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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kayla Earle, the National Case Work Manager 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.

Jodie oversees the Accommodation department nationally for Sunflower Services, leading the strategic development and operational delivery of Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Individualised Living Options (ILO) across all regions. Jodie is the first point of contact for all of our enquiries, and is dedicated to ensuring timely responses in regards to vacancies, participant matching and ensuring we understand Participant support needs in the referral process.

With over five years of experience in the Mental Health and Disability sector, Jodie has worked across a variety of settings including Short-Term Accommodation (STA), Day Programs, and SIL. She brings a proactive mindset, a can-do attitude, and a deep commitment to helping participants achieve their goals.

Jodie’s strong interpersonal skills and understanding of the dynamic nature of mental health allow her to build genuine rapport and lead with empathy. Outside of work, she’s an early riser who enjoys staying active, spending time by the water, and listening to music.”

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.

Aliya is currently pursuing a Diploma in Human Resources at TAFE, having already completed her Certificate IV in Human Resources Management. She possesses exceptional organisational skills and is well-presented in her demeanour. Her enthusiasm for 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

Sam brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role of 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.

Tori Gibson, our Human Resources Lead 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.

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.

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.

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.

Say Hello to our new Support Coordinator/Psychosocial Recovery Coach Sophie! Sophie holds a Cert IV in Disability and has over four years of experience working in the disability sector. Sophie is passionate about enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and empowering them to achieve their goals. Sophie excels in implementing effective support plans and collaborating closely with NDIS participants and service providers to ensure the best outcomes. Her in-depth understanding of NDIS guidelines allows her to navigate the system with ease, providing reliable guidance and support to those she serves. Committed to promoting independence and respecting each individual’s unique journey, Sophie communicates clearly and proactively, ensuring that her clients feel heard and supported. Always staying informed about policy changes and current NDIS trends, Sophie is dedicated to continuous learning and professional development. Her warm and approachable nature fosters a supportive environment where clients can thrive. With her expertise and passion for advocacy, Sophie is ready to make a meaningful impact within the NDIS community.

Meet our amazing Rostering Team Leader Maddy! Maddy has exceptional knowledge and experience in the Industry in both a Rostering and Disability Support Coordination Role. Maddy possesses excellent organisational and communication skills, and radiates understanding, warmth and positivity in her interactions. Maddy’s experience allows for valuable insight into the importance of collaboration and an informed approach when working with Participants and Staff alike. Maddy is a valued member of the Sunflower Team whose dedication and commitment to the role allows for our daily operations to run smoothly and to the highest standard.

Allison is a dedicated Psychosocial Recovery Coach and Support Coordinator at Sunflower Services, committed to helping participants unlock their full potential. Drawing from extensive training in hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, coaching, NLP, and transpersonal art therapy, Ally empowers individuals to take control of their recovery journey with a strengths-based approach. She is passionate about personal growth, currently pursuing a Diploma in Counselling to expand her skills further.

With a Trauma-Informed Recovery background, Ally brings a deep understanding of mental health complexities. Her experience as a youth worker and peer support worker at trauma healing retreats enhances her ability to connect with clients compassionately, fostering an environment of trust. Ally thrives on helping participants not only navigate their NDIS plans but also find their authentic path to healing. At Sunflower Services, she aligns with the team’s commitment to provide person-centered care, guiding clients through life’s challenges with empathy, creativity, and a focus on autonomy and positive transformation.

Meet Hannah Ennis, one of our Support Coordinators/Psychosocial Recovery Coaches in Adelaide! Hannah has a Certificate IV in Community Services, and has worked previously as a Disability Support Worker, Customer Liaison and Support Coordinator. Hannah prides herself on providing compassionate, holistic and authentic support to her Participants. Hannah is passionate about linking Participants with services that align with their support needs and goals. Hannah has a key focus on rapport building and ensuring her Participants feel comfortable and heard. Hannah’s interests outside of work include catching up with friends, hiking in new locations and reading! Welcome Hannah, we are so happy you are here.

