Team

Meet our awesome team

Support Squad is made up of NDIS experts with a broad range of qualifications and skills, and the majority of us have lived experience of disability.

We actually care, and you'll not find a better bunch working in the NDIS space.

Lahra

Chief Operations Officer

Lahra

Chief Operations Officer

0466620753

lahraclifford@supportsquad.org

Lahra's friendly disposition, knowledge of the NDIS and "nothing is too hard" attitude has made her very popular with our clients from the outset. She thoroughly enjoys the role and satisfaction that comes with it from assisting clients to work towards their life long dreams. She is situated primarily in the North, and works from the Gawler region, to Prospect and everywhere in between. Her specialty is working with psycho-social and intellectual disability clients with varying and complex needs. Lahra has recently been promoted to the position of Chief Operations Manager where she will be primarily managing the team.

SUPPORT SQUAD SUPERSTAR POSITION: Chief Operations Officer / Support Coordinator

1. In another life, I'm pretty sure I was a plant because I am obsessed with them, you can never have too many!

2. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d start a cattery.

3. The best piece of advice I've ever been given is think before you speak.

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? Do it! This is the most enjoyable and rewarding work environment.

5. If I weren't so damn good at my job, I would be a Real Estate agent, I love looking at houses.

6. I have a lot of cats as pets.

7. What's the most inspiring part of your job? To know that I am helping to influence positive life changes.

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be teleporting because I could travel everywhere!

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be stylist when I grew up, because I had a strong interest in fashion – who doesn’t love a cow hide skirt!

Therese

NDIS Support Coordinator

Therese

NDIS Support Coordinator

0424766805

therese@supportsquad.org

Therese is extremely enthusiastic and passionate, and has worked in the disability and health industry in a variety of roles, including as a Registered Nurse for a number of years. She is a strong advocate for ensuring access and inclusion for people living with disabilities, and has a friendly and calm disposition that immediately makes clients feel both cared for and comfortable. She is situated in the South-West area and travels as far as Hindmarsh to support participants to achieve their goals. Her strengths are her impeccable attention to detail and ability to draw on her clinical experience when coordinating supports.

SUPPORT SQUAD SUPERSTAR POSITION: Support Coordinator/Registered Nurse

1. In another life, I'm pretty sure I was …I don’t believe in reincarnation, however if I did, I would hope I would always be a caring, supportive and nurturing person, a strong advocate and passionate about social justice issues.

2. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I wouldn’t start a company. I would spend more time with my children and finally take the time to explore my own personal interests. I would also want to work/volunteer in the disability advocacy space. Have a voice and make a difference as there are a lot of people struggling out there. I would also donate money to worthy causes. And, you know, keep working here.

3. The best piece of advice I've ever been given is …I’ve been given a lot of advice from so many people in my life! But this is what stands out for me. My Mum told me after my first heart break, “It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.” That has stayed with me all through my life. She also instilled in me “Treat others the way you wish to be treated.” Give every person the best you have to give in that moment. An Executive Director of an organisation I once worked for said to me, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Be up front and open about them, as the best lessons are learnt through making mistakes.” I’ve learnt myself through life that “Forgiveness is freedom.” I also really like “Know thyself” said by Aristotle. When you take the time to know yourself, you can be clearer of what’s important to you, set meaningful goals, be steadfast in your standards and your convictions so you can live your life with more purpose and meaning. Never give Up!!!

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? Always listen to your clients wishes as you work for them to support them in achieving their goals, not yours. Be willing to take on challenges. No one person can know it all, so be willing to ask for advice and seek out assistance from others when in need. Know that you can always call on your work colleagues for support, advice and guidance whenever needed.

5. If I weren't so damn good at my job, I would spend a lot more time with my family.

6. I have an adorable, intuitive, and very protective little Moodle named Eddie as a pet. My children and I spent 3 weeks naming our little puppy 5 years ago and we all decided we would all have to agree on the name. We watched the movie, “Eddie the Eagle” and it was a unanimous decision.

7. What's the most inspiring part of your job? Being able to provide support to vulnerable people in need. Seeing people gain confidence, work towards achieving their goals, watch them flourish and take ownership of their decisions in life moving forward. The NDIS can be an overwhelming system to navigate so to support people to understand the NDIS and gain the support they need to live their best life and to see the outcomes is inspiring. It can sometime be an incredibly challenging journey with many frustrations along the way but when you finally get the outcomes you’ve been working towards, it makes it all worthwhile.

