SUPPORT COORDINATORS AND SPECIALIST SUPPORT COORDINATORS

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the  Awabakal and Worimi people.

Rachael has a background as a Social Worker in complex disability, housing, mental health and drug and alcohol addiction in the health and community settings. 

Rachael is experienced and passionate about the success of the NDIS scheme, the legislation and how Support Coordinators can contribute to a healthy, authentic, honest and vibrant community of providers getting it right for participants!

Rachael’s passion moving forward is creating a positive and rewarding internal Approved by Frankie culture. Continuous systems and process improvements, continuous professional development and mentoring are top priorities. A partnership with the most dynamic and innovative organisational wellbeing and safety company has additionally all contributed to a team who  trust and believe in our mission and are willing to give everything they have to help achieve participants goals. 

Central to the "Team Frankie" ethos is mutual respect, nurturing and career satisfaction which ultimately leads to the most positive participant outcomes.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Tharawal people.

With an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and Master of Counselling, Vanessa also has further training in suicide prevention, changes in behaviour, end of life and palliative care, and achieving purposeful engagement for persons with a disability

.

Vanessa has worked in the Disability sector for 10 years, in the capacity of Support Coordination, Specialist Support Coordination, community access support, day and community programs, short term accommodation, Supported Independent Living, and outreach programs.

The bulk of Vanessa’s career in recent years has been supporting people with Younger Onset Dementia. Vanessa key strength is being a good listener, and someone who focuses on building independence of others through person-centred care with a passion and specialty in neurodegenerative and psychosocial disabilities.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Darug people.

Ash is a veteran of the disability sector with over 20 years’ experience and holds a Diploma in Disability and Front-Line Management. He has worked as a Disability Support Practitioner, Supervisor and Group Home Manager in Supported Living environments. He has also managed Respite Services for Adults and Children.

Ash is passionate about what he does and loves the Support Coordination role.  He has experience supporting individuals with complex Mental Health, CJP (Community Justice Program) and Paediatrics with complex support needs.  

Ash is bi-lingual and is able to speak Farsi as a second language.  

He is also one of the General Managers at Approved By Frankie in charge of People and Culture.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the  Awabakal and Worimi people.

Hanna is a highly skilled professional with a Bachelor of Applied Psychology, complemented by over a decade of dedicated experience in the field of intellectual disabilities and complex mental health. Her career has spanned multiple roles, including Workplace Facilitator, Job Coach, and NDIS Support Coordinator, where she has consistently demonstrated a nuanced understanding of the challenges for individuals with disabilities. Through these roles, Hanna has developed a multifaceted approach leveraging both her academic and clinical expertise and practical experience to foster environments that promote personal growth, autonomy, and resilience.

Her work is characterised by a deep sense of empathy and respect for the individuality of each person she supports. Hanna believes in the value of diversity and sees every challenge as an opportunity to create tailored solutions that enable people with disabilities to thrive in both personal and professional contexts. She has a natural ability to connect with individuals, building trust and rapport, which allows her to effectively guide people through complex systems and support networks.

Beyond her technical expertise, Hanna’s leadership is underscored by her unwavering commitment to ethical practices and her passion for advocacy. 

She is driven by the belief that true empowerment comes not only from providing support but also from fostering self-efficacy and confidence in those she works with. Her ability to navigate the intricacies of the NDIS, coupled with her holistic understanding of mental health, makes her an invaluable resource for the Frankie team. Hanna’s dedication and profound sense of purpose elevate her contributions, making her a key figure in shaping a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Wangal and Cadigal people.

Louise Hamilton is a Wiradjuri woman from the Narrungdera people, (meaning place of lizards), (Narrandera, English spelling) NSW. The totem animal belonging to the Wiradjuri people is the Frilled Neck Lizard.

Louise’s Grandfather is a Bundjalung man. The Bundjalung Country extends across Northern NSW to Southeast Queensland with the Logan River as the northern boundary and the southern boundary is the Lower Clarence River.

