Meet our Teams – BUSHkids

Brisbane

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

Director Clinical Services and Strategy

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.

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.

Tiffany Bannier-King

Quality 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.

Liz

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.

Janine

Professional Lead Social Worker

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.

Megan

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

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 – Currently on leave

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

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.

Cara

Speech Pathologist – telepractice

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

Team Leader Allied Health | Speech Pathologist

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.

Ingrid

Speech Pathologist

As a speech pathologist, I am committed to supporting children to develop confidence and skills to communicate effectively. I have experience in private practice, community health, and education settings. I am also interested in practice education and have been involved in clinical education at UQ and Griffith. I am thrilled to be part of the BUSHkids team delivering sustainable, equitable, and accessible services to rural Queensland.

Nishani

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.

Molly

Speech Pathologist

During university I was fortunate to have a placement with BUSHkids Warwick where I developed my passion for supporting childrens’ communication and development. I have always been interested in supporting regional and rural communities and BUSHkids gave me the opportunity to connect and learn from families and communities living in these areas. I am excited to be a part of BUSHkids and work within a collaborative and family-centred team to create better outcomes and opportunities for children and their families.

Nikki

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. 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.

Beth

Acting Service Manager AH, CPSS, eKindy, Kindy Uplift, WQPHN

I have worked in a number of roles at BUSHkids since 2016 including Project Officer, Speech Pathology Clinical Supervisor and Allied Health Services Manager and have enjoyed each role and working for such a progressive organisation. I love working with children and families and now am thoroughly enjoying a role which has a broader influence on improving the health and wellbeing outcomes for children and families in Queensland.

Hannah

Intake Team Leader

I have a background in Nutrition and Public Health, and have supported BUSHkids’ project work encouraging creative and innovative service models to improve health outcomes for children and families of rural Queensland.

My current role as Team Leader for the Intake Team closely connects me to the work achieved to help children and families access supports they need to reach their potential.

Brett

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

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.

Ling

Senior 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

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.

Kathy

Finance and Claims Administration Support Officer

For the past few years I have had a very real desire to have a career that makes a real difference in the world. I wanted to be part of an organisation where positive outcomes happen every day – where lives are changed for the better. I felt that my work needed to be purposeful and I wanted to be an integral member of a productive team who are like-minded. I am excited to be a contributing member of BUSHkids and to see people benefit from the valuable work we do.

Will

Finance Assistant-Casual

I was interested to combine my interest in finance and accounting, with an organisation like BUSHkids who strives to make the community a better place. Further, I was interested in learning about the Allied Health industry and how it is used to support the health and wellbeing of children and families in regional, rural and remote communities.

Ken

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.

Philip

IT Support Officer

I was interested in joining BUSHkids due to the chance to take on a role supporting an organisation whose mission is providing healthcare and assisting with the wellbeing of children and families. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Matisse

IT Support Officer

I decided to join BUSHkids because it provides a great way to help families and children across Queensland, as well as providing professional experience in the IT field.

Melissa

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

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

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.

Marina

Administration Officer – Intake Team

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.

Fabien

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.

Michelle

Recruitment Coordinator

I have a strong desire to make an impact and support those that are most vulnerable in the community. To further promote and support the amazing work that BUSHkids are achieving by providing essential services to families was an opportunity that I couldn’t miss.

Allycia

Resource Assistant

I am a passionate self-advocate as the Queensland representative for the Our Voice Committee, which works with Inclusion Australia; as well as being a member of Loud and Clear – a Sunshine Coast based self-advocacy group. I enjoy working with BUSHkids and value the importance of children being able to access early supports to ensure they can have a good life.

Matt

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

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.

Agnes Water

Sasha

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.

Joana – Currently on leave

eKindy Pod Team Leader

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

Bundaberg

Jenna

Team Leader

I am a firm believer in the power of play, inclusivity, and meaningful connections and that these elements are key to nurturing positive growth and development in children. Working with BUSHkids allows me to continue to cultivate these values within the community to enable more children to experience the powerful feeling of belonging and being

Shari

Operations Manager

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.

Matilda

Administration Officer

After living in rural and remote areas of Queensland and seeing the good their services provide for families in need, I wanted to be a part of the change for these families and communities.

Shasjorne

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.

