Spectrum Village provides Autism specific Information, Support and Therapies.
We are committed to empowering individuals to thrive and live the life they envision.
We create strategies that integrate seamlessly into your daily life. Develop tailored plans, setting attainable milestones to help achieve your unique goals.
We support and advocate for individuals and families every step of the way.
Our team is composed of skilled professionals dedicated to providing specialised services tailored to individuals on the Autism spectrum.
Our team excels at building meaningful connections and guiding you on the path to achieving your goals. Get to know our team.
Jessica is an Autism Consultant with a Graduate Certificate in Education (Autism studies) and has also undertaken studies in Education Support, Allied health and Psychology.
Jessica is the founder and Director of Spectrum Village and provides her clients with Animal-assisted Behaviour Counselling/Psychosocial Recovery Coaching and Support coordinator. She is an experienced professional with a vast knowledge of ASD and first-hand experience.
Jessica brings much passion to Spectrum Village and is thrilled to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. Jessica believes that every person should have access to support for their loved ones on the spectrum. Jessica is a registered member with several professional Autism and Early Childhood organisations across the country. Each year, she attends a variety of webinars and conferences to help better her clients on their Autism journey.
Jessica looks for the ‘ability’ in your loved one with Autism. Jessica sees the ‘ability’ in disability.
When Jess is away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family camping/4WDing and swimming, reading, riding motorbikes and practicing Yoga.
Ashlee studied a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Southern Cross University on the Gold Coast and has years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum.
Ashlee has so much fun working with children and contributing to their development.
When she is not at work, she is hanging at the beach, with her family, bushwalking, gardening or playing hockey.
Animal-assisted therapy promotes engagement and motivation by including a trained dog in therapy sessions to support social, emotional, cognitive and physical functioning.
Bessie was born in 2014. She is a medium-sized Labradoodle.
Bessie grew up in a family home and a veterinary clinic environment (in her younger years). She attended VETPetPep talks at local primary schools in her earlier years.
Bessie is a chill-laid-back girl who gives a friendly wag of her tail and licking kisses to those who approve.
Christina is a new-graduate occupational therapist who studied at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Across Christina’s degree she had the opportunity to gain clinical experience in providing occupational therapy services to clients in hospitals; a paediatric private practice in the Sunshine Coast, and an adult disability service in the Sunshine Coast.
When working within the paediatric sector, Christina had the opportunity to work with a range of children all with differing abilities, and tailor evidence-based intervention practices to help meet each child’s needs. Christina has a lot of experience being around children as she also spent time volunteering at a local primary school each year since she was 14.
Christina loves working within a multidisciplinary team environment. She is very passionate about working with kids and helping them achieve their goals. When Christina is away from work, she enjoys yoga, pilates, hiking and baking.
Crystal is a dietitian with over 8 years of experience. She has expertise in managing IBS, working with NDIS clients, addressing fussy and picky eating, leading cooking classes, food exploration, treating eating disorders and disordered eating, supporting chronic conditions, healthy eating, sports nutrition and FODMAP. Crystal is also skilled in tube feeding, including blended tube feeding.
She is a mother of two beautiful boys. Crystal enjoys working with children and making a positive impact on their health early on by educating them about what our bodies need to be vibrant and healthy. She believes that nutrition education should be a fundamental part of every child’s learning, as the difference a good dietitian can make in someone’s life is profound. Crystal is passionate about helping remove the confusion around nutrition and supporting parents in incorporating gentle, fun, and easy ways to nurture healthy eating habits.
When she’s not working, Crystal loves spending time outdoors, going camping and fishing with her family, and is an avid reader in her spare time.
Fiona is a highly accomplished Qualified Teacher and Speech Therapy Assistant who is pursuing a career in Speech Pathology.
Fiona has over 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood industry and holds a master’s degree in education (STEM in Education).
She has a strong interest in speech and language development and is excited about her university studies in Speech pathology.
Kathryn is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist with almost 20 year’s experience. Kathryn brings vast experience, supervision and mentoring to our team of allied health assistants. She is dedicated to providing quality care to clients and has a keen interest in early speech and language development.