Wiradjuri connections stem back to one of the first Missions established on our Wiradjuri lands, Waragdesda, the Mission was shut down in 1908. Warangesda. We are also connected to family who lived at the Erambie Mission.

Wiradjuri is one of the biggest Aboriginal Countries of Australia also known as the land of many rivers. Louises Ancestors roamed the land and rivers, the Lachlan, Macquarie and Murrumbidgee hunting and gathering through the seasons. 

Louises family with many other Wiradjuri people moved to Sydney when she was three years old in 1971, with the thought of obtaining more educational and employment opportunities for themselves and their children.

Louise joins Team Frankie with experience as a School Teacher for 10 years, Nursing, Mental Health and homelessness and a passion to walk with people on their healing journeys and to assist people with a disability achieve their goals. 

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the  Gadigal and Wangal peoples.

Brigid began her career as a nurse before transitioning to the legal field, where she gained 10 years of experience in various roles. Driven by a passion for communication and helping others, she pursued a degree in Communications, followed by a Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology. This expertise led to diverse roles across hospitals, NGOs, schools, and private practice, where she supported individuals with speech and language needs.

Brigid has also worked with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in various areas including Allied Health Specialist, Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI), the Hearing Pathway, Complex Planning Pathway, Community Engagement, and Stakeholder Team.

In addition to her work with the NDIS, Brigid has held other roles with NSW Government, including assisting individuals with decision-making. Brigid also has an extensive understanding of the Justice System, having volunteered at a Justice Advocacy Service supporting people in the justice system to understand their rights and seek support. 

With lived experience of disability, Brigid is especially passionate about working with neurodiverse people. Brigid’s commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments has led her to become a support coordinator, where she aim’s to build networks that empower individuals to live their best lives, both now and in the future.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Bidjigal and Gadigal people.

Originally from Ireland, Caroline holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Care Work. Caroline has over 4 years experience supporting people who are living with a psychosocial disability. This ranges from Support Coordination, a supervisor within SIL setting and assisting individuals gain access to the NDIS. 

Specialising in complex mental health,

Caroline takes a strengths based and recovery orientated approach. Caroline works on building a person-centred relationship with each individual she supports to ensure they feel empowered in making decisions for their well-being. 

Caroline encourages hopefulness during the journey of recovery that each individual person is on. 

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Wiradjuri people.

Ray has worked in the disability sector for 15 years. The last 3 as a Support Coordinator. Ray has a Cert IV in Disability and started in the ADE (Australian Disability Enterprise) role. Ray has worked in SIL (Supported Independent Living) homes as well as spending sometime in the CJP (Community Justice Program.) 

Ray's expertise with participants as a support coordinator ensures he understands their complex NDIS plans. Ray has a person-centered approach which also helps his participants reach their goals and makes sure the participants voices are heard. 

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Katie has a Bachelors degree in Psychology and extensive experience in the mental health space.

Katie is passionate about simplifying the NDIS, to make it understandable and accessible to all. She is described by participants who she has worked with, as very helpful, compassionate, and knowledgeable.“I remember my first day, in my first NDIS job… I was so confused and thought I was completely out of my depth. I have persisted and come a long, long way since then. I know how it feels to have no idea, and I draw on this memory all the time. I truly believe the complication of the NDIS system should not hold anyone back from making the most of it… That’s why you have us.”

Katie utilises her personal and professional experience to provide an individualised and compassionate approach to Specialist Support Coordination. 

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Lauren’s career and passion for helping people, especially those with disabilities, has grown over the last 20+ years.  Lauren owned a successful one-on-one PT studio from 2002 to 2021 and was also head coach for the Special Olympics Australia Sydney South Team. Training NDIS participants and developing personalised fitness programs based on NDIS specific needs and abilities gave Lauren extensive experience in working with NDIS participants as well as NDIS systems and processes. 

Lauren also worked as a paralegal in an accredited specialist family law practice. This gave Lauren the opportunity to work directly with Legally Aided clients, providing support throughout the family law and domestic violence legal process. 

