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Our Team

TEAM LEADER

Emma Bradshaw

Team Leader for SIL home
Emma is a resilient and committed professional in the Community Services industry, dedicated to delivering holistic and person-centered care.
As Astute Living Care’s Supported Independent Living (SIL) Team Leader, she brings a wealth of experience and practical skills to her role, having
previously worked as a Mental Health Peer Worker and Support Worker.

Emma’s hobbies include going to the beach, walking and spending time with family and her pet cat.

What we love about Emma:
Emma is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care and
support within the organization. Her commitment to continuous improvement and professional development ensures that she remains at the forefront of best practices in the Community Services industry.

SUPPORT WORKERS

Bao-Tran Nguyen-Phuoc

Mental Health Support Worker
Bao-Tran has a Bachelor in psychology, and she is passionate about supporting participants with mental illness. Her goal is to eventually work as a clinical psychologist. Bao-Tran has also worked as a gymnastics coach, and she loves supporting people to achieve their specific goals. Bao-Tran is fluent in both English and Vietnamese.

Bao-Tran uses the recovery framework to support participants to formulate and work towards their goals. Bao-Tran has also completed her mental health first aid certificate.

Fun facts about Bao-Tran: She is a musician with 10 + years’ experience on piano and harp. She has 5 years’ experience as a singer and in musical theatre, and over 10 years’ experience in rhythmic gymnastics.
She covers the areas around Liverpool, Bankstown, Fairfield, and Wollongong.

What we love about Bao-Tran: Bao- Tran is good at motivating participants. She also has experience working with participants with a range of diagnosis such as schizophrenia and depression.

Adithya Sivaprasad

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Adithya is an enthusiastic individual with a background in successful work practices, seeking a position that aligns with his knowledge, skills, and experiences. He is adept at quickly adapting to changing demands and priorities, efficiently adjusting approaches to meet the needs of clients.

His work experience includes supporting clients with Intellectual disabilities, Schizophrenia, Depression, Autism, Dementia, Aggressive behaviors, and other mental health conditions.

What we love about Adithya: Adithaya possesses adaptability, strong communication skills, and a dedication to continuous improvement.

These qualities ensure that he provides exceptional support to clients and contributes positively to the team environment.



Joshua Evans

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Joshua has over 7 years of work experience as a Support Worker and Support Coordinator. He
provides a variety of personal care services to residents, including assistance with daily hygiene, medication administration, and meal support.

His attentiveness to changes in residents’ conditions ensures timely reporting and appropriate responses, safeguarding the well-being of those under his care.

His hobbies include listening to music and podcasts as well as travelling/driving.

What we love about Joshua: Joshua is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. His extensive
experience, meticulous approach, and compassionate nature make him an asset to the team, ensuring the well-being and comfort of all residents under his care.

Denevene Van den Heever

Disability Support Worker
Denevene has a Certificate 3 in Individual support and Certificate 4 in Disability support. She has a person-centred approach. Denevene changed careers from administration to disability support as she wanted to support people with a disability to live independently and meaningful lives.

She likes walking in the park, having coffee, meeting up with friends, and listening to music.

What we love about Denevene: Denevene is friendly, energetic, and professional, and she is passionate about supporting people with a disability.

Jasmin Astill

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Jasmine has been a dedicated part-time support worker for almost a year. She is a confiden and outgoing individual with a proven ability to communicate effectively with clients, handling inquiries, services, and complaints proficiently.

Her experience spans working with clients with various mental health conditions, including Intellectual Disability, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Autism, Depression, and Anxiety. She demonstrates strong leadership and conflict resolution
skills, coupled with experience in money handling.

What we love about Jasmin: Jasmin is proficient in medical programs such as Best Practice and Profile. She motivates participants to achieve their specific goals, combined with her empathetic nature. This allows her to establish a comfortable connection with them. Her exceptional performance was recently recognised when she was awarded Employee of the Month (May 2024).

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.

Samarpita Halder

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Sam is a dedicated professional, providing support care to clients with mental health challenges.

She has conducted assessments of children with autism, meticulously documenting abnormalities, risks, and changes in behaviors to inform the next course of treatment and possesses the skill to assess case assignments and determine appropriate treatment plans.

Most of the clients she handled are with Autism, Schizophrenia, Intellectual disability, Dementia, Bedridden clients, Alzheimer’s, Somatic, etc.

Her hobbies include spending time with family, painting, playing PC games and praying (as she is a spiritual person)

What we love about Sam:

Sam actively supports social activities and participates in local support groups and events and is committed to empowering clients. Moreover, she could also provide self-care support to her clients.

Louis Saji Ibrahim

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Louis has over 1 year of work experience as a Support Worker,providig dedicated care and support to clients with dementia, autism, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions.

His practical skills include assisting with self-care tasks, manual handling, and hoisting. He is an active volunteer in community programs and initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to
helping others.

His hobbies include playing cricket and swimming during his free time

What we love about Louis:
He is capable of adjusting to the varied needs of clients to provide personalised support and very dedicated to delivering empathetic and holistic care to clients.

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.

Neha Paul

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Neha is a dedicated Support Worker with over one year of experience in the field. She has provided compassionate care and support to a diverse range of clients, with a particular focus on those with
schizophrenia and dementia.

She brings valuable expertise in manual handling, personal care, and community support to her role.

Neha finds joy and relaxation in various activities, including dancing, hanging out with friends and listening to music

What we love about Neha
:
What we love about Neha is her experience, compassion, and dedication make her an invaluable member of the team, ensuring the well-being and comfort of those under her care.

