OUR NEUROGUIDES

I have been working as a Disability Support Worker since 2011, long before the NDIS was introduced. In 2013, I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing, but my journey into healthcare began years before that.

While studying nursing, I continued working as a Disability Support Worker, supporting children and adults with a wide range of needs. I provided in-home care and also worked with special schools and vacation care centres, supporting children with disabilities. These experiences shaped my understanding of what meaningful, person-centred support truly looks like.

After becoming a registered nurse, I discovered a strong passion for mental health. I saw firsthand how deeply mental health can affect individuals, families, and their ability to live independently. This motivated me to further my studies, completing a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and becoming an Authorised Mental Health Practitioner.

Over the past 10+ years, I have had the opportunity to work across a variety of healthcare settings, including the public mental health system. My experience has included working as an Electroconvulsive Therapy Nurse, Paediatric and Adolescent Mental Health Nurse, Graduate Facilitator, Discharge Coordinator, Clozapine Coordinator, and Clinical Nurse Case Manager.

I have also gained extensive experience working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at Children's Health Queensland, supporting young people and families through complex and challenging circumstances.

My professional journey has also taken me beyond healthcare. I completed a postgraduate diploma in Migration Law and Practice, further expanding my knowledge and ability to support people navigating complex systems and life circumstances.

My work has given me experience supporting people living with mental health diagnoses and substance use challenges, as well as individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I also have a strong understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing psychosocial disadvantage.

But beyond my professional experience, I believe my personal experiences have shaped the way I support others. As a mother of a child with special needs, I understand the importance of compassion, patience, advocacy, and genuinely listening to the people and families I work with.

Today, as a Support Coordinator, I find genuine purpose in helping people navigate their supports, understand their choices, build confidence, and have greater control over their lives.

For me, success isn't about making someone dependent on my support. It's about helping them become confident enough to manage their own care and make decisions for themselves.

When the day comes that my participant has the confidence and control to manage their own care and no longer needs my assistance, I am happy. I know that I have successfully fulfilled my responsibility to them.

I'm a passionate and experienced Social Worker with specialisation in the NDIS. I utilise a person-centred and compassionate technique in my practice and really value strengths-based approach and connection in everything I do. Over the years, I've been exposed to community mental health, aged care, disability services, and homelessness support. I'm especially driven by helping people feel included and empowered—no matter their background or circumstances. In my free time, I enjoy walking/jogging by the beach and I do this almost every night after work. Nothing beats hearing the soothing sound of the ocean after a long day! 

Hi, I’m Kristina! I hold a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Bachelor of Business, with over three years of experience in support coordination and four years as a support worker. I’ve supported people from diverse backgrounds with a range of disabilities and support needs.
I’m passionate about building meaningful connections and providing person-centred support that helps people build confidence, grow their independence and work towards their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, cooking, exploring new places, listening to music and playing volleyball. I’m also a proud pet owner and love spending time with my pets, friends and family.