Kellara

Occupational Therapist

The commitment BUSHkids demonstrates towards accessible health services resonates deeply with me, particularly since having grown up in regional and rural communities. I am genuinely interested in learning more about the use of telepractice within the scope of occupational therapy practice and how it can be used to support a variety of client needs.

Rylee

Occupational Therapist

All children should have the opportunity to access support and services to give them the best start in life. I’m excited to be working for BUSHkids to provide equal opportunities for all families in Bundaberg.

Julie

Social Worker

I was a primary school teacher for an extended period of time before returning to university to become a social worker. I have worked as a social worker within the Bundaberg region in recent years, during which time my focus has been on working with families. I am passionate about children being supported to grow to be the person they wish to be, and also want parents to recognise all that they do to be the best that they can be for their children.

Melissa

Allied Health Assistant

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

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

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.

Erin

Early Intervention Facilitator

I am excited to be a part of the BUSHkids team and be able to work with a group of people who help children and their families grow together and achieve positive outcomes.

Jaydah

Early Intervention Facilitator

I am extremely passionate about helping those in need and hope to harbour a safe and positive environment for clients and their families. BUSHkids values align with me both on a personal and professional level and I am excited to be working with the team as I progress through my studies.

Nicola – Currently on Leave

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.

Caloundra

David

Team Leader

I am passionate about making a positive impact on vulnerable populations through strength-based supports and unconditional positive regard. I see BUSHkids as a wonderful organisation that matches my values and focuses on collaboration with families and communities in creating a supportive environment for children.

Bec

Administration Officer

The Mission of BUSHkids is definitely what drew me to the organisation. Supporting children and their families within our local community, to ensure that they are given the right tools, is such an honour. Children are our future and seeing the difference that early intervention makes, is a huge reward in itself. Being a part of this incredible team is a whole new challenge for me, and I look forward to bringing my experience to the role

Shanley

Team Leader – Healthy Outback Kids

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.

Grace

Occupational Therapist

Since graduating, I have worked as a paediatric occupational therapist in the Hunter Valley and on the Sunshine Coast. Working within multi-disciplinary teams to support children and their families to achieve their full potential was most rewarding and this experience encouraged me to jump at the opportunity to work at BUSHkids.

Hayley

Occupational Therapist

Eliza

Speech Pathologist

One of my first jobs as a new graduate was in a rural setting, an eye opening experience as it really highlighted the need for allied health services in these communities. BUSHkids seemed an obvious fit for me as I thrive on partnering with families and educational providers to better outcomes for children.

Anita

Intake Officer – Early Childhood Teacher

Inclusion for children with their varied, additional needs requires support to work towards their goals and independence. I enjoy supporting families to work together as a positive and cohesive unit to support their children.

Tara

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.

Shavaun

Senior Coordinator

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.

Nathan

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

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.

Kahlia

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

Early Intervention Facilitator

I believe that each day, there is something new to learn and take home and I am eager to further my career with BUSHkids, providing amazing services to children and families in what can be an isolating and confronting time.

Mackenzie

Early Intervention Facilitator

I am very passionate about helping vulnerable children and families in our community. BUSHkids mission and values align with my own personal values and beliefs in a way that I want to support and contribute to young children’s development, education, and social and emotional wellbeing. I deeply appreciate the BUSHkids services in the way they not only target education and support towards young children, but extend that to parents and caregivers so we can all work collaboratively to provide the best quality care.

Stacey

Early Intervention Facilitator

I am currently pursuing studies in primary education and early childhood, with a keen focus on children’s psychology and supporting children with disabilities within school settings. As I continue to expand my knowledge and skills, I aspire to make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families, particularly those facing unique challenges.

Zoe

Early Intervention Facilitator

To be able to be involved in the BUSHkids mission and purpose is exciting to me. I am looking forward to playing a role in supporting families and children to achieve their goals and potential.

Cherbourg

Cunnamulla

Rebecca

Team Leader Allied Health | Speech Pathologist

Shanley

Team Leader – Healthy Outback Kids

Dalby

Aisling

Psychologist – telepractice

Bridie

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.

Natalie

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.

Emerald

Rebecca

Team Leader Allied Health | Speech Pathologist

Kate

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.

Lexi

Occupational Therapist

Having grown up in rural North Queensland, 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.

Claudia

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.