Isabella Velo

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Isabella is a passionate and dedicated worker; she has been working as a support worker so that she gains more 1:1 experience working with participants.

She has also worked in various roles where she supported clients on their recovery journey. She has a passion for psychology and recovery-based supports, which is why she decided to further her studies in psychology.

She is empathetic, patient and uses a person-centred approach to support client. She adapts easily, maintains an easy-going demeanour, and prioritizes a person-led approach.

What we love about Isabella
:
She is great at supporting clients to set their goals and then helping them to stay motivated while they work to achieve their goals.

Hayley Pluck

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Hayley is a dedicated and compassionate individual currently in her third year of Psychology studies. Alongside her academic pursuits, she actively volunteers with the Avalon Red Cross and
participates in fundraising for the Red Shield appeal.

She has a strong commitment to
understanding mental health, particularly Schizophrenia, Autism, ADHD and other conditions, reflecting her genuine interest in the field.

Her hobbies include gardening and nature (as a Plant Mom), reading books and doing anything art-related activities.

What we love about Hayley:
Hayley has excellent communication and adaptability skills. Her commitment to continuous learning contributes to her effectiveness as a positive team player, and her ability to deliver high-quality, person-centred care is impressive.

Selected as the Employee of the Month, Hayley received recognition in June 2024 for her exceptional dedication and performance.

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.

Gypsi Short

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Gypsi Short is a dedicated and experienced Support Worker in her mid-20s based in the Wollongong/Illawarra region. With six years of hands-on experience, Gypsi is passionate about delivering high-quality care and support to individuals in need. She is confident and enthusiastic and excels at working within a team to achieve successful outcomes in any task or objective. Gypsi is eager to continue growing professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of her clients.

She has extensive experience supporting individuals with mental health conditions, including Schizophrenia, Autism, Intellectual Disability, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and more. Her responsibilities include providing transport, companionship, personal care, assistance with medication, meal preparation, and emotional support, among other duties. Gypsi is committed to providing compassionate, around-the-clock care for multiple clients within a residential setting.

Her hobbies include organizing things and decorating, collecting crystals, reading and baking. She also likes
hanging out with friends and walking her dog.

What we love about Gypsi:
Gypsi’s passion for organizing, decorating, and baking shines through in her work, making every interaction feel personal and thoughtful. Her commitment to her clients is evident not only in her professionalism but also in the way she genuinely cares for their well-being. We love her enthusiasm for continuous learning and her dedication to providing emotional and physical support. When she’s not caring for her clients, Gypsi enjoys spending time with friends, walking her dog, and collecting crystals—hobbies that reflect her nurturing and creative spirit.

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.

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.

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.

Theresa Mai

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Theresa brings over three years of experience as a Support Worker with a specialized focus on mental health, including roles within mental health hospitals. She holds a strong background in health, psychology, and childcare, which allows her to approach her work with a holistic perspective. Theresa is known for her empathy, compassion, and practical approach, which helps her support individuals with various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Her dedication to enhancing the quality of life for her clients is evident in her community-focused approach, addressing both their emotional and practical needs.

Her hobbies include staying active and is passionate about sports. She participates in running, basketball, American football, and rock climbing, which helps her maintain a healthy and energetic lifestyle.

What we love about Theresa:
Theresa’s empathetic nature and strong dedication to improving the lives of those she supports make her an invaluable member of our team. Her ability to balance compassion with practical skills allows her to make a real difference in the lives of her clients. We admire her positive attitude, her community-oriented mindset, and her commitment to fostering a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable individuals.

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.

Lukas Kavaliauskas

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Lukas is a dedicated Mental Health Worker with a strong foundation in active listening, empathy, and effective communication. He is highly skilled in establishing self-directed recovery relationships and providing recovery-oriented mental health services. Lukas has expertise in crisis intervention, treatment planning, and case management, ensuring that collaborative planning processes are carried out efficiently. His responsibilities include promoting recovery principles, facilitating recovery planning, and collaborating with care networks and other mental health services to build resilience in communities.

Outside of his professional life, Lukas is passionate about maintaining his physical health. He enjoys the gym, swimming, and kickboxing. In his downtime, he finds relaxation in reading books, particularly in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

What we love about Lukas:
Lukas brings compassion and dedication to his role, consistently fostering positive recovery outcomes for those in his care. His commitment to trauma-informed care and his proactive approach to wellness are qualities we deeply admire. His ability to build strong, resilient networks within the community makes him an invaluable part of our team.

Keaitumela “Keit” Dube

Mental Health/Disability Support Worker
Keit brings over a year of hands-on experience as a dedicated Support Worker, assisting clients with a wide range of mental health conditions such as Schizophrenia, Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disabilities. He is also well-versed in supporting individuals with Diabetes. Keit is a quick learner, highly adaptable, and resilient when meeting his clients’ diverse needs. His sociable and empathetic nature allows him to communicate effectively with different personalities while providing essential social support. With strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and a self-motivated approach, Keit excels in delivering care with minimal supervision.

His hobbies include watching soccer and movies, spending time with family, and engaging in
agriculture and related farm activities.

What we love about Keit:
We love Keit’s positive, can-do attitude and his genuine care for each individual he works with. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life, combined with his resilience and passion for helping others, makes him an exceptional asset to our team. His dedication to client wellbeing and emotional support truly embodies our values at Astute Living Care.