ANDREA JOHNSTON

Specialist Support Coordinator/ Support Coordinator/

Psychosocial Recovery Coach

Andrea is a Support Coordinator for Aurora Coordination– NDIS and Psychosocial Coordination. Andrea has a Bachelor’ degree in Social Science (Major in Community Welfare and Human Services) and has completed her studies at The University of Newcastle. She has experience in the mental health sector supporting individuals with sever and persistent mental illness, as well as experience in the community development sector working with CALD and NESB communities in the Newcastle region.
Andrea’s passion is to support and guide individuals with a psychosocial disability to understand and access their NDIS Plan. Her focus is to link individuals to appropriate services in order to achieve their desired goals while improving their health and wellbeing. Andres is fluent in Serbian/Croatian and has vast experience working with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.

RUQIA CHAVLA

Support Coordinator

Ruqia is a Support Coordinator with experience as a disability advocate, refugee settlement case worker and teacher’s aide. She has a Bachelor of Social Science (Major in Community Welfare and Human Services) from the University of Newcastle. Ruqia has a background in supporting people with disabilities from the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and Non-English-Speaking Background (NESB) communities in the Hunter region.

Ruqia is passionate about helping others. She believes strongly in empowering people who have disabilities, and striving for greater community inclusion, to enhance the quality of their lives. Ruqia is a caring listener who enjoys working closely with families to help them to navigate and understand the NDIS to maximise positive outcomes for participants.

SIMONE COLLINS

Support Coordinator

Simone is a Support Coordinator who comes from a varied career background beginning with legal administration roles in the Workers and Victims Compensation sectors. More recently Simone has worked as a NDIS Support Worker predominantly with people with neurological conditions and Acquired Brain Injury.  Simone gained vast knowledge and experience of the day-to-day activities and lifestyle of NDIS participants and the many obstacles and challenges they face navigating the NDIS system. Simone is also an accomplished music teacher and choral conductor and has raised 3 children to adulthood.

Simone’s strengths lie in, her great communication skills with an empathic heart, hearing and understanding people’s needs and goals, and her common sense and pragmatic approach to supporting people achieve them.

GRAHAM EVANS

Support Coordinator

Graham has been a Support Coordinator since 2021. He also has experience as a Disability Support Worker.

As well as being a great all-rounder, he has extensive experience assisting young people, supporting families and interacting with out-of-home care. Before this, Graham had an extensive background in banking and finance and holds a Bachelor of Commerce.

Graham is based in Melbourne and stays involved with several local community groups. His background in finance and direct support work has proven to be an excellent foundation for providing sound advice and support to assist participants in managing their NDIS plans.

MARIA BROWN

Senior Support Coordinator

Maria has over 20 years of experience in the disability sector working with families and Centrelink participants in employment pathways. She has five years of experience as a Specialist Support Coordinator, specialising in a psychosocial approach, working with individuals with complex needs, and providing support with mental health services.

Maria has a Bachelor of Social Science (Community Welfare and Social Services) from University of Newcastle.

Maria is passionate about empowering participants to navigate the NDIS, understand provider service options by seeking individualised options and collaborate with healthcare providers to improve their quality of life. Her skills are mentoring and engaging participants to research and find suitably matched support.

BONNIE FROST

Support Coordinator

Bonnie is a dedicated Support Coordinator with extensive experience in the mental health and disability sector. She has worked with a diverse range of participants and has a strong passion for supporting individuals with psychosocial disabilities, mental health and complex behaviours.

With a background in psychology and ongoing studies in Counselling and Special and inclusive Education, Bonnie brings a well-rounded, informed, and compassionate approach to her work. She is committed to expanding her expertise to provide the highest level of support tailored to each participant.

Bonnie takes a person-centred approach, prioritising clear communication, problem-solving, and collaboration with participants and their families. She is passionate about empowering individuals to make informed choices and achieve their personal goals.

Kate Chivers

Support Coordinator

Kate Chivers is an experienced Support Coordinator with five years specialising in support coordination and over ten years’ experience across community and human services roles. She brings a warm, person-centred approach to her work, supporting participants to navigate the NDIS with confidence and clarity.

With qualifications in Community Services, Kate has a diverse background spanning out-of-home care, aged care, and disability support. This diverse experience helps her understand the different needs of individuals and families, and the challenges they may face when engaging with complex service systems.

Kate is known for her genuine, compassionate communication style and her ability to build strong, respectful relationships. She has supported people living with a wide range of disabilities, including intellectual disability, psychosocial disability, autism spectrum disorder, neurological conditions, acquired brain injury, physical disability, and sensory impairments. Her practice is grounded in advocacy, choice and control, and ensuring each person feels heard, valued, and supported to pursue their goals.