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Hi, I’m Tanya.
I’m the proud Founder and Director of Journey Forward Supports, a boutique registered NDIS provider built on one simple belief: support should always feel personal, genuine and built on connection. I created Journey Forward Supports because I wanted to build the kind of service I would want for my own family—a place where people are never treated like a number, relationships come before rosters, and every person feels genuinely heard, valued and supported.
My passion for this work comes from both lived experience in disability and mental health, and years of working alongside people to achieve their goals. Before establishing Journey Forward Supports, I worked as a Disability Employment Coach and as a Support Worker, experiences that reinforced my belief that meaningful connection is the foundation of exceptional support. Building trust, taking the time to truly listen, and creating genuine relationships are incredibly important to me. Although I now lead our wonderful team, I still regularly provide direct support to participants because staying connected to the people we support will always be at the heart of who I am.
I hold a Certificate IV in Community Services, a Certificate IV in Mental Health, and Mental Health First Aid accreditation. I also believe that learning never stops, so I regularly undertake additional training to continue growing both personally and professionally, ensuring I can provide the highest standard of support to our participants and mentor our amazing team.
Outside of work, I love travelling and discovering new places and cultures. I’m incredibly proud of my Danish heritage, with my father immigrating to Australia from Denmark as a child. Family, kindness and community have always been the values that ground me, and they continue to shape the way I lead Journey Forward Supports every day.
My philosophy is simple: kindness and genuine connection have the power to change lives. I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity, empathy and respect, and that the best support begins with listening, building meaningful relationships and walking beside people as they create a life that is fulfilling, independent and uniquely their own.
Hi, I’m Elizabeth.
I’ve always been passionate about caring for people and strengthening the communities we live in. I truly believe that when we make a positive difference in one person’s life, that kindness creates a ripple effect—touching families, friendships, and the wider community in ways we may never fully realise.
Throughout my career, I’ve taken a holistic, person-centred approach to support, recognising that every individual has their own story, strengths, and aspirations. I believe the best support comes from listening without judgement, building trust, and walking alongside people as they discover their own potential.
Much of my experience has been within the mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors. Through both professional and personal lived experience, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the challenges people can face, allowing me to support others with empathy, compassion, and genuine understanding.
Outside of support work, I’m passionate about art and writing. As a published author and creative, I’ve seen how art and words can help people heal, build confidence, and express who they truly are. Watching someone discover their voice and blossom through creativity is one of the greatest privileges of my work.
I believe every person has a story worth hearing and strengths worth discovering. Sometimes, simply being present, listening with compassion, and believing in someone can create positive ripples that extend far beyond what we can see.
Hi, I’m Ana.
For more than 14 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in the disability and community support sector, and it continues to be a career that brings me genuine purpose and fulfilment. My journey began with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Ballarat in 2011 and has since included roles in community support, activities, lifestyle and leisure across both Ballarat and Melbourne.
I love supporting people of all ages and abilities to build confidence, develop life skills, stay connected with their community, and enjoy the activities that bring them happiness. Every person is unique, and I believe support should always reflect their individual goals, interests and choices.
I provide support with community access, social outings, personal care, domestic assistance, and encouraging participants to embrace new experiences while maintaining their independence.
Outside of work, you’ll often find me playing guitar, singing, going to the gym, cycling, bush walking, playing pool, relaxing in a local café, or spending time by the beach or river.
I believe everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people as they build confidence, discover new opportunities, and live life in a way that’s meaningful to them.
Hi, I’m Brooklyn.
I’ve always been passionate about helping people live life on their own terms. Supporting others to maintain their independence, build confidence, and live a life that’s meaningful to them is what inspired me to work in the disability and support sector.
Alongside my work as a qualified hairdresser, I support people across the disability and aged care sectors. I hold a Certificate IV in Community Services, am certified in Mental Health First Aid, and continue to expand my knowledge through further study in trauma-informed practice.
My approach is person-centred, sensory-friendly, and built on genuine connection. I strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where participants feel heard, respected, and empowered to live life their way.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, spending time with my dog, and embracing new experiences.
I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and accepted for who they are. Creating genuine connections and supporting people to live life with confidence is what inspires me every day.
Hi, I’m Edwina.
Most people know me as Ed or Eddie—and the cat in my photo is Fred, who was very clear that he deserved to be the star! (Our dog wasn’t quite as convinced.)
I’ve always believed that every person has their own unique story, personality and strengths. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and kindness while maintaining as much independence as possible, with support available whenever it’s needed.
Alongside my role with Journey Forward Supports, I also work as a Leisure and Wellbeing Officer in aged care, where I have the privilege of helping people stay connected, engaged and enjoying life. I hold a Certificate III and Certificate IV in Individual Support, a Diploma of Leisure and Health, and I’m currently completing further Dementia Training. I also spent more than three years working in a dedicated dementia-specific care unit, which has deepened my understanding of compassionate, person-centred support.
Outside of work, I’m happiest being creative. I enjoy making beaded keyrings, bookmarks and pens, designing themed terrariums, and preserving special memories through scrapbooking.
