Tess Pollard
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the Dharawal peoples on the land in which I work.
Support Coordinator
I have over seven years of experience in the disability and mental health sector, beginning my career as a mental health support worker and progressing into roles in Human Resources and Service Coordination within the NDIS space. My passion for advocacy is deeply rooted in my lived experiences—caring for my father through palliative care and supporting my own children through their diagnoses of Autism and ADHD.
I have a strong interest in working with children, adolescents, and their families, and I am deeply committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and neurodivergence.
I hold a Certificate IV in Community Services and am nearing the completion of a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Children and Community. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, painting, and spending quality time with my children.
Vanessa Penn
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the Dharug/Darug peoples on the land in which I work.
Support Coordinator
With more than 10 years of experience in the disability and mental health sector, I bring a strong foundation of compassion, advocacy, and person-centred support to my work. My motivation is deeply shaped by my cultural values and lived experience as the mother of a son with autism, giving me a personal understanding of the importance of respect, inclusion, and being truly heard.
Having worked as both a support worker and team leader in Supported Independent Living homes, I have supported individuals with complex mental health and disability needs while helping to create safe, empowering, and supportive environments.
I am passionate about promoting dignity, choice, and independence, and I am committed to ensuring each person feels valued, respected, and supported to achieve their goals.