NESS 2IC

Ness is a qualified Education support worker and has worked within the education/disability field for 13 years. Ness  currently holds her Certificate IV in Disability and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Mental Health. Ness also holds a current Mental Health First Aid Certificate. Ness has previously worked as a Disability Support worker providing supported holidays for adults with disability.

As part of her role, she has created and run art therapy programs for all abilities. Ness is also passionate about the mental health sector and will be expanding her services within ACASS to include Psychosocial recovery coach and Counselling services.

Ness absolutely loves sensory play, the squishier the better.

Ness is a very creative and thrives on caring/supporting others.

Ness is also currently completing her Diploma in Art Therapy.

ALLISON

Allison hold a Certificate III in Individual support certificate and has over 7 years experience supporting children with additional needs. Allison is also a wonderful mother to a gorgeous boy, who has autism.

Allison is a bright, bubbly and caring individual, she is passionate about providing safe and engaging sessions and encouraging all to be the best person they can be whilst making a positive impact in their lives. 

Tayla holds a certificate IV in Disability. Tayla is kind, caring and always there to support those around her. Tayla's approach is definitely client centered and thrives seeing those around her achieve great things, the sky is the limit.

Tayla's hobbies include socialising with others, music and comedy.

ANTHONY

My name is Anthony, I am a huge nerd, I love all things Star wars and Marvel. My hobbies include Motorbikes, Movies,  Video Games and spending time outside eg: Hiking and swimming at the beach.

I am experienced in Plumbing as I was an apprentice with my dad for two years. I am very capable working with my hands and have a lot of experience constructing and repairing things, using communication skills to work with people as well as thinking outside the box to resolve an issue. Anthony has lived experience with Autism and Tourette's.

Hi My name is Nosi (pronounced Noh-Si) and is short for my full name Laionosi. 

I've completed my Diploma of Nursing and have been working as a Disability support worker for just over a year now and have always found joy in helping and caring for others. I've recently discovered my passion of working with children/teens/young adults in the Disability Sector and can't wait to branch out more into that passion with ACASS. 

I enjoy going for drives, listening to music, going to the beach, arts and crafts, learning new cooking recipes and lots more! I especially enjoy spending time with my family and friends. 

I look forward to meeting you all. 

My name is Rachel, I'm a mum to 2 older children, I have completed my Certificate III in individual support certificate and have spent a number of years volunteering at my children's school by assisting with learning activities and attending a number of excursions. I also hold a Mental Health First Aid Certificate.

 I really enjoy helping, supporting and encouraging individuals to achieve their goals.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also like to bake, watch movies and sit down and read a good book.

My name is Caiden, I have 2 young boys who are autistic. As I parent I understand the need for support "it takes a village".

I enjoy supporting those around me to achieve their goals and making things happen. I am a caring, encouraging individual who also likes having a laugh.

I enjoy camping, the outdoors and fishing, I'm a huge basketball fan and enjoy rebuilding old classic cars, I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Hi I’m Tijana. I like to consider myself to have a very inviting and warm personality. I love getting to know people and learning about their interests. Growing up I always knew my passion was to work with and help care for children, having experience at home supporting individuals with autism and Tourette’s has allowed me to grow my patience and learn through experience about individuals needs and how to adhere to them. I’m a hard working individual who takes pride in my work. I try my hardest to create an inviting and fun environment for everyone. I love doing hands on activities and love a good brain twister. 

I currently hold a certificate III health service’s assistance, WWCC, NDIS screening check, police check, CPR and First aid certificates. 

When I have free time I enjoy playing with my 2 dogs, going on walks and hikes. I also love a good mind puzzle, word search or sudoko.

My name is Kristine, I have 4 children and 2 foster children, whom all require support for a variety of disabilities. I am deaf, with cochlear implants. I am proficient in sign language and enjoy all the questions regarding my implants.

I am an empathetic and bubbly person who loves a chat.

I  LOVE music, enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my gorgeous 3 dogs.

Hi I'm Elva, born and raised in Hoppers Crossing,

Melbourne from a family of three older siblings.

successfully graduated from High School in Geelong and I have just recently completed my Diploma of Nursing in April 2022 with plans to further my studies. I have a tribe of four

nieces and three nephews one of them being non-verbal autistic. 

I'm all about creating a fun, safe, friendly and

positive environment that we can all grow and thrive from as a team. I have a passion for health and fitness and a love for nature, animals, playing the guitar and piano.

My name is Hayden.  I love working in disability support and believe I've finally found my niche. I am currently completing my Certificate IV in Disability.  I enjoy meeting new people and making new friendships.  In my spare time I enjoy gaming, refurbishing computers and just all round relaxing.  When growing up I found it difficult to find how I fit into the world because of my ADHD and I hope that I am able to help others with similar issues to find their place. 

KYE

Hi everyone my name is Kye,

Some of my hobbies consist of gaming, playing footy as well as watching footy (Go Saints!) and spending time with my dog Arlo, I enjoy going for drives, I love to drive to new destinations and explore them, I am a very enthusiastic person who just wants to try new experiences everyday.

I am very excited to be able to get the opportunity to learn and grow in the 

disability industry as I myself have a disability as well, I had 2 strokes when I was younger which caused me to be paralysed on the right side but that has never stopped me from pursuing anything. I am eager to share my personal experiences and support you all achieve your goals and break down barriers.