Please warmly welcome one of our lovely Adelaide team members Emily! Emily is a Support Coordinator/Psychosocial Recovery Coach who has a passion for supporting Participants in the Psychosocial disability sector. Emily utilises her experience in Human Resource Management to elevate Participant experience and empower them on their individual journey. Emily values relationships and building authentic connections in her work. Outside of work, Emily enjoys family time and occasionally getting her creative on! Emily is an asset and brings an aura of positivity to every room she is in.

Meet our amazing Case Worker Carlye! Carlye is our first Case Worker in Adelaide and is bringing our excellent Mentoring standard to SA. Carlye brings a breathe of fresh air to the industry with a recent Bachelors of Psychology (Honours), specialising in cognitive neuroscience. Carlye is passionate about the psychosocial disability space, empowering her Participants to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life. Carlye’s strengths are based in communication, and a down-to-earth, person-centric approach. Carlye builds strong, trusting relationships in those she supports and leads, ensuring they feel heard, valued and supported. Caryle’s interests include travelling, playing hockey and visiting the beach! Carlye is a valued and appreciated new member of our Sunflower team.

Emily-Jane has over 5 years experience in the sector and brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to supporting individuals in need. Holding a Diploma in Community Services, she specializes in problem-solving and tackling a wide range of challenges with a positive and practical approach. Highly organised and detail-oriented, Emily-Jane is known for her comprehensive and client-centered approach, focusing on effective communication and strong advocacy. She has a deep understanding of both NDIS and community-based resources, and she excels at building strong, trusting relationships with the individuals she supports. With her compassionate, enthusiastic, and kind demeanour, Emily-Jane is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she works with.

After more than two years of dedicated service with Sunflower Services as a Mental Health and Disability Support Worker, Mia has transitioned into her new role as a Support Coordinator/Psychosocial Recovery Coach. With a hands-on approach, Mia takes the time to connect with Participants, gaining a deep understanding of their needs and how to best navigate their NDIS plan. Holding a Diploma in Mental Health, Mia has experience working with individuals impacted by domestic violence and homelessness. She approaches her work with compassion, always maintaining a trauma-informed perspective. Outside of her professional life, Mia enjoys reading and spending time in nature. Her extensive experience with the NDIS and working with Participants with diverse psychosocial disabilities makes her an invaluable asset to the Sunflower team. We are thrilled to welcome the incredible Mia!

With over 5 years of experience as a Support Coordinator, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, particularly in managing complex NDIS issues. He is a goals-focused professional who thrives on building positive, empathetic connections with those he supports. Tom has more than 10 years of experience volunteering and working with people with disabilities, which further enhances his compassionate approach to support. Always eager to learn, Tom is currently expanding his skills by learning Spanish and Latin dance! Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through tennis and is actively involved in his local community and club, volunteering and coaching. Tom is a creative problem-solver who loves thinking outside the box to find effective solutions.

Katie is one of our dedicated, bright and outstanding Case Workers overseeing our Support Work space. In her role, Katie focuses on building strong, supportive relationships with our Participants and ensuring their journey is guided by empathy and understanding.

With a Diploma in Community Services and a background in Employment Facilitation, Katie brings a compassionate, nurturing approach to her work. She is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Participants, offering a strong sense of connection and support along the way. Known for her kind, empathetic and young nature, Katie thrives on creating a safe space for Participants to feel heard and valued.

Growing up in a rural area, Katie developed a deep love for animals and a strong connection to nature. With her caring attitude and commitment to the well-being of others, Katie plays an integral role in supporting and empowering our Participants as they navigate their unique journeys.

Calia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a Case Worker, holding a Bachelor of Social Work and over five years of experience in child protection as a case worker and a youth worker. Calia has a kind, informed and genuine approach that allows her to build strong connections with her Participants, and oversee her caseload with expertise and clarity. Calia is passionate about building strong, trusting relationships with clients, offering personalised support to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

With a focus on empathy and respect, Calia creates a safe space where clients feel heard and empowered. Outside of work, Calia enjoys going to the beach, socialising with friends and going to the gym. Always committed to growth, Calia strives to enhance their skills to provide the best possible support to those they serve.

