TEAM LEADER
PBS PRACTITIONER
Brooke joined Autism Abilities in January 2024. She has worked in the disability field supporting people with autism, intellectual disability, and physical disabilities for 25 over years. This has been as a support worker, House Supervisor, and Operations manager for DHHS prior to the roll out of NDIS.
She has worked in Positive Behaviour Support for over eight years, as a PBS Practitioner, Clinical supervisor, Clinical lead and Team Leader.
Brooke has a passion and a talent for supporting people to learn new skills, increase their independence, and experience new and exciting things so that they can live their best life.
Brooke has Cert IV in Community Services, Advanced Diploma in Disability Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
When Brooke is not working she spends her time with her wonderful husband and 4 amazing children, passionately supporting the Carlton Football Club and Melbourne United Basketball team, listening to and singing loudly to music and reading a book any chance she gets.
Leanne Molloy
Leanne Molloy
Leanne Molloy
PBS CLINICAL LEAD
PBS PRACTITIONER
Leanne joins Autism Abilities in 2026, bringing with her over five years of experience as a Behaviour Support Team Leader and Behaviour Support Practitioner.
Since completing her Bachelor of Psychology in 2021, Leanne has worked across various roles within the disability sector, developing a strong understanding of the importance of person-centred support and meaningful relationships.
Leanne is a passionate and sincere professional who is committed to advocating for and empowering participants, as well as supporting their families and care teams. She values honesty, kindness, and genuine connection and strives to bring a positive, compassionate, and collaborative approach to everything she does.
Caitlin Mangan
Leanne Molloy
Caitlin Mangan
PBS PRACTITIONER
Caitlin has been empowering and supporting autistic people at Autism Abilities since December 2018.
She brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her role from her extensive experience in the disability and education sectors, including PBS Specialist and Service Coordinator, NDIS Support Coordinator, Education Advisor positions.
It is fair to say Caitlin has made a big difference to the lives of lots of people and continues to share her skills and knowledge so generously.
Outside of work Caitlin enjoys spending time with her family, doing yoga, painting and walking her dog.
Maciline Moyo
Rigbay Tesfay
Caitlin Mangan
PBS PRACTITIONER
Maciline joined Autism Abilities in April 2026 and we are delighted to welcome her to the team!
She is an experienced and dedicated teacher and Behaviour Support Practitioner. With a strong background in specialist education and a post-graduate diploma in Special Education,
Maciline is equipped with the knowledge and skills to support individuals with diverse learning and behavioural needs.
She is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive environments that promote positive outcomes for children and young people.
Maciline's work as a Behaviour Support Practitioner has further strengthened her ability to implement evidence-based strategies, develop behaviour support plans, and work collaboratively with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to enhance quality of life and reduce behaviours of concern.
With experience across a range of settings, she brings a flexible, compassionate, and person-centred approach to her work, always aiming to empower individuals to build independence, resilience, and meaningful connections.
Outside of work, Maciline enjoys reading, going for walks, and being actively involved in her church community, which all contribute to her overall well-being and balance.
Rigbay Tesfay
Rigbay Tesfay
Rigbay Tesfay
PBS PRACTITIONER
Rigbay joined Autism Abilities in October 2025. After completing a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science, Rigbay developed a strong interest in the autism field, which led to a role as a Behavioural Therapist.
In this position, she worked closely with children with autism, supporting the development of skills such as communication, emotional regulation, independence, and social interaction as well as improving the overall quality of life. This hands-on experience further deepened her passion for person-centred and evidence-based support strategies.
Rigbay has also worked as a Psychosocial Recovery Coach, where she assisted NDIS participants in accessing supports and services that promote their mental health and independence. In this role, she provided counselling, advocacy, and ongoing recovery-focused support to help individuals achieve their personal goals.
Known for being compassionate, approachable, and outcome-focused, Rigbay values building strong, trusting relationships with the people she supports. She brings a calm and empathetic approach to every interaction, always aiming to empower individuals and foster growth.
Outside of work, Rigbay enjoys reading, spending quality time with family and friends, and unwinding with a good movie.
Pankhuri Sharma
Rigbay Tesfay
Rigbay Tesfay
PBS PRACTITIONER
Pankhuri joined Autism Abilities in July 2026. She is deeply passionate about supporting individuals and families to achieve meaningful and positive outcomes in their everyday lives.
It is her belief that every person has unique strengths, and she takes the time to genuinely get to know the people she supports. Building trusting relationships is at the heart of her practice, as she strongly believes positive change happens when people feel heard, understood, and valued.
Pankhuri works alongside children, young people, adults, families, and support teams to develop practical, person-centred strategies that promote independence, wellbeing, and quality of life.
It is her goal to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment where people feel comfortable being themselves and empowered to achieve their goals.
Pankhuri has a Bachelor of Community Services and has worked in the disability sector initially since 2018 in disability support, case management and support coordination roles and since December 2022 as a PBS Practitioner.
ALLIED HEALTH TEAM
Cheryl Gan - Senior Speech Pathologist
Vania Wikandha - Occupational Therapist
Vania Wikandha - Occupational Therapist
Cheryl Gan joined Autism Abilities in October 2024 as a Senior Speech Pathologist. Cheryl prides herself on her client-centred approach, where empathy, patience, and adaptability are at the forefront of her work.
Her professional experience includes working as a Speech Pathologist in both mainstream and specialist school settings, while also working in NDIS spaces providing individual therapy to participants of all ages, conducting assessments and providing evidence-based interventions in areas of articulation, phonology, expressive/receptive language & social communication skills.