Hi, I’m Shauna. I’m currently completing my diploma of nursing and have always loved helping and caring for others around me from a very young age. I’m very patient and understanding. I enjoy being outside, love reading in my spare time, being silly and making people smile and doing hands on activities. I have a little nephew who is constantly wanting to play. I’m always looking for ways to actively support and engage other to ensure they reach their full potential.  

My name is Amber and I am a mum of 3 young children two of whom have additional needs, I am currently completing my Certificate IV in disability to further my knowledge in supporting not only my children but others to achieve their goals, I have a passion for helping and seeing people thrive to the best of their abilities . 

I enjoy spending time with my family, playing netball and going to the beach in the warmer months.

I cant wait to meet you all.

TAHLIA

Hello, I'm Tahlia and I am currently completing VCAL at St Francis. I am eager to finish school and begin my studies in Disability. I have always been passionate about beginning a career within the disability sector. I am excited to be given this role to pursue my dream with ACASS. I hold my WWCC, First aid and CPR and will be involved in professional development sessions with the ACASS team. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and being outdoors fishing and admiring old cars. I love anything art, painting is my go to, videogames and listening to music. Some of my main strengths are good communication skills, being able to work in a team environment, and the ability to be patient and engaging.  

 You will see me in social groups and school holiday programs. 

Can't wait to meet you all.

My name is Michelle  and I am a qualified hairdresser by trade. I have always had a passion to support others within my community, and I am excited to expand my knowledge and experience within the disability sector. I  love shopping, travelling, cooking and movies. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and exploring new experiences. I can't wait to meet you all and begin this journey together.

Hi, my name is Nicole and I have one younger daughter. I am currently studying for a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support and have spent a number of years volunteering at my daughter’s primary school assisting with activities and attending a number of excursions. I hold a WWCC, police check, First Aid and CPR and will continue my professional development with ACASS. 

I have always been passionate about helping, supporting and encouraging others to achieve their goals and I am excited to expand my knowledge and experience within the disability sector. 

I enjoy spending time cooking with my daughter, walking my two dogs, and exploring the outdoors with my family and friends. I look forward to meeting you all.

NICOLE B

Hi my name is Nicole and I'm new to the industry and will find it very rewarding helping others. I am wanting to expand my experience and knowledge in disability.

I'm a compassionate, understanding and patient person and looking forward to being part of ACASS and making a positive difference in their lives.

I have 3 dogs who bring so much joy into our lives.

I enjoy cooking, shopping and getting away camping.

I look forward to meeting you all, and supporting you to reach your full potential.

Hey, I'm Makayla! I am currently studying a Bachelor of Education P-12, and I work at a secondary school as an educational support worker in the western suburbs. Education is my passion, I want to be able to cater to all people's needs for them to meet their individual goals and thrive. 

In my spare time I’m either playing with lego, painting or drawing. I love movies, and shows! Bluey is one of my favourites. I also have 3 dogs and a cat. I love animals, all shapes and sizes.  

Through my home life and working in an educational setting, I have worked with kids and students with varying needs to support them in their personal and educational lives. I am a very hands on person with everything I do, I love to be involved.

Hi, my name is Lucy! I'd describe myself as creative, quirky, insightful, and supportive. I'm super passionate about all things art and video games. I also enjoy fashion, scary movies, and Dungeons & Dragons.

I always aim to create a space where people can freely express themselves, have fun, and speak their mind. As somebody who has been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, I fully embrace my neurodiversity and I hope to help others embrace theirs too!

KIRRA

I’m very excited to become a part of the team here at ACASS.

My name is Kirra, I'm a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Psychology and Criminology and excited to continue my studies in psychology over the next few years. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends, reading and going on walks! 

You will see me in the ACASS Social Groups and school holiday program.

Hi I'm Nicole, I have worked as an Educational Support Worker for 12 years within a primary school setting. I am dedicated to ensuring children believe in themselves to assist in meeting their goals, no matter how big or small.

I love getting out in the garden, attending musical theatre shows, exploring nature and experiencing life.

I have always had a passion for working with children, and have experience working with children with varying ages and abilities.

Looking forward to expanding my skills and working within ACASS.

You will see Nicole throughout our School Holiday Program. 

Hi my names Thomas I’m 17 and I enjoy playing basketball and coaching my team of kids I enjoy knowing I have a made a positive impact in someone’s life , I enjoy cars and playing with legos and I enjoy spending time outdoors I am profoundly deaf with Coclear implants and fluent in Auslan !!  

Hi, my name is Rylee. I have recently completed year 12 VCE and ready to take on a job that will pursue my passion of helping and supporting others in my community. I am also a qualified lash technician which also expands on my collaboration to the community! I love arts and crafts, baking/cooking, movies, being outdoors and always happy to participate in activities. I also love animals and have recently adopted my own fur baby named Nala. You will see Rylee across our social groups and school holiday programs, before commencing into 1:1 support sessions.

Hi my name is Sophia, I am currently studying psychology at Monash University and completing a certificate 4 in aged care and disability support. I've been working in disability for almost a year since I graduated highschool and I love meeting new people and getting to know them. I try to work with people to learn their interests and how I can best support them to live a fulfilling life. I grew up with an older brother with an autism diagnosis and he taught me how unique and special every individual is and the potential they have.I always aim to make people feel comfortable and safe to be themself so we can work together to achieve their goals. In my free time I like to go on hikes and be in nature, I also love board games and puzzles like sudoku.