THE SAGE STORY
With a background in humanities and a passion for helping people achieve their NDIS goals, Sages' experience and success add up to a positive step for you when engaging their services.
KELLY
Director/Specialist Support Coordinator
BA Arts, (Hons) Politics, Diploma of Counselling, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Accredited Mental Health First Aider.
WORK HISTORY
Kelly Ryan is Sage Support Coordination’s Owner-Director and Specialist Support Coordinator, with over two-decades of experience providing specialist support to families and individuals living within the Barwon region. Kelly’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts Hons. Politics (incl. Majors in Humanities) and a Diploma of Counselling.
Kelly has participated in extensive professional development and training to develop her expertise in relation to supporting individuals and families who require complex, tailored supports. Kelly is dedicated to empowering her team by offering training and development opportunities, which enable them to provide the exceptional standard of Support Coordination, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching and Specialist Support Coordination services that Sage Support Coordination is known for.
Kelly’s professional background working within the community services industry is extensive. Prior to establishing Sage Support Coordination, Kelly delivered family reunification and parental capacity building programs for Corrections Victoria. Additional to her career within Corrections Victoria, Kelly successfully designed and implemented training and coaching programs that assisted participants to develop their capacity as well as necessary advocacy skills relevant to their needs. Kelly has established a broad professional network within the community services industry, which contributes to the organisations success in navigating complex systems and government services within the region.
Kelly will successfully implement strategies to strengthen your support network, and assist you to develop a complex service plan to address significant complexities within your life. Kelly will guide and assist you to navigate through complex systems such as Justice, Complex Families/Child Protection and Mental Health, and assist you to resolve and prevent points of crisis within your support network and life.
Kelly is deeply committed to ensuring that Sage Support Coordination’s contribution to the Scheme continues to facilitate community capacity building and linkages to mainstream services and systems within the region.
Kelly is a mum of three boys and knows firsthand how challenging it can be raising children whilst managing life’s many stressors. Kelly enjoys camping and travelling with her family, a strong coffee, and spending time with her dogs, Glory and Ziggy, who you might meet if you stop by the Sage Support Coordination Office!
LEIGH
Specialist Support Coordinator (Children and Young People Specialist)
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Leigh has worked within the disability sector for over 14 years. Leigh has a background in Psychology, and is currently completing her Masters of Social Work. Leigh is passionate about supporting individuals and families who have a child or young person with disability access the supports they deserve and participate in their local communities without barriers.
Prior to her role at Sage, Leigh worked with the NDIS Early Childhood Team at BCYF/Meli for 5.5 years. Leigh has experience working with children and young people with varying needs such as complex disabilities, medical and health related needs and behaviours of concern. Leigh also has extensive experience with assistive technology requests, and home and vehicle modifications. During her time working for Meli, Leigh has delivered face to face support with families and worked behind the scenes developing a strong understanding of NDIS policies and procedures. Leigh describes herself as a legislation nerd and feels that a solid understanding of legislation and policy is required to provide a high standard of support to individuals/children with disability and their families.
Leigh has a strong understanding of community, mainstream and specialised supports. Leigh is creative in the ways that she assist families and individuals with disabilities to implement their NDIS plans in order to support them to achieve their goals, maintain independence and dignity and reduce barriers within daily life.
NADINE
Specialist Support Coordinator
Master of Public Health, Bachelor of Biomedical Science majoring in Infection & Immunity, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Nadine has a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science majoring in Infection and Immunity and has completed a Master’s degree in Public Health. During her postgraduate, she focused her studies on disability and inclusion, while also delving into health policy and promotion, biostatistics, and epidemiology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of a wide array of public health areas. Rather than spending her days behind a microscope, Nadine found her passion was in supporting people facing complex barriers to achieve positive outcomes both in their daily life, and capacity building journey. Nadine’s personal and professional experience has equipped her with profound knowledge and practical skills necessary for enhancing and safeguarding wellbeing from both an individual and community perspective.
Nadine made a purposeful shift from senior management roles to the disability sector, to align her profession with academic pursuits and her passion for supporting others to achieve their goals. Her professional journey commenced in Client Services within support services and later led her to the role of Support Coordinator at Sage.
Nadine is profoundly dedicated to offering individualised, client-centered support, with a predominant focus on empowering individuals to make their own choices, nurturing their self-determination and autonomy within her role. Nadine relentlessly strives to troubleshoot and overcome any challenges that may arise and is a fierce advocate to ensure that the people she supports are building their capacity and achieving their goals. Nadine recognises that each person’s disabilities and goals are unique and will take the time to ensure personalised support and guidance is tailored to their specific needs and ambitions.
When she’s not at work, you’ll often find Nadine savouring a strong coffee, enjoying quality time with her husband and their miniature dachshund, Frankie or enjoying a day at the beach or at a footy game!
