Our Staff
Management & Administration
Bernie O'Regan
General Manager
I am Bernie, I have been with Connections since 2018 leading us into the NDIS environment where we are continuing to strive and deliver new services. I have a strong commitment to the wellbeing of people in our community who are in need of disability and mental health support. My interests include sports cars and Gym. I have a Degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Workplace Trainer and Assessor, as well as training in Quality Auditing and Mediation.
Lisa Denham
Operations Manager
Hi, I’m Lisa. I have worked for Connections for 17 years and oversee the day to day operations of the organisation including Human Resources. I have a Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, Other Drugs & Mental Health). I have 3 Beautiful children and am passionate about Mental Health and I am encouraged seeing our participants growth and determination to reach their individual goals.
Nikita
Rostering Coordinator
Hi I’m Nikita. I started with Connections in 2019. I have a Bachelor of Business majoring in International Business & Tourism, Leisure, and Event Management. I love helping people and organizing their days. Reading is my meditation and I love to try new things. I love animals and have a beautiful little dog who has Anxiety, and another who loves everyone & everything!
Teaghan
Administration
Hi, I’m Teaghan! I am the receptionist of Connections who answers all your phone calls and welcomes you on your way through the door. My favorite thing about working at Connections is seeing positive outcomes from our participants.
Rhylie
Administration
Hi, my name is Rhylie. I have been working with Connections since May 2019. I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends. I have 3 fur babies – two cats, Pablo & Stinky. And dog, Buddha. I also enjoy all things Indoor Plants (Fun Fact: I have over 100+ plants).
Support Coordinators & Psychosocial Recovery Coaches
Shirley
Senior Support Coordinator
Kia Ora/Hi, I’m Shirley. I have been with Connections since 2015. I am a mother to 5 beautiful children; I hold a Diploma of Community Services and I am also passionate about mental health. I love all animals, enjoy outdoor adventures as I feel nature helps me reset and I love spending quality time with my loved ones.
Tamara
Senior Support Coordinator
Hi, I’m Tamara. I am a mum of three young children, a newly enrolled psychology student & aspiring yogi who loves adventure, paddle boarding and challenging my comfort zone with new experiences. My down time includes watching movies, reading nonfiction books and spending time with my family and friends.
Maddi
Support Coordinator
My name is Maddi, and I have working with Connections since 2019. I have a bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science for University of Queensland. I love being a support coordinator to help participants reach their goals. I enjoy cooking, art and animals and having a chat with everyone.
Jayden
Support Coordinator
Hello, my name is Jayden.
I started working at Connections in 2016 as a support worker, and since then have expanded my experiences and knowledge in the Support Sector by working in numerous roles in different support environments. This includes complex disability supports with level 3 ASD, complex psychosocial support, and youth engagement.
I have been involved in care coordination for those with mental health looking at transiting into a health community environment in the role of Mental Health Worker for over 3 years.
I started working as a Support Coordinator in 2023, with the goal of having a holistic and recovery focused approach, to best support those I work with achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life.
When I’m not at work, I love to spend time in the outdoors bushwalking and kayaking, and I love my sport (AFL) and music.
Reve
Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Hi, I’m Reve I have been working for Connections since 2012 and I love it. I am a mum of one and part of a wonderful, blended family. I love art, music and working out.
Sharon
Support Coordinator
My name is Sharon.
Ally
Support Coordinator
Hi, I’m Ally, and have recently joined the Connections team as a support coordinator. I’ve been a frontline community services worker for the last 13 years with the last 3 years working in suicide prevention. I’m passionate about supporting a world where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is the standard, we are all different and our humanity connects us all.
My greatest joy are my kids, but I’m also a cat and chicken Mumma too, and I love getting outdoors and exploring nature, or knitting on the rainy days.
Allied Health Practitioners
Daniel
Behaviour Support Clinician & Psychologist
Hi, I’m Dan.
Maddi
Behaviour Support Clinician
My name is Maddi, and I have working with Connections since 2019. I have a bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science for University of Queensland. I love being a support coordinator to help participants reach their goals. I enjoy cooking, art and animals and having a chat with everyone.
Helen
Specialist Behaviour Therapist, Counsellor & Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Hi, I’m Helen. I work with NDIS and private clients, aged 7 to 99. I develop Positive Behaviour Support plans and interventions using collaborative, proactive strategies. I am neuro-affirming and have a special interest in autism, ADHD, and anxiety. I have a Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis and I am about to complete a Master’s degree in Autism and a Master’s degree in Counselling.
Dileema
Behaviour Support Clinician
Hi there! I’m Dileema, I’m passionate about assisting people in the disability community and making a positive impact on their lives.
I hold a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Queensland University of Technology along with a Diploma of Community Services.
I have done Social Worker and Support Coordination in the past and now work closely with NDIS to develop Positive Behaviour Support Plans to help individuals with disabilities work towards achieving their future goals and leading ordinary lives.
