Meet our Teams
Carlton Meyn
Chief Executive Officer
I am passionate about ensuring children, families and communities across regional, rural and remote areas of Queensland have access to services so that all Queensland children thrive and achieve their potential regardless of their postcode. As BUSHkids CEO I am committed to developing and implementing innovative approaches in partnership with our communities to overcome the challenge of geographic isolation and social disadvantage.
Susan Harrison
With more than 25 years’ experience working in and leading allied health teams within Australia and the United Kingdom, I firmly believe that effectively supporting children living in Queensland’s rural and remote areas requires not just clinical support but building the capacity of families, professionals and communities in those areas.
With a degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Queensland and a Masters in Disability Studies, I am very committed to supporting families of children with social and emotional concerns, as well as disability and developmental delay, particularly those living in regional, rural and remote areas of the state.
Tiffany Bannier-King
Quality Assurance Compliance Manager
It is great to work for an organisation with such amazing history helping children and their families, and continuing to support them today. I find it inspiring to work with teams across Queensland who are making positive developmental changes in the lives of children and supporting their families as well.
With a degree in Health Service Management (Safety and Quality), I am passionate about ensuring relevant principles and processes are in place across the organisation to enhance a culture that delivers safe, quality practices.
Janine Kemp
Lead Family Health Support Worker/EIF/Child & Family Facilitator Coordinator
I love my role at BUSHkids as it provides me with the exciting opportunity to make a rich contribution to the children and families accessing BUSHkids through supporting and building the professional capacity of the Family Health Support Workers. I am passionate about safe quality care for children and families that will enable children to reach their full potential in life.
I graduated from the University of Queensland in 1993 as a Social Worker, and have since worked in a variety of adult and children’s hospitals throughout Queensland and New South Wales. My extensive clinical experience has cultivated my strong interest in health care and psychosocial issues facing rural and remote children, particularly in closing the gap in healthcare for Indigenous children throughout Queensland. I have a strong family-centred approach to my clinical practice, which is driven by principles built on humanity, compassion, congruence, authenticity, integrity, empathy, respect, and trust.
Megan MacDonald
Lead Occupational Therapist
I am very proud to be a part of the BUSHkids team. I strongly align my own valves to that of BUSHkids and I am passionate about helping children and families who live in rural and remote locations access good quality healthcare. Studying Occupational Therapy at James Cook University in Townsville, shaped and inspired me to work with children in rural and remote communities. My goal is to educate communities, empower family’s and enable children to live a happy and fulfilled life. I feel very fortunate to love what I do!
Lindy Thornthwaite
Children and Parenting Team Leader
I am grateful to be working for BUSHkids, an organisation whose values of family centered and strength based approach reflect my own. I love the welcoming and friendly environment of the work place and the support that the BUSHkids staff provide.
Previously I worked for Department of Disability Services and have extensive experience and commitment to supporting people with a disability and their families to have the best opportunity to develop to their full potential. I am excited to be working closely with the Child & Family Facilitators and supporting them in their role to provide a quality service to children and families in remote and regional areas.
Kaitlin Hinchliffe
Lead Psychologist
As an Educational & Developmental Psychologist, I am passionate about working collaboratively and empowering children, families and communities to make a positive difference as early as possible in their learning and development. I feel excited and privileged to contribute to establishing BUSHkids’ telepractice Service, working as part of a multidisciplinary team and embracing technology to improve access to high quality services for rural and remote families.
Aisling McCann
Psychologist – telepractice
As a registered Psychologist with a Masters qualification in Educational and Developmental Psychology, I am passionate about working with young people and families and have training in the areas of psychological and educational assessment, psychological interventions, and developmental disabilities. Having grown up in Toowoomba, I feel privileged to now be providing services to those in nearby rural and remote communities as a telePsychologist and through outreach.
Yash Jayachandran
Provisional Psychologist
I am strongly interested in learning and practicing psychology through an intersectionality lens. BUSHkids delivers on this front, by providing psychological services to rural and remote communities that are home to many minority and disadvantaged populations. It also speaks to my passion of working with kids and families.
Cara Swann
Speech Pathologist – telepractice (ECA Teams)
I had the opportunity to work with BUSHkids as part of my Masters degree and immediately felt like I’d found my home. I love the diversity of clients and families we have the opportunity to work with, and the passion of the BUSHkids team for the work we do.
Rebecca Scanlan
Speech Pathologist – telepractice
I am so excited to be a part of a multidisciplinary team that provides allied health services to the region! I feel extremely lucky to be a part of a company with such a rich history and a strong value system.
Nikki Harte
Community Capacity Building and Engagement Therapist
Having grown up in Townsville and seeing the great work of BUSHkids in the local community, I am excited to now be working for this organisation. I have a background working as an occupational therapist in community settings working with people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. In addition to this, I have gained experience working in the international development sector, including working in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Loas) for the country’s peak advocacy body representing the interests of people with disabilities.
As a qualified occupational therapist, I am passionate about building inclusive communities and supporting children and families to live the life they choose to live. I am very grateful to be in this role with BUSHkids where I am supporting communities to create inclusive opportunities for children and their families living in rural and remote areas of Queensland.
