Chelle has a long and experientially rich career specialising in complex care across both the disability and aged-care sectors. Complimentary to her 33 years of industry experience, Chelle has also worked in higher education where she has both developed and delivered coursework in the areas of Severe and Multiple Disabilities, Augmentative Communication Systems and High Support Needs.

Over the course of her career working with disability and aged care organisations, Chelle frequently designed and facilitated a broad range of research-led workshops and training for staff. These sessions have focused on the benefits and importance of person-centred and strengths-based practices; positive behaviour supports; leadership training; strategic plan development; and strategic thinking processes. Chelle believes empowered staff equals thriving organisations that reach strategic priorities and potential.

Industries that exist to serve, support, and care for members of vulnerable groups (for example – health care, aged care, and disability support) are often subject to momentous paradigm shifts. Chelle has an intimate knowledge of the leadership agility required to maintain, protect, and implement professional practices that keep both staff and client safety at the forefront during times of significant change.

Chelle passionately believes in life-long learning. She appreciates what her four children continue to teach her about what it means to be a parent, as well as the opportunities that parenthood provides to foster a love of learning in others. Over the last 27 years of raising children, home-schooling at times, and working in education settings early on, Chelle has developed a passion for children’s literature and educational resources that nurture creativity and promote a love of reading and learning.

Underpinning the various aspects of Chelle’s professional life is her deep respect for others and their unique lived experience.