Cian
Behaviour Support Clinician
Hi, I’m Cian, I have Bachelor’s in Business (Finance) and nearing completion of a Bachelor’s in Behavioural Science (Psychology). I have experience working in support coordination and service delivery management, reflecting my pragmatic approach to work. I am dedicated to making a positive impact, particularly in assisting individuals with disabilities.
Outside my professional pursuits, you’ll often find me engaging in activities that contribute to my active lifestyle. I have a passion for staying active, whether it’s going for invigorating runs or dedicating time to Pilates sessions. Additionally, my downtime involves quality moments with my beloved kitty and family!
I am deeply devoted to mental health causes, driven by both personal and professional motivations. As I work towards becoming a clinical psychologist, my spare time is often dedicated to staying informed on the latest developments in mental health research and practices. I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the realm of mental well-being.
Support Workers
Alison
I’m Alison, I am passionate about mental health and helping people achieve their individual goals. I also have three beautiful teenage children. I really enjoy being at Connections and having the opportunity to work with our amazing participants. I love reading, nature, learning, music, arts/crafts, swimming, and fishing is definitely my happy place.
Alyssa
Hi, my name is Alyssa.
Anastassiya
My name is Anastassiya.
Barb
Hi, my name is Barb. I’m fairly new to Connection’s but i’m really enjoying my new role as a support worker. I’m married, a Mum of 4 and have 6 beautiful grandchildren. I believe my strengths are: my positive attitude, my communication skills and my natural ability to interact with people. I love the outdoors, cooking, scrapbooking and spending time with family and friends.
Barbara
My name is Barbara. I moved to Australia from New Zealand in August 2021, and I have been a Mental Health Support Worker for Connections since September 2021. I have three boys and one girl, and I love music, dancing, reading, watching talent shows like The Voice and Netflix Korean Dramas
Briana
Hi, my name’s Briana but everyone calls me Bree. I love meeting and getting to know new people. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach or hanging out with my friends and family.
David
Hi, my name is Dave. I’m a father of two fantabulous kids who happily take up much of my spare time. When I’m not with my family, you’ll find me tinkering with old computers or immersed in a science fiction book. I love engaging with people and feel privileged to be part of their life journey as they stride toward their goals.
Hayley
My name is Hayley. In my spare time I enjoy reading and being outdoors, camping and exploring is my favourite way to spend holidays, I have three kiddies and a dog named Evy.
Kristy
Hi, I’m Kristy. I have a background in Community Services, Pharmacy and Psychology. I love supporting people to live a fulfilling life. I have two daughters. I love cats, the beach, gardening and being out in nature.
Linda
Hi I’m Linda. I’m a mum of 3 grown up sons. I spend my spare time getting out in nature, whether it be climbing a mountain or a casual stroll. I love photography, scrapbooking, and card-making. Nature is definitely the best therapy! I also enjoy baking and coffee!
Mandi
Hi my names Mandi, I’ve been working with Connections since 2019 with a background of nursing / disabilities all my working life. I get great job satisfaction helping others reaching their goals and making people smile. I am a proud mum and nan to my daughter and 2 yr old twin grandsons. I have a variety of interests and always happy to try something new and believe that no problem is too big to be worked out or solved.
Mia L
Talofa/Hello my name is Mia.
I am a mum of 3. I have been working at Connections since Feb 2021. I love being outdoors, whether its walking in a nature reserve or swimming at the beach. I like to maintain my fitness by walking or using the outdoor gyms at the park. In my spare time I love going on bike rides with my dog Sampson & enjoy playing cards, board games & doing puzzles. I enjoy doing art & crafts like painting, rock-painting & card-making and I love to help cook freezer meals & finding new cafes to try their coffee & cakes.
Melissa
Hello, my name is Melissa. I love spending my free time with family and friends. I enjoy fishing, sightseeing drives or walks. I am told I’m pretty easy going and love to have a laugh.
Rachel
Hello, my name is Rachel. I am a mum of two who is studying Psychology at UQ. My interests are art (drawing/painting) photography, bush walks and coffee. I also have personal and professional knowledge/experience working with autistic adults.
Ruth
Hi I’m Ruth, I am a mother of 3 and have 5 grandchildren. I like reading, craft and sewing. I have a background in age care and enjoy working as a support worker.
Steve
Hi , I’m Steve. I’ve been part of the Connections family for over 10 years, with a few breaks in between for travel adventures. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me camping, fishing, or cooking up a feast in the kitchen. I’ve got a real passion for supporting people and working with them to find ways to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Let’s work together on this journey to brighter days! 🌟🤝🌈
Troy
Cleaning
Gay
Cleaner
Hi, my name’s Gabriella, I have been with Connections since 2014. I like making homemade cards for family and friends.