Brett Wall
Maintenance & Facilities Coordinator
It’s a privilege to work for BUSHkids and to be part of a team that helps children and their families across Queensland.
Lisa Christie
WHS Coordinator
I am motivated and feel satisfaction and connection to a role and workplace that has a greater purpose of helping individuals and the community. I am drawn to the purpose, mission and values of BUSHkids to support children and families by providing accessible and equitable care and education. The workplace culture at BUSHkids is inclusive and family focused. Supporting children and families is the first step in improving the community and better health outcomes.
Kay Cleeland-McKay
Finance Manager
When you work in finance it’s nice to find the opportunity to do a role which is not just about making money. The services that BUSHkids provides are so important so it is good to be part of the team paying the staff and suppliers to help these services to run smoothly. I like the challenge of making financial information more accessible, useful and interesting to non-finance people.
Ling Chen
Accountant
What interested me in joining BUSHkids is BUSHkids’ mission and what BUSHkids has achieved over the past 85 years – to support the health and wellbeing of children and families in Queensland’s regional, rural and remote communities.
It is a huge privilege for me to be part of BUSHkids’ family to allow me to contribute via my accounting knowledge and experiences accumulated over the years. I believe the position is also a long-term fit for me as it will allow me to continue to grow professionally.
Joy Bain
Finance Officer
I have high regard for the aims and goals of BUSHkids and the necessary services provided for families in rural and remote regions. I hope to put my diverse financial skills, qualifications and work experience to good use by helping to support the ongoing success of BUSHkids, as a member of the Finance Department.
Luke Mackie
Finance Assistant
As a university student it is hard to find a company that you resonate with and with BUSHkids I instantly agreed with what their mission is. I wanted to work for a company that made a difference in Australia and BUSHkids lined up perfectly with my values and beliefs.
Ken Lewis
IT Team Leader
I joined BUSHkids with the goal of assisting and growing their internal IT systems and processes. Doing so gives me great pride, as through various IT projects I’m able to support frontline staff deliver the best services to the large number of families BUSHkids helps every year.
Rory Williamson
IT Support Officer
Growing up I struggled with learning and it took a lot of effort, work, and help from my local community to overcome my challenges, so being able to in some way help others who struggle is important to me.
Hannah Phillips
Senior Project Officer (Currently on Leave)
As BUSHkids’ Service Innovation Coordinator, I coordinate projects to support rural, front-line allied health- and family support- staff achieve the best outcomes for children and families. I am interested in innovative service models (such as telepractice) and the social determinants of health to support creative and flexible solutions to improve access to health services. My background as a Nutritionist and Masters degree in Public Health allows integrated health promotion strategies in the work BUSHkids does to support vulnerable communities, such as those living in rural locations or those with a disability.
Melissa Barber
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Carlton Meyn’s passion and commitment for BUSHkids is clearly evident when you meet him – I am excited and feel privileged to join his team. I look forward to working together in providing an ongoing positive impact on the lives of children and their families in rural and remote Queensland communities.
Joy Quantrell
Clinical Administration Coordinator
I feel privileged to work for BUSHkids and being able to contribute indirectly to supporting children and their families. My young nephew has autism and I know firsthand the struggles that brings, it’s certainly a learning curve. BUSHkids is a great organisation – the staff are wonderful people, skilled professionals providing invaluable free services to those who most need them – it’s very rewarding being part of that.
Trish O’Connor
Administration Officer
BUSHkids is an amazing organisation helping regional Queensland families and, being a bush kid myself, I understand how essential these services are for rural communities. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of this respected team, helping to make a difference – creating positive outcomes for everyone involved.
Amy Tsai
Claims Administration Support Officer
I’m happy to be a part of BUSHkids as I believe in creating equitable opportunities for children and families to reach their full potential.
Fabien Francomme
HR Coordinator
It is an honour and a great satisfaction to join a growing team of amazing people, all dedicated to provide their best to support children and families in rural communities. I will myself strive for being a strong support within the BUSHkids family so that our people can focus on their honourable and rewarding mission.
Irene Drozdovskii
HR Administration Officer
I have always had a passion to help people to thrive and reach their full potential, which I share with BUSHkids. The safety, health, happiness and wellbeing of children is truly important to me, as well as contributing to making a positive impact on their lives and changing their futures.
Allycia Staples
Resource Assistant
Allycia is a passionate self-advocate within her community and is dedicated to furthering inclusion in the arts, particularly the Performing Arts. Allycia is the Queensland representative for the Our Voice – a committee which works with Inclusion Australia – The National Peak Body for People with Intellectual Disability. Allycia is also a member of Loud and Clear – a Sunshine Coast based self-advocacy group. She has been dancing and performing since she was eight years old and also performed in Explain Normal – a theatrical work which played at Metro Arts in Brisbane. She also performed with The Sunshine Troupe Inc in Queen Street Mall, Brisbane as part of the Arts and Cultural Program with the INAS 2019 Global Games.
Allycia enjoys her work with BUSHkids and values the importance of children being able to access early supports to ensure they can have a good life.
