Current Opportunities at Autism Abilities

Claire is passionate about empowering and supporting people with autism. She has had the privilege of working with people with autism for the past 8 years in roles involving administration, positive behaviour support & NDIS Support Coordination. Claire has a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) and has additional qualifications in Business Management & Information Systems and crisis counselling training. She also brings lived experience of autism to her work. In her spare time (which she vaguely remembers...) she enjoys spending time with her children and walking her dog.

Danielle has always been passionate about empowering people with autism and hopes to make a great and positive impact in the disability sector. Having grown up with family members with Autism, as well as a parent working as a disability support worker, Danielle has lived insight into the challenges, struggles and needs of individuals and families living with Autism. Equipped with a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce majoring in Marketing and Management from Monash University, and a background as a Marketing Coordinator, Social Media Manager and Public Relations Intern, Danielle hopes to bring more awareness to Autism Abilities and the valuable  support services it offers. Danielle is also a self-confessed word lover, so if she's not whipping up some new copywriting, you can find her broadcasting as a volunteer radio host for her Church organisation!

Heather has been providing exceptional NDIS Support Coordination to our wonderful clients since joining the team in February 2019. During this time she has developed an impressive breadth of knowledge and skill in all areas of support implementation and has a wonderful connection with all of the families she works with.   

Heather has a Bachelor in Health Sciences (Disability Studies) and 18 years prior experience working in the Disability Sector with people with a variety of Disabilities including ASD. Outside of work she enjoys tending to her vegetable garden, spending time with her family and walking her dog. 

 Jacki brings over 25 years’ experience in the Disabilities Sector to Autism Abilities. She has previously worked in integration at state primary schools, has 18 plus years’ experience with DHHS managing adult disability accommodation homes, has been a coordinator of an adult disability day service and in early 2019 commenced work as an NDIS Support Coordinator. Jacki is passionate about working with people with disabilities in particular those with Autism and brings a wealth of knowledge with her to this position. Her qualifications include Certificate IV in Disabilities, Behaviour Management, Epilepsy Management and Communication. Jacki develops trusting and caring relationships with her participants and their families and is always focussed on achieving the best possible outcome for them. In her spare time, she likes to travel and spend time with her family and her dog. 

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. 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 as a support coordinator. Beth’s biggest motivation is to improve the quality of life of people with disability as well as the people who assist them. She 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. 

Jess joined the Autism Abilities team in April 2020. She is a qualified Social Worker with experience in Mental Health and Disability. Like many of us Jess brings both personal and professional experience of the NDIS to the role including over 2 years of previous experience as an NDIS Support Coordinator as well as lived experience with carers, Autism, mental health, disability, and the NDIS. Jess is passionate about empowering and supporting all her clients to reach their full potential and believes that people need to have 'the dignity of risk' and 'the right to fail'.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys anything MMOPRG (which apparently means Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game – we had to ask!), Marvel, and Disney related. She considers herself a Padawan rather than a Jedi, is working on her Dungeons and Dragons skills and identifies as a Hufflepuff. Jessica is also an avid Horror and Fantasy fan.  

 Miriam joined Autism Abilities in June 2020 having a great passion for working with participants on the Autism Spectrum. She understands the complexities of Autism and the incredible outcomes that can be achieved when people are supported in an individualised way. 

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

Kylie is thrilled to be part of the autism abilities team and is looking forward to supporting and empowering people to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Having previously worked in the education sector supporting children with autism and other needs, along with a personal lived experience supporting someone with autism she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Kylie understands the challenges people with autism face every day, the impact it can have on families and people’s lives. She is very 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.

Lee has enjoyed empowering and supporting people with autism for over 25 years.  A highlight was the establishment of a disability respite service, gaining years of experience with people on the spectrum through disability, youth and child protective services. 

Her qualifications include Certificate IV in Disability, Certificate IV in Small Business Management and training focussed on autism, epilepsy management, acquired brain injury and schizophrenia.

Lee, along with her husband and son, were lucky to welcome a beautiful foster daughter with autism to become part of their family, raising her from infancy through to adulthood. 

Lee is passionate and continues to support and advocate for people with autism on a daily basis. She is based in Bendigo and provides support coordination services in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria.

Carolyn (Caz) has worked in the disability sector since 2012 and immediately fell in love with the work she was able to do. During this time, she has worked for various private organisations and DHHS in client residential units and private homes. Caz has worked with a variety of diagnoses including Autism and intellectual disabilities. She is "person-centred" focused in enabling others to live their best lives. Caz has a Cert. IV in disability and a Diploma in Counselling. Caz's children, her 2 dogs and 3 cats and travel are her other passions. We are delighted to welcome Caz to the Autism Abilities team in September 2020.

 David has worked in the disability sector since 2014 and has always worked hard to support the people he meets and works with. David joins the Autism Abilities Bendigo team in October 2021. He is passionate about working with people with autism and their loved ones and is looking forward to doing so in his new role as an NDIS Support Coordinator. David has a Certificate IV in Disability Services and has completed intensive NDIS Support Coordination training with DSC. In his spare time David enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, riding his motorcycle and is also an avid gamer. 

