Meet The Team

Kimberley’s commitment to assisting individuals with psychosocial disabilities and mental health concerns in her community is highly commendable. Authenticity, person-centeredness, and professionalism are pivotal aspects of the care that Sunflower aims to offer individuals in need. To ensure that participants receive exceptional care, Sunflower provides its staff with mental health training and trauma-informed resources. Kim’s educational background includes a Cert III in Business Leadership, a Cert IV in Youth Work & a Bachelor of Social Sciences, with a major in Children and Communities. Kimberley is trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and continues to upskill her education in order to empower and teach her fellow colleagues.

Max was born and bred in Newcastle and holds a Bachelor of Primary School Teaching and Arts from Newcastle Uni. Max made the transition over to Disability after he enjoyed working with Participants within the Juvenile Justice space. Max has experience in brand and business development as he informally helped set up Sunflower Services in its early years. Max is a friendly, down-to-earth local who cares about the well-being of others and ensuring Participants are happy with their quality of service. Max enjoys developing positive relationships with other Service Providers and is always up for a coffee and a chat.

Maggie understands the importance of building strong relationships based on trust, respect, and empathy. With her extensive experience in mental health support work and her academic expertise, Maggie is well-equipped to provide high-quality support and services to Participants with diverse needs. Her passion for connecting with people, coupled with her strong clinical skills, allows her to create individualised care plans that promote positive outcomes and empower Participants to achieve their goals. As an NDIS Team Leader, Maggie is committed to providing exceptional care and support to each Participant she works with, and she is dedicated to ongoing learning and professional development to enhance her skills and knowledge.

Kayla is a valuable asset to the Sunflower team, serving as their primary liaison with clients and colleagues alike. With her exceptional organisational skills and positive attitude, Kayla ensures that operations run smoothly on a daily basis. Having worked as a Mental Health and Disability Support worker for over three years, Kayla brings a wealth of experience to her role in the office. In addition, she holds a Cert III in Individual Support and a Cert IV in Disability Management, allowing her to provide valuable insights into the complex needs of Sunflower’s clients. Overall, Kayla’s professionalism and dedication to her work make her an essential member of the Sunflower team.

Tessa is a seasoned mental health worker with a Bachelor of Social Science from Newcastle University. She has extensive experience in trauma-informed practice, having previously managed youth houses under DCJ contracts. As a strong advocate for her NDIS participants, Tessa prioritizes their needs, consistently placing them at the forefront of her work. Tessa’s calming and strength-based approach enables her to appropriately manage challenging behaviors while prioritizing her clients’ well-being. Her skills in these areas make her an asset to any team or program.

As a result of her lived experience with mental health, she has developed a strong desire to support others in gaining greater control over their own mental well-being. Rhi is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and understanding of mental health and disability, having completed a range of qualifications including Mental Health First Aid, Cert4 in Disability, and a Diploma of Mental Health, in addition to engaging in various online courses, webinars and lectures. Rhi is committed to empowering individuals to develop their own personal recovery journey and achieve their desired outcomes, reflecting her passion for helping others and her deep understanding of the challenges that people with mental health issues can face.

Eloise brings with her over three years of experience as an Intensive Mental Health Support Worker. With her expertise as a Psychosocial Recovery Coach, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to facilitating the journey of her clients towards achieving their goals and recovery plans. Eloise’s personal experience with psychosocial disabilities allows her to build a strong rapport with her participants. She listens intently and responds empathetically to their needs. Eloise is highly skilled in delivering trauma-informed principles and can remain composed even in highly stressful situations. Her on-the-ground approach has proven to be effective in generating positive outcomes for her clients.

Skye possesses more than five years of experience in the Mental Health & Disability Industry. Her areas of expertise include Leadership & Disability Management, Business Development, and Senior Support Coordination. Skye has demonstrated a high level of competence in handling complex mental illness cases and is a strong advocate for Participants, ensuring that they have the freedom to choose and exercise their rights to live a satisfying and meaningful life.

Emma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science and has a background in Behavioral Support. She is highly knowledgeable and attuned to trauma-informed practices. Emma is a compassionate, down-to-earth, and intelligent individual who adopts a person-centered approach and demonstrates a gentle/ caring nature towards her clients.