Matt Tesch
Brand Guardian
BUSHkids has been a ‘quiet achiever’ for three generations of Queenslanders, helping kids and families realise their full potential. Having supported the organisation for the past six years, it was a privilege for me in 2015 to be asked to step up and help further spread the word in the 80th anniversary year about the work of BUSHkids teams past and present.
Matt is an award winning graphic designer, editor and writer with 30 years experience in the field. In 2011 he designed the bold rebranding of BUSHkids and has supported the organisation’s work since. He is also one of the authors of our history book ‘BUSHIES’.
Adrian Harrison
Communications & Grant Writer
Adrian is a published writer of many magazine and journal articles, and is a keen social and genealogical historian, with an Honours Degree in History form the University of East Anglia in the UK. Before moving to Queensland, he won several awards, both as a writer and playwright. Adrian is one of the authors of our history book ‘BUSHIES’ writing much of the main content and fascinating sidebox stories, along with conducting a number of interviews.
Adrian has now joined the BUSHkids team as our Communications & Grant Writer, coordinating all our social media posts and raising our profile and followers considerably over the past year, and will be using his writing skills for preparing grant proposals in line with the organisation’s needs.
Joana Mallmann
eKindy Teacher
Working with children has always been a passion I have and I believe BUSHkids is a great way to help children and families to achieve their best potential
Sasha Tagg
Child and Family Facilitator
My passion is to work alongside young people in rural and remote communities, focusing on strong minds and wellbeing with programs to build confidence and learn new skills. Working at BUSHkids will allow me to continue this passion and to grow and develop community capacity to benefit children and families.
Madeleine Fog
Team Leader – Bundaberg
One of my long term goals has always been to work in a capacity where I am able to provide support and work with children. Having spent many years of my childhood in a rural community, there is a great appeal to specifically provide support for children and families in rural & remote communities to ensure all children are provided with the same opportunities to grow & shine.
Toni Garrett
Operations Manager ECA
I joined BUSHkids because I wanted to be part of, and contribute to, making a difference to children and families in regional Queensland.
Shasjorne Spall
Administration Officer
I grew up in Bundaberg returning after 8 years on Gold Coast. I have a beautiful daughter who inspires me every day. Having completed a Certificate III in Business Admin and IV in Disability, I wanted a position helping our youngest members of society, therefore I am pleased to have gained a position working for BUSHkids.
Emma Cullum
Service Manager – Children and Parenting Service, Ekindy and Kindy Uplift
I joined BUSHkids as I wanted to work for an organisation that has a history of providing support to families and helping children in rural areas.
I’m really enjoying working with BUSHkids to provide families with support to access Early Intervention and to access the NDIS.
Nicola Garrett
Administration Assistant – Data and Reporting
I joined BUSHkids because I wanted to contribute to the important work BUSHkids does. I enjoy being the first point of contact for the families at the Bundaberg office.
Ingrid Fourie
Senior Clinician Occupational Therapist
My background is working with children and families who live in rural communities. I am very passionate about working with children and families, enabling them to access services and reach their potential. I am excited to be a part of a team that is child-focused and family centred.
Lucy Miller
Speech Pathologist
I loved my university placement at BUSHkids in Warwick and working with children and their family in rural and remote areas. I am excited to be working in a supportive team environment that shares my values in providing health services to everyone.
Melissa James
Early Intervention Facilitator
I have worked in early childhood education for 15 years, spending two years as a Nanny with a wonderful family in London. I’ve completed a Diploma in Children’s Services, Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance and an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management.
Working for BUSHkids will allow me the opportunity to use my experience, qualifications and passion in working with children to reach their full potential while providing support for their families.
Danae Vale
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am very passionate about working with children and their families. Helping families with the NDIS is very rewarding and I love watching the children learn and grow. Working for BUSHkids has made this experience exciting and I look forward to the future.
Linnae Beckey
Early Intervention Facilitator
I like the idea of being able to help more children and their parents to access the necessary supports required to improve their outcomes. Having worked in rural and remote kindergartens, I have seen how much early intervention has helped kids reach their potential.
Andrea Bearham
Early Intervention Facilitator
I have been working in the community sector for over 20 years and have been lucky to work with a diverse range of communities in Roma, Darwin and Brisbane, before returning to my home town of Bundaberg. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Community Work and have done additional studies in Play Therapy. I love working alongside families as they access the resources and supports they need and build on their strengths.
Kristy Howell
Team Leader
Jo Bryans
Administration Officer
After working for an Indigenous Wellbeing Centre for 3 years in Bundaberg I can recognise the need for community supports such as BUSHkids in Queensland. I am privileged to be part of an organisation that is dedicated to helping young Australians by giving families the opportunity and resources they need for each individual to reach their full potential.
Shanley Diamond
Occupational Therapist
During my three years working as a paediatric OT in Mackay, I saw a gap between NDIS and those who didn’t fit the criteria. When I searched for services to fill this gap, I found the answer – BUSHkids.