Kerin brings extensive experience in supporting families living with Autism, PDA, and developmental delays, with a strong focus on empowering families and advocating for neuro-affirming practices.
Her background includes studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast and working as an OT in the Sunshine Coast area before relocating to the Clarence Valley.
Prior to her OT role, Kerin worked as a registered nurse, gaining valuable experience in paediatric and neonatal care.
Outside of work, Kerin and her husband have developed a deep love for the Clarence Valley and its natural surroundings. During her leisure time, Kerin enjoys engaging in outdoor activities, sewing, crocheting, and spending quality time with her grandchildren.
Michelle brings over 12 years of experience working as a receptionist and optical dispenser in optometry practices, where she developed a strong foundation in customer service, administration, and practice support. She holds a Certificate III in Optical Dispensing, along with qualifications in Skills and Office Administration, Customer Service, and Management.
Now permanently based in Hervey Bay, Michelle enjoys a peaceful lifestyle living on a farm in a tiny home. Her passion for self-sufficiency and love for nature shines through in everything she does. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, and caring for her goats. Michelle is also a talented artist who loves to paint, occasionally exhibiting her work and facilitating creative workshops within the community.
Friendly, organised, and down-to-earth, Michelle is a valued member of the team who brings both experience and warmth to the front desk and beyond.
Tracy has over 30 years experience in office management and customer service. Her friendly and outgoing personality makes her shine. She endeavours to go above and beyond to assist with all enquiries.
When Tracy is finished work she loves to pamper her 4-legged pooch, spend time with her family, and go caravanning. Tracy looks forward to meeting the faces at Spectrum Village.
Sam studied at Southern Cross University and graduated in 2022. Additionally, Sam is post-graduate trained in Ayre’s Sensory Integration through the University of Southern California.
Sam has always had a desire to help children achieve their full potential. She has a passion for helping people and making a difference in children’s lives.
When Sam is not at work she is busy being a mum of 4 children and enjoys participating in church, sports, and community events. Sam’s husband is the Pastor at Grafton local church and Sam thoroughly enjoys leading kids groups and adult groups as part of the church. Sam loves being outdoors and exploring Australia with her family. Sam is also the coordinator for Grafton soccer club.
Liz recently relocated to the Fraser Coast from the Northern Rivers in NSW after three years of traveling and working around Australia with her husband in their 4WD motorhome.
Previously, Liz spent 12 years in administration and event coordination for a non-profit in Mackay, where she developed a wide range of skills and experiences.
She enjoys connecting with people of all ages.
A Certified Zentangle Teacher, Liz loves teaching and practicing this mindful, relaxing drawing technique. She also enjoys creating treasure books using mixed media. In her free time, Liz appreciates the tranquility of her small acreage at Burrum River, exploring the region by motorbike, and walking on the beach whenever she can.
Helen brings over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood and a Bachelor of Primary Education.
Helen has a strong passion for children’s holistic health and is also a proud mother of a son. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, practicing yoga, exploring nature, going to the beach, reading, and dancing.
Rosie is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Southern Cross University. She brings a wealth of experience, having studied counseling and speech therapy, and worked in pharmacy and hospital settings. Known for her positive and friendly personality, Rosie genuinely enjoys building rapport with her clients. Outside of work, she loves reading, swimming, going to the gym, running, cooking, visiting the cinema, and spending time with family and friends.
Erin completed her Occupational Therapy degree at Southern Cross University on the Gold Coast, gaining valuable experience in paediatrics and rehabilitation. Her work with the Riding for the Disabled program and at an early learning centre focused on helping children build independence, develop motor skills, and overcome sensory challenges. Clinical placements with Queensland Health at Hervey Bay and Maryborough Hospital provided hands-on experience in goal setting and rehabilitation for patients of all ages.
With a background as a teacher’s aide, Erin has supported students on the spectrum to develop life skills, participate in community activities, and engage in group settings like arts, gardening, and sports.