ALEXANDRA (ALEX)
Senior Support Coordinator
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Gender Studies, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Alex has worked within the community services sector for over 5 years. Prior to starting at Sage, Alex worked as a Support Worker and Therapy Assistant, supporting primarily children and young people with complex disabilities. Working as a support worker, fuelled Alex’s passion for supporting others to build their capacity and flourish within their lives.
Alex has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and has recently commenced a Masters degree in Social Work and additional study in Play Therapy. Alex is motivated to get to know each person within their own unique social environment and is passionate about working to promote social justice, inclusion, and equity for the individuals and families she works with.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys surfing, spending time in nature in any capacity, going for long walks and relaxing with a cup of coffee and a good book.
MIA
Senior Support Coordinator
Bachelor of Paramedicine, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
With a long background in the medical field, Mia gained invaluable experience and insights into the intricacies of health-related challenges. Her study and work history provided her with a deep understanding of the multifaceted issues individuals and their families encounter while navigating disabilities and managing complex health diagnoses.
It was this profound understanding and empathy that fuelled Mia’s transition into the disability sector. Mia recognizes the far-reaching impact these challenges have on every aspect of an individual’s life. Her expertise spans across a wide range of disabilities, both physical and psychosocial, enabling her to provide tailored support to meet the diverse needs of her clients. She also enjoys working with participants facing multiple diagnosis and a range of disabilities, both physical and psychosocial. Mia also has an interest in assisting participants with home modifications, by collaborating closely with Occupational Therapists, she ensures that solutions are personalised to each individual’s requirements. Mia approaches support coordination with a holistic perspective that considers the entirety of an individual’s life circumstances. She understands that effective support extends beyond addressing immediate needs, encompassing various aspects such as social connections, emotional well-being, and environmental factors. Mia excels in forging enduring relationships with providers and connecting her clients with the appropriate supports, all with the overarching goal of empowering them to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.
Outside of work Mia loves spending quality time with her husband and beloved animals, renovating houses or embarking on adventures in her camper trailer.
RUBY
Support Coordinator
Accredited Mental Health First Aider.
WORK HISTORY
Ruby began working in the disability sector over four years ago. Her career began as an in-home support worker where she learnt the skills to connect with clients and find suitable ways to help them meet their goals. Getting to know clients and build trust with them was where Ruby felt the greatest achievement.
Ruby then transitioned into the support coordination space and hasn’t looked back. Bringing that passion of connecting with clients and having a trusting relationship has helped Ruby better understand the needs of the people she works with and connect them with the best supports.
Although she has a broad range of interest, Ruby has developed her passion in working with children and families including early childhood intervention, transition to primary or high school and complex family cases, as well as young adults in transitional stages of life such as SLES, specialised driver training and taking steps away from the family home through supports. Building professional relationships in these areas has been important to helping find the most suitable long term support teams for her clients. Ruby is always finding pride in her work when she see’s genuine results and success in the teams she builds.
When not at work, Ruby enjoys spending time with her family and friends, getting down to the beach and exploring her creative side.
JO
Support Coordinator
Aboriginal Health Service Management, Communication Skills and Practices, Certificate IV in Business Management, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Jo grew up on Noongar country in Western Australia before starting her life adventure in caring for others. Studying communication and Aboriginal Health perspectives at Charles Darwin University, Jo relocated to Victoria and joined Corrections Victoria as Programs and Project Officer. Working further with the Aboriginal reintegration and rehabilitation team, Naalamba Ganbu Nerrlinggu Yilam, Jo was involved in the first Aboriginal lead healing unit inside a Victorian prison.
Working as an essential worker through Covid times, Jo entered the disability services space as a Communication Officer and Team Leader. The successful implementation of these services and the positive impact support had on the prisoner group culminated with the introduction of the Prison Disability Support Initiative, an ongoing support service for ones living with a disability caught in the correctional space. Jo has joined the Sage team after working as a Support Coordinator in the private arena. Jo works hard to see all participants that she engages with feel empowered and supported to reach their individual goals.
Away from the office, you will find Jo wandering out bush or walking her favourite friends Narla and Pepper on the beach.
KAYLA
Support Coordinator
Certificate III in Individual Support, Completing Bachelor of Psychological Science, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Kayla has been working within the disability sector for over 5 years where her journey started working within NDIS teams, after moving from her hometown in Hobart, Tasmania. This included working within the Access Met Team, Younger People Residing in Aged Care (YPIRAC) & Hospital Discharge Team (HLO). This is where Kayla was able to work alongside delegates, be a part of projects and personally assisting directors within these teams.
Alongside this, Kayla has been able to gain valuable insight working alongside clinicians throughout allied health clinics and working 1:1 with participants providing personal care and community access supports.
This extensive experience not only within the scheme, but also within the provider space has lead Kayla to working in support coordination where she has been able to advocate for participants and ensuring that individuals needs are being valued, heard and respected. Kayla acknowledges the diversity of disabilities among individuals, recognising that each person’s challenges they face are unique. With this understanding, she is passionate in letting people exercise their independence and support participants in building their capacity to feel confident enough to make their own decisions. Kayla thrives most when she knows she has been able to make a positive impact on a person and helping them understand the complexities and navigation of the NDIS system.
