Meet the Team

Annette’s 20-year journey in the disability sector is driven by passion and a commitment to making a difference. Starting as a 1:1 Home and Community Support Worker, she learned the value of personalised care.

At Y Whittlesea, she has built strong connections and embraced continuous learning, growing into a strategic leader. Now, as General Manager of Inclusion Services, she oversees compliance, team culture, and innovation while focusing on positive outcomes for people with disabilities. Annette finds joy in seeing her work impact both her clients and family. She believes passion and collaboration create lasting change, inspiring those around her.

Toni has dedicated her career to empowering people with disabilities through transformative camp experiences. Originally pursuing early childhood education, a placement at Mansfield Autistic Centre ignited her passion for the disability sector. She gained experience as a teacher’s aide and volunteer before joining the Y as a Disability Camp Support Worker.

Now as Camping Director she leads a large team of camp support staff and manages over 50 camps across Victoria each year. Toni helps participants build independence, confidence and achieve their personal milestones. She values the Y’s inclusive culture and advises newcomers to listen, empower participants, and embrace every experience.

With 24 years of experience in the disability sector, Rebecca has worked across various services, including Day Services, Plan Management, Care and Residential Management, Support Coordination, and Specialist Disability Accommodation.

Holding a Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability Studies) and a Master of Health Promotion from Deakin University, Rebecca brings both expertise and dedication to the field. Passionate about making a difference, she thrives in a collaborative environment, supporting individuals in achieving their goals. As Community Services Director her extensive experience and commitment to empowerment continues to shape meaningful outcomes for the people we support in our home and community programs.

With over 20 years of experience in customer service and finance administration, Ang has been a valued member of the Y Inclusion Services team for the past eight years. As the Client Engagement Coordinator and part of the Inclusion Finance Team, she manages client intake inquiries, registrations, and accounts receivable. Holding a Certificate IV in Disability Services, she remains actively engaged in the sector. Her positive and friendly approach ensures she meets the diverse needs of participants, driven by a genuine passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of clients and their families.

Beginning a career as a support worker in 2000, Leanne spent seven years at Kew Residential Services (KRS), working in residential units and the Kew Day Programs. She then transitioned into a role as a disability instructor at a day placement, where she also served as a communication facilitator for 11 years. In this position, Leanne created visual aids and trained staff on various communication styles, including those used at KRS.

In July 2023, Leanne joined the Y team as a Client Services Administration Officer, bringing extensive experience in disability support, communication facilitation, and client services to her role.

With 16 years of experience in the Disability and Community Services industry, Maxine has extensive knowledge of NDIS services since their inception. As a dedicated professional and a mother of two active children, much of her spare time is spent supporting their extracurricular activities.

She is passionate about working with families, building strong connections, and understanding each child’s unique needs. Her focus is on providing the best possible support to help families navigate the NDIS and to ensure children thrive and achieve a strong start in life. Her commitment to empowering families and enhancing their experiences is at the heart of her work.

Kate has over 15 years of experience in the sector, working across disability services, Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), and camping programs. She is passionate about supporting individuals in capacity building and personal development, with a strong focus on diversity, inclusivity, and creating safe spaces.

A dedicated mentor to young professionals, Kate is known for her approachable and engaging nature. She leads an active lifestyle, enjoying surfing, boxing, CrossFit, tennis, and football. Her diverse professional and personal experiences bring a unique perspective, allowing her to create meaningful opportunities and foster strong relationships within the community.

Growing up in a family of CFA volunteer firefighters, Sarah developed a strong sense of community responsibility. This passion led her to the disability sector, where she began her career 15 years ago with the Department of Human Services.

Now, as Camp Coordinator at Y Whittlesea, Sarah creates inclusive programs that provide meaningful support. In her role, she plans Under-18 and Small group camps, creating fun, inclusive programs that match participants and staff based on their interests and needs. She liaises with campsites and ensures every detail is tailored to provide meaningful support for families and unforgettable experiences for participants. Sarah’s journey highlights the profound impact of dedication, passion, and integrity in making a difference.

