POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT (PBS) TEAM

TEAM LEADER

PBS PRACTITIONER (Advanced)

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.

PBS PRACTITIONER (Advanced)

Rucha has been working as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner for over ten years and joined Autism Abilities in August 2023. 

She has a Master of Neuropsychology (UK) and a PhD in Gender Differences in Autism Spectrum Conditions (La Trobe University). Rucha has presented at various national and international conferences, and published articles for websites and peer-reviewed journals. 

Rucha has 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.

Outside of work, Rucha enjoys good coffee, music, travelling, spending time with her family, and being in nature.

PBS PRACTITIONER (Core) 

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. 

PBS PRACTITIONER (Core) 

Janelle is a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner and qualified Social Worker with both professional and lived experience as an AuDHD individual. She joined Autism Abilities in November 2020. 

Janelle practices from a holistic, neuroaffirming, and person-centred approach, with a specialised focus on supporting children, teenagers, and young adults. She is committed to providing highly individualised supports, tailoring strategies, environments, and resources to meet each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals, with a strong focus on improving quality of life.

She provides inclusive, LGBTIQA+ affirming support and is dedicated to creating safe, respectful environments where individuals feel seen, valued, and supported to be their authentic selves.

Janelle works collaboratively with individuals, families, schools, and allied health professionals to ensure supports are consistent, practical, and sustainable. Her approach focuses on understanding the function of behaviour and reducing the need for restrictive practices by building skills, increasing autonomy, and enhancing quality of life.

Janelle is passionate about empowering autistic individuals and their families, supporting them to build on their strengths in ways that respect their identity and lived experience. Drawing on her own lived experience, she brings empathy, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the complexities families may face.

In her spare time, Janelle enjoys baking, watching movies with her dogs, and spending time with her family.

PBS PRACTITIONER (Proficient) 

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.

PBS PRACTITIONER (Core) 

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. With 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.

PBS PRACTITIONER (Core)  

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.

PBS PRACTITIONER  (Proficient) 

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.

PBS PRACTITIONER (Proficient)  

Rein has three years' experience delivering Positive Behaviour Support within the NDIS and over six years' experience working alongside people with disability. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and has experience across both the disability and education sectors.

Rein enjoys working alongside people with disability to understand what matters most to them and develop practical, individualised supports that help them achieve their goals. 

She has experience supporting both children and adults with a wide range of support needs.

Rein values building genuine relationships and working collaboratively with participants, families, and support teams to create meaningful, sustainable outcomes that empower people to achieve their goals.  

Outside of work, Rein enjoys exploring new cafes and restaurants, doing reformer Pilates, reading, crocheting, and spending quality time with family and friends.