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.
Maddie
Support Coordinator
Certificate IV in Youth Work, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Maddie has been working in the Community services sector for over 3 years. Feeling compelled to use her personable bubbly nature to support and empower people. Maddie first stepped into disability support work shortly after commencing her Certificate IV in Youth work. Working 1:1 with people of all ages and abilities Maddie provided individualised support and approaches for her participants to work towards identifying there strengths, implementing goals, accessing the community, developing skills and hobbies. Simultaneously completing her studies in Youth work Maddie worked in a youth refuge where she supported young people experiencing homelessness and the complexities and trauma that they were experiencing. In her most recent role Maddie worked at a Not for profit organisation that supports people with disability, NDIS, Mental health, Justice and Addiction. Working from a holistic perspective Maddie supported individuals and ran peer support workshops focusing on mental health, mindfulness, living skills, Community engagement & womens groups.
Maddie’s diverse knowledge and hands-on experience combined with her passionate and bubbly nature find her making meaningful connections with her participants helping her to best support the individual from a holistic approach to work toward there goals.
In her down time Maddie loves to cook, go hiking, snowboarding, camping and hanging out with her friends, family and her dog Lucy.
MIA
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.
ALEXANDRA (ALEX)
Senior Support Coordinator (Family Specialist)
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.
JO
Support Coordinator
Aboriginal Health Service Management, Communication Skills and Practices, Certificate IV in Business Management
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.
NADINE
Support Coordinator
Bachelor of Biomedical Science majoring in Infection & Immunity, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Nadine successfully obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science with a major in Infection and Immunity. However, instead of spending her days behind a microscope, she discovered her passion lay in advocating for positive community outcomes. Currently, she is in her final year of pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health, with a strong focus on Disability & Inclusion as well as Epidemiology & Biostatistics. This educational journey has equipped her with profound knowledge and practical skills necessary for enhancing and safeguarding community health.
Transitioning from a career in senior hospitality management, Nadine made a purposeful shift to align her profession with her academic pursuits and passion. She has since dedicated her efforts to the disability sector. 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. She relentlessly strives to troubleshoot and overcome any challenges that may arise, advocating tirelessly 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 at her local café, enjoying quality time with her fiancé and their miniature dachshund, Frankie, or soaking up the sun at the beach or a footy game!
KAYLA
Support Coordinator
Certificate IV Individual Support, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Kayla has worked 4 years within the NDIS space. She has had multiple opportunities within the NDIS departments and within allied health providers which has given her a comprehensive understanding of the scheme and the services that are available to participants today. This has helped her effectively advocate for participants needs and goals. She has also had experience providing 1:1 personal care assistance to people with mental health and physical impairments. She has gained valuable insight and experience working alongside everyone from children, young people and elderly.
While being passionate about people and the NDIS, Kayla loves being able to build a positive rapport with families and participants by utilising an open and strong communication line, and actively listening to your needs to make you feel valued and heard. Kayla thrives most when she knows she has been able to make a positive impact on a person while helping them understand their plan and exercising their independence.
Kayla enjoys her spare time by being with her friends and doing fun or new activities together, being active or having a couple hours of downtime by watching a TV show with her 2 cats Leo and Quavo.
NICOLE
Senior Support Coordinator
Certificate IV Mental Health, Currently completing Diploma in Counselling
WORK HISTORY
Nicole has worked within the disability sector for over 6 years and has a background in mental health with a Cert IIIV in Mental Health. She is also currently completing her Diploma in Counselling. Nicole’s passion is to be a strong alley for individuals living with a disability and is driven to provide the highest level of support and service to those she supports and the greater community.
Nicole has over 3 years of experience as a Support Coordinator, with extensive experience supporting participants with complex support needs, including psychosocial and specialising in SDA and SIL. Her previous roles include being an Operations Manager for an SDA/SIL provider which has allowed Nicole to gain valuable knowledge and expertise, allowing her to provide specialised Support Coordination.
Nicole is passionate about supporting individuals to reach their goals, be supported to thrive in their communities, maintain their independence, and to feel and be safe. Nicole enjoys building meaningful professional relationships with her participants and their families. She believes understanding all individuals support needs are unique and therefore approaches each participant with a tailored and person-centred approach.
Nicole takes pride in her knowledge of the NDIS, relevant legislation, as well as policies and procedures. Nicole is a strong advocate for participant rights and wants to ensure all participants can live with dignity and the respect that they deserve.
Nicole is currently renovating her first home (more supervising while her husband does the renovating she says). She has two beautiful dogs, Otis the Golden Retriever and Zeus the German Shepard. Nicole also enjoys snowboarding and having a good chat.
MISTY
Support Coordinator
Diploma in Community Services, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
JESSIE
Support Coordinator
Certificate IV in Disability, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Jessie has come to Sage with two years of professional experience in Support Coordination and has over five years of professional experience in the disability and community care sector.
Jessie began her career back in 2018, starting as a therapeutic support worker, working with high-risk adolescents in residential care. Since then, she has performed various roles within the sector, such as individual support, recreational support, SDA/SIL support worker and group support. Whilst working in this space, Jessie unleashed her passion and drive to support people through difficult times and equip them with the skills required to gain the support they need. Jessie then studied her Cert IV in disability and her Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training, where she enhanced her knowledge and approach to supporting those facing crisis.
Jessie’s passion is to empower those she supports to reach their full potential. She emphasises that no barriers are too great to overcome with guidance, support, and person-centred approaches.
In her downtime, you’ll find Jessie embracing the great outdoors. Kayaking, bike riding, rocking climbing and hiking are just a few ways Jessie likes to switch off.
TEAH CARROLL
Senior Support Coordinator
Certificate IV in Disability, Certificate III in Aged Care, First Aid, Accredited Mental Health First Aider
WORK HISTORY
Teah has over 5 years of experience in the community services sector, the last 2 years focusing on disability supports. Coming from a background in aged care, Teah has always had a passion for helping others in any way that she can.
Starting off as a community disability support worker, Teah came to understand how important it was for people living with a disability to have someone they can rely on to always have their best interests at heart, and this is what motivated her to move her way into support coordination. Being a safe space for participants while helping them build capacity and connect with the perfect supports is her ultimate goal.
Outside of work-life, Teah enjoys downtime with her husband, 3 young daughters, and two Labradors, getting away to their on-site caravan – enjoying the river views and campfire (and don’t forget the marshmallows!)