Anna has extensive knowledge and experience in the disability sector (16 years) as well as Department of Justice. She has primarily worked in the role of providing support and assistance to each person so that they may achieve / reach their personal goals – whether it be in employment, education, health & welfare, housing, registering with Centrelink and other government departments, referring to medical and other professional providers. Anna loves being able to contribute, guide, support and work alongside each one of her participants. Anna is also a Justice of the Peace and provides her services within the Geelong community when required.

Chris worked in many areas of Banking & Finance for over 13 years. In 2012 he underwent a below knee amputation and the experience led him to both volunteering and working in Disability Advocacy. Chris also has several years experience as a Disability Support Worker. He is a strong believer in empowering people with disability to live their best life possible and passionate about making the NDIS work best to support them. Outside of work Chris enjoys MMA, camping, cooking and movies.

Claire is passionate, caring and dependable. She enjoys baking, cooking, puzzles and Pilates. In her spare time, Claire loves being outdoors, staying active and spending time with loved ones and her dog, Daisy. She holds a Diploma of Community Services and a Diploma of Health Science and has worked previously as a Support Worker. She is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities live life to the fullest, and the most rewarding part of her role is seeing her participants achieve their goals and positively impact their lives.

Deirdre is passionate about working with participants to achieve their goals to be able to live their best life. Deirdre has extensive NDIS & disability sector knowledge and has been providing Support Coordination for 7 years. She also worked as a Case Manager/Team Leader in Out of Home Care/Therapeutic Foster Care and Disability – working primarily with young people in Foster Care and adults in various care situations. Deirdre holds a Bachelor of Social Work and draws on her training in disability and carer experience to support individuals, their families/carers from a person-centred and strength based perspective.

Isabella (or Issy, as she is known) has completed a Bachelor of Health Science, Majoring in Health Promotion and Rehabilitation Counselling. Issy moved from a small town to Geelong to be closer to the beach and worked as a caregiver, providing support to elderly people in the community. Issy has always held a passion for helping others in any way possible.

Jake is a helpful, loyal, and funny individual with a passion for music, combat sports, movies, and reading. In his spare time, he enjoys attending concerts, playing the guitar, and watching sporting events. He finds fulfillment working in the disability industry where he witnesses the positive impact on people’s lives. Jake has previously studied and has a Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Jodie has extensive experience in community services working for over 15 years in a variety of roles and completing work related courses including; a double diploma in Community Services; Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs. Jodie’s previous employment has included working as Case Manager for a disability employment service assisting job seekers with complex needs, working in the community teaching refugees conversational English, and more recently, working for the NDIS developing and implementing participant plans. Jodie has exceptional knowledge of the supports available in Geelong and is an avid networker. She is passionate about supporting participants to be valued members of society and to have meaningful lives. She believes it is critical to enable participants to be educated and informed in order to bring their NDIS plan to life and det the most out of the supports available.

Kiera has a Bachelor of Health Science (Health Promotion) and a Masters of Public Health (Epidemiology). She also has a background in support work and finance. From her time as a support worker, Kiera has become passionate about empowering people to achieve their goals and get the most out of life. She has recently moved from Adelaide to Geelong and is excited to be working at AYS in a role that brings together her range of skills. When she is not working, Kiera is a complete theatre nerd and has been involved in 14 shows since 2015.

Matt has lived experience in disability and autism and had previously been a Disability Support Worker for nearly 3 years.Matt believes in empowerment and supporting participants is essential in assisting them live their best lives. Out of work, Matt enjoys watching sport such as footy, going fishing and travelling.

Nathan sees himself as loyal, fun and creative. In his spare time, he enjoys watching movies and listening to music, as well as spending time with his partner, walking his dog, watching football and playing the guitar. Nathan has previously studied graphic design and mental health and looks forward to helping participants and families achieve their goals.

Nikki is described by her friends and family as genuine, loyal and honest. She enjoys running, watching reality television and doing Pilates. In her spare time, she loves walking her two dogs and spending time with friends and family. With six years of experience as a Support Worker in the disability industry, Nikki is passionate about advocating for others, particularly those who cannot advocate for themselves. She has also worked as a wedding coordinator, which highlights her versatile skill set.