Great services come from great people, and we’re fortunate to have a team that brings talent, passion, skill and genuine care to everything they do. Our staff are the heart of Elephant in the Room — a group of dedicated professionals who believe in evidence-based practice, person-centred support and the power of meaningful connection.
Their warmth, creativity and commitment help us walk alongside people with disability throughout our local communities, and we feel incredibly lucky to have each of them as part of our team.
Alison Thomas – Behaviour Support Practitioner and Director
A bit about me
I’ve spent more than 30 years working with the NSW Government, supporting people with intellectual disabilities. It’s been my life’s work. I’ve got a Bachelor of Social Science in Habilitation, a Cert IV in Training and Assessment, and training in Applied Behaviour Analysis. I’ve also done plenty of courses in positive behaviour support, sexuality and relationships, and person-centred planning.
In 2016, I joined three friends to start Elephant in the Room — something I’m really proud of.
Why I love what I do
I care about helping people with disability live the same kind of life anyone else gets to enjoy. I want people to have real choice and control over the support they receive. I’ve worked with lots of people with complex needs, and a strength-based, person-centred approach has always made sense to me. It’s simple, respectful and it works.
Favourite resource in my toolkit
I love using PATH — Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope. It’s a visual planning tool where the person and their support crew sit together and map out a future they want. It’s creative, clear and puts the person in charge.
When I’m not at work
I’m a bit of a board-game nut. Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride are my top picks.
I also love family holidays with my kids and their families. Those trips mean a lot to me.
Brooke Skinner – Speech Pathologist, Behaviour Support Practitioner and Director
A bit about me
I’m a speech pathologist and teacher, and I’ve trained in things like PECS, Key Word Sign and the Hanen programs. I’ve also done training in dysphagia, mealtime management and AAC. I love tech, especially when it helps people communicate in new ways. I’m also a MAPS and PATHS trainer, which I really enjoy.
Why I love what I do
For me, it’s the people. Plain and simple. I love the people I work with, and I love the families and clients we support. Being part of a team that helps people reach their goals and live a full life means a lot to me. I like that we can think outside the box and work on goals that matter, without all the red tape you find in other places.
Favourite resource in my toolkit
I’m a big fan of my toys — but honestly, any board game I can pull out and play is a winner.
When I’m not at work
I love photography. Seeing the world through a lens is pretty special, and I like how powerful a single photo can be.
On weekends you’ll usually find me camping or fishing with family and friends. I love watching the fire (or the bush telly as we call it), and I’m always trying to catch anything other than carp!
Julie Morrissey – Provisional Psychologist, Behaviour Support Practitioner and Director
A bit about me
My background is in nursing. I was a midwife and a child and family health nurse for about 20 years, and I worked as a Diabetes Educator too. After burning out in NSW Health, I begged Brooke to find me a job with her at Ageing, Disability and Home Care NSW — and she did.
A few years later, the NSW Government decided they wouldn’t keep a disability arm once the NDIS rolled out. We were told to start looking for other work… and that’s how Elephant in the Room was born.
Why I love what I do
I’ve always been someone who wants to help people and stand up for the underdog. I enjoy a challenge and I’ll always try to put things right if I can. I love a good win.
I’ve had some doozies over the years. I’ve fed a client’s goat while he was away, moved a client and her cat (plus a very full litter tray), and I’ve been chased by dogs and Shetland ponies. I probably should’ve written a book by now!
I love the variety of clients and I don’t mind the travel. Alison has me hooked on crime podcasts, so I’m always up for a long drive with a good episode playing.
Favourite resource in my toolkit
My colleagues and my clients.
When I’m not at work
I love listening to Coldplay and U2.
We’ve had a caravan for six years and only used it three times — and two of those were just to visit our daughter. My husband calls home “Paradise” and doesn’t want to go anywhere!
Natalie Mudford – Speech Pathologist, Behaviour Support Practitioner and Director
A bit about me
I’ve worked in disability for more than 20 years. Most of that time has been as a speech pathologist and clinical supervisor, and now I’m also a Behaviour Support Practitioner. It’s been a long road, but it’s work I really care about.
Why I love what I do
Every day is different. No two clients are the same, and that keeps me on my toes. I get to work with people who are just as passionate about disability as I am, and that makes all the difference.
