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Our Team

SUPPORT WORKERS

Kristie Lee Sardis

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Kristie is an experienced Support Worker with a focus on mental health. With 2 years of hands-on experience, Kristie is dedicated to providing compassionate and enthusiastic support to individuals facing mental health challenges. She is known for her outgoing, bubbly personality and her ability to build strong connections with clients, helping them overcome obstacles and increase their capacity for independent living. Kristie’s expertise includes working with a variety of disabilities, including Autism, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Intellectual Disability, Anxiety, Depression, and behaviours of concern.

What We Love About Kristie:
Kristie’s passion for community care shines through in everything she does. Her commitment to growth and development, combined with her empathy and compassion, makes her an invaluable member of the team.

She goes above and beyond to support her clients, not only helping with daily tasks such as medical appointments, shopping trips, and meal planning, but also providing emotional support and mentoring. Kristie’s dedication to improving the lives of those she supports, paired with her bubbly personality, makes her a beloved figure among clients and colleagues alike.

Jodie Becker

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Jodie Becker has over 2 years of experience in the care sector, specializing in building trusting relationships with clients. Known for her calm and understanding nature, Jodie excels in creating a comfortable and supportive environment for individuals with diverse needs. Her responsible work ethic, combined with her easy-going demeanor, enables her to help clients reach their goals and enhance their capacity through positive guidance, encouragement, and motivation. Jodie has supported individuals with a range of conditions, including schizophrenia, autism, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, borderline personality disorder, and intellectual disability.

What we love about Jodie:
Jodie’s ability to connect with clients and make them feel at ease is what truly sets her apart. Her calm presence and dedicated approach to supporting clients in both medical and social settings reflect her deep commitment to their well-being. Jodie’s passion for empowering clients to achieve their goals and her hands-on involvement in their daily activities make her an invaluable member of our team. We appreciate Jodie’s positive attitude and the trust she builds with those she supports.



Denevene Van den Heever

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Denevene is a compassionate and motivated Support Worker with over 2 years of experience, supporting individuals with disability and mental health needs. After transitioning from administration into disability support, she brings strong organisation skills alongside a genuine passion for helping people live more independent and meaningful lives. Her friendly and approachable nature helps create a warm, supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable and encouraged.
Her approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, with a strong focus on empowering individuals to make choices that reflect their goals and values. Denevene supports people with schizophrenia, trauma, bipolar and mood disorders, autism, intellectual disability, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, providing both emotional support and practical assistance. She assists with daily living tasks including personal care, medication support, community access, transport, and progress documentation

What we love about Denevene
Denevene’s energy, positivity, and genuine care make her a valued member of the Astute Living Care team. She brings enthusiasm, empathy, and encouragement to her work, helping individuals feel supported, motivated, and confident in their everyday lives. Her commitment to learning and empowering others reflects the heart of our person-centred approach.

Cherie Yeaman

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Cherie is a compassionate and experienced Support Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals living with psychosocial and complex mental health conditions. She is passionate about mental health and supports people to build confidence, independence, and meaningful progress toward their personal goals.
Her approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and holistic. Cherie takes the time to understand each individual’s needs and works collaboratively to promote safety, trust, and overall wellbeing. Her calm and supportive presence helps individuals feel heard, respected, and encouraged throughout their recovery journey.
Cherie has experience supporting individuals with autism, intellectual disability, trauma, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and suicidal ideation, along with providing practical daily living support.

What we love about Cherie:
Cherie’s calm reliability, empathy, and depth of experience make her a valued member of the Astute Living Care team. She brings consistency, professionalism, and genuine care to every interaction, supporting individuals with dignity and respect

Lukas Kavaliauskas

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Lukas is a dedicated Mental Health Worker known for his strong foundation in active listening, empathy, and effective communication.

He has a proven ability to establish self-directed recovery relationships and provide recovery-oriented mental health services.

Lukas lives a proactive life, enjoying the gym, swimming, and kickboxing for physical well-being. He also finds relaxation in reading books (science fictions and fantasy genre)

What we love about Lukas
:
With expertise in crisis intervention, treatment planning, and case management, Lukas facilitates collaborative planning processes and effectively works with care networks and other mental health services.

Tiffany Kibue

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Tiffany has been a Support Worker since 2021, showing dedication and playing a key role in improving her clients’ lives. She excels in daily tasks, helping with various activities and personal care, always prioritising their needs.