Julia is a highly qualified professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science and a Master’s degree in Brain & Behavior. With a background as a mental health clinician, she brings a wealth of experience to her role on the Sunflower Services team. Julia is a dedicated and compassionate employee who puts the needs of participants first. She is committed to promoting recovery and helping participants achieve their goals. Her calm demeanor and competence make her a valuable asset to our organisation.

Sam is currently serving as the NDIS Service Manager and Acting Team Leader at Sunflower Services. He possesses a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) along with a background in technology and Specialist Support Coordination. His professional interests lie in mental health, and he is committed to helping individuals receive the necessary support to flourish and lead comfortable lives. Sam exhibits a highly professional and composed demeanour in his role.

Aliya is currently pursuing a course in Human Resources at TAFE. She possesses exceptional organizational skills and is well-presented in her demeanor. Her enthusiasm towards her work is exemplary, and her administrative abilities are second to none. We are proud to have Aliya on board as our Administration Personnel and Human Resources Assistant, as she brings a thorough and professional approach to her work, coupled with a creative flair that sets her apart from her peers.

Meet Mylene, a seasoned professional joining Sunflower Services with deep roots in the mental health and disability industry. As our adept Psychosocial Recovery Coach and Level 2 and 3 Support Coordinator, Mylene brings a blend of compassion and analytical acumen, backed by a Bachelor of Social Science and an Accounting degree.

Known for her sharp attention to detail and organisational prowess, Mylene is a practical force within the Sunflower team. Her trauma-informed approach ensures a secure space for individuals navigating the complexities of mental health and disability.

Mylene’s professionalism is more than a label; it’s a commitment to results. Her expertise and no-nonsense attitude add a layer of efficiency and precision to our holistic approach at Sunflower Services. Welcome to the team, Mylene — where competence meets compassion.

Sam brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role of Senior/Specialist Support Coordinator. With 12 years under his belt, spanning both the UK and Australia, Sam has a deep understanding of the disability industry, particularly in areas of complex mental health, forensic mental health, and youth justice.

Sam possesses a comprehensive understanding of the disability sector, including complex cases and interactions with government agencies.

Specialized experience: His expertise lies in supporting individuals with complex mental health needs, those within the forensic mental health system, and young people involved in the youth justice system.

Sam has a proven track record of working effectively alongside government organizations such as DHS, Department of child projections, The Exceptional needs unit, Office of the public advocate, and Youth Justice.

Sam is passionate about empowering individuals and ensuring their voices are heard, advocating for their rights and best interests.

Brittany is a thorough, creative and hard-working House Manager, who thrives on attention to detail and going above and beyond in her role. Brittany has been working in the Mental Health space for several years and is always on the lookout for more courses to complete that enables her the competency and the skills to best lead her team. Brittany is a kind, fair and caring House Manager and always puts the Participants in the forefront of her work.

Kayla Earle, a Caseworker at Sunflower Services, holds a Psychology Bachelor’s Degree and an Advanced Post-graduate in Psychology. Radiating positivity and warmth, she’s a beacon of support for Sunflower Services Participants. Kayla’s outgoing nature and great sense of humour creates an inviting environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their journeys and planning future supports in their communities. With her deep understanding of human behaviour, she approaches her work with empathy and dedication. Kayla’s goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, serving as both a professional resource and a trusted friend along their journey.

Emma Hardes, a Support Coordinator/Psychosocial Recovery Coach at Sunflower Services, brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to her role. With a background as an Operations Assistant in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC), she’s well-versed in supporting children and young people through a trauma informed lens. Emma’s holds extensive youth work experience, enriching her ability to assist those in need. Additionally, she holds qualifications in Community Services and Personal Trainer, reflecting her dedication to holistic well-being. Emma is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery, providing compassionate support and guidance every step of the way.

Tori Gibson, a Human Resource Generalist at Sunflower Services, blends expertise with a touch of creativity. With a background in HR within the therapies sector, she’s adept at fostering an environment where workers feel valued and empowered. Tori’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Psychology, a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, and certification in Work Health and Safety, underscoring her commitment to professional development. Known for her fun yet professional demeanor, Tori cultivates a culture of collaboration and autonomy. Her passion for enhancing team dynamics ensures that employees not only thrive but also enjoy their work experience to the fullest.

