Lorna Boyd

I have extensive experience across various areas of the disability sector including specialist schools, day programs, and as a High Intensity Support Worker. My role as a support worker was extremely rewarding and inspired me to move into Support Coordination, where I can now draw on my experience and sector knowledge to help individuals to navigate and make the most of their NDIS plans. 

I graduated from an Irish University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Care Work and completed a Master’s degree in Psychology in 2023, further deepening my understanding of the importance of person-centred support. 

I moved to Melbourne almost 7 years ago from Ireland and I am thoroughly enjoying living in Australia. In my free time I love trying out new cafes & restaurants in Melbourne. When time permits, I love travelling to new places, trying new food and meeting new people. 

Ophelia Chan

I am passionate about supporting individuals to improve their wellbeing and achieving their goals through a supported decision-making process.

My background in psychology and counselling has helped me understand the impacts of mental health conditions on one’s daily life and equipped me with skills to communicate and collaborate with individuals effectively. It has also allowed me to provide prompt and appropriate responses to mental health-related issues, risks and crisis.

Since working in Future Focus Support Coordination, I have assisted participants with housing, legal and health- related issues, and built networks with major service providers across the Eastern suburbs.

Additionally, I have been able to help using my language (Mandarin and Cantonese) and cultural skills to ensure the seamless experience of support coordination of my participants. I chose to work at FFSC because of its diversity – it consists of people from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds. I have enjoyed being surrounded by my non-

judgemental, supportive and knowledgeable colleagues and love being part of the FFSC family!

Additional languages spoken: Cantonese, Mandarin

“I love seeing my participants being supported by their informal network and multi-disciplinary care team, to be empowered to make their own decisions, feel confident and hopeful about the future and achieve their life goals step-by-step.”

Emily Miles

I’ve been working in the disability sector since 2019, beginning as Psychosocial Disability Support Worker before transitioning to Support Coordination in 2023. As an outgoing, and creative person with a passion for helping others, Support Coordination is a natural fit for me, and I feel very lucky to be a part of the Future Focus team, alongside dedicated, supportive, and knowledgeable colleagues.

I believe in the value of collaboration and shared knowledge, and I continuously work to build and maintain meaningful relationships not only with my customers, but also with their care teams and support networks, to support them to achieve their individual goals and live the life they want to live.

In addition to my practical experience, I hold a degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs. My studies have given me a sound understanding of disability and mental health, and their impacts, and I draw on this knowledge daily in my role.

Outside of work you can find me hanging out with my husband and our two greyhounds, dabbling in some sort of artistic project, or zipping around a track on eight wheels playing roller derby.

Marita Ballon

I feel that the role of a Support coordinator is to be passionate and enthusiastic about helping people with a disability become more independent and develop skills so they can have the ‘best life possible’. I support a family member with a disability to live an independent, full life and, can relate to the barriers faced by PWD. Empathy, and being a good listener come naturally to me.

I have worked in the Disability sector all my working life, including teaching in Special Education and TAFE environments, managing Day Centres supporting ASD participants, and more recently working in Open Employment/DES. I want to make a difference in the lives of NDIS recipients by working with them to get the most out of their Plans. With Future Focus Support Coordination I currently support participants in and around East Melbourne. 

Rachel Marley

With nearly twenty years of experience in the disability sector, I’ve held diverse roles that have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I initially explored working within disability after finishing my studies in health science; I knew that my passions lay within working with people, and since I started, I knew that was where I was meant to be. Throughout my career, I’ve provided hands-on support, led teams, engaged in community consultation, case managed, and developed tailored solutions based on individual needs. My qualifications include health science, disability studies, and management. I have now worked within the Support Coordination space for 5 years and consider myself very fortunate to be able to work alongside people to navigate their NDIS journeys. What drives me is the opportunity to forge genuine connections, understand each person’s unique needs, and navigate their path alongside them. I firmly believe that successful collaborations are built on trust, respect, and quality outcomes.

Daniela Rodrigues

I have completed a Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and have gained work experience in the mental health and disability sector working with various presenting issues with people from diverse cultures, religions, ages, genders, psychosocial and physical disability.

