LEADERSHIP Team

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 personally meaningful lives. 

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 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.

Dr Rucha has been working as a positive behaviour support specialist for the past ten years. Having completed a Master of Neuropsychology (UK) and a PhD in Gender Differences in Autism Spectrum Conditions (La Trobe University), she has presented at various national and international conferences, and published articles for websites and peer-reviewed journals. 

Rucha has previously worked with children and young people with severe behaviours, cognitive and developmental impairments and trauma-affected children. 

Rucha has extensive expertise in conducting workshops, and has delivered training across Victoria to parent groups, schools, and professional groups on various topics related to autism, positive behaviour support, trauma, and girls with autism.

Brooke has been working in the disability field supporting people with Autism, intellectual disability, and physical disability for 25 years. This has been as a support worker, House Supervisor, and Operations manager for DHHS prior to the roll out of NDIS.

For the past 4 years Brooke has been working in the Positive Behaviour Support space as a behaviour support practitioner, clinical supervisor, clinical lead and team leader.

Brooke has a passion for supporting people to learn new skills, increase their independence, experience new and exciting things so that they can live their best life.

Brooke has completed a cert IV in community services, Advanced Diploma in Disability studies and 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.

With seven years of experience in the NDIS space, Maryelle has dedicated her career to supporting children and adults with complex needs and behaviours of concern. Her work spans various roles, including Behaviour Therapist and Play Therapist, all focused on improving the lives of those facing significant challenges.

Maryelle is committed to providing high-quality behaviour support services, using person-centred approaches that empower clients and their families. She has extensive skills in conducting behavioural assessments, developing Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs), and implementing tailored intervention strategies that address each individual’s unique needs.

As an endorsed Advanced Senior Behaviour Practitioner, Maryelle brings a deep understanding of supporting individuals with Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and mental health concerns. 

She holds a double Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Psychological Science, which provides a solid foundation for her work in behaviour support and therapeutic interventions.

Maryelle loves spending time with her family and friends outside of work, playing video games and trying out new food spots. 

With over 19 years of diverse experience, Leanne has dedicated her career to supporting individuals across a variety of sectors, including disability, forensic services, child protection, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and mental health. 

Leanne is committed to enhancing the quality of allied health services through trauma-informed practices that educate and build capacity for individuals, their families and service providers. 

She possesses knowledge in trauma-informed care, with a particular focus on empowering and advocating for those who have experienced significant adversity. 

Leanne is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner. Her qualifications include a first-class Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Social Work and registration with the Australian Association for Social Workers (AASW). 

Outside of work, Leanne enjoys creating memories with her neuro-spicy family, staying connected with friends, reading daily, and staying strong and healthy by lifting weights.

 Janelle is passionate about empowering and supporting autistic people and their families. Janelle has experience working with individuals who are autistic and building on their individual strengths to reach their goals. 

Janelle joined Autism Abilities in 2020 and has been empowering and supporting her participants as an NDIS Support Coordinator ever since. In 2022, Janelle has moved in to the role of PBS Practitioner.

As a qualified social worker, Janelle also brings thirteen years of experience working for Services Australia. 

Janelle understands the complexities families experience when they have a child who is autistic and brings a lived experience to the role.  

Her skills and knowledge ensure she brings a wealth of experience to her role as a support coordinator.

In her spare time, Janelle enjoys baking (eating), Pilates and spending time with her family and two miniature schnauzer dogs. 

Beth has over twenty years of experience in the disability sector in the UK, Brazil, and Canada in service/support coordination and quality management roles. 

Beth joined Autism Abilities in 2020 and has been empowering and supporting her participants as an NDIS Support Coordinator ever since. In 2022, Beth has moved in to the role of PBS Practitioner.

With a degree in Psychology and additional qualifications in supporting people with a disability and leadership for health and social care Beth brings a wealth of skills and experience to her work. Beth’s biggest motivation is to improve the quality of life of people with disability as well as the people who assist them. 

Beth is a native Portuguese speaker. In her spare time, Beth likes to be outdoors cycling and camping. She also likes yoga and travelling to new places. 

Miriam joined Autism Abilities in 2020 as an NDIS Support Coordinator having a great passion for working with autistic people. 

Miriam understands the complexities of autism and the incredible outcomes that can be achieved when people are supported in an individualised way.

In September 2023, Miriam made the move from Support Coordination to join the PBS team as a PBS Practitioner working in Geelong and surrounding regions. 

Outside of work, Miriam spends most of her time with her young family, exploring Victoria and going on as many adventures as possible.

Steph is a bubbly PBS Practitioner that joined the team in March 2024. She has spent the last year building her skills in another PBS role supporting participants with a range of diagnosis’. 

Steph has a passion for supporting and caring for those around her, ultimately leading her to complete her Nursing degree.

Steph has primarily worked in the aged care and disability sector before embarking on her PBS journey.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping and reading.

Caitlin has been empowering and supporting autistic people at Autism Abilities since December 2018. 

Caitlin brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to her work including support coordination, positive behaviour support and education. She has made an incredible difference in the lives of the people she works with and their families.

 Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family,  doing yoga, painting and walking her dog. 

Mikaela is passionate about inclusive, accessible communication and services, and is dedicated to value-driven work. She takes a person-centered approach, drawing on an individual’s strengths, interests, and support networks to create tailored strategies, resources, training, and behaviour support plans, all focused on improving quality of life for individuals and their families. 

With a Bachelor of Psychological Science and qualifications in communications, Mikaela joined Autism Abilities in September 2023. After eight years in the allied health sector in communications and management, supporting the organisation and delivery of professional development workshops for practitioners and healthcare students. 

Mikaela also brings over two years of volunteer experience providing support calls through the Anxiety Recovery Centre’s helpline and ongoing weekly support through the Cares4me program. 

In her free time, she enjoys walks, yoga, Pilates, dancing with friends, spending time with family, balloon tying, and playing the violin.