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
Alison brings strong experience from her work with the NSW Government, where she supported people with disability across a range of community settings. She has a special interest in strengths-based behaviour support and helping people build confidence and independence.
Alison champions person-centred support and works closely with clients, families and providers to create meaningful, achievable behaviour support strategies.
Alison loves watching people discover their abilities and celebrate milestones, no matter how small. She finds joy in being part of someone’s journey toward greater autonomy and wellbeing.
Outside work Alison is an unapologetic board-game nerd — favourites include Settlers of Catan and anything with a quirky rulebook.
Alison Thomas – bio idea #2
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
Brooke is an experienced Speech Pathologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner, and one of the founding Directors of Elephant in the Room.
She has deep experience across speech pathology, early childhood, behaviour support, rural practice, disability advocacy and multidisciplinary leadership.
Brooke is committed to accessible, evidence-based practice and ensuring individuals and families feel seen, heard and supported. She believes strongly in team culture, creativity and the power of everyday moments.
Brooke loves working in rural communities and values the relationships she builds with families and professionals. She enjoys walking alongside people as they grow capability, communication and confidence.
She’s a massive fan of photography and believes the best memories are made through a lens — usually while wrangling kids, wildlife or both.
Brooke Skinner – bio idea #2
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
Julie is a provisional psychologist and behaviour support practitioner who brings a calm, thoughtful presence to her work.
She is deeply committed to evidence-based practice and supporting people in ways that honour their strengths, values and lived experiences.
Julie loves seeing clients discover new possibilities for themselves and appreciates the privilege of working alongside individuals and families during meaningful moments of growth.
Outside work, she enjoys running, painting and spoiling her dog, who firmly believes he is the centre of the universe.
Julie Morrissey – bio idea #2
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
Natalie is a speech pathologist who enjoys supporting clients across a range of therapy goals. She brings positivity, reliability and creativity to every session, making therapy both purposeful and enjoyable.
She values respect, encouragement and building strong relationships with clients and families. Natalie is passionate about creating a warm environment where people feel supported and capable.
Natalie loves helping people discover what they can achieve and seeing the joy that comes from progress — no matter how small.
She’s a lover of dogs, iced coffee and weekend road trips that always lead to unexpected stories.
Natalie Mudford – bio idea #2
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!