Annika Ford
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the Dharawal peoples on the land in which I work.
Support Coordinator / Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Annika has nearly five years of dedicated experience in the disability sector, beginning her journey as a Disability Support Worker in regional group homes, and later working as a Sport and Recreation Coordinator in Southwest Sydney. Her background in Early Childhood Education and Care, combined with five years as a medical receptionist alongside healthcare professionals, has given her a deep understanding of both disabilities and the healthcare system.
Passionate about supporting individuals with mental health and complex needs, Annika pursued further education, earning a Certificate in Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries from the University of Tasmania. She has also completed training in Diabetes Management, Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) Management, and Regulated Restrictive Practices for Children and Young People.
Her experience spans a broad range of conditions, including ADHD, ASD, intellectual disabilities, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, dementia, and more.
Today, Annika focuses on empowering individuals and promoting inclusivity within the disability community. She is committed to advocating for accessibility and equality, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Outside of work, Annika enjoys a rich personal life. She’s an avid reader with a personal library of over 400 books (and counting). A passionate baker, she loves trying new recipes to share with friends and her fiancé. She also enjoys crafting and spends her spare time knitting trauma teddies for the Red Cross Australia, providing comfort to children who have experienced traumatic situations.
Cassandra Elsamad
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the Dharug/ Darug peoples on the land in which I work.
Support Coordinator
I have lived in Auburn my entire life, a place that is home to the Wangal and Wategoro clans, sub-groups of the Darug (Dharug) people. My own experiences with personal hardships and trauma, along with supporting people living with physical and mental disabilities, inspired me to build a career in the disability, support, and health sector.
Rehabilitation after trauma—whether physical or psychological—can be an incredibly difficult journey. Being able to walk alongside someone, listen to their story, hear their struggles, and provide comfort makes a world of difference.
I believe that those with a genuine heart, passion, and drive should use their gifts to shed light on sensitive situations and support people experiencing hardship. For me, embracing this journey and every opportunity it brings is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Chris Collett
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the Dharawal peoples on the land in which I work.
Support Coordinator / Psychosocial Recovery Coach
I previously worked as a support worker, assisting individuals with complex behaviours to achieve their personal goals and live more independently. I’m deeply passionate about supporting people with complex needs, bringing both professional experience and personal insight to my work.
Having grown up in a family with a history of mental health challenges, I have a genuine empathy for those navigating similar experiences.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my children and watching them grow into their own unique personalities. I'm also a proud, self-proclaimed nerd—and wouldn’t have it any other way!
Hayden Jones
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the peoples on the land in which I work.
Support Coordinator
I come from a background in health and wellbeing, holding a Bachelor of Sport Science and a Master of Nutrition. My passion for supporting others has been shaped by both my professional experience working alongside NDIS participants and my personal journey as a parent of a child within the NDIS. I’m deeply committed to helping others, and I love witnessing the positive impact that the right support can have on people’s lives.
Outside of work, you’ll find me at the gym, lost in a good book, soaking up the sunshine, or enjoying a great cup of coffee. I’m truly excited to begin this new chapter as a Support Coordinator—ready to learn, grow, and support participants in navigating their NDIS journey with confidence and clarity.
Heidi Nguyen
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the Dharug/ Darug peoples on the land in which I work.
Support Coordinator
Heidi is a passionate, people-focused professional dedicated to person-centred care. She partners closely with clients to create tailored, goal-oriented plans that reflect their individual needs and aspirations.
As an experienced NDIS Support Coordinator, Heidi has supported countless individuals in navigating the complexities of the NDIS, ensuring they access the right services to enhance their quality of life and reach their goals.
Her experience spans working with a diverse range of clients, strengthening her ability to provide flexible, holistic, and culturally responsive support. Heidi is deeply committed to empowering those she works with, fostering independence, and advocating for their rights within the NDIS framework.
Fluent in both English and Vietnamese, Heidi builds strong, trust-based connections with clients and families from culturally diverse backgrounds, ensuring clear communication and inclusive support.
Jasmine Healy
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the Cammeraygal peoples on the land in which I work.
Specialist Support Coordinator
Jasmine is a highly experienced and compassionate Specialist Support Coordinator who brings a strong foundation in community services and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice to her work in the disability sector. She has worked extensively across mental health, forensic services, and child protection, building a reputation for her calm, capable approach in high-pressure environments.
Before stepping into her current role, Jasmine worked as a Child Protection Caseworker, where she developed deep skills in risk assessment, crisis management, and advocacy for vulnerable children and families. This experience shaped her ability to support individuals with complex and multifaceted needs, always with empathy, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose.
Jasmine is particularly passionate about supporting people who are navigating the justice system or experiencing mental health challenges. She uses a trauma-informed, person-centred approach to build trust and empower the people she works with, always focused on achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Katarina Loncar
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the Bidjigal peoples on the land in which I work.
Support Coordinator
With a Diploma in Counselling and ongoing studies toward a Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling at ECU, I bring a blend of professional knowledge, lived experience, and extensive work in the disability sector to my role as a Psychosocial Recovery Coach. My background in teaching has further strengthened my ability to guide, support, and encourage individuals in their journey of personal growth.
My own life experiences have given me a deep empathy and understanding of the challenges people face. I am passionate about empowering others to pursue their goals and believe in creating safe, supportive spaces where confidence, resilience, and independence can flourish.
My ultimate goal is to walk alongside people as they create meaningful and lasting change in their lives.
Kate Dixon
I pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the Gundungurra peoples on the land in which I work.
Support Coordinator / Psychosocial Recovery Coach
With a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a trauma-informed approach, I am passionate about supporting people of all ages with a disability, as well as those facing challenging life circumstances. I have six years of experience as a childcare worker and have also worked as a school chaplain, giving me a deep understanding of how to support individuals within their unique family systems and communities.
I have supported young people with psychosocial disabilities as an NDIS mental health support worker, and I have also assisted young adults with physical and mental disabilities during summer holiday camps. I have a keen interest in providing therapeutic support through art and music, and I am passionate about learning from diverse cultures and languages.
I am excited about the unique ways we can create change together in the lives of people living with a disability—and the positive impact this has on their families and communities.