Known for strong time management, she organizes tasks effectively. Tiffany communicates well with her team, contributing to effective teamwork. Her calm demeanor and fair conflict resolution make her a valuable team player.

Overall, she brings a wealth of skills, including clear communication, team collaboration, and a dedicated nature, making her an exceptional Support Worker.

What we love about Tiffany:
Tiffany is skilled in maintaining client confidentiality, providing excellent customer service, adapting to people’s needs, collaborating effectively in teamwork, managing time and tasks efficiently, and focusing on positive client and teamwork outcomes.

Frank Mari

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Frank is a dedicated and highly skilled Support Worker with 9 years of experience supporting individuals with mental health conditions and learning disabilities. He is committed to providing respectful, person-centred support that upholds each individual’s privacy, dignity, and personal beliefs. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, Frank consistently delivers compassionate, high-quality care.
His approach is grounded in person-centred care, with experience across both residential care homes and community-based settings. Frank supports individuals with schizophrenia, dementia, autism, intellectual disability, ADHD, anxiety, Down syndrome, and complex or challenging behaviours, tailoring his support to meet each person’s unique needs. He also provides practical daily living assistance, including personal care, medication support, transport, and progress reporting
What we love about Frank:
Frank’s professionalism, consistency, and respect for individual choice make him a valued member of the Astute Living Care team. His calm approach, commitment to learning, and ability to adapt across different care environments reflect our values of dignity, quality, and person-centred support.

Ravneel “RJ” Ram

Mental Health & Disability Support Worker
RJ is a compassionate and dependable support worker fluent in English and Punjabi. With two years of experience across group homes, community villages, and one-on-one care, he brings a calm, steady presence to every support setting. RJ is currently completing his Certificate IV in Mental Health and holds a Diploma in Community Services, with a strong foundation in counselling and social work.
RJ has supported clients living with complex needs—ranging from Autism, Schizophrenia, and Intellectual Disabilities to PTSD, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation. His approach is person-centred, empathetic, and respectful, focusing on the whole person and their unique journey. He’s known for building trust quickly, listening without judgment, and helping clients feel safe, seen, and supported.
Whether assisting with personal care, providing transport to appointments, or simply offering emotional encouragement, RJ is fully present and always willing to go the extra mile.
What We Love About RJ:
RJ’s calm nature and strong communication skills make him a pillar of support for both clients and colleagues. His diverse experience and ongoing training reflect a genuine commitment to growth and excellence in care. With a background in education and a surprising past as a radio DJ in Fiji, RJ brings creativity, curiosity, and warmth into every interaction.
Outside of work, you’ll find him cooking, exploring nature, discovering new coffee spots, or enjoying quiet time in local parks—recharging so he can continue showing up with energy and purpose.

Isabella Melo Santos

Mental Health & Disability Support Worker
Isabella is a compassionate and experienced support worker fluent in English and Portuguese. With over five years of experience in mental health and disability support, she has dedicated her career to helping people of all ages navigate their recovery journey with dignity and purpose.
Isabella takes a trauma-informed, person-centred approach—tailoring support to each individual’s goals, challenges, and lived experiences. She has supported clients living with Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Autism, OCD, Personality Disorders, and Alzheimer’s, among other conditions. Her calm and nurturing presence creates a safe space where clients feel heard, empowered, and cared for.
Isabella is known for her patience, kindness, and creative spirit. She enjoys running wellness-focused activities that uplift clients and bring joy to their daily lives. She’s also a strong collaborator—working closely with healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, coordinated care. Her nursing background, combined with training in emergency response and leadership, adds depth and versatility to her role.
What We Love About Isabella:
Isabella brings heart, professionalism, and structure to her support work. She’s deeply reliable, organised, and passionate about helping people achieve independence and emotional well-being. Whether she’s providing personal care, encouraging clients during tough moments, or facilitating creative activities—Isabella always shows up with warmth, compassion, and commitment.
Outside of work, Isabella enjoys keeping active and sharing her love for wellness and creativity with the people she supports.

Felicity Coluccio

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Felicity is a passionate and dedicated Support Worker pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Psychology. With three years of experience as a Childcare Assistant, she brings valuable skills in providing clients with personal care, emotional support, and community access. Felicity is known for her creativity, strong communication, and organizational skills. She is also experienced in supporting individuals with various mental health conditions, including Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety.