Cheryl's special area of interest is AAC (Assistive & Augmentative Communication) and supporting complex communication needs.
Vania Wikandha - Occupational Therapist
Vania Wikandha - Occupational Therapist
Vania Wikandha - Occupational Therapist
Vania joined the Autism Abilities team in March 2025. She is a dedicated and caring Occupational Therapist who is passionate about empowering and supporting autistic people to live life well.
Vania is dedicated to continuing learning and previously contributed to a research project focusing on primary school teachers' roles, barriers, and abilities in supporting children's mental health. As part of lifelong learning, Vania is keen on commencing a Master’s Degree.
In her personal time, Vania enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and Pilates. We are delighted to welcome you to the team Vania!
Dr. Joaquin Benedicto - Occupational Therapist
Dr. Joaquin Benedicto - Occupational Therapist
Dr. Joaquin Benedicto - Occupational Therapist
Dr. Joaquin Benedicto is a highly experienced and compassionate Occupational Therapist with over 25 years of practice in clinical care, higher education, leadership, and health service management. With a strong commitment to supporting autistic people and their families, he has dedicated his career to advancing affirming approaches to autism assessment, early support, and inclusive care.
Joaquin has worked across diverse settings—including hospitals, schools, public health, NGOs, and private practice—and has led autism assessment clinics, paediatric programs and services, and allied health teams. As both a clinician and academic, he has held leadership roles and provided supervision and mentorship in national and international university programs.
He holds a Master of Occupational Therapy Practice (La Trobe Uni), a Master of Arts in Education (Special Education), and a PhD in Educational Management, with research focused on autism education. He is a registered occupational therapist in Australia, the Philippines, and the United States.
A strong advocate for professional development and inclusive practice. Joaquin has served on the board of the Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines, and he continues to contribute to the advancement of occupational therapy through education, advocacy, and mentoring.
With a warm, person- and family-centred approach, Joaquin provides care that is neurodiversity-affirming, culturally responsive, and strengths-based. He is dedicated to empowering individuals and families, supporting self-determination, and helping each person thrive in ways that are meaningful to them.
Angbeen Wasif - Occupational Therapist
Dr. Joaquin Benedicto - Occupational Therapist
Dr. Joaquin Benedicto - Occupational Therapist
Angbeen Wasif is a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist with over eight years of international experience working with participants of all ages from diverse backgrounds.
She is passionate about empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to participate meaningfully in everyday life.
With many years of paediatric experience, a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, and a deep commitment to client-centred care, Angbeen brings a wealth of experience in supporting people with varying developmental needs.
Angbeen has worked in both hospital and clinic settings, with a main focus on neurodivergence. Her approach is strengths-based, culturally sensitive, and focused on fostering independence and resilience in both the individuals and families she supports.
Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and finds joy in cooking and sharing meals with loved ones.
SUPPORT TEAM
Helen Bakalis - Administration Officer
Katrina Pang - Reception & Administration Officer
Katrina Pang - Reception & Administration Officer
Helen joined the Autism Abilities team in January 2023. Helen is usually the first person you will speak to if you call Autism Abilities. She is kind, caring, professional and extremely organised!
Helen previously worked in the financial services sector and more recently in the healthcare industry in a fast-paced customer service role where she spent eleven years gaining insight in to the support needs of people with additional needs.
Outside of work Helen enjoys spending time with her two sons (mostly going out to eat!!), going out with friends (to eat again!), and walking her new puppy.
Katrina Pang - Reception & Administration Officer
Katrina Pang - Reception & Administration Officer
Katrina Pang - Reception & Administration Officer
Katrina joined the Autism Abilities team in November 2025.
After wrapping up her double degree in Health Science and Art at Deakin, Katrina brings previous experience in communications and administration roles in the not-for-profit and education sectors to AA.
Her friendly and bubbly personality means Katrina adds a personal touch to every interaction. She loves a good chit-chat about just about anything, so feel free to strike up a conversation if you're feeling up to it!
When she isn't working, you will probably find Katrina volunteering, crocheting (badly), scrapbooking, or cooking for friends.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Claire Kilner - Founder & CEO
Kylie Tahtalian - General Manager
Kylie Tahtalian - General Manager
Claire is the CEO and Founder of Autism Abilities.
Established in 2018, Autism Abilities is the place where you will find a team of dedicated and caring professionals driven by the common purpose of empowering and supporting autistic people to live life well.
Many of us have lived experience of autism, all of us are fully aligned with our five core values: Be Knowledgeable, Be Memorable, Be Inspiring, Make Things Happen and Come From the Heart.
Since 2018 we have had the privilege of working with some incredible autistic people and their loved ones across Victoria. And we are excited to continue to do so in the years ahead, with an exceptional team delivering services to the highest of standards and with the greatest of care.
In her spare time (which she vaguely remembers...) she enjoys spending time with her now adult children and walking her dog Ziggy.
Kylie Tahtalian - General Manager
Kylie Tahtalian - General Manager
Kylie Tahtalian - General Manager
Kylie joined the Autism Abilities team in 2021 and has been empowering and supporting her participants and their families to live happy and fulfilling lives ever since.
In 2022, Kylie moved into the position of Operations Manager. Having previously worked in the education sector supporting autistic children along with a personal lived experience supporting an autistic family member Kylie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to both roles.
Kylie is passionate about what she does and is honoured to be able to share her knowledge and experience with others in assisting them in achieving their goals.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family/friends, eating out and keeping active.