Heidi Butler
Professional Supervisor and EIF Trainer
Having worked with children for many years, I am acutely aware of the barriers that families face when raising children with disabilities or developmental delays. As such, it gives me great pleasure to work with BUSHkids – supporting and advocating for families and being part of a team that promotes inclusion as we work to build the capacity of the Sunshine Coast community.
Molly Chivhoko – Currently on Leave
Social Worker
I have a passion for working with vulnerable families and get satisfaction from even the smallest progress in my clients. I believe change is a vigorous process and small achievements should be celebrated. BUSHkids’ values are similar to what I value as an individual, which will help me fit in and grow, personally and professionally.
Tara Hinchliffe
Allied Health Assistant
I have been working with children in the community for ten years as an athlete, coach, school facilitator and care-giver. Advocating for vulnerable families with the community in a way that fosters their resilience, confidence, autonomy and a feeling of control is something that would drive me to serve my local community as a hard-working member of the BUSHkids organisation.
Rebecca Duignan
Senior Coordinator
I am passionate about caring for young people and helping them to explore their world and achieve their potential. I see working for BUSHkids as an incredible opportunity to help create meaningful change within my community and offer support to those who need it the most.
Shavaun Hattingh
Early Intervention Facilitator
With over 20 years experience in a wide range of early childhood settings, I am always passionate about providing great learning outcomes for children and their families. It is important for me to work for an organisation that has a similar set of core values that align with my core values, which I feel BUSHkids does.
Geoff Wallace
Early Intervention Facilitator
Personally, working with BUSHkids feels like both a natural progression and a new challenge. I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to work in a new supporting role alongside children and their families.
Nathan Pike
ECA Coordinator
Joining BUSHkids is an amazing opportunity and I am very excited, as I have seen the impacts that living with different needs can have, and being a part of providing support to that really resonated with me.
Alicia Green
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am passionate about early years learning and enjoy incorporating this passion in to my home environment with my energetic children. When the position with BUSHkids popped up I felt like this was a unique and exciting opportunity to assist children and families from a different perspective. It is important that our families and our children know that they are cared about and their ideas, thoughts and feelings are highly valued.
Annabel Cameron
Early Intervention Facilitator
BUSHkids attracted me because of the organisational philosophy. I feel so passionately about helping children and families to reach their greatest potential and securing positive wellbeing. I am so excited to be a part of a multi-disciplined team and to learn from so many experienced professionals on the best practice for supporting children with developmental delay or disability.
Kahlia Mattiuzzo
Early Intervention Facilitator
After being in the childcare industry, I can see the need for a family-centred approach to early intervention. I love being able to support and guide families and their children in achieving their goals. Working at BUSHkids has meant that I can achieve this in an organisation that shares the same values.
Hannah Kable
Early Intervention Facilitator
Currently recruiting
Allied Health Assistant
Stacy-Lee Cantlay
Allied Health Assistant
Working as a support worker for NDIS and mental health has increased my passion to help people, especially young families, to achieve their goals and to assist with their needs. Working with BUSHkids will broaden my knowledge around available services and help me to learn more about the needs of my community and the difficulties/struggles that families may face.
Natalie Dorman
Administration Officer
I firmly believe that empowering kids (and their families) to be their best selves is one of the most loving things you can do for them and for your community, and BUSHkids goes a long way in doing that. I’ve always admired the work that I have seen BUSHkids do with people I know/have worked with and with my own son. I feel so privileged to be a part of that and contribute to such an amazing organisation.
Julie Rathmell
Family Health Support Worker
I enjoy my role as Family Health Support Worker in the Dalby centre, I enjoy the valuable work being done for the children and families.
It is a dual role also covering administration duties ensuring the Dalby team runs smoothly, as well as providing family health and support in the community with social skills programs and resilience building programs by visiting local schools and kindergartens. Parent education is a big part of my role offering many parenting group programs in the region.
Bridie Reid
Occupational Therapist
Having lived in rural and remote areas of Queensland, I know first hand how difficult it is to access allied health services. I love that BUSHkids provides preventative and early intervention allied healthcare to children and families who are unable to access services locally due to the unavailability or the affordability of those services. This aligns with my personal values in helping children reach their full potential.
Marina Johnston
Administration Officer
I was first interested in joining the BUSHkids team as I wanted to continue my passion with supporting children and families. I am honoured to get the opportunity to help provide the best support to those in rural communities.
Kate Guymer
Psychologist – telepractice
Having completed a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology qualification, I am passionate about working with children and families to help make a positive change in their learning and development. Growing up in a small town in Western Queensland has helped me appreciate the need of families living in rural and remote areas, and I feel very fortunate to be part of a team that is improving access to services for these communities.
Chloe Wearne
Allied Health Assistant
I have been working as a teacher aide at the Dingo State School and have seen the positive influence the BUSHkids team have on small schools and communities by providing essential services in regional Queensland.
Claudia Anderson
Social Worker
I am excited to work with the children and families of BUSHkids to support them to feel empowered and able to achieve their goals. I look forward to embodying BUSHkids values in my every day life and work.
Kate Killeen
Early Intervention Facilitator
Working with BUSHkids gives me the opportunity to support children and families throughout regional Queensland.