Favourite resource in my toolkit
My colleagues. They’re a great bunch and I learn something new from them all the time.
When I’m not at work
I love listening to 80s music and a bit of fluro — the brighter, the better.
I’ve also become slightly addicted to RuPaul’s Drag Race. My dog Freddy curls up next to me on the lounge while I watch!
Anna Minney – Behaviour Support Practitioner
A bit about me
It was my own lived experience that drew me into disability work. I saw firsthand how much difference the right support can make, and I wanted to be part of that. I’ve worked in the sector for years now, and I’ve built strong relationships with clients, families and services across our region.
Why I love what I do
I love what I do because it’s real, meaningful work. Every person is different, and every situation needs its own approach. I like helping people understand the NDIS and build a support team that truly fits their life. Seeing someone gain confidence and feel more in control is pretty special.
Favourite resource in my toolkit
Google — it’s amazing how often the right answer is hiding there when you need it!
When I’m not at work
I’m a big fan of simple pleasures: baking, gardening and a good cup of tea.
And for the record… I’ve never seen E.T., Gone with the Wind, Jaws or Indiana Jones. Apparently that shocks people!
Aurely Harris – Support Coordinator & Therapy Assistant
A bit about me
I started my career in disability while I was still studying, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve worked across different services and roles, and I love the mix of coordination and hands-on therapy work. Supporting people to build skills, confidence and independence is something that’s always felt right to me.
Why I love what I do
I love the dynamic nature of people — no two days are the same. Everyone comes with their own stories, strengths and ways of doing things. I enjoy designing support that fits the person, not the other way around. Working alongside families, services and communities keeps the job interesting and meaningful.
Favourite resource in my toolkit
Google! It’s surprising how often it saves the day.
When I’m not at work
I’ve travelled a fair bit, and Australia became home after I arrived here as a young girl.
I love exploring new places, meeting new people and saying yes to experiences whenever I can.
Ashlee McDowell – Therapy Assistant
A bit about me
Before working in disability, I was a machine operator with no idea what career I wanted. Then I became a mum, and that changed everything. Supporting my daughter through her own challenges opened my eyes to disability work, and I realised how much I enjoyed helping people grow and succeed. That’s what led me to become a Therapy Assistant, and I haven’t looked back.
Why I love what I do
I love watching people reach goals that really matter to them. Sometimes it’s the small wins that mean the most, and being part of that journey is something I’m proud of. Everyone learns differently, and I like finding new ways to make sessions fun, relaxed and right for each person.
Favourite resource in my toolkit
A bit of laughter. It goes a long way in building trust and bringing down walls.
When I’m not at work
I love spending time with my daughter, baking treats and catching up with friends.
I’ve also got a soft spot for elephants — especially the funny ones!
Catherine Goldsmith – Adult & Adolescent Educator
A bit about me
I studied Art Education at COFA UNSW and worked in schools as a Visual Arts teacher. Over time, I realised I was most interested in helping young people who needed extra support, so I moved into disability work. I’ve now worked across early intervention, education and family support, and I love helping kids build skills in ways that feel natural and fun.
Why I love what I do
I love seeing kids grow in confidence. It’s pretty special watching a child master something they’ve been working hard on. I enjoy working alongside families too — they know their child best, and being part of that team approach always feels right.
Favourite resource in my toolkit
Art supplies! Drawing, painting and making things are great ways to support communication, learning and self-expression.
When I’m not at work
I love spending time with my family, doing creative projects and being outside.
I’m also a bit of a board-game fan and never say no to a quiet night in with good company.
Danielle Altmann – Therapy Assistant
A bit about me
I started my career as a beauty therapist before moving into aged care and family support. Over time, I realised how much I enjoyed helping people build independence and confidence, so I shifted into disability work. Becoming a Therapy Assistant has been a great fit — it brings together hands-on work, creativity and people skills.
Why I love what I do
I love seeing people achieve goals that matter to them. Sometimes it’s small steps, sometimes it’s big leaps, but every bit counts. I enjoy adapting activities to suit each person’s style and finding ways to make sessions enjoyable and productive.
Favourite resource in my toolkit
My sense of humour! A good laugh can make tricky moments a whole lot easier.
When I’m not at work
I love photography and taking my camera everywhere. I also enjoy road trips, camping and spending time with my kids.