Kayla is currently completing her Bachelors in Psychological Science which is where her passion for supporting people with complex psychosocial and neurodiversity supports lie.
In her spare time, Kayla loves spending time with her close friends, reading, finding new places to have coffee, op shopping, Sunday markets and spending time with her two fur babies, Leo and Quavo.
KAREN
Support Coordinator
Diploma of Social Science (Child Care), Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Karen began working in the family and children’s services sector over 30 years ago, beginning her career as an Early Childhood Educator and Kindergarten Teacher. Always having a passion for supporting children and their families, her interest led to her role as a Family Services Coordinator working with a wide range of families with complex needs and assisting them to navigate services, while providing them with ongoing support.
Over the following years her two beautiful children arrived and her role as a mum allowed her to have a deeper understanding of the challenges and enjoyments families experience. With her focus on caring for her children, Karen studied Accounting and Business Management and began working in her family company as Administration Manager and Human Resources Manager, where she remained for 18 years.
Karen’s love for helping others meant she couldn’t stay away from the Community Services industry for too long and she returned to study, whilst volunteering with the Raise Foundation as a Mentor in the Young Parents Program. It became apparent during this time that there was a gap within services and highlighted that younger mums needed further specific supports. Not one to sit back and just see a problem, Karen co-foundered the local Geelong charity The Empowerment Challenge to provide younger mums with accessibility to services providing mental health and well-being support, mentorship and community connection.
Supporting her family with their own medical diagnosis and personal challenges, has given Karen further understanding and empathy on the impact disability can have on a person’s life. She experiences first hand the difficulties gaining the right help and the frustrations faced with dealing with some government services and systems. These direct experiences further ignited Karen’s passion to transition into the disability sector determined that individuals and their families have access to supports and services they deserve; and focusing on empowering and educating participants, ensuring their rights and needs are respected.
Karen works extremely hard to support and gain awareness of each person’s diverse needs and is committed to building capacity and independence. Her knowledge of policies and procedures also means she helps you navigate the NDIS Scheme, so you can focus more on achieving your goals and less on the stressful processes. Karen’s extensive experience working with children, young adults and families means she has specialised skills in early childhood intervention, school transition and complex family cases.
Away from the office Karen enjoys spending time with family and friends and her dog Ellie, listening to music and singing; and loves all aspects of basketball, including basketball reffing and coaching.
LAUREN
Support Coordinator
Master of Public Health, Bachelor of Science, Certificate IV in Government Court Services, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Lauren is a former Court Registrar with the Department of Justice who is passionate about social justice, health and welfare. Through her experience working with a diverse cohort of people in the justice system with complex needs, she has developed an interest in policy reform, systems change and capacity building.
Lauren has completed a Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) and has received a Masters Degree in Public Health with a focus on disability and inclusion, and social policy. Since 2021, Lauren has worked for Barwon Health to implement COVID recovery health promotion programs and in community outreach with clients with complex health and welfare needs across the Barwon Region.
Lauren starts every day with a strong coffee and a walk with her precious labrador Ruby, and in her spare time enjoys travelling with her partner and cooking meals for family and friends.
ISAIAH
Support Coordinator
Certificate IV in Disability, Certificate III in Aged Care, First Aid, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Isaiah has been in the disability sector for over 3 years with a background in individual support work where he has learnt important skills to help clients meet their goals. Having a regular client base gave him a lot of knowledge and ability to build great relationships with his clients and their families. Isaiah also has valuable experience working with children in outdoor education in Queenscliff which would include taking children kayaking, bike riding, as well as many other activities, He loved being able to provide knowledge to students and participants about the Bellarine Peninsula. Isaiah finds the industry extremely rewarding being able to see positive change with all the clients he supported previously & current.
Isaiah enjoyed being able to have a positive impact in the children’s space early on in his career. He also gained valuable experience working alongside participants with various disabilities and impairments, ranging across all age groups. His focus is ensuring he provides the best possible service to not only his participants, but their families also.
When Isaiah is not at work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, he also lives and breathes soccer or (FOOTBALL) for those who know! He loves all aspects of the game, whether he is watching, attending games, or playing. Isaiah also enjoys video games in some down time, listening to music, attending concerts as well as travelling.
CHLOE
Support Coordinator
Bachelor of Nursing
WORK HISTORY
DAVID
Support Coordinator
Bachelor of Psychological Science
WORK HISTORY
KATIE
Support Coordinator
WORK HISTORY
With a strong sense of empathy, Katie always puts herself in the shoes of others, allowing her to better understand and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Katie is passionate about empowering her participants to make their own choices and works tirelessly with families to help them achieve their goals.
Outside of her professional life, Katie enjoys spending quality time with her family renovating their hobby farm in the Otways. A proud mum to two teenage daughters, she balances family life with her love for music, camping with friends, singing in a rock band, and spending time with her rescue dogs Harlow and Ivy. Katie’s commitment to making a difference is evident in both her work and personal life.