Julianne Williamson
Child and Family Facilitator
With a background working in mental health and community development, I am passionate about working collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable families through community capacity building. I have a degree in Behavioural Science, four children of my own, and am excited to be able to engage with families as a part of the BUSHkids team to provide support and education around child development and building the capacity of parents. Empowering children and their families in rural, remote and regional Queensland to be engaged, connected, resilient and ultimately helping communities to grow.
Shari Guinea
Team Leader – Gladstone
I joined BUSHkids because I am passionate about providing opportunities to families and children. I enjoy working with regional and remote communities and assisting them to access services and overcome barriers.
Hayley Baynham
Administration Officer
Annalise Kelly
Senior Coordinator
I have assisted in the delivery of person-centred supports, previously engaged with BUSHkids assisting a young client, meeting individual needs, breaking past barriers and creating professional rapport with clients and families. I am overjoyed at the opportunity BUSHkids presents and feel privileged to work for a child and family-focused, non-profit organisation, giving back to our local community through early childhood intervention supports.
Jessica Kenyon
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am currently completing a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education and am eager to use my knowledge and experience to support children and families with additional needs. It is rewarding working for the BUSHkids team and being able to offer early intervention supports to families to enable their children to learn and grow, and become happy, confident, active citizens.
Crystal Austin
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am excited to be a part of the BUSHkids team and able to work with a group of passionate people who help children and their families grow together and achieve positive outcomes.
Jessica Redmond
Early Intervention Facilitator
I was keen to join the BUSHkids team because of the work that they do. The staff are all so professional and I can’t wait to learn and grow within this sector.
Casey Bell
Early Intervention Facilitator
The thing that interested me most about this position was that it aligned with my values and we get to help children and families in the community who need support. I am looking forward to learning and growing within this sector.
Sarah Toigo
Team Leader
I have relocated from Mount Isa to work with BUSHkids Maroochydore as I am passionate about helping families and children and making a difference in their lives. I previously worked with Queensland Health where I was flying to rural communities to assist with providing dental care to children and adults. I am proud to be working with an organisation and a team that always strives to make a difference in children’s long term development.
Danielle Arndt
Administration Officer
I became interested in joining BUSHkids when I heard wonderful things from someone who had visited BUSHkids for support for her child. I knew I wanted to work with an organisation that worked with families and BUSHkids became the top of that list. I went onto the website to familiarise myself with the organisation’s values and became even more motivate to work with BUSHkids. I then checked out the list of vacancies and spotted this position. I read the position description and just knew I had to apply! This is a job I will be so proud of and I am so excited for the opportunity.
Rebecca Quinn
Social Worker
I am excited to be part of BUSHkids, an organisation with meaningful vision and values. I am passionate about supporting children and families who are experiencing disabilities and health concerns and to grow stronger together. To join a team that helps rural communities, children and families access health and wellbeing services is very rewarding.
Rebecca Downy
Senior Coordinator
My child was involved with BUSHkids and in this time I have seen how empowering the NDIA system has been for my child’s development. Since this journey began, I knew I wanted to be a part of the bigger picture – helping others has always been important to me. Children are our most vulnerable and nothing empowers me more than to see a child grow and learn with the resources they need to develop.
Sarah Stevens
Early Intervention Facilitator
I understand that there is a real need for change in society, especially in building community capacity for families. Growing up in a small rural Queensland town and currently studying Psychology has ignited my passion to enhance community inclusion. I am so excited and privileged to be able to fulfill my passion as a BUSHkids team member.
Sarah Durrand
Early Intervention Facilitator
I know how important early intervention is and how valuable the support is to both the children and their families. Joining BUSHkids will further increase my ability to make a significant difference in the community I live in, I am very excited to be a part of that positive change.
Alexandra Boscoe
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am excited to join BUSHkids as I have a passion for working with children and ensuring each child has an equal chance to thrive within their environments regardless of location, abilities or background. Early intervention provides the opportunity to ensure this can occur.
Breanna Craig
Early Intervention Facilitator
During my time teaching, I was connected with BUSHkids by a parent whom was also an OT in the area. The connection I developed was amazing. I felt I could reflect, gain advice and support from the program. This connection developed and I began engaging families with the many services BUSHkids offer. BUSHkids provides a strong and engaged service within our rural community. When I found the advertisement for the position of Early Years Facilitator I had to apply, to support my community in the best way possible.
Julia Yates
Early Intervention Facilitator
I was interested in joining the team at BUSHkids because I have observed the positive outcomes in students with a developmental delay and/or disability that had access to early intervention services at a young age. I also witnessed as a teacher how working with children in the early years had the greatest impact. I found when learning more about the organisation that my values aligned strongly as I am passionate about obtaining the best outcomes for each child.
Jessica Cole
Service Manager ECA
I am excited to join an organisation that aligns with my personal values, that works within a collaborative model to support vulnerable families. I view families/caregivers as ‘experts’ on their child’s development and growth and BUSHkids works within an innovative model of supports to ensure that families are provided with capacity building supports for the child and the family as well.