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be to give people the confidence and strength to never give up on their dreams and get through life’s challenges, no matter how overwhelming they may seem, and achieve their goals and hearts desires. I would also like my superpower to be able to give others a deep understanding of the struggles and hardships people go through. Maybe there would be a lot more acceptance, empathy, understanding and compassion in the world.

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be either a doctor or a nurse when I grew up, because my father worked for the Ambulance Brigade and my mother was a Registered Nurse, Midwife and Child Infant Welfare Nurse. I knew all about anatomy and physiology from an incredibly early age. They also instilled a strong sense of social justice from an early age which has only grown throughout my life experiences.

Emma

NDIS Specialist Support Coordinator

Emma

NDIS Specialist Support Coordinator

0447681332

emma@supportsquad.org

Emma has recently finalised her Social Work Degree, and has joined the Support Squad team as a Specialist Support Coordinator. She is highly efficient, has exceptional communication skills and an approachable, outgoing nature. She is fiercely passionate about assisting clients to maximise their NDIS funding outcomes and achieve personal goals. She is situated in the outer suburbs of the city and has capacity to take on new clients being that she has only recently started with Support Squad.

Superstar Position: Specialist Support Coordinator

1. In another life I’m pretty sure I was a bird.

2. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d start a coffee company. And, you know, keep working here.

3. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is: you only get out of life what you put in.

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? Learn to roll with the unexpected and be persistent!

5. If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be a teacher.

6. I have a Labradoodle named Jasper as a pet.

7. What is the most inspiring part of your job? Seeing clients making the most of their NDIS plans.

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be to fly.

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a fashion designer when I grew up because I had a drawing pad that I used to create different looks.

Marie

NDIS Support Cordinator

Marie

NDIS Support Cordinator

Marie has extensive experience working as both a Case Manager and Health and Well Being Coordinator. She is motivated and passionate about supporting people with disabilities and to help their families to be as independent as possible. Marie is currently on maternity leave and will be returning in January 2022. We wish her all the best with her new little bundle of joy!

Sarah

NDIS Support Coordinator

Sarah

NDIS Support Coordinator

0456785266

sarahgroch@supportsquad.org

Sarah personifies the voice of Support Squad in her own passionate style and prides herself (quite rightly) on her research skills and fact-finding ability. Mother of two sets of twins, (yes, you read right, TWO) and with one son on the spectrum, Sarah's lived experience of disability shines through in her work and she is a highly skilled and organised coordinator. She began her NDIS career in the plan management world and has a more than impressive understanding of the price guide, and as a result, has quickly become an indispensable part of the team.

SUPPORT SQUAD SUPERSTAR POSITION: Support Coordinator

1. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd start a disability education centre. And, you know, keep working here.

2. The best pieces of advice I've ever been given is always trust your gut, never back down from what is right and stand strong even when you stand alone.

3. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? This is not a job, it is a commitment to assist and support people that need you. Be prepared to be a staunch advocate and have a doctorate in deciphering NDIS lingo, strong ethics, and multitasking,

4. If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be bored, unfulfilled and living in a treehouse.

5. I have a Miniature Bull Terrier, dwarf rabbit, turtle, angel fish, and three parrots as pets.

6. What's the most inspiring part of your job? Meeting and supporting my clients. Understanding their view of the world, learning about their lives, and watching them achieve their goals.

7. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a criminal profiler when I grew up, because I wanted to study serial killers.

Amy

NDIS Support Coordinator

Amy

NDIS Support Coordinator

0476498352

amy@supportsquad.org

Amy has recently finished a Youth Work Certificate and prides herself in being warm, friendly and patient. She is great communicator, treating every single person with a high level of respect whilst still being authentic at all times. Amy has a very caring and supportive nature and this makes clients feel like they have known her a lifetime. She is a carer for a sibling with a psychosocial disability, and is passionate about helping people to live a better life and be well supported to achieve their goals.

1. In another life, I’m pretty sure I was “a doctor.”

2. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d start an “animal rescue” company. And, you know, keep working here.

3. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is “be yourself!”

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? “Bring snacks.”

5. If I weren’t so damn good at my job, id probably be “living somewhere tropical!”

6. I have a “Cat named Phantom” as a pet

7. What is the most inspiring part of your job? “Seeing the difference in people’s lives and building meaningful connections with people!”