Her hobbies include reading and walking.

What we love about Felicity:
Felicity’s enthusiasm for helping others shines through in her work. Her soft-spoken nature and strong sense of responsibility and creativity make her a trusted and reliable support worker. She is always eager to learn, actively listens to clients’ needs, and calms those around her. We admire her commitment to making a difference and her genuine passion for improving the lives of others.

Brigesh Parrakatil 

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Brigesh Parrakatil is a compassionate and dedicated Support Worker with 3 years of experience in the field. Specializing in mental health support, Brigesh is skilled in monitoring and assessing mental health conditions, employing de-escalation techniques, and using restraint when necessary. His exceptional social and communication skills allow him to engage effectively with clients, their families, and the team, fostering a supportive environment. Brigesh provides counseling, therapeutic activities, and group sessions, ensuring clients receive holistic care tailored to their needs.

His hobbies include playing football, riding motorcycle, cooking, going out to the beach, listening to music, playing video games and spending time with his family.

What We Love About Brigesh:
Brigesh’s ability to connect with people and his genuine care for their well-being stands out. His positive attitude and commitment to emotional support create an inclusive atmosphere where clients feel safe and valued. His diverse interests, from playing football to spending time with his family, show his well-rounded nature and passion for life. We admire his dedication to helping others and the compassion he brings to every aspect of his work.

Jacqueline Defaveri

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Jacqueline holds a Diploma in Mental Health and has over three years of experience in the mental health industry. With a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of mental health support, Jacqueline works closely with community clients, helping those with various diagnoses such as Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Autism, PTSD, and more. Her compassionate approach and recovery-focused model ensure participants receive tailored care and support. Jacqueline is also passionate about advancing her career and plans to study psychology at university.

What we love about Jacqueline:
Jacqueline’s deep empathy and dedication to her clients make her an invaluable part of our team. Her proactive approach to personal and professional growth, coupled with her experience handling complex mental health conditions, enables her to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those she supports. We admire her commitment to continually learning and her ability to motivate and emotionally uplift her clients.

Harmanpreet Singh

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Harmanpreet is a compassionate and dependable Support Worker with over three years of experience providing care across a wide range of mental health and disability settings. Guided by person-centred and trauma-informed principles, Harman is deeply committed to helping individuals build resilience, achieve their goals, and live with greater independence and confidence.
His personal connection to the field drives a genuine dedication to every client he supports. Known for his calm and grounded presence, Harman creates safe, respectful spaces where people feel understood and valued. He has extensive experience supporting individuals living with autism, dementia, trauma, intellectual disability, psychosis, anxiety, depression, and complex behaviours, always approaching each person with patience, empathy, and understanding.
With strong interpersonal skills and a non-judgmental approach, Harman fosters trust and collaboration with clients, families, and colleagues alike. His focus on continuous growth and learning is evident in his professional development and his ongoing contributions to the Astute Living Care team.

What we love about Harman:
Harman’s quiet strength and genuine compassion shine through in every aspect of his work. He’s reliable, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure clients feel supported — not just cared for. His passion for helping others and his consistent professionalism make him an invaluable part of our team. Outside of work, Harman enjoys fitness, cooking, reading, and music — finding balance and energy that he brings into his care every day.

Jessie Zhao

Mental Health & Disability Support Worker
Jessie is a compassionate and dedicated support worker fluent in English and Mandarin. With over three years of experience in mental health support, she brings empathy, professionalism, and a deep passion for psychology to her work. Jessie finds fulfilment in building genuine connections and supporting individuals through complex psychosocial challenges.
She has worked with clients experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including Autism, ADHD, Schizophrenia, OCD, Bipolar, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Known for her reliability, patience, and strong interpersonal skills, Jessie builds trust through active listening and respectful communication. She collaborates closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic, person-centred care that aligns with each client’s goals.
Jessie is currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, further strengthening her knowledge base and commitment to evidence-informed practice.
What We Love About Jessie:
Jessie’s calm, thoughtful approach creates a safe and supportive space for clients to thrive. Her ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, combined with her clear communication and practical support skills, makes her an invaluable part of the Astute Living Care team. Whether she’s assisting with daily routines, offering emotional support, or encouraging personal growth, Jessie brings consistency, warmth, and care to every interaction.
Outside of work, Jessie enjoys staying active with Pilates, gym workouts, and swimming—and finds balance in painting, reading, and quiet moments of creativity.