One experience has stayed with me throughout my career. A gentleman living with dementia wrote heartfelt handwritten letters to each of his daughters, thanking them for the wonderful life they had shared together. A few months later, he passed away. Those letters became treasured keepsakes for his family—a beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest gift we can help create isn’t practical support, but lasting memories filled with love.
Hi, I’m Gurpreet.
Supporting people to live meaningful, independent lives is something I genuinely enjoy. I believe every person deserves to feel respected, valued and empowered to achieve their own goals, and I feel privileged to walk alongside them on their journey.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to support people from many different backgrounds, including people living with disability, culturally diverse communities and individuals facing complex life challenges. These experiences have reinforced my belief that taking the time to listen, understand and build genuine relationships is at the heart of quality support.
I hold a Certificate III in Individual Support and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and I enjoy continually expanding my knowledge to provide the highest standard of care. My approach is person-centred, respectful and focused on creating safe, inclusive environments where people feel heard, valued and supported to participate in the activities that matter most to them.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and learning about different cultures and communities.
I believe that great support begins with kindness, respect and genuine human connection. Every person has their own story, strengths and goals, and I feel honoured to walk beside them, empowering them to live life with confidence, independence and dignity.
Hi, I’m Jess.
My journey into the support sector has been shaped by both my professional experience and my own lived experience navigating the healthcare system. I hold a Diploma of Community Services (Mental Health & Alcohol and Other Drugs), a Certificate III in Mental Health, and I’m currently studying a Diploma of Nursing, with plans to continue my education after graduating.
Before moving into community and healthcare, I spent many years working in hospitality, from busy cafés to fine dining restaurants. While I enjoyed the fast-paced environment, I discovered the part I loved most was connecting with people—sharing conversations, hearing their stories, and helping them feel welcome. That passion inspired me to build a career supporting others through compassionate, person-centred care.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me with my nose in a good fiction novel, watching a Marvel movie, or tackling the New York Times Wordle (I’m fun and exciting, I promise!). I’m also the proud owner of four squeaky guinea pigs, who are very much the centre of my world.
I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported, no matter where they are in life’s journey. Sometimes the greatest difference we can make is simply taking the time to listen with compassion and kindness.
Hi, I’m Jo.
Making a positive difference in people’s lives has always been important to me, and I’m proud to be part of the Journey Forward Supports team as our Administrator, Client Care Coordinator and Support Coordinator. While I wear many hats behind the scenes, my focus is always the same—to ensure every participant and their family feels welcomed, heard, respected and supported from their very first interaction with us.
With extensive experience in healthcare and community services, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the importance of compassionate, person-centred support. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside individuals and families, helping them navigate services, coordinate supports and access the resources they need to achieve their goals. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect, and I strive to make every interaction a positive and reassuring experience.
Coming from a cosmopolitan background, I genuinely enjoy connecting with people from diverse cultures and walks of life. I value the opportunity to build meaningful relationships based on trust, understanding and mutual respect, and I believe these connections help create support that is both personalised and culturally responsive.
Whether I’m coordinating supports behind the scenes, assisting participants through their NDIS journey, answering questions or helping our day-to-day operations run smoothly, my goal is to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. I enjoy taking the time to listen, understand each person’s unique circumstances and help them feel confident that they’re supported every step of the way.
My philosophy is simple: every journey is unique, and every person deserves to feel valued, respected and empowered. By leading with kindness, open communication and genuine connection, I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of the people and families we have the privilege of supporting.
Hi, I’m Nadia.
As a Registered Nurse, I’ve spent much of my life caring for others, and it’s a profession that continues to bring me great purpose and fulfilment. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting people through all stages of life, always providing care that is compassionate, respectful, and tailored to each person’s individual needs.
I believe some of the most meaningful moments come from the simple things—sharing a conversation, having a laugh, listening to someone’s story, or helping them feel comfortable and confident in their own home. Building genuine relationships and supporting people to maintain their independence is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Proud of my Italian heritage, I love bringing people together through good food and great conversation. Outside of work, you’ll often find me cooking for family and friends, tending to my garden, or enjoying the peace and fresh air of the countryside.
For me, caring is about more than providing support—it’s about helping people feel respected, valued, and never alone. I believe kindness, compassion and a genuine smile can make all the difference in someone’s day.
Hi, I’m Vittoria.
My passion for supporting others comes from both my professional experience and my own life journey. As a holistic counsellor, mentor, educator, writer and actor, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people recover from adversity, build resilience, and rediscover hope.
After overcoming significant educational barriers and teaching myself to read and write as an adult, I developed a deep appreciation for the strength of the human spirit. That experience continues to inspire the compassionate, person-centred approach I bring to every individual I support.
Alongside my work in counselling and education, I’ve owned and operated businesses, mentored young people, and cared for loved ones living with both mental and physical challenges. These experiences have strengthened my belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and genuine respect.
Outside of work, I enjoy writing, learning, and exploring the many ways people can grow, heal, and discover their own potential.
I believe every person deserves to feel valued, heard, and supported. Sometimes, offering someone your time, compassion, and belief in their potential can be the first step towards a brighter future.