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be “flying!”

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a “writer” when I grew up, because I “loved writing and telling stories and writing poems.”

Josh

NDIS Support Coordinator/Holiday Experiences Coordinator

Josh

NDIS Support Coordinator/Holiday Experiences Coordinator

0447681991

josh@supportsquad.org

Josh is the first male to join the Support Squad team to keep all the ladies in check! (good luck Josh) All jokes aside, Josh's friendly and good nature, keen eye for detail and high level of efficiency makes him very popular with our clients and well known for getting the job done with ease. Josh grew up with a family member who has a disability, who to this day he absolutely treasures and loves spending time with. He is grateful for their close relationship, and, he is the reason why he feels so passionately about supporting people with a disability.

Support Squad Superstar Position: Holiday Experience Coordinator / Support Coordinator

1. In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a giraffe – I’ve kept some of the height!

2. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’dopen a Bunnings Franchise. And, you know, keep working here.

3. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is perception is the key to happiness – think positive!

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? The awesome people you meet and the things you will learn will amaze you! It’s a fantastic career!

5. If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably work at Bunnings – I could spend hours there! Who doesn’tlove Bunnings!

6. I have a dog named labradoodle and a cat as pets.

7. What is the most inspiring part of your job? Seeing the joy on participants faces when we assist them to pair with the right supports and watch them build their capacity!

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be invisibility.

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a singer, when I grew up because I liked singing but sounded terrible, unfortunately.

Simone

NDIS Support Coordinator

Simone

NDIS Support Coordinator

0447681064

simone@supportsquad.org

Simone was looking for a new challenge after leaving the finance sector and was thrilled when Support Squad offered her a part time position, being that it is the perfect arrangement for her to flexibly work in a rewarding role and look after her three beautiful children. Simone is outgoing and chatty in nature and able to quickly establish rapport with everybody she crosses path with. She absolutely loves the sector and has quickly decided that working closely with people to make their lives drastically change for the better is the perfect role for her.

Support Squad Superstar Position: Support Coordinator

1. In another life, I’m pretty sure I was rich because I have expensive taste and love the finer things in life hahaha

2. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d start an interior design company. And, you know, keep working here.

3. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is treat others how you would like to be treated.

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? DO IT you won’t regret it!

5. If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be a Real Estate Agent

6. I have a dog named Frankie as a pet

7. What is the most inspiring part of your job? Helping people achieve their goals and help them organise things they are unable to do themselves.

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be to have magic powers where I could point my finger and it was clean up a room, fold my washing or mop the floors. This would make life so much easier!

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a midwife when I grew up, because I love babies, they are so helpless and I wanted to be there for them for cuddles and care for them all day!

Tanya

Finance Administrator

Tanya

Finance Administrator

0468928025

tanya@supportsquad.org

With a career spanning a range of different industries including the motor vehicle industry and customer service, Tanya comes to us as an administration, customer service and Finance Administrator all-rounder with a passion for helping those with disabilities achieve meaningful lives. When she’s not being an invoicing guru and working hard to keep the finances in check, she is supporting her three young children and their hectic school / kindy / play date schedules. Tanya is an indispensable part of our team and does an amazing job at maintaining a healthy work/life balance!

SUPPORT SQUAD SUPERSTAR POSITION: Finance Administrator

1. In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a tiger, hear me roar (actually hear me snore) lol

2. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d start an event company.

3. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is “make every day count”.

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? Be open and honest and ready for a challenge

5. If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be travelling the world

6. I have no pets, but I do have three beautiful children.

7. What is the most inspiring part of your job? Satisfaction of helping people with disabilities achieve greater things in life.

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be to be able to read minds.

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a hairdresser when I grew up, because I cut all of my barbie’s hair off and thought they looked great

Renee

NDIS Support Coordinator

Renee

NDIS Support Coordinator

0456411010

renee@supportsquad.org

Renee is Support Squad’s new Specialist Support Coordinator, and recent Social Work Graduate. Her placement experiences have contributed positively to her understanding of mental health and the meaning of recovery, and she has exceptional management skills and the ability to communicate with a range of age groups which is invaluable to a team environment. Renee is knowledgeable, friendly and confident, and has extensive experience in the criminal justice / correctional services space. Renee works out of our office which is centrally located in Beverley, as well as the Murray Bridge region.

