Shannon Spence
Shannon Spence graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) in 1995 and commenced work in a State Government Agency undertaking Behaviour Support and Case Management. In 2001, Shannon completed a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Monash University, and in 2011, graduated with a Master of Social Work (Advanced Practice). Throughout his career, spanning over 26 years, Shannon has worked in several Government Departments in Australia and the United Kingdom. Shannon is experienced in providing interventions tailored for people with a disability and has extensive experience working in child protection and out-of-home care settings. Shannon is an accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as well as an accredited Mental Health Social Worker and is able to provide services under Medicare.
Rosalee Beale
Rosalee Beale graduated with a Occupational Therapy degree in 1996 from the University of Newcastle. Rosalee has significant experience in working within the aged care sector and supporting people manage life stages and transitions. Rosalee is our Clinical Manager and oversees the delivery of services.
Bronte van der Velde
Bronte graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) Degree from the University of Newcastle in 2020. Following her graduation, Bronte worked in a Case Management role supporting people with psychosocial disability. Bronte has a keen interest in working with children and young people and supporting people with psychosocial disability. She thrives on working with a variety of people each day.
Ebony Smith
Ebony graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) in 2021. Ebony has experience as a youth worker and a disability support worker prior to joining the Shannon Spence and Associates team. She has worked with children in residential and emergency accommodation settings as well as in SIL group homes supporting people with a disability. Ebony enjoys working with individuals of all ages and has a special interest in working with children and teens. She loves the diversity of people that she gets to work with each day, and relishes in helping participants work towards and achieve their personal goals and full potential of independence and improve their lives. She aims to continually learn and grow as a professional to ensure best practice for her participants.
Holly Parker van Oyen
Holly graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and from Monash University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Social Work. Holly believes in education as a lifelong journey and as such she is currently studying an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Psychology. Holly has experience in child protection and family support and has a passion for helping participants achieve their goals taking a holistic view of improving people’s wellbeing.
Jarrod Single
Jarrod graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) from the University of Newcastle in 2021. Jarrod has a keen interest in supporting children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with autism and psychosocial disability. Jarrod enjoys working collaboratively with support services, therapists and the families of each participant and that he is able to assist people in making positive changes to their lives.
Jenny Moase
Jenny Moase graduated with a Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing in 2001 and previously completed a 3 year Nursing Certificate through Stockton Centre. Jenny has over 30 years experience working with people with a range of disabilities and is experienced supporting people with complex needs. Jenny has worked in both government and non government organisations. Jenny is able to provide Specialist Support Coordination and Support Coordination services.
Joanne Cregan
Joanne (Jo) Cregan has qualifications in Community Services and extensive lived experience of Disability. Joanne is based on the Central Coast and can provide support to participants who live in on the Central Coast as well as the Hunter. Joanne has extensive experience with children on the Autism Spectrum and enjoys supporting children and adult participants and their families.
Laura Patterson
Laura graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) in 2020. She completed an Honours thesis on Post Traumatic Growth. Laura has experience working in high schools focusing on student wellbeing, as well as experience in child protection and crisis relief. Laura has a keen interest in, and experience with, supporting participants with anxiety and trauma history. She enjoys working with children, teenagers and young adults, as well as their support teams. Laura provides Behaviour Support across all ages, working with families, children, adolescents, schools, health and SIL homes. She loves meeting new people and building solid relationships with participants and their support team and ultimately helping them at crucial times in their lives, watching them grow and achieve their goals.
Louise Cahill
Louise Cahill graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science degree in 1991 from Newcastle University and has been working in government and non government organisations in the area of disability. Louise has over 30 years experience of working with people with a range of disabilities and is experienced supporting people with complex needs. Louise is able to provide Specialist Support Coordination and Support Coordination services.
Maggie Gibson
Maggie graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) in 2022. Maggie has experience as a youth worker, working with children in residential care and as a disability support worker. Maggie loves working with people of all ages and diversities, and she enjoys building relationships with her participants and their support teams. Maggie is keen to continue to learn and build her skills to ensure best practice for the people that she supports.
Patrick Robards
Patrick graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) in 2022. Patrick has previous experience in youth mentoring and disability support work. Patrick enjoys working with all age groups and diversities and values building positive relationships with participants and their support teams. Patrick is passionate in his role, continually building his skills and knowledge, and strives to support participants reach their personal goals and improve their quality in life.
Rheanna Richardson
Rheanna graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) in 2021. Rheanna has experience as a youth worker, with children in out-of-home care and crisis accomodation. She has placement experience in hospital and research settings. Rheanna is passionate about upholding the core social work values and empowering her clients. Rheanna is enthusiastic about collaborating and building relationships with her participants and their support networks.
Simone Engel
Simone graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) in 2022 and has had experience through her university placements supporting people with a disability. Simone enjoys working with people of all ages and diversities, working collaboratively with participants as well as their support teams to build relationships through a person-centred approach. Simone is committed to applying best practice and core social work values for the people that she supports.
Deanne Murray
Deanne works behind the scenes and looks after all of our administration. Deanne graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle in 1992 and has over 30 years experience in various administrative roles across a variety of industries. Deanne enjoys streamlining our processes and supporting our team.
Shannon Spence and Associates 