 

I have a passion for learning and listening to people’s stories and witnessing human resilience and strength. I believe every person is unique and deserving of respect, dignity, and choice. Every person presents themselves with a different journey to empowerment and independence, requiring a unique and tailored approach to support their needs to achieve a fulfilling life.

And that is the reason I joined Future Focus Support Coordination as a Support Coordinator. With a supportive team of experts from different backgrounds, I aim to proactively assist my clients with their choices and support them through their journey to a more fulfilling and independent life.

Languages spoken: Portuguese and English.

Phrase: “Every flower blooms at a different pace” – Suzy Kassem.

Amy Weston

My work has always been in the caring industry. I love to work alongside my participants and their support people to assist individuals to achieve their goals, working toward living the life that they want to live. My background is in Occupational Therapy, where I have had the privilege of working with both adults and children. I have experience in hospital, rehabilitation, community, early intervention and private paediatric practice settings. I have also worked in animal assisted interactions and education with dogs and as a family support worker in an AOD therapeutic community.

I have a keen interest in learning and continuing to develop my skills to be able to support clients. My experience working with the NDIS, diverse clinical experience and holistic approach to Support Coordination, sees me assist my participants with creative solutions to challenges encountered. I believe in an individualised approach for each person to assist them to build their capacity to achieve their best lives. I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you, as we work towards your goals.

Manal Kidd

With nearly 8 years of experience in the mental health and disability sector including but not limited to key roles within the NDIA during the rollout of the NDIS – I bring insight and hands on knowledge to my work as a Specialist Support Coordinator.

I’ve lead teams across the NDIS and Specialist Support Coordination, Level 2 Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, by consistently applying a strength based, wraparound approach that puts participants at the center of their journey. Holding a Diploma of Community in Services, I thrive on building genuine relationships, navigating complex systems, and breaking down barriers so individuals can live with greater independence, dignity and choice.

I chose to join Future Focus because of its commitment to personalized, future-oriented supports and its values-driven culture. I wanted to be part of a team that not only understands complexity, but embraces it, ensuring no one is left behind.

My strengths lie in advocating, creative problem-solving and staying calm under pressure. I’m passionate about making the NDIS work better for people, not the other way around. If you’re looking for someone who will champion your goals and walk beside you through every challenge and achievement – I’m here for that!

Julia Wu

Chris Cavanagh

I have spent the majority of my working life building relationships with people and understanding their needs, having worked in a number of fields in human and customer services. I am very passionate about assisting people to reach their potential and empowering them to live a more independent life on their own terms.

I have completed tertiary and postgraduate studies in psychology and have both lived and work experience in mental health and disability, giving me the necessary skills and understanding to assist those who are also living with the complexities of mental health or disability.

“One of the most rewarding and satisfying aspects of working at Future Focus Support Coordination is meeting an individual and seeing them grow throughout the process and realise their potential.”

Dominique Garner

With five years of experience in support coordination, I’ve developed a passion for empowering participants to achieve their goals. I love the person-centred nature of support coordination, enjoying the opportunity to listen to individual experiences and needs and then being able to enhance these things through tailored supports offered. I have worked extensively in the Gippsland area and have recently returned to the Mornington Peninsula to support our local community. I’m excited to support local people through my skills as a Support Coordinator with Future Focus, a caring and growth-minded organisation.

My Bachelor degree in Psychological Science has helped me develop a deeper understanding of a diverse range of disability needs. What I have learnt in my training has strengthened my commitment to ensuring individuals feel heard and supported. I am passionate about treating individuals with disabilities with the respect and dignity they deserve, a value I strive to uphold in my work.

Kristy Knowles

Specialist Support Coordinator – Melbourne West

I have multiple years of experience within the NDIS realm in various capacities such as a Support Coordinator, Psychosocial Recovery Coach, Counsellor and Support Worker.
 
I chose this role as I belong working in large and small care teams to ensure that you are receiving coordinated and effective care. I pride myself on my organization and communication; I ensure that support is organized and implemented as soon as possible. I regularly communicate with you and your care team to ensure that you are satisfied with your support and receiving value from your NDIS funding.
 
I operate by remaining proactive and thinking three steps ahead, whether that to be your personal growth or managing your NDIS funding; I am already preparing for it.