A proud parent of three, Erin enjoys family time at basketball and softball games. Having moved to Hervey Bay three years ago, they love the coastal lifestyle. Erin is excited to join Spectrum Village and help create supportive, play-based therapy environments that empower children and families to achieve their goals.
With extensive experience in the food and hospitality industry, Funda has dedicated much of her life to this field, including successfully owning and managing three businesses. Having lived in Hervey Bay for over 30 years, Funda has a strong connection to the local community.
In recent years, Funda shifted career paths, studying and gaining over four years of experience in the NDIS Disability & Allied Health Sector. She is passionate about supporting children, fostering their growth, exploration, and personal development in a supportive and empowering environment.
Outside of work, Funda is a proud mother of three daughters. She enjoys traveling, motorbike riding, spending time outdoors, camping, going to the beach, cooking, and engaging in arts and crafts.
Fradeena is a passionate and dedicated Speech Language Pathologist who graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Sydney. She has experience working with children and has supported a diverse range of clients, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Delays (DD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
Fradeena is committed to ongoing professional development and has completed a variety of paediatric-specific courses across areas such as literacy, language, speech sound disorders, early intervention, childhood apraxia of speech, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and feeding. Her approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to meet each child’s individual needs.
Outside of her professional life, Fradeena is a proud mum to her beautiful 2-month-old son, Zayvian, and her beloved paw-baby, Milo. She loves listening to music, dancing, trying new foods, and going for drives. Her go-to meals are sushi and pho, and she proudly identifies as a major sweet tooth—she never says no to something sugary!
Fradeena brings warmth, energy, and a deep sense of care to every child and family she works with.
Katelyn brings a strong background in allied health and early childhood intervention, paired with a deep personal passion for supporting children and families. She has studied for a Bachelor of Education (Primary) with a Discipline Depth in Special Education from The University of Newcastle and has completed specialised training, including Early Start Denver Model Fidelity Training, Greenspan DIR Floortime Training, and Indigenous Allied Health Training.
Her professional experience spans across New South Wales and the Northern Territory, where she has worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Allied Health Assistant, and Key Worker. In her previous roles, she provided therapy in diverse settings—from schools and daycares to remote communities in Darwin—collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement individualised programs that meet each child’s unique developmental needs.
What sets Katelyn apart is her lived experience. Growing up with an older brother who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and an intellectual disability sparked her passion for the field from an early age. This personal connection gives her a unique insight and an extra layer of empathy when supporting children and their families.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, going to the gym, visiting the beach, and baking.
Lisa is a former registered nurse and a dedicated fourth-year Occupational Therapy student with a strong passion for supporting individuals to build independence and confidence in their everyday lives. She thrives in team environments and enjoys finding creative, practical solutions to help people achieve their goals in meaningful ways.
Her professional background includes experience across hospital, community, and paediatric settings. Lisa also spent seven years working in an Aboriginal-controlled practice, where she provided culturally responsive care and developed a deep appreciation for holistic, community-focused approaches to health.
Lisa brings a strength-based, neuro-affirming approach to her work, focusing on each child’s unique abilities, interests, and sensory needs. She is committed to supporting development in a way that respects autonomy, honours neurodiversity, and promotes genuine connection.
As a mum to a child with autism, Lisa also brings valuable lived experience to her role. She understands both the challenges and joys of parenting a neurodivergent child and is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments for children and families alike.
When she’s not working or studying, Lisa enjoys swimming, travelling, and relaxing with a good coffee.
Harmony brings over 15 years of experience in administrative roles across a range of sectors, including health, care, and community services. Her background spans both leadership and collaborative team-based roles, equipping her with a unique blend of initiative, reliability, and interpersonal skills.
Highly organised and deeply empathetic, Harmony takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for clients and colleagues alike. She values connection, kindness, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives—qualities that shine through in every interaction.
Outside of work, Harmony enjoys reading, fishing, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Spectrum Village acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this beautiful country Australia, that we are truly honoured to call home. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.