1. In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a gypsy.

2. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d start an interior design company. And, you know, keep working here.

3. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is to never give up.

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?. Do it! It’s such a rewarding job.

5. If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be a nurse or something else in the helping profession.

6. I have tropical fish as a pet

7. What is the most inspiring part of your job? Helping people to live the life that they want.

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be flying.

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a psychic when I grew up, because I wanted to be different

Alan

Programs Coordinator

Alan

Programs Coordinator

0410498884

alan@supportsquad.org

Alan is the Programs Coordinator, who has extensive experience managing, coordinating and facilitating engaging, skill building activities for those with a disability. Since joining Support Squad in January he has completely transformed the gymnasium part of the warehouse into a highly successful programs hub. Here is what Alan has to say: “I am really excited about the opportunities afforded to me by this new role. Working in the disability sector for over twenty years in different capacities I have identified some areas for improvement. Although the NDIS has afforded greater opportunities for the clients it is my observation that service providers remain fairly static in their approaches and delivery of programs.
My wish moving forward is to provide a client based program which is up to date with current understandings, uses “out of the box thinking”, is innovative, relevant to each individual and challenging in positive ways for both staff and clients. It involves a progressive planned approach towards a continual improvement in all areas of the service provision with the aim of building a centre of excellence, which becomes a model for other providers. I am willing to fail more times in this challenge than most people are willing to try.

SUPPORT SQUAD SUPERSTAR POSITION: Programs Coordinator

1. In another life, I'm pretty sure I was Chinese. I love the culture, the beautiful landscapes, the art works and the rich history. P.S my stomach still thinks I am Chinese as it always wants Chinese food.

2. If I won the lottery tomorrow I'd start an animal rescue centre company. And, you know, keep working here.

3. The best piece of advice I've ever been given is ……“be prepared to fail more times than most people are willing to try”.

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? Come and look, see, smell and feel the atmosphere. I can promise you that there is nothing else like it.

5. If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be ………I believe I am doing exactly what I was supposed to do.

6. I have 2 cats as pets.

7. What's the most inspiring part of your job? Constantly learning, I believe that I am taught more from our clients than I can ever teach them.

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be the power to heal people

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be in a West End musical in London when I grew up, because I was always singing and dancing………P. S I did it for 7 years.

Garry

Program Support Worker

Garry

Program Support Worker

admin@supportsquad.org

SUPPORT SQUAD SUPERSTAR POSITION: Program Support Worker

1. In another life, I'm pretty sure I was from another planet.

2 . If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd start a Hotel... And, you know, keep working here.

3. The best piece of advice I've ever been given is … Never forget who you are!

4. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? IT’S A TRAP … You’ll be blinded by generosity, kindness and the will to help those around you... All of which will become a part of who you are, there is no way out, once this happens you’re a part of the family.

5. If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be a retired one hit wonder pop star with a failed modeling career appearing in the casual infomercial here and there.

6. I have a Dog as a pet.

7. What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of my job is seeing those around me overcome obstacles on a daily basis and opening their minds to being able to achieve their dreams.

8. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be Telekinesis!

9. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a famous artist when I grew up, because I loved painting.

Elise Heysed

Inclusion Support Worker

Elise Heysed

Inclusion Support Worker

SUPPORT SQUAD SUPERSTAR POSITION: Inclusion Support Worker

1. In another life, I'm pretty sure I was a cat…..I like to sleep all day!

2. The best piece of advice I've ever been given is always try your best.

3. What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? It’s the best job in the world! I love coming to work every day it’s so much fun.

4. I have two cats, Calvin and Oscar as pets. I also take care of the two pet rabbits at Support Squad, Pepper and Spice.

5. What's the most inspiring part of your job? I get to help people learn new things and make them happy.

6. If I were a superhero, my superpower would be being able to fly, because I don’t like walking!

7. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be working at a vet or the zoo, because I love animals.

“I enjoy working in a position where I can see clients lives changing for the better, giving them more opportunities and hopes for their future, opportunities they never dreamed of. It’s what drives me to do my all, and it is a truly rewarding experience.” – Therese Lockhart”

Team

Meet our awesome team

Lahra

Therese

Emma

Marie

Sarah

Amy

Josh

Simone

Tanya

Renee

Alan

Garry

Elise Heysed

Get in Touch

Links

Instagram Feed