The benefit of working with me is that I understand how NDIS operates, and I will work with you and your care team to ensure that we can achieve the best outcome for you.
 
The moments I enjoy sharing with my participants is when they make progress on their individual goals. I enjoy seeing my clients overcome their barriers and achieve what they did not think was possible.

Sarah Furlonger

I have worked in the field of Mental Health since 2020 as a Mental Health Support Worker, after successfully completing my Diploma of Counselling, During this time, I have gained experience and knowledge of physical and psychosocial disabilities, as well as the NDIS sector including housing, life skills, service providers, independence, and the ability to build rapport and navigate individuals’ goals and the best ways to reach them.

I have supported individuals who have faced homelessness, drug and alcohol dependency, domestic and family violence, abuse, as well as supported those from a vast range of religions, backgrounds and disabilities, showing respect to all I have supported.

Wanting to increase the impact I have on those living with physical and psychosocial disabilities and provide participants with a connected and fulfilling life, I decided to take a leap into Support Coordination.

I have a deep passion for understanding and supporting those living with a disability to reach their full potential and taking control of their personal goals, as I believe everyone deserves the right to happiness, safety, to be treated fairly, and to be heard.

Nadeesha Dissanayake

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, along with experience working in the disability sector as a Disability Support Worker. When you start working in a disability sector, you have a profound impact on someone’s life. The support that you give, empowers them to become more independent and confident in their own abilities. For me, it’s the joy of watching individual’s build their capacity to do tasks that they once were not able to do without assistance. There is nothing more rewarding than watching your participants live full, independent meaningful lives through the work that you provide.

Future Focus Support Coordination (FFSC) strives to ensure that all individuals are included within their own community and have access to all opportunities irrespective of their disability. Working at FFSC, I find myself not only enhancing my skills and knowledge gained through my studies in social work and my experience as a support worker, but I’m constantly being challenged and learning something new. Being a Specialist Support Coordinator has pushed me to my limits in the best way possible – there is no challenge that I or the staff at FFSC cannot handle. We aspire to do our best for you and for the community as a whole. I strive to provide efficient and effective supports through a strength-based and person-centred approach.

Being a part of a team built with highly skilled individuals coming from a diverse background of expertise, Future Focus Support Coordination is the right fit for you, to achieve your goals and live the life that you want to live!

“Together we can make a difference to our vulnerable population”.

Manda Gladstone

I am all about living your best life. As a Support Coordinator for Future Focus, I think about how I would want my family to be treated and taken care. My whole life I have been involved in community and social groups. I love people. I am passionate about women’s empowerment and the general empowerment of others. I have practiced, life coaching, personal development, goal setting and spiritual wellness.  Finding a goal that a person wants to achieve and guiding them to make this happen. Listen to the person not just see the disability.

My experience is working with large groups of people. Coordinating multiple businesses and their staff to meet high standards of workplace process and safety. Working for Future Focus is the ideal fit for me. Sharing knowledge being innovative and most importantly being compassionate is what I want for my participant’s.

Jen McIntosh

I understand the roller coaster that living with and supporting people with disabilities can be. With 3.5 years of experience as a support coordinator, I have had the privilege of assisting individuals aged 4 to 64 with a wide range of disabilities. My passion lies in helping those new to the NDIS and supporting individuals as they transition through various life stages.

My journey in this field began on a deeply personal note. My son suffered a seizure at the age of 2, resulting in an acquired brain injury and a seizure disorder. Navigating the challenges that followed was an experience marked by dizzying highs and devastating lows. This personal journey has profoundly shaped my approach to support coordination, providing me with unique insights and empathy.

I feel truly privileged to be welcomed into the lives of the people I support, getting to know them and their families on a personal level. My goal is to leverage my personal and professional experiences to help them navigate the NDIS and connect with the necessary supports to live their best lives.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my now-teenage children and seizing opportunities to travel around Australia and the world.