Donna Sheppard
Head of Allied Health – ECA
Children and their families in the remote and regional communities are so important. I love how BUSHkids focus on ensuring that those children can access the services they need and BUSHkids are trying to be innovative and think outside the square to make it happen – that is exciting.
Lily Hanily
Team Leader
I am currently completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science (Psychology)/Criminology and Justice. Having had experience as a residential youth worker, I know the importance of early intervention supports. I believe that being a part of the BUSHkids team will be beneficial to enriching the lives of children and their families by using a family-centred approach to provide the best individualised support.
Denise Hargrave
Administration Officer
After working for the past 18 years as the finance manager of Aged Care & Disability Services for both residential and community clients, I am truly excited for the opportunity to now be able to work with an organisation that is dedicated to helping young Australians make positive changes to their lives, and that of their families. It is a privilege to be part of the BUSHkids Team and to reconnect with my rural origins.
Monica Dyball
Senior Coordinator
I have a Bachelor of Behavioural Science Degree majoring in Psychology and Disability studies. I have previously worked in Disability Employment Services and spent the last four years working with families in North Qld through the Intensive Family Support Program. I am excited to be joining BUSHkids in the Early Childhood Early Intervention team and look forward to continuing my work supporting children and families.
Jacki Egan
Early Intervention Facilitator
I feel that working at BUSHkids will help me to continue to support children and families and allow me to use the skills that I have gained through diverse roles and through life experiences. I am excited to work with like-minded people as part of a team with a common goal.
Jo Symonds
Early Intervention Facilitator
Having worked with the NDIS and now being a parent myself, I was drawn to BUSHkids to support families to access the scheme and build a team around themselves and their children to navigate through these early years.
Jayden Denning
Early Intervention Facilitator
With my background in Psychological Science and counselling, I’m passionate about working with families and children. Joining BUSHkids will allow me to help support families and contribute to the great work that BUSHkids does.
Tracey Lloyd
Early Intervention Facilitator
BUSHkids is a fantastic organisation with a rich history of helping children and families in Queensland. Being able to work for an organisation that is focused on providing help for children who have a developmental delay is a great privilege and brings a sense of pride and integrity to my life.
Raelee Turner
Early Intervention Facilitator
One of my key phrases is “the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome”, so coming to work with BUSHkids was the perfect opportunity to live this ethos. I have been heavily involved with the Early Childhood Intervention Service in Tasmania and was keen to find a position that worked towards the same outcomes in Hervey Bay.
Lisa Loiterton
Early Intervention Facilitator
BUSHkids supported my family through accessing NDIS and receiving a formal diagnosis, I love what BUSHkids are all about and the work they do and and I want to be a part of it. I would like to make a difference within our community and help local families to access the NDIS and access important services.
Kelly Williams
Administration Officer
After recently moving out to the country, I did some research and was interested and impressed in the types of programs and support the BUSHkids teams were offering children and parents in rural areas and wanted to be a part of it. Education has changed a lot since I attended school and I wish that BUSHkids programs teaching young children social and emotional skills were available back then. I am very much looking forward to seeing BUSHkids growing and am proud to be part of this process.
Shelly Woodall
Child and Family Facilitator
With over 6 years’ experience of working with young children, I have a strong passion for helping children to enhance their social emotion, self-regulation, resilience and over-all interaction skills as well as creating an empowering environment for all families within the community.
Liz Whale
Senior Manager ECA
As an early childhood professional with 20 years’ experience working in the education, health and community sectors, I am a passionate advocate for the health and wellbeing of children and their families. I am delighted to be working with BUSHkids to support their vision of ensuring all Queensland children reach their potential regardless of where they live.
Adele Fletcher
Team Leader
I have a strong practical understanding of Child Development and Health Promotion, and have worked with children and families in the community for many years. I have taught Early Childhood Studies at degree level and as such have a huge appreciation for the complexity of factors which influence children’s learning and development. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for an organisation which takes an evidence based and family centered approach to early intervention.
Dustie Moulden
Project Officer
Joining BUSHkids has allowed me to contribute to the growth and support of our community. The ECEI team is essential in building awareness and providing great support for our local families. It feels great to be a part of a team that make real difference in children’s long term development.
Vanessa Clarke
Administration Support Officer
Abbie Gills
Administration Officer
The opportunity to give back to my community led me to BUSHkids. The BUSHkids mission is incredible, and I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.
Gillian Ireland
Occupational Therapist
I’m a new graduate OT with a passion for paediatrics. As a student OT I was fortunate to have my clinical placements at a school for children with developmental language disorder and at Autism Queensland. I’m passionate about working with children and their families to support them to reach their goals. I find it incredibly rewarding when a child shows pride in their achievements. I was drawn to BUSHkids because of the family centred and collaborative approach to intervention as I’ve seen how amazing the outcomes can be when a multidisciplinary team supports children and their families in this way.
Brooke Favier
Occupational Therapist
I have a passion for working with children and families to ensure they reach their full potential. Prior to becoming an OT I also worked supporting children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families as a teacher’s aide, support worker and BUSHkids early intervention facilitator. I grew up in the South Burnett and am excited to be part of a team that provides accessible services to families and communities all over Queensland. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with families and communities of the Sunshine Coast region along with the team here at BUSHkids.