Charli-Jaye Bayton

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Charli is a passionate and empathetic support worker fluent in English and Arabic. With over a year of experience in the mental health and disability sector, she provides compassionate, person-centred care to individuals living with complex mental health challenges—including Schizophrenia, Autism, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and more.
Charli takes a holistic, strengths-based approach—working closely with clients to build independence, boost self-confidence, and help them regain control of their lives. She’s deeply committed to helping each individual grow emotionally, socially, and functionally, always centering their goals, values, and preferences in the support she provides.
With strong interpersonal skills like active listening, patience, and emotional intelligence, Charli creates a warm and safe space where clients feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered.
What We Love About Charli:
Charli leads with heart, purpose, and integrity. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level makes her an anchor of support during vulnerable times. She brings creativity, calm, and clarity to her work—especially when supporting individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, addiction, self-harm, or trauma. Her commitment to continued training in behavioural care and safety ensures she provides support that’s not just kind, but also safe and effective.
Outside of work, Charli enjoys arts & crafts, colouring books, and reading—activities that reflect the same patience and creativity she brings to her support work every day.

Jason Marshall

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker

Jason brings over four years of hands-on experience supporting both youth and adults across various care settings. With a background as a Youth Worker and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Worker, Jason’s approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed and person-centered care. Every individual he supports is treated with dignity, empathy, and respect.
Having lived experience with a family member managing mental health challenges, Jason understands firsthand the importance of compassion and patience in care. This connection fuels his commitment to helping others on their mental wellness and recovery jou
Throughout his career, Jason has supported individuals in high-stress environments, responding to crises with calm confidence and care. His Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training allows him to de-escalate tense situations effectively while maintaining safety and emotional regulation for those involved.
Jason has extensive experience supporting individuals with a range of conditions, including autism, schizophrenia, anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, personality and mood disorders, addiction, and challenging behaviors.

What we love about Jason:
Jason’s calm, steady presence and ability to connect with clients during their most difficult moments make him a standout member of our team. He approaches every situation with empathy and professionalism, ensuring clients feel supported and safe. Jason’s dedication to empowering individuals — from daily living assistance to emotional support — reflects the heart of what we value most at Astute Living Care. His reliability, patience, and compassion make him a trusted figure among both clients and colleagues.

Taryn Ann Holderness

Mental Health & Disability Support Worker

Taryn Ann brings over four years of experience in the health and community care sector and a genuine passion for making a positive difference in people’s lives. She finds deep fulfilment in helping others and is known for her approachable, friendly nature that makes clients feel comfortable, respected, and heard.
Her person-centred approach focuses on promoting independence, dignity, and self-confidence among the individuals she supports. Taryn takes great pride in encouraging clients to reach their goals, celebrate their progress, and play an active role in their recovery and growth.
She has supported people from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of abilities and mental health conditions, including autism, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, trauma, mood and personality disorders, OCD, depression, and anxiety. Through empathy and consistency, she builds strong, trusting relationships with both clients and families — ensuring every individual receives the care, understanding, and respect they deserve.
Taryn is also deeply committed to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring her support always reflects the highest standards of care and compassion.

What we love about Taryn:
Taryn’s warmth and positivity light up every space she’s in. Her natural ability to connect with others and her steady encouragement help clients feel empowered in their day-to-day lives. She truly believes that even the smallest act of kindness can have a lasting impact — a belief she lives out daily through her care, empathy, and professionalism. We’re proud to have her as part of the Astute Living Care family.

Rachel McManus

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker

Rachel, is a dedicated and compassionate mental health and community services professional with over 20 years of experience across diverse roles including nursing, program management, and health promotion. She brings a wealth of clinical expertise and leadership experience to her role, combining a deep understanding of mental health with a strong focus on collaboration, quality care, and continuous improvement.
Rachel is deeply committed to delivering person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally safe care, empowering individuals to achieve their goals while promoting wellbeing and independence. She has led multidisciplinary teams, coordinated complex care plans, and implemented quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.
Her leadership style is supportive and inclusive — fostering teamwork, accountability, and respect among staff and clients alike. Skilled in mentoring and developing others, Rachel ensures her team feels valued, motivated, and equipped to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.
She has supported individuals with a wide range of conditions, including autism, depression, anxiety, ADHD, intellectual disability, mood and personality disorders, OCD, trauma, and challenging behaviors.

