About Us

At Spectrum Village, we are committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals achieve their goals and thrive.

Spectrum Village provides Autism specific Information, Support and Therapies.

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Our philosophy is rooted in a holistic, strengths-based, inclusive, and person-centered approach.

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.

Commitment. Expertise. Passion.

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.

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Meet your village

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Jessica Foster

Director

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.

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Bessie

Therapy Dog

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.

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Christina

Occupational Therapist

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.

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Crystal

Dietician

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.

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Fiona

Early Childhood Teacher / Allied Health Assistant

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.

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Michelle

Receptionist & Administration Support

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.

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Tracy

Practice Manager / Administration Support

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.

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Liz

Receptionist/Administration Support

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.

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Erin

Occupational Therapist

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.

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Fradeena

Speech Language Pathologist

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.

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Harmony

OPERATIONS MANAGER

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.

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Amanda

Allied Health Assistant

Amanda brings a rich and diverse background in community services, youth work, and healthcare administration to her role at Spectrum Village

With formal qualifications including a Diploma of Community Welfare Work, Certificate IV in Community Services, and a Certificate of Attainment in Medical Reception and Terminology, Amanda is well-equipped to support multidisciplinary healthcare teams. She has also undertaken professional development in mental health, dual diagnosis, and crisis support for young people.

Her previous roles as a Youth Worker and Case Manager in residential care settings saw her advocating for and supporting at-risk youth—many with complex and neurodivergent needs. Amanda’s firsthand experience raising a neurodivergent child also adds depth and empathy to her practice.

Amanda has also run her own business and volunteered internationally, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others. Her strong organisational skills, warm communication style, and dedication to client-centred care make her a valuable member of the Spectrum Village team.

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Ida

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Ida is a registered Occupational Therapist with over 12 years of experience supporting children and families to achieve meaningful goals through a family-centred and evidence-based approach. She has worked with children across a range of developmental needs, creating personalised therapy plans that build confidence, independence, and participation in everyday activities.

Originally from India, Ida completed her Occupational Therapy qualifications and obtained a master’s degree before relocating to Australia with her family. She brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and experience and is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. Ida values building strong therapeutic relationships with children and their families and is committed to ongoing professional development and delivering high-quality, individualised support tailored to each child’s unique strengths and needs.

As a proud mother of two boys, Ida understands the importance of patience, creativity, and connection when supporting children and their development. She finds great joy in celebrating the progress and achievements of the children she works with, no matter how big or small.

Outside of work, Ida enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, painting, and riding her motorbike. She values teamwork, positivity, and creating meaningful connections both in and out of the workplace.

Ida joined Spectrum Village because of its strong commitment to supporting children and families through a collaborative and holistic approach. She is excited to be part of a passionate team that shares her values and is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families within the community.

Brynelle
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT

Brynelle brings diverse experience across aged care, inclusive education, healthcare administration and community-based roles to her position as an Allied Health Assistant at Spectrum Village. Her background includes working as a Personal Care Assistant, Teacher Aide within an inclusive secondary school, Swimming Instructor and health administrator.

With a strong interest in psychology, health and human behaviour, Brynelle has completed three years of Nursing studies before transitioning her focus to Psychological Science. She has also undertaken professional development in trauma-informed practice and is working towards further studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis.

Patient, kind and understanding, Brynelle is passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals through a strengths-based and individualised approach, helping clients feel included while working towards meaningful goals.

Outside of work, Brynelle enjoys camping, spending time outdoors with friends and family, renovating her new home and taking on new projects.