MEET OUR STAFF

Mia is a speech pathologist with a deep passion for supporting children and families to realise their fundamental right to communication. With a background in early childhood education since 2018 and experience as a speech pathologist since 2022, Mia brings a unique blend of developmental insight and clinical expertise to her practice. Her areas of interest include school-aged language, literacy, speech sound disorders, and supporting neurodivergent children, particularly those with Autism. While relatively new to AAC, Mia is passionate about learning and using communication systems that empower every child to connect and thrive.

“I am excited about combining my foundation in early childhood education and Master’s in Speech Pathology in my role at Shaping Outcomes. Bringing about change to children and families within a team environment. I believe early intervention has the power to positively shape a child’s entire life trajectory—and I’m dedicated to make these early years count”.

Kerrie Chique began working with Shaping Outcomes in 1998. Her passion for teaching children with additional needs started in 1991 at St Joseph’s Community Preschool, which was the first local program to include children with disabilities from Shaping Outcomes.  In one of her roles at Shaping Outcomes, Kerrie has worked closely with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, Elders and the Bugalwena Health Team.

“What I love about working at Shaping Outcomes is the wonderful and amazing children and their families. I am so grateful and proud to be a part of their everyday lives, challenges and good times.  Working with such a talented Shaping Outcomes staff, local Early Childhood educators and quality Early Childhood settings in the Tweed Shire community is fulfilling, enlightening and satisfying. I feel honoured to come to work every day.”

Libby Cottle has worked within the Early Childhood sector for nearly 30 years. She has worked both within centres as a teacher but also for state run service Gowrie imparting inclusive practices in early childhood and long day care centres across Northern NSW. In 2024 Libby made the change to living in Queensland and working as a Lead Practitioner for Shaping Outcomes. She is degree qualified in both Early Childhood and Primary School making her a great fit for children in preschool and early childhood transitioning to Kindy/Prep. Libby is also the parent of a neurodivergent child herself so “she gets it” from a parent perspective. She works across all development areas, ensuring positive outcomes for the child, family and education service.

“I believe inclusion is a right not a privilege and I’m thrilled to work for such a caring and committed team that Shaping Outcomes is. Working towards positive outcomes for families on the Gold Coast is a role that feels like I’ve been preparing for my whole life.”

Sarah is a primary trained teacher and has a wealth of experience and education to support her families, with studies in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Education, Fine Arts and Visual Culture, and a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies. She works across many educational settings from early childhood through to primary education. Sarah’s lived experience surrounding autism assists her to support the needs of every child and their family. She enjoys using art, craft and hands-on activities as tools to deliver interventions in a way that is lasting in results, and enjoyable for children.

“In my role at Shaping Outcomes I believe that placing value on the strengths and wonderful abilities that each child possesses puts focus where it needs to be. Building the potential of every child, celebrating each success – small and large, and learning and growing together.”

Michelle O’Neill is a Key Worker Specialist and has been with Shaping Outcomes since 2015. Michelle has worked locally in the Early Childhood sector as a teacher for over 20 years, during that time she worked in collaboration with staff from Shaping Outcomes to support children in her care