Lauren Brown

Support Coordination is the perfect role for me – utilising my strengths of connecting with people, actioning tasks and celebrating outcomes. I feel honoured to be welcomed into peoples lives and hope to be able to support them through listening to their stories and assisting in making the most of their NDIS plan. Understanding the complexities and ever changing nature of the NDIS can be a difficult task for people with disability and their families. I enjoy helping broaden peoples knowledge and awareness of how the NDIS can work for them.

My education background is Disability Studies, Sociology and Psychology and I have worked in the disability field for over 20 years. I first began volunteering as a high school student and have maintained my passion for equality ever since. As your support coordinator with Future Focus I will bring this experience, along with my enthusiasm and energy. The values of Future Focus resonate strongly with me, I aim to bring my knowledge and compassion to all interactions within my work.

Chantelle Brodie

Having grown up in regional Victoria and being involved in a number of local groups and activities throughout that time, I am grateful that I am now able to work in such a rewarding industry that supports and gives back to the community that I call home.

After completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Naturopathy), I aim to implement a holistic and individualised approach in all aspects of my work, as no two cases are the same, and everyone has their own experiences, preferences, goals, and barriers. 

As our Shepparton Business Unit Manager, I aim to provide our current and prospective participants and their families/nominees with a positive and supportive experience from day one and am extremely passionate about upholding and growing the reputation of Future Focus Support Coordination that goes hand in hand with high quality service provision. I am always up for a chat and more than happy to answer any questions if there is ever any uncertainty or concern. 

Rachel Toller-Bond

I am very skilled in active listening, hearing what is being communicated, trying to understand the meaning to the person, and considering their experience without judgment or prejudice. I believe in equality and respect every person’s experience is not the same. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life and can be very creative when trying to facilitate support. Successful outcomes to me would see participants having control over their lives, and the ability to freely move through the world and maintain a happy existence. 

My educational background is based on psychology. My previous employment involved working with a wide range of people with varied needs, creating and facilitating care teams, and enabling growth and development. I work with Future Focus because they pride themselves in providing quality support while encouraging a healthy culture throughout the company. I choose to be a support coordinator because I believe in empowering people. I pride myself on quality work, acknowledge my limitations and room for growth, and continue to learn new ways to best support my participants. I’m based in the Bendigo area; however, I am willing and happy to travel to more rural locations.

Everyone has the right to access support.

Meagan Homewood

My journey began in the Aged Care Sector and ventured into Disability, having previously worked as an ECEI Coordinator and as a Senior Plan Manager. Having worked in these areas of the NDIS it was a natural progression to me to want to become a Support Coordinator. I have previously worked as a Support Coordinator prior to coming to Future Focus Support Coordination and come with extensive knowledge with regard to the NDIS and the Disability Sector.

My passion within the sector is Early Childhood and Mental Health as I am a very empathetic person and believe a great listener. I have strong communication skills and remain calm under pressure or in times of crisis.

I look forward to assisting Future Focus Support Coordination participants to build their capacity and move towards achieving their NDIS goals.

Alexandra Foster

Shepparton, and the Goulburn Valley, is where I was born and raised, and I feel very passionately about supporting people with disability in this area to access the community in ways that are meaningful to them. I am empathetic while wanting to push people to achieve their goals while being their biggest cheerleader.

I have been working in the disability sector since completing high school, in a range of roles that have built my experience and knowledge of the sector and NDIS world, including Plan Management, Engagement and Quotes/Service Agreement creation. In every role held, I have taken it seriously as each of them has had an impact to a real person wanting to live a fulfilling life.

Outside of work I like to attend community events, going to local and Metropolitan Drag Queen shows, spending time with my family and friends, and enjoy reading, watching documentaries and gardening. 

Naomi Tucknott

To me, being a Support Coordinator with Future Focus Support Coordination means that I have the privilege of equipping individuals with the tools they need to achieve their goals and dreams and to live their best life. I have a passion for helping others, and I get a lot of joy out of seeing someone be proud of their achievements. I am an empathetic person, and I am great at solving problems and supporting people through crises. I relate to people easily and I am a fierce cheerleader in people’s lives; the people I support know that I am always in their corner.

As someone with lived experience of disability, I understand the importance of being listened to and being empowered to make my own choices and be in control of my life. I know that a good Support Coordinator has the value of facilitating choice and control at the core of their practice. I am proud to be a Support Coordinator who respects every person as the individual they are and helps them get onto the path of independence and empowerment.