Lauren’s career paths have allowed her to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.  Lauren is highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of multitasking and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.  She is passionate about promoting inclusivity and is highly attentive to the needs of those around her. You can be assured what you say to Lauren will be heard.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Emma has a bachelor of education and Masters of social work. She has worked in the disability sector for over 12 years as a Support Worker for adults and children, Special Education teacher, Manager of children's respite program and in child protection.

Emma has a passion for empowering people in their decision making and supporting them in accessing their goals and opportunities to build their independence and quality of life.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharug people.

Sue has a Bachelor of Commerce, with a major in management, and extensive experience in finance, administration and operations.

Prior to becoming a Frankie, Sue was working in the not for profit sector, organising air and ground transport for seriously ill children from rural and regional NSW and the ACT to access treatment in children's hospitals in Sydney and Newcastle.

Through her lived experience of Down Syndrome and Younger Onset Dementia, Sue has developed a deep understanding of the NDIS and a passionate belief that people with disablities deserve every opportunity to live the life they choose.

Her compassion and empathy, and her ability to build rapport, make Sue a strong advocate for her clients and their families.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Darkinjung people.

Simone has a diploma in community service coordination and 30 years of extensive experience in management, as a business owner and frontline work.

Simone is passionate about support coordination being implemented as the scheme intended. Supporting individuals to be autonomous in decision making and ensuring formal support is set up and working for participants.  Simone is focused on driving continuous improvement in our practice through active listening and collaboration is key to success.  

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharug nation..

 Jaskirat (Jas) holds a Bachelor in Human Sciences, majoring in counselling.

 She was introduced to the disability sector by volunteering at a Day Program for participants with psychosocial disabilities. 

Jas previously worked with the NDIA for six years as both a planner and housing assessor where she developed a comprehensive understanding of the NDIS system and observed how access to supports has enriched lives of participants. 

Prior to joining Approved by Frankie, Jas worked for a State Government agency, supporting injured and unwell officers.

She has a passion for helping people and is proud to support participants navigate the world leading NDIS system.

  Jas speaks English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Darug people.

Mona is a highly motivated and skilled caseworker who has served families and children for over 10 years. As a skilled professional specialising in working with a number of stakeholders, families and carers, Mona aims to assist those in need to achieve permanency and health goals to improve their quality of life.

Mona possesses an honours degree in psychology and has worked with government agencies, in the capacity of child protection, employment consultancy, quality assurance and continuous improvement, family preservation, and an educator for children. The bulk of Mona’s career in recent years has been supporting children and young people at risk of significant harm.

 Mona’s key strength is being a good listener, and someone who focuses on building independence of others through person-centred care with a passion for improving people's mental health wellbeing.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Darug and Guringai people.

Anthony has a Bachelor degree in both Psychology and Education . He comes with a great breadth of experience in Primary Education, Youth Work and as a Support Worker. He joins the Frankies as a Support Coordinator with a firm knowledge of NDIS processes with significant experience in supporting individuals of all ages with diverse needs. 

Anthony utilises his skills as an excellent communicator, tenacious problem solver and compassionate advocate to assist participants meet their goals.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Bediagal people of the Dharug nation.

Susan has a Diploma in Mental Health and 20 years of casework experience in partner organisations. Susan works with people by building rapport and always considers a team approach to gain the best possible outcomes for the participant.

Susan is a testament to the people who have worked with mental health consumers for many years and we so proud to call her part of the Frankie team.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharug people.

Jessie is a kind and bubbly registered nurse with experience in community nursing, support work and administration. With this background, Jessie understands the importance of tailored care and approaches each case individually with the clients situation and goals at the heart of her work.

Jessie is passionate about your specific goals and what can be done to help you achieve them. Jessie is compassionate, a great listener, well organised and proactive.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Previous to working in the disability and within the NDIS Karen worked as a disruption coordinator for Qantas Short Haul Tech Crew so she is an expert organiser and multitasker.

Karen feels strongly about empowering people to be their own advocate, to create a can-do attitude and understand the complexities of the NDIS.