Emma Danks, a Support Coordinator/Psychosocial Recovery Coach, brings a wealth of expertise to her role. With a background in support coordination management and extensive knowledge of the NDIS landscape, she’s a trusted resource for clients navigating the system. Emma’s experience includes teaching training sessions and consulting within the COS sphere, further highlighting her dedication to empowerment and advocacy. Professional and kind, Emma stays up-to-date of current NDIS trends, ensuring her clients receive the most relevant support. With her finger on the pulse of industry developments, she fosters a supportive environment where individuals can thrive and achieve their goals.

Alissa Hodges, a dedicated Specialist Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach, brings a wealth of expertise to her role. With a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and extensive experience at Sunflower Services, she’s adept at navigating the intricacies of complex mental health challenges. Alissa’s compassionate nature shines through in her work, offering kindness and empathy to those she supports. Her intelligence and skills make her a valuable asset in guiding individuals towards their journey of recovery and empowerment.

Stevie Hughes, an accomplished House Manager at Sunflower Services, brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Armed with a Diploma of Community Services, she adeptly handles complex behaviours, personal care, and disability management. Stevie’s proficiency extends to data collection and leading stakeholder meetings, ensuring comprehensive support for clients. A fervent advocate for participant rights, her kind and gentle nature fosters trust and respect within the community. Stevie’s dedication to team morale and community cohesion is evident in her every interaction.

Claire is a dynamic Caseworker with a zest for nurturing growth. Coming from a teaching background, pursuing studies at Newcastle University, she thrives on fostering learning in diverse settings. With a warm, engaging demeanour, Claire effortlessly connects with both adults and children, infusing her interactions with passion and positivity. Her expertise extends to Out of School Hours (OOSH) management, where she orchestrates enriching experiences. Rooted in therapeutic and trauma-informed practices, Claire brings empathy and insight to her work, creating supportive environments where individuals flourish.

Tara is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in the field of disability support and education. With 13 years of experience in disability services, Tara has honed her skills and knowledge to provide effective support to individuals with diverse needs.

For 8 years, Tara worked full-time at an autism-specific school, where she demonstrated her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by students on the autism spectrum. Her extensive experience in this specialised environment has
equipped her with valuable insights and strategies for fostering growth and development in individuals with autism.

In addition to her work in the education sector, Tara has also dedicated 2 years to support work, further expanding her expertise in providing personalised care and assistance to individuals with disabilities.

Tara’s professional development is reflected in her participation in various courses, including “Working with Children,” “Aged Care,” and “Support Educator in a School Environment.” These courses have equipped her with essential skills and knowledge relevant
to her roles in disability support and education.

Furthermore, Tara has completed the Berry Street trauma training, demonstrating her commitment to understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on individuals she supports.

Tara prioritises safety and preparedness, as evidenced by her up-to-date CPR and first aid certification, ensuring that she can respond effectively to emergencies and provide immediate assistance when needed.

With her extensive experience, ongoing professional development, and dedication to quality care, Tara is well-equipped to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Natasha is a dedicated professional with a strong educational background in psychology and counselling and a personal passion for mental health.

She has spent over a year working with the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Disabilities, where she has offered vital support to staff and made significant contributions to the well-being of individuals with disabilities.

In addition to her work with DHS, Natasha has spent time as an English teacher in Japan, working with students of all ages to achieve their educational goals and helping create effective education plans for neurodiverse students.

She is passionate about mental health and operates from a person-centred approach to psychological support, advocating for and supporting those in need. Her diverse experience and dedication make her a valuable asset in the fields of mental health, education, and disabilities support.

Jacqueline is a dedicated NDIS Specialist Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach with a wealth of experience in the disability sector. With over four years of professional engagement, Jacqueline has developed a deep understanding and commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Beginning her career as a support worker, Jacqueline’s compassion and leadership skills quickly saw her advance to the role of Team Leader. In her current position, she excels as a Specialist Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach, where she continues to make a significant impact.

Specialized Experience:

Jacqueline possesses specialized experience in supporting individuals within the forensic mental health system and complex mental heath . Her expertise and dedication enable her to provide tailored support and guidance, fostering positive outcomes for those navigating these challenging environments.