KAREN

Karen began working in the family and children’s services sector over 30 years ago, beginning her career as an Early Childhood Educator and Kindergarten Teacher. Always having a passion for supporting children and their families, her interest led to her role as a Family Services Coordinator working with a wide range of families with complex needs and assisting them to navigate services, while providing them with ongoing support.

Over the following years her two beautiful children arrived and her role as a mum allowed her to have a deeper understanding of the challenges and enjoyments families experience. With her focus on caring for her children, Karen studied Accounting and Business Management and began working in her family company as Administration Manager and Human Resources Manager, where she remained for 18 years.

Karen’s love for helping others meant she couldn’t stay away from the Community Services industry for too long and she returned to study, whilst volunteering with the Raise Foundation as a Mentor in the Young Parents Program. It became apparent during this time that there was a gap within services and highlighted that younger mums needed further specific supports. Not one to sit back and just see a problem, Karen co-foundered the local Geelong charity The Empowerment Challenge to provide younger mums with accessibility to services providing mental health and well-being support, mentorship and community connection.

Supporting her family with their own medical diagnosis and personal challenges, has given Karen further understanding and empathy on the impact disability can have on a person’s life. She experiences first hand the difficulties gaining the right help and the frustrations faced with dealing with some government services and systems. These direct experiences further ignited Karen’s passion to transition into the disability sector determined that individuals and their families have access to supports and services they deserve; and focusing on empowering and educating participants, ensuring their rights and needs are respected.

Karen works extremely hard to support and gain awareness of each person’s diverse needs and is committed to building capacity and independence. Her knowledge of policies and procedures also means she helps you navigate the NDIS Scheme, so you can focus more on achieving your goals and less on the stressful processes. Karen’s extensive experience working with children, young adults and families means she has specialised skills in early childhood intervention, school transition and complex family cases.

Away from the office Karen enjoys spending time with family and friends and her dog Ellie, listening to music and singing; and loves all aspects of basketball, including basketball reffing and coaching.