Marcia

Parent Peer Facilitator

I have always been passionate about making sure children get early intervention when it’s needed. So it is only natural that I would want to again join BUSHkids to help as many children and families as possible to achieve quality of life and overall wellbeing.

Chloe

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.

Kate

Early Intervention Facilitator

Working with BUSHkids gives me the opportunity to support children and families throughout regional Queensland.

Emma

Early Intervention Facilitator

I value the purpose of BUSHkids in working alongside families and children to not only create positive change but to deliver a service that recognises the vulnerability and diversity of needs. I believe it is important to empower communities where access to services can be restricted.

Inglewood

Julianne

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.

Gladstone

Annalise

Team Leader

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.

Nicole

Administration Officer

Having lived in remote locations across three states, I appreciate the benefits that BUSHkids services provide to families and children through the early years of discovery and development.

Kiri

Intake Social Worker

I have been a social worker for over 20 years and have been fortunate to have worked in a variety of areas within social work in New Zealand and in Canada. I look forward to being part of the Gladstone team and getting to know our community members.

Amanda

Intake Officer – Early Childhood Teacher

I have lived the majority of my life in different parts of country NSW and know how hard it can be for children and families to access services they need in their hometown, often having to travel great distances for help and support. I love that BUSHkids is an organisation which provides services and support to help families in the local area.

Crystal

Senior Coordinator

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.

Casey

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.

Gympie

Rebecca

Team Leader

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.

Karen

Administration Officer

After moving to Cooloola Cove for ‘semi-retirement’ I still had a desire to work for an organisation that provides physical, social/emotional and educational outcomes for children. When the postion of Office Administrator for BUSHkids in Gympie became available, I loved the idea of combining my skills and knowledge of office management with education. I am also undertaking further study this year as an Allied Health Assistant. I love that the BUSHkids objective is to ensure that all children reach their potential, regardless of where they live.

Rebecca

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.

Breanna

Intake Officer – Early Childhood Teacher

During my time teaching, I was connected with BUSHkids by a parent who was 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.

Sarah

Acting Senior Coordinator

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.

Julia

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.

Danielle

Early Intervention Facilitator

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 motivated to work with BUSHkids.

Siobhan

Early Intervention Facilitator

I was interested in joining BUSHkids to extend my knowledge and passion for helping families and children with complex needs reach their full potential. I strongly believe that the first five years of a child’s life is critical in their development.

Hervey Bay

Lily

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

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.

Isabelle

Administration Officer

To work within an organisation that advocates for children and families, and being able to use my administration skills and experience within this environment, is just perfect!

Zoe

Intake Social Worker

I have extensive experience working alongside vulnerable young people and their families and was grateful for the opportunity to join BUSHkids, an organisation whose values and frameworks for practice align with my own.

Monica

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

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.

Jayden

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

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

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.

Bridgette

Early Intervention Facilitator

I was drawn to a role as an Early Intervention Facilitator at BUSHkids because the mission and purpose of the organisation aligns with my own values and beliefs. I am passionate about providing support within the community to help make a difference and empowering families and children to reach goals and milestones

Jo – Extended Leave

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.

Kingaroy

Rochelle

Child and Family Facilitator

I was drawn to BUSHkids because my personal and professional values align with that of BUSHkids. Children are one of the most vulnerable groups and there is nothing more powerful than giving them a voice.

Maroochydore

Adele

Service Manager ECA

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.

Brooke

Team Leader Early Start Team ECA

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.

Sarah

Team Leader

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.

Vanessa

Administration Support Officer

Having worked in both local and state government, as well as the university sector, and now studying art therapy, I have now reached a point in my career where I want to give back and help people, children and those in need.

Kath

Administration Support Officer

I made the decision to secure a role in a ‘helping’ organisation and the BUSHkids role perfectly suits my skillset but also my desire for meaningful work.

Sam

Administration Officer Early Start Team

I felt my personal philosophy aligned with BUSHkids and couldn’t wait to be a part of an organisation that respects children’s rights, dignity, competence, contribution and agency and values a strong partnership with the families of these children.

Angela

Administration Officer

Joining BUSHkids was really a no-brainer for me when I saw the opportunity. I am grateful to be part of an organisation which is completely child-focused, supporting children and families.

Summer

Financial Accountant

I feel fortunate to work for BUSHkids as they have such an amazing mission and values. I am very proud to work for a company that has such a positive impact in the community.