Nishani Algama
Speech Pathologist
I was drawn to BUSHkids as they uphold key values that I strongly align with. They provide accessible services to families and communities throughout Queensland, with a strong emphasis on family-centred practice, which fosters an environment that empowers families.
Libby Brown
Physiotherapist
I am passionate about helping infants, toddlers and young children gain the very best possible start in life. I was drawn to BUSHkids as I believe their philosophy, culture and work practices are closely aligned with my own and I am excited to work in a supportive and knowledge-rich environment with like minded professionals.
Shay-Anne Murphy
Social Worker
Wanting the best for your children can, at times, be frustrating navigation the systems alone. I enjoy meeting people and I want to assist in providing the best possible support and outcomes for children and their families.
Tracy Ewart
Early Intervention Facilitator
My background is many years working in Early Childhood Education with experience of supporting children with development delays and their families. I am proud and excited to be part of an organisation that provides strong early intervention supports to children and families that are family centered and child focused.
Leanne Fuller
Senior Coordinator
I have worked with children and families my whole career of over 30 years. My qualification is in Early Childhood Education and Care and I am passionate about walking alongside families to ensure that children get the best possible start and can reach their full amazing potential. I am so grateful to be working at BUSHkids with such a family-centred and practical support model. I hope to be able to have a positive impact on lots more little lives.
Gemma Coggins
Early Intervention Facilitator
I have been aware of BUSHkids for over a decade and I always felt that they were one the top organisations who provided care and services for children. BUSHkids are so well established in QLD and the NDIS partnership I feel, demonstrates the confidence that NDIS has in BUSHkids’ ability to deliver. I feel very honoured to be working for BUSHkids.
Lauren Bell
Early Intervention Facilitator
As a facilitator for BUSHkids I am excited to transfer my knowledge and experience to assist families in giving their child the best start to life. I am highly motivated by children and have a passion for play, development and wellbeing. As a teacher I have experienced firsthand the profound impact of quality early intervention.
Kyra Murray
ECA Coordinator
I am very passionate about children and their development; a major reason why I’m studying social work. BUSHkids are so passionate about early intervention within young children and I love that I will be able to help children reach their full potential.
Tamara Chirgwin-Kimmorley
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am extremely excited to work for BUSHkids and be out in the field doing what I love, working with children. Helping disadvantaged children and their families is my career goal – I want to do whatever I can to help. The BUSHkids mission aligned with my own and that’s how I knew BUSHkids was the place for me.
Leah Derby
Early Intervention Facilitator
What drew me to BUSHkids was my passion to help children to reach their full potential, as every child deserves equal opportunities. I’m currently studying primary education and the opportunity to work with BUSHkids to reach children at many different developmental stages and needs, aligns with my values and I am excited to join the team.
Kaity Williams
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am thrilled to be working with BUSHkids to make a difference for Queensland children in the Sunshine Coast community. With over 10 years’ experience in the Early Childhood Education sector, I have always been passionate about ensuring all children have equal opportunities to thrive and grow into capable and confident adults. The benefits of early intervention are far reaching, every child is unique and I love that BUSHkids has a family and child-centred approach to making every family’s journey unique also!
Kale Archer
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am excited to join BUSHkids to help children be prepared to reach their full potential. As a teacher, I am extremely passionate about seeing students succeed and I want to be able to help with that as much as possible. It was obvious to me that BUSHkids values aligned with my own and the work they do in early intervention truly sets children up for the best opportunities to succeed.
Lilly Petrie
Early Intervention Facilitator
Paula Triumpho
Early Intervention Facilitator
A fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society has always been my interest. I have overseas experience in the legal area but with time I realised we can only achieve social justice by ensuring that children and their families receive the necessary support to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
With a solid foundation in Early Years Education, complemented by extensive experience in person-centered support, case management, coupled with my ongoing studies in Behavioral Science, I am looking forward to contributing to the holistic development and well-being of children and families in need.
Alanna Binnie
Administration Officer
BUSHkids definitely aligns with my own values. I was interested in this role as I wanted to continue to be a part of an organisation that provides children with opportunities to succeed and grow. I am excited to be working with a team of professionals that is as positive and passionate about a child’s development as I am.
Stevie Kuhn
Allied Health Assistant
For the last 7 years, I have been working with and supporting young people, with the last 5 years in particular as a child and family counsellor. I was interested in joining the BUSHkids team to not only continue supporting families, but to have the opportunity to provide that same level of care to rural and remote communities where often access to appropriate support can be difficult.
Danielle Cotterill
Occupational Therapist
I feel passionate about helping local families to get the best possible outcomes for their children. With BUSHkids’ family focus, I hope to contribute as part of the team to support children and their families to achieve their goals.
Team Leader – currently recruiting
Cassandra Potent
Lead Speech Pathologist
BUSHkids aligns strongly with with my values and belief in the best practice i.e. Early Intervention, Not-for-Profit, a collaborative practice model and rural health.