Karen’s father is currently living with dementia and her skills and experience in the NDIS and participants living with younger onset dementia has been invaluable in supporting her father and family.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Cabrogal people.

Rola holds a Bachelor degree in Exercise and Sports Science. Her main goal in life is to become as educated and experienced as possible, allowing her to provide a service to those in need. Having worked in a few different industries over the years, her passion for helping others is highlighted in all past employment roles as well as in my day to day engagements. 

Rola has a number of years of experience within the disability sector which has allowed her to gain a great deal of knowledge in working with a diverse range of disabilities, including but not limited to, intellectual, autism, psychosocial, neurological and physical disabilities.

Rola believes that everyone deserves a fair chance at life and with our help, we can do our bit to ensure happiness and fulfilment is met through all aspects of life for all. 

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Sushei (for short) has a diverse career spanning 20 years’ experience in project management, hospitality and disability services. Sushei has a proven ability of successfully leading cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that meet client goals.

 Sushei began working in the NDIS space 5 years ago at a local Community College. She has worked across community programs and accommodation disability settings with a range of clients with differing care needs. Sushei has expertise and a passion for making sure the participants NDIS journey is seamless and well supported.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Cadigal tribe of the Dora people.

Dee has worked in disability and Aged Care support for 4 years and is passionate about creating opportunities for her participants. Highly organised and with expertise in psycho-social disability and Younger Onset Dementia, Dee is known for her organisational skills, attention to detail and prompt. Dee is able to connect with participants who don’t often allow people to connect with them. 

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Ruby has extensive knowledge and experience in the NDIS housing space, including SIL (Supported Independent Living), SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) and ILO (Individualised Living Options). Ruby’s experience in the disability sector has equipped her with a thorough understanding of participants’ support needs to inform interpretation of their NDIS plan and has an in-depth understanding of the Agency’s plan review processes. She is passionate about empowering people with a disability to achieve their goals and to help guide them through the constantly changing space of the NDIS. 

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Caitlin has been working within the NDIS space for four years. She is well-versed in Supported independent living (SIL), Specialist disability accommodation (SDA), and Community Cooperative Living. 

Caitlin has firsthand knowledge, having grown up with a brother who has Autism and a severe intellectual disability.

Caitlin is dedicated to assisting participants in achieving their NDIS goals and living the life they desire.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Robyn was introduced to the disability sector initially from personal experience. Robyn's six year old son has Autism and global developmental delay and ADHD.

Being a stay at home mum at the time Robyn learned the ins and outs of what therapy and assistance was available through the NDIS increasing her knowledge. Robyn has also obtained a Cert 3 in Individual Support. Working as a disability support worker Robyn has gained experience in Aged Care, Dementia care, Seizures, Epilepsy and Diabetic care.

Working with an array of clients Robyn discovered a passion for supporting those with a disability to achieve and exceed their personal goals and to encourage clients to have choice and control of their own lives and stand with them in their NDIS journey. 

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Cadigal people.

Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise science as well as a diploma in mental health. Patrick’s experience within this space began when commencing as a disability support worker. Patrick has now developed an extensive experience through previous work as a mental health case worker, and as a case worker supporting individuals transitioning out of custodial environments that are at risk of homelessness. 

Patrick has also developed knowledge in areas such as AOD, community supervision, and social housing. Patrick is a great listener and uses a person-centred and trauma-informed approach to understand an individual’s unique journey. Patrick is driven by supporting individuals to achieve their goals and is passionate about empowering people living with a disability to build on their health, wellbeing and overall independence.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Jack has multiple years of experience working with, and in the adjacent areas of National Disability Insurance Scheme. Jack initially gained employment in disability services sector as a frontline support worker, managed community services centres and independent living services, to leading programs that assist with individuals with psychosocial disability gain access to the NDIS. 

Jack has built a wealth of knowledge around the NDIS procedures for individuals living with complex mental health conditions and is passionate to provide person centred and trauma-informed advocacy support on multiple levels. 