 Kim is a highly empathetic individual who found a calling in helping to empower people of all ages, backgrounds and disabilities. Kim has worked in the youth community services industry for over 10 years and has had the honour of meeting individuals from all walks of life including those navigating life with autism. She has the experience of managing a residential house with clients with complex backgrounds. She has lived experience with a family member who has autism and has bared witness to the challenges it can carry but also the uniqueness of each individual. Kim identifies as part of the LGBTQI+ community and has had the privilege to hear the stories of those who identify as LGBTQI+ and also live with autism.  Kim is motivated to empower and advocate for individuals living with autism to live their best life through helping connect them with services that will help them achieve their goals by having their voices heard.  On her days off Kim is out bouldering, camping, reading or playing her guitar and singing. She has a love for nature, insects, and animals.  

Caitlin has been empowering and supporting people with autism at Autism Abilities since December 2018. Caitlin brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to the work she does and has made an incredible difference in the lives of the people with autism she works with and their families. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family,  doing yoga, painting and walking her dog.

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

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. 

Amanda enjoys inspiring and empowering autistic people and their families to advocate for their needs. She has been working in the disability sector for over 15 years with a speciality in Autism, during this time she has been providing her community with advocacy, mentoring services and building networks to link them in with services. Amanda is a proud autistic woman and mother to 3 autistic children.

Over the past 4 years Amanda has found a passion in understanding the NDIS and learning about how to make it work for those in her family and her community.

Amanda completed her diploma of Community services and loves reading, learning new things and she thrives on finding solutions to situations that others find challenging. We are delighted to welcome Amanda to our team in July 2021.

 Belinda joins the team at Autism Abilities in October 2021. She brings with her invaluable experience in case management, disability support and child protection. Belinda enjoys working alongside individuals helping them to grow and develop their skills and independence. She loves to watch people flourish and is passionate about empowering and supporting people with autism in her new role as an NDIS Support Coordinator. In her spare time Belinda loves to dance, listen to music, and eat good food. Welcome to the team Belinda! 

 Bernadette has been providing support to people with disability including autism for over 18 years and during this time has developed experience and knowledge in how to support people with ASD in a variety of roles and environments.   Bernadette has a Certificate IV in Community Services – Disability, Certificate III in Auslan,  and has previously worked as a support worker, co-ordinator and person-centred active support coach in supported accommodation, individual support and day programs.  Bernadette is passionate about supporting people to be their potential, finding out what their strengths and interests are, what needs, goals and aspirations they have in life.    In her free time Bernadette likes to care for her indoor plants,  grow food and live a permaculture lifestyle. She also enjoys swimming, yoga, bushwalking, camping, spending time with her family and friends.  

Tessi joins Autism Abilities in January 2022 and we are delighted to welcome her to the team. Tessi has worked in the disability sector for over 8 years. Her time has primarily been spent in disability supported homes where she has had the opportunity to support people with varying disabilities and complexity needs.  

Tessi is passionate about advocating and supporting people with a disability to hold choice and control in their lives. She believes in a person-centred approach that encourages and enables skill development and an increase in independence.  

Any spare time Tessi has after caring for her young daughter she spends catching up with friends and family at local restaurants and cafes in Geelong and the Surfcoast.  

Bibi is passionate about empowering people and celebrating their achievement, success, and independence. Bibi has over 15 years of experience working with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Having worked in the private sector, non-profit organisations and public health sector, Bibi has an array of knowledge and skills to bring to Autism Abilities and support participants. As a Support Co-ordinator, Bibi envisages to partner with participants, their family and carers, to link them with relevant services to meet their needs and help them achieve their goals. Working with young people, adults and the elderly and skills in recognising the hidden talents, gifts and skills that people have are some of Bibi’s inspirations. In addition, advocacy where Bibi can advocate for people facing challenges plays a big role in her career. Bibi is a qualified social worker with a Master of Social Work from Monash University. Additional qualifications include Business studies, Human Resource Management and Psychology. Outside of work, Bibi enjoys cycling, walking in the park chasing kangaroos, listening to podcast, and socialising.  

  Tasnuva joined Autism Abilities in October 2021. She is currently on maternity leave & we are looking forward to her return to the team later in 2022. Tasnuva has always been passionate about empowering and supporting people with autism. She had the privilege of working with people with autism for the past 8 years in a variety of roles, including being ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapist for 5 years and NDIS Support Coordination since 2019.  She is currently perusing Masters in Human Services from Griffith University to increase her knowledge of case management and services on a broad spectrum. Previously being a Behaviour Technician, she got the opportunity of working hands on with families and individuals with ASD and ADHD. She aims is to provide a holistic, person-centred approach, because she believes each person with a disability is facing different challenges in their daily life and every person is unique with their own choice.

Tasnuva enjoys spending time with family and friends, she loves gardening, and traveling to new places 

We are always looking for dedicated and caring NDIS professionals to join our team. Check out the current opportunities on our jobs page & apply today.