Liarna Rosevear

Becoming a Support Coordinator for Future Focus Support Coordination is all about helping others to live their best life, at the highest of capacity. It has allowed me to follow my passion for assisting those more vulnerable to ensure they get every opportunity just as everyone else. It is rewarding to be a part of seeing those with a disability overcome hardship, and achieve what they set out to, and being a helping hand within their journey. I come from a background in Plan Management, ensuring those on an NDIS plan got the most out of their funding, as well as being financial intermediary for the participants – throughout this time I found myself steering more toward participant focus, building relationships, and assisting them wherever I could within my scope – I knew I wanted more, and to be able to really assist in helping my participants live life to the fullest, this is how I ended up in Support Coordination and it couldn’t feel more right for me. With my vast knowledge of the NDIS plans, the funding, and how the financial aspect works, as well as my empathetic, people person personality I could not be happier to see where the future takes me as a Support Coordinator with Future Focus Support Coordination. I look forward to seeing my participants achieve great things and live the life they all deserve.

“We are more powerful when we empower each other”

Sharon Wright

Lisa Symons

For the past 10 plus years, I have worked within the Goulburn Valley, however, prior to that, have always held employment in the health and welfare field, as it is what gives me the fire in my belly to get up and go, every day. I also come with many years of experience working specifically as a Support Coordinator.
 
Following my daughter having an accident and receiving an acquired brain injury, I decided to complete a Diploma of Community Services, as I immediately understood the importance of supporting those with a disability, in addition to their families and networks. I wanted to be a part of providing gold class Support Coordination, which is what I feel all our participants receive at Future Focus.

It continues to be my passion to work within the disability field and it gives me great joy to be a part of the team at Future Focus, as it means I have the privilege of working with you to implement your NDIS plan, reach your goals and set new goals that will enable you to live your best life.
 
I believe I am a great listener, empathetic and I love problem solving, so let’s navigate this NDIS system together. 
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends and exploring the outdoors through camping, fishing, and visiting the beach. I also have 3 cats and 2 dogs which are spoilt rotten. 

Elyse McKay

Hello! My name is Elyse, and I am a Support Coordinator for Future Focus Group. I have completed a degree in General Nursing and have gained work experience in the healthcare system over a diverse number of roles, my latest being emergency care where I gained experience working with various presenting issues including psychosocial and physical disability and helping those people navigate society. 

I am passionate about listening to and supporting people’s stories and goals, and strive to provide a compassionate, respectful, and knowledgeable service to those requiring a unique and tailored approach to support their needs and build a fulfilling life. I am available to those in The Greater Shepparton area, The Shire of Campaspe and The Shire of Moira. It is an honor to witness human strength, resilience and providing a respectful and dignifying journey.  

That is the reason I became a part of Future Focus Support Coordination as a Support Coordinator. I strive to proactively assist my clientele with choice and support to navigate and motivate a fulfilling, independent life.

Amanda Clement

My journey with the Disability Sector started when I became a Counsellor.  I have a deep passion for assisting people with a disability as I am someone that also has lived experience of a disability. I know how valuable it is to have someone that will listen and respect your choices, educate you and celebrate your successes and spur you on when you need it.

I am an empathetic and approachable person with great listening skills.

I believe in a holistic approach when it comes to supporting people and I love solving problems as they arise and working on solutions that provide the best outcomes for them. 

Being able to give support and knowledge is so rewarding and I work hard to empower people to create their best life and achieve even surpass their goals.

I have a Diploma of Counselling with many years of case management experience for people from various backgrounds, cultures and abilities. It is truly a privilege to be able to support them to regain their confidence and independenceerience working with various presenting issues including psychosocial and physical disability and helping those people navigate society. 

I am passionate about listening to and supporting people’s stories and goals, and strive to provide a compassionate, respectful, and knowledgeable service to those requiring a unique and tailored approach to support their needs and build a fulfilling life. I am available to those in The Greater Shepparton area, The Shire of Campaspe and The Shire of Moira. It is an honor to witness human strength, resilience and providing a respectful and dignifying journey. 