Melissa Wilkes
Senior Coordinator
I come to BUSHkids from the Department of Education and have a strong knowledge of the early years. My background is predominantly working in and with early childhood services and I have a particular interest in early childhood development, play development and behaviour management. I am excited to work at BUSHkids and look forward to meeting all the children and families in Rockhampton.
Lisa Petersen
A/Office Manager – Maroochydore
I was drawn to BUSHkids as I could see the rewarding work the ECEI team do for families and children out in their local communities. To be part of a team that helps improve a child’s life by assisting their development is very rewarding, I’m excited to see where my future here leads.
Amy Clapham – Currently on Leave
I am excited to be working with BUSHkids to deliver support and much needed services for young children and families in our area. Bundy is my home town, so it has been very rewarding for me to have an opportunity to give back to our local community.
Jaynet Jenkins
Early Intervention Facilitator
Early childhood has always been a passion, helping children reach their best potential has been my goal. In between raising my own children I have worked in the childcare industry for many years before joining BUSHkids where I am excited to help both families and children in their needs
Breanna Filer
Early Intervention Facilitator
I have a bachelor degree in psychological science (Psychology) and am particularly interested in early childhood development and early intervention. I have previous experience working with vulnerable children and families in the child protection field and found my passion is working with and helping children. Working with BUSHkids, I am hoping to be able to support children and families to reach their full potential and be able to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in the Rockhampton region.
Leanne Mason
Early Intervention Facilitator
I have many years’ experience within the early childhood sector, and working at BUSHkids, will only enhance and develop my skills. I thrive on helping to support children and their families in health, development, education and social skills, providing an overall support system within the community.
Emily Easey
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am currently studying to become a teacher and believe that BUSHkids will give me real life experiences meeting with families and children. Working for BUSHkids will also give me the opportunity to gain more knowledge around the developmental and disability issues children may face.
Alice Pumfrey
Early Intervention Facilitator
I have always been passionate about supporting the development of children, and particularly children who face delays in meeting their full potential. I grew up in Clermont and understand the barriers that families face when seeking allied health services and how this affects their progress. I am excited for the invaluable opportunities that BUSHkids provide through child-centred and family-focused support to further my understanding and experience in my career.
Mark Campbell
Early Intervention Facilitator
I was looking for new challenges in child services and the BUSHkids focus on providing early assistance to families and children who are in need appeals to me. I enjoy helping people, finding solutions and clearing obstacles so that children and families can get where they want to be and realise their potential.
Ali Morrison
Early Intervention Facilitator
I am passionate about providing support for disadvantaged families facing barriers to access support and intervention. I have a strong knowledge of family centred practice and I believe a holistic approach is required when supporting families to achieve positive outcomes. I have an interest in service strategy and development, and am passionate about community engagement and collaboration.
Adela Caruso
Child and Family Facilitator
I have a background in Early Childhood, working in child care for 8 years. I’m passionate about nurturing children and supporting families. I like working at BUSHkids as I get to work with families to support their needs and provide fun activities for children.
Susan Surch
Child and Family Facilitator
I have worked in a wide variety of Education and Child-Care services for nearly 40 yrs. I hold a B.Ed. Early Childhood teaching degree and in 2020 completed a level 3 Bush Kindy Leader course with Nature Play QLD.
I am looking forward to connecting with families and children in our community and supporting them through family centred, child focussed and strength-based programs and activities. I am passionate about Play, Nature and storytelling as vehicles and environments for life-long learning.
Rachel Bruyn
Administration Officer
Children are our future. All children deserve the chance to shine, and will do so when given the right opportunity. I am excited to be a member of the BUSHkids team, as they are supporting the next generation to reach their potential and in doing so helping to ensure a brighter future.
Linda Cholawinskyj
Family Health Support Worker
At BUSHkids I get to work with and support parents and children through the various programs that the centre offers. This is something that I thoroughly enjoy!
Annelie Pienaar
Occupational Therapist
I have a heart for working with kids and their families to achieve what is important to them. I feel privileged to work for BUSHkids who align closely to my own values as a health professional. BUSHkids provides a good opportunity to support children and families, who might not otherwise have access to these services.
Lexi Morgan
Occupational Therapist
Having grown up rurally, I’m aware of how difficult it can be to find a healthcare provider nearby, particularly for children. I’m passionate about rural health, and have been keen to find an employer that shares that passion. The services that BUSHkids provides in rural areas is invaluable and I’m excited to be a part of that.
Hannah Dittman (Telford)
Speech Pathologist
As a speechie here at BUSHkids, my role involves helping families develop their children’s communication and literacy (reading/spelling) skills. Talking is one of my favourite things to do, so I love working with children to help them say what they want to say. It’s so great to work here at BUSHkids, as we take a team approach in supporting children to achieve their goals.
Tanya Strom
Allied Health Assistant
I feel privileged to be a part of the BUSHkids team and to be working with children, families, carers and other BUSHkids staff in a collaborative approach to making a positive change in children’s lives. Keeping a family unit functioning, happy, connected and empowered is so important, and I am glad to be part of a team supporting our community in this way.