Jack has a strong desire for creating a fun and dynamic working environment and sharing knowledge to encourage and promote professional and personal development. Jack is proud to work within the community services sector and is always eager to pursue and expand his knowledge on how to support vulnerable individuals within our communities thrive.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Wiradjuri people.

 Ben has worked across the Disability, Aged Care and Medical sector for over  20 years. 

He brings a wealth of experience , having worked as an Admissions Nurse in Bloomfield Hospital, as a direct support worker in Residential Aged Care, and as a hospitality business owner.

Ben has a passion for helping other to better fulfill their lives and achieve their goals, and he has done this across many regions of Australia including Mornington Island, Merimbula, Central West NSW, and those along the way. 

Ben's versatile skills play a vital role in his day-to-day support for individuals on the NDIS Scheme, helping them take charge of their lives and achieve positive life outcomes.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Christy brings a wealth of experience from the medical and healthcare industry, coupled with a marketing background and diverse qualifications in health, fitness, finance, and frontline management. With a strong foundation in complex healthcare and mental health, she has spent over a decade dedicated to the disability sector.

Her journey encompasses various roles, from supporting NDIS participants in group homes and medical facilities to leading teams in social and community day programs. Christy's expertise extends to Plan Management, Support Coordination, and Specialist Support Coordination, where she has passionately supported individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

Driven by a profound commitment to aiding vulnerable populations, Christy has become adept at navigating the complexities of physical, intellectual, and psychosocial disabilities, alongside Complex health and behavioural needs. Collaborating closely with social workers and government agencies, Christy works hard to ensure the safety and sustainable well-being of NDIS participants and their families.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Bidjigal people.

Tate has an extensive background in community services, management and working in the NGO sector and grassroots organisations, specifically in the South East Sydney communities of Maroubra, La Perouse and Waterloo. 

Tate is highly skilled at working with youth and families experiencing complex social and systemic issues and prides herself in her track record of and ongoing commitment to working in culturally safe, transparent, creative and culturally responsive ways.

Tate specialises in family preservation, psychosocial support and is a fierce advocate for keeping children with family. Tate has extensive experience in helping families navigate child protection systems and demonstrated effective advocacy and outcomes within these systems for her clients.  

Tate also has experience and stakeholder relationships with the AOD sector, Education, Department of Communities and Justice, DV services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Wallumedegal people.

Tim has over 10 years of experience in Mental Health and Disability, and a background in Aged care. Tim has a Bachelor of Health Science and Tim is also a Diversional Therapist by qualification.

Tim's passion is Psychosocial Support and the power it has in a person’s recovery journey.  Tim is passionate about my clients achieving their goals and reaching their full potential.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Dharawal people.

Jemma, a proud Wiradjuri woman, brings her experience in childcare and disability paediatrics to our team. She holds a Diploma in Childhood Education and is known for her bright and bubbly personality. 

Jemma is passionate about helping others feel supported and connected to a broader community. Having personally navigated the complexities of the NDIS while supporting her son, she understands the challenges involved and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those she assists.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the  Wiradjuri people.

Patrick brings a diverse skill set and extensive knowledge to his role as a Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach at Frankie. Currently pursuing tertiary studies in Psychology, he has a well-rounded background that includes teaching a holistic approach to SRE and providing direct support to individuals with disabilities. 

Patrick is deeply passionate about empowering youth in Central West NSW, where he is actively engaged in research on youth justice and contemporary parenting issues. As a dedicated father of three, his commitment to supporting young people and families is at the heart of his work.

I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land in which I work, the Jilling people. 

Tayla is a dedicated support coordinator with a strong academic background, holding both a Health Science and Community Services degree. These qualifications have equipped her with the essential skills needed to provide effective and compassionate support to NDIS participants.

With a commitment to an individualised approach, Tayla understands the importance of recognising each participant as a unique individual rather than just part of a collective. She believes that effective support stems from empathy and active listening, ensuring that participants feel heard and understood in their journey.
Tayla is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life through tailored support coordination.

Tayla loves the support coordination role and is passionate about sharing her skills and knowledge to empower participants. Tayla is dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools they need to enhance their lives and achieve their goals.