Tayla has spent the past five years in the disability sector, discovering her true passion later in life. With experience in rostering, client services, and coordination, she has developed a strong understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Committed to empowering individuals, she is dedicated to supporting them in leading more independent lives. What she loves most about her role is building genuine connections with participants and their families. Whether advocating for choice and control or helping people navigate supports, Tayla finds fulfillment in making a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

Manpreet is a Specialist Rostering Officer at Y Whittlesea, bringing extensive experience in disability support services which has worked in since 2020.

He began his career as a Disability Support Worker, providing hands-on support to individuals with a range of disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, psychosocial disabilities, mental health disorders and complex health needs.

He quickly progressed to a Team Leader role in 2021, overseeing rostering, client activities, and operations at Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes and group activity day programs.  After returning to Victoria in 2023, he began working as a Scheduling Coordinator in which he is responsible for managing rostering, coordinating shifts, liaising with stakeholders, and handling family interactions and email correspondence to ensure smooth operations and high-quality care.

With over five years of experience in rostering at Mercy Aged Care and Community Services, Anusha developed a strong expertise in coordinating care. Recognising the need for deeper knowledge in the field, she completed a Diploma in Community Services in 2023. Although new to the disability sector, she has a longstanding passion for helping people.

Since arriving in Australia in 2007 after completing her studies, Anusha volunteered with the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Little Sisters of the Poor under the Mother Teresa organisation. Her dedication to service began in her home country, assisting their uncle in providing food, organising camps, and supporting small school initiatives by supplying educational materials.

Donna has dedicated 30 years to the disability sector, beginning her career as a House Supervisor with the Deaf Blind Association. She then spent two decades at Diamond Valley Special Developmental School whilst raising her four children.

Ten years ago, she joined the Y’s holiday and camps program, finding great enjoyment in the role. Since then, she has transitioned to become a Support Coordinator, using her extensive experience to assist families in navigating the NDIS.

Passionate about her work, she values the opportunity to build relationships and support individuals in accessing the services they need to enhance their quality of life.

With a strong foundation in disability services, having started as a volunteer overseas, Heather brings years of experience to the Y, where she has worked for the past three years. Her deep understanding of the NDIS allows her to navigate its complexities with confidence, ensuring participants receive the best possible support. Through hands-on experience in Y camps, Heather has gained valuable insight into a holistic approach to care, recognising the importance of fostering independence and growth in every individual.

Building meaningful relationships with families and participants is at the heart of her work, as she strives to create an environment of trust, encouragement, and empowerment. Seeing individuals thrive, develop new skills, and gain confidence is what drives her commitment to the role. With a focus on personalised support, Heather is dedicated to making a positive impact, helping participants build their capacity and reach their full potential.

Jasmine works at the Y as a Support Coordinator, as well as more recently Director for the regional expansion in Horsham.

Jasmine started her career in Uganda (Africa), volunteering in an orphanage. She then returned to study and commenced work at a boutique alongside the owner’s daughter that was diagnosed with ASD- this is where Jasmine’s passion for disability ignited.

In her 11 years in the sector, Jasmine has worked in day services, residential disability & youth, developed a mental health group program in Horsham, supported Psychosocial NDIS applications and for the last 4 years in Support Coordination.

Jasmine is passionate about empowering people to access supports, as well as provide education around what participants and their families might be eligible for.

Cody is a Support Coordinator at the Y in our regional team. He joined us with lived experience of caring for family living with disabilities and understands the difficulties faced for parents and carers.

Cody started his career in hospitality as a chef but gradually moved away from this to community-based roles. Cody has worked in the childcare sector, then worked with FairShare and Second Bite as a supervisor. In that role, he was involved in using donated produce with groups of volunteer disability groups, school groups as well as corporate teams to provide meals for others living in need.

Cody comes with an empathetic approach supporting those living with disabilities and hopes to continue broadening his skills and qualifications.