Hi, I’m Kate (they/them), an experienced support worker with a background across both mental health and disability sectors. My career began in residential care and expanded to include community access, both individually and in groups. Outside of Nearish, I currently provide 1:1 psychosocial and positive behaviour support within an adult transition education classroom.

I focus on meeting people where they are, listening to what matters to them and supporting them in ways that work for them. I believe support should be collaborative and that people should have genuine choice and agency in decisions about their own lives.

My lived/living and professional experience have shaped the values I bring to both my work and everyday life. I have a strong commitment to equality, equity, advocacy and human rights, and believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness. I am committed to continually developing my professional knowledge and understanding so that I can provide thoughtful, responsive and high-quality support.

I use a strengths-based, person-centred approach that is neuro-affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming and trauma-informed. As a non-binary, queer, AUDHD person, I have first-hand experience with some of the challenges that come with navigating a world that isn’t designed with disabled, neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ people in mind. This has strengthened my commitment to creating spaces where people feel accepted, respected and able to be their authentic selves.

As a person, I am compassionate, conscientious and genuinely invested in the people I work beside. I value consent, safety, honest communication, and being able to create spaces where people feel heard; whether that’s exploring complex emotions, developing routines and strategies, or building confidence to create the life they deserve. I recognise that life is complicated and I aim to hold space for all the layers that trauma, neurodivergence, disability and other life experiences can bring.

Outside of work, you will usually find me in the sun with my dog, Poe, gardening, collecting hobbies, or spending time with my family.