Tahlia is a dedicated Case Worker at Sunflower Services, bringing over five years of hands-on experience in the care industry. Tahlia has a can-do attitude and always finds a solution! Her journey began as a support worker, where her genuine compassion and upbeat, bubbly nature made a lasting impact on the people she supported. She later expanded her skill set as a rostering coordinator, gaining valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes coordination that ensures quality care.

Now, in her role as a case worker, Tahlia continues to advocate for individuals to feel heard, respected, and valued. She is especially passionate about mental health and takes pride in creating a safe, empowering space for the people she works with. Her positive energy and commitment to person-centered support make her an invaluable part of the Sunflower team.

Abigail is a valued member of the Case Worker team who holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. With a background in the creative arts, Abigail has worked extensively with children as a flute tutor and dance teacher, using her passion for music and movement to foster growth and expression.

Abigail is known for her vibrant, approachable demeanor and her passion towards building genuine, trusting relationships with the individuals she works with. Her ability to connect with others on a personal level, combined with her deep understanding of psychological principles, allows her to offer both professional guidance and a safe, welcoming space for individuals to share their experiences and aspirations. Through her dedication, empathy, and love for the arts, she strives to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of others.

Outside of work, Abigail thoroughly enjoys performing musical excerpts on her flute and dancing with friends at social and local events. We’re excited to have Abigail on board and look forward to the positive energy and expertise she brings to the Sunflower Services team!

Hannah has completed a Certificate IV in Human Resources Management and is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Newcastle. With a keen interest in the mental health field and a passion for making a positive impact in people’s lives, Hannah is an exuberant and motivated addition to the Sunflower Services team.

Hannah brings a warm and concise approach to her role of Recruitment Officer, with a background in support work that gives her unrivalled insight into the exemplary talent hosted and needed at Sunflower. Personable and professional, Hannah shines in her ability to communicate and connect with her peers. Always striving to complete her best work, she holds herself to a high standard whilst maintaining the kindness and compassion that is key to her work ethic.

Simone brings a wealth of experience to the team, with a long-standing background in the community services sector. Formerly an Operations Manager, she now draws on her extensive knowledge of trauma-informed care and service delivery in her role as House Manager. Known for her calm and supportive nature, Simone creates a sense of ease and reassurance for both clients and staff, making her an invaluable part of the team.

Kristen brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for mental health support to her role at Sunflower. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she made the bold move to Australia in 2017, bringing with her a strong sense of community and a lifelong love of tacos (every Friday night, without fail!).

With a background as a Mental Health Peer Worker in SIL homes and as a Team Coordinator in a day centre for people with complex mental health needs, Kristen has seen firsthand the power of connection, creativity, and community. Now, as a Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach, she’s excited to continue empowering people to take the lead in their own journeys—offering support that’s grounded in authenticity, purpose and belonging.

When she’s not championing others, you’ll find her cooking up a Mexican feast or admiring cockatoos. Kristen is thrilled to be deepening her knowledge of local services and the NDIS, and most of all, she’s looking forward to the many people she’ll meet along the way.

Ben joins the Sunflower team in Adelaide as a Specialist Support Coordinator, bringing a strong passion for working with psychosocial disability and family support. With years of experience in the sector, Ben is all about celebrating the little wins—those quiet but powerful steps forward that can mean the world to the person achieving them.

Originally raised across Sri Lanka and Singapore, Ben has a global perspective and a warm, down-to-earth approach. He’s excited to connect with his new team and be part of an organisation so highly praised by everyone he’s spoken to.

Outside of work, Ben’s a keen sports fan (Go Crows!), a devoted family man, and someone who loves sharing quality time with his partner and loved ones. Fun fact? He once taught swimming to kids—including how to float—despite not being able to float himself!