What we love about Rachel:
Rachel’s leadership embodies the heart of Astute Living Care — compassionate, people-focused, and purpose-driven. She leads with integrity and empathy, creating an environment where both clients and staff feel supported and respected. Her decades of experience and unwavering commitment to improving lives make her not just a leader, but an inspiration within our organisation. We value Rachel’s calm strength, her vision for inclusive care, and her ability to empower others to reach their fullest potential.

Victoria “Vicki” Cooke

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker

Vicki is a caring, organised, and empathetic professional with over three years of experience in counselling and mental health support. She has a natural ability to connect and build trusting relationships with people from all walks of life, always ensuring that care is personal, respectful, and empowering.
Her approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, focused on understanding each individual’s unique story and goals. While Vicki is new to a formal Support Worker role, she brings extensive experience from her background in counselling, program delivery, telehealth services, and mentoring. Her strong communication and emotional support skills make her a valuable part of the Astute Living Care team.
Vicki’s commitment to helping others extends well beyond her professional work. For over 25 years, she has served as a Fire and Recovery Marshal at motorsport events across Australia, mentored young people through the Raise Foundation, and supported families through 3Bridges Early Years Support Service. These experiences reflect her lifelong dedication to community care, resilience, and service.
She has supported individuals facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, stress, adjustment disorders, and suicidal ideation. Vicki continues to expand her expertise, holding a Diploma and Bachelor of Counselling, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Psychology.

What we love about Vicki:
Vicki’s warmth, empathy, and grounded approach make her an instant source of comfort to those around her. She listens deeply and responds with compassion, empowering clients to find confidence and hope in their journey toward wellbeing. Her lifelong dedication to helping others — both professionally and through volunteer service — embodies the true heart of Astute Living Care. We deeply value Vicki’s authenticity, emotional intelligence, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.

Shannon Maker

Mental Health & Disability Support Worker

Shannon is a compassionate and self-motivated Support Worker with strong experience supporting people of all ages living with a variety of mental health conditions. With over a year of hands-on experience, she approaches every client with empathy, patience, and respect — always ensuring their choices, strengths, and wellbeing are at the centre of her care.
Her practice is grounded in trauma-informed, person-centred, and holistic care, focusing on building trust and empowering individuals to reach their goals. Shannon has supported clients with a broad range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, autism, intellectual disability, and high-risk or complex behaviours.
Known for her calm presence and strong communication skills, Shannon thrives in both individual and team settings. She takes pride in creating safe, inclusive environments where clients feel heard and supported. Beyond direct care, she also enjoys mentoring and training new staff — sharing her passion for quality service and continuous learning.

What we love about Shannon:
Shannon’s genuine compassion and steady reliability make her a standout member of the Astute Living Care team. She brings warmth and structure to every interaction, helping clients feel understood and respected. Her ability to stay calm under pressure, connect across diverse backgrounds, and uplift others through mentorship reflects the heart of our mission. We deeply appreciate Shannon’s professionalism, empathy, and her dedication to providing exceptional, person-centred support every day.

Cherie Yeaman

Mental Health & Disability Support Worker

Cherie brings over 10 years of experience as a Support Worker, with a strong focus on helping individuals living with psychosocial and mental health conditions. Passionate about mental health care, she finds deep purpose in supporting people on their journey to recovery and independence — empowering them to gain confidence, celebrate progress, and achieve their personal goals.
Her approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and holistic, always guided by empathy and respect. Cherie takes the time to understand each person’s unique story, strengths, and challenges. She believes in building trust and working alongside individuals to create support plans that reflect their values and needs. Her calm and supportive nature allows clients to feel safe, heard, and encouraged as they work toward their goals.
Cherie has extensive experience supporting individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, OCD, ADHD, and trauma-related conditions. She is deeply committed to promoting resilience, independence, and overall wellbeing, ensuring that every client feels genuinely supported in their recovery journey.


Interested in being part of our team? Click Here.

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