Ashlee

Lead Speech Pathologist

My final university placement in Broken Hill had highlighted the unmet needs of kids in rural and remote communities. I’m excited to be a part of an organisation that is making a difference in the areas of Queensland that really need it.

Libby

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.

Leah

Physiotherapist

I welcome this opportunity to rejoin BUSHkids to help support children and their families with developmental delay or disability to enjoy their daily lives with a sense of belonging, fun and future aspiration.

Aimee

Senior Social Worker Supervisor | Intake Social Worker

After spending some time working in University education, I am looking forward to getting back to directly working with children and families at BUSHkids. BUSHkids’ objective of child-focused, family-centered practice, and values of collaboration and accountability align closely with my own values and practice. I am also looking forward to working alongside other Social Workers in the organisation to strengthen practice and develop a strong, supportive team of Social Workers to care for families experiencing extra challenges in life.

Shay-Anne

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.

Lilly

Intake Social Worker

Having completed a double degree in Social Work and Criminology and Justice, I have developed a strong connection to practicing from a strength-based, trauma-informed and person-centred approach. I understand every person is unique and try to work with people to achieve their goals and navigate through psychosocial stressors.

Kyra

Intake Social Worker

As a new graduate in Social Work, I am very passionate about children and their development and love that BUSHkids are also passionate about early intervention for young children. I love that I will be able to help children reach their full potential.

Sara

Occupational Therapist

I grew up rurally and was able to see the gap in services in remote environments. I am passionate about providing family-centred, strengths based interventions to children with delays and disabilities to help them reach their full potential and reach their goals.

Meg

Occupational Therapist

I completed a 10-week placement with BUSHkids and really enjoyed it. Throughout my placement at BUSHkids, I noticed the widespread, positive impact the organisation has on children and families across Queensland, I knew I would love to continue to be a part of that impact and the BUSHkids team.

Heidi

ECA Workplace Trainer and Supervisor

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.

Michelle

ECA Workplace Trainer and Supervisor

I am passionate about working in my local community and have dedicated my entire career to empowering families and supporting children. My values align with BUSHkids as being child focused and family centered. I am excited to build relationships in my role with BUSHkids and to inspire, motivate and empower people in my community.

Leanne

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.

Kaity

A/Senior Coordinator

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!

Tracy

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.

Gemma

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.

Kei

Early Intervention Facilitator

I previously studied psychology at university where my passion to deliver early intervention services to maximise development outcomes for children emerged. I have experience working in various roles such as a NDIA delegate, school chaplain, and inclusion support educator. Having worked in roles that help support children at many different developmental stages has inspired me to continue working in the early intervention space.

Lee

Early Intervention Facilitator

I have worked as an early years teacher in international schools for over 10 years and am passionate about early intervention. BUSHkids values and vision align closely with mine, being child-focused and family-centred and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to work for an organisation that is collaborative and accountable.

Dustie – Currently on leave

Data and Performance Support Officer

Joining BUSHkids has allowed me to contribute to the growth and support of our community. The ECA 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.

Emma – Currently on leave

Service Manager – Allied Health, Children and Parenting Support, 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.

Mount Isa

Danielle

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.

Catherine

Speech Pathologist

With 7 year’s experience with the Queensland Department of Education in Mount Isa, I am very passionate about working with children with language impairments and improving healthcare equality in North-West Queensland.

Pauline

Administration Officer

I believe in what BUSHkids stand for and the work they do. I know firsthand how beneficial the work done at BUSHkids is not just for the child but for the families as a whole. So when the opportunity came up to be a part of that I was really excited.

Rockhampton

Leanne

Team Leader

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.

Lisa

Senior Administration Officer

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.

Teagan

Administration Officer

The BUSHkids values line up with my own personal values as allied health for kids has always been something I’m passionate about.

Melissa

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.

Mark

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.

Emily

Early Intervention Facilitator

I am very excited to be a part of a not for profit organisation, providing families and children with support and much needed services that allow children to be empowered.

Amy – 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.

Stanthorpe

Adela

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

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.

Warwick

Aisling

Psychologist – telepractice

Linda

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

Occupational Therapist

I have a passion 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

Occupational Therapist

Hannah

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

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.

Beck

Administration Officer

I was interested in joining BUSHkids because I liked that I would be contributing to an organisation that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families. I am excited to be a part of the BUSHkids team.