Katya studied a Bachelor of Psychology with a major in Counselling and has built her career around supporting others through difficult times. With a background in disability support and experience in crisis intervention, she brings empathy, calm, and trauma-informed care to all the work that she does. Outside of her work life, Katya loves to cook, loves spending time at the beach and hanging out with loved ones.

Madison is currently completing a Diploma in Community Services and brings eight years of experience in the disability sector. She is passionate about supporting individuals with empathy and respect, always striving to create a safe and empowering environment. Outside of work, Madison enjoys sunshine, coffee, and spending time in nature.

Jordy is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology and brings a genuine passion for supporting others. With a background as an Assistant in Nursing, Jordy is skilled in personal care, manual handling, and clinical procedures.

Jordy enjoys guiding Support Workers in these areas, helping build their confidence and skills to ensure clients with both psychosocial and physical disabilities receive the highest standard of care. Jordy is known for her calm, methodical approach and strong communication, always putting Participant outcomes at the centre of everything she does.

Kelsea holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) and Psychology, and has always felt drawn to supporting others. With over four years of experience as a Support Worker and group respite facilitator, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role.

Kelsea has also worked in a Special Education Unit within a primary school, further strengthening her commitment to strengths-based, person-centred care. Known for her inclusivity and thoughtful focus, Kelsea is a great listener who takes pride in doing everything with quality and heart.

With a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) and four years of experience as a Support Worker, Annabel brings both knowledge and compassion to her role. Her time in frontline support sparked a passion for person-centred care and the power of advocacy in helping participants achieve their goals.

Annabel is most driven by the relationships she builds — she finds real meaning in walking alongside people and supporting their progress over time. In her new role with Sunflower, she’s excited to keep strengthening community networks and empowering people to live as independently as possible.

Outside of work, she enjoys mindful activities like Pilates, painting and reading — along with the occasional TV binge. She’s travelled to 18 countries and proudly says that while she’s only 5ft tall, she’s definitely mighty.

Maddie is currently completing a Bachelor of Counselling and brings a strong sense of purpose and compassion to her work in the community sector. Her professional background includes extensive experience as a Support Worker and as a Behavioural Therapy Assistant, where she supported individuals with diverse needs across a range of settings.

Maddie is passionate about delivering strengths-based, person-centred support that empowers individuals to work toward their goals. Maddie is committed to meeting people where they are, building trust, and fostering meaningful progress through tailored interventions and genuine connection.

Bella is our dedicated Rostering and Recruitment Officer, known for her calm presence, kind approach, and genuine passion for mental health and supporting others. She began her academic journey studying Psychology and Criminology, spending three years exploring the complexities of human behavior and the justice system.

Currently, Bella is pursuing a Bachelor of Business with a major in Human Resource Management, combining her deep interest in people with a strategic understanding of workplace dynamics. Her academic background, paired with hands-on experience in HR, recruitment, and rostering, allows her to bring both empathy and efficiency to her role.

Bella’s unique blend of psychological insight and business acumen makes her especially skilled at creating supportive, people-focused environments. Her calm demeanor and unwavering dedication ensure that daily operations run smoothly, making her an invaluable part of the team.

Ahmed brings over thirteen years of experience in the disability sector, with a strong foundation in specialist support coordination, recovery coaching, and advocacy. He’s worked across diverse settings—from remote Aboriginal communities in the NPY (Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara) lands to metropolitan Adelaide—supporting participants with complex psychosocial and cross-cultural needs.

A passionate advocate for trauma-informed practice and creative therapies, Ahmed sees participants as the experts in their own lives. He’s driven by the opportunity to walk beside them, helping make their journey smoother while learning from their resilience and strength.

Outside of his professional work, Ahmed is an artist and writer whose creative projects often explore place, memory, and community. He’s fluent in Arabic, is currently learning Pitjantjatjara, and once studied cinematography in India—still viewing the world with a filmmaker’s eye. He enjoys travel, connecting across cultures, and spending time with his children. Joining Sunflower Services is an exciting new chapter where Ahmed looks forward to collaborating with a values-led team and contributing to meaningful change.