That is the reason I became a part of Future Focus Support Coordination as a Support Coordinator. I strive to proactively assist my clientele with choice and support to navigate and motivate a fulfilling, independent life.

Ashleigh McNamara

For the past 10 plus years, I have worked within the Goulburn Valley, however, prior to that, have always held employment in the health and welfare field, as it is what gives me the fire in my belly to get up and go, every day. I also come with many years of experience working specifically as a Support Coordinator.
 
Following my daughter having an accident and receiving an acquired brain injury, I decided to complete a Diploma of Community Services, as I immediately understood the importance of supporting those with a disability, in addition to their families and networks. I wanted to be a part of providing gold class Support Coordination, which is what I feel all our participants receive at Future Focus.

It continues to be my passion to work within the disability field and it gives me great joy to be a part of the team at Future Focus, as it means I have the privilege of working with you to implement your NDIS plan, reach your goals and set new goals that will enable you to live your best life.
 
I believe I am a great listener, empathetic and I love problem solving, so let’s navigate this NDIS system together. 
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends and exploring the outdoors through camping, fishing, and visiting the beach. I also have 3 cats and 2 dogs which are spoilt rotten. 

Sienna Nixon

Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than celebrating with participants the small steps on the way to achieving big goals!

I have always been driven to work within a field that helps disadvantaged people who are experiencing barriers to getting support. I was a nurse for eleven years and spent most of that time working in the community. I have always chosen to work in rural areas as there are less services and a great need for people to navigate systems with support. I am drawn to meeting people where they are in life and working with them to achieve their goals using a holistic lens. Throughout my years as a nurse and as a support worker I have found the best way to support participants is to find the reason behind the behaviour as behaviour is a form of communication which can often be missed.

While my passion is forensic services and rare disorders including researching the impact these can have on the individual, I enjoy working with a variety of people of any age!

When I am not working, I can be found spending time with family, animals and gaming.

I bring a sense of empathy and no judgement to visits and enjoy getting to know you and help you to meet your life goals.

Keeley Goldrick

I have a solid track record in cross-team leadership of being part of some remarkable organizations in the Social Services Sector such as Future Focus Support Coordination. I’m passionate about empowering individuals with goals to overcome the barriers that people with a disability may face in realizing their rights. I hold qualifications in psychology and an MBA. My key areas of interest include:

• Supporting people to be the best version of themselves through effective partnerships and connections
• Public policy frameworks and legislation
• Systemic advocacy
• Cross-system coordination

As a child, I would spend hours on puzzles. To this day, I am still drawn to solving problems and finding solutions. The work I do nowadays is a great deal more meaningful – but my curiosity, perseverance, and desire for success remain the same.

“I am privileged to work with a dedicated team here at Future Focus Support Coordination who help me to remain energized and inspired in our work within the disability sector”

Meagan Homewood

My journey began in the Aged Care Sector and ventured into Disability, having previously worked as an ECEI Coordinator and as a Senior Plan Manager. Having worked in these areas of the NDIS it was a natural progression to me to want to become a Support Coordinator. I have previously worked as a Support Coordinator prior to coming to Future Focus Support Coordination and come with extensive knowledge with regard to the NDIS and the Disability Sector.

My passion within the sector is Early Childhood and Mental Health as I am a very empathetic person and believe a great listener. I have strong communication skills and remain calm under pressure or in times of crisis.

I look forward to assisting Future Focus Support Coordination participants to build their capacity and move towards achieving their NDIS goals.

Holly West

I have completed a certificate 3 in individual disability support, certificate 4 in mental health and my diploma in community services, specialising in case management. I have seven years’ experience working in the disability sector in various roles and have a strong understanding and interest revolving around mental health due to previous lived experience.

I will always strive to provide the best quality support I can to you as a participant and tailor my support to meet your individual needs. My goal as a support coordinator is to deliver a service that shows each and every participant the care and respect that they deserve whilst empowering you to reach your goals and obtain the highest possible quality of life.

At Future Focus working as a support coordinator is made easy with a supportive team who share a variety of skills, qualifications, experience and knowledge. I look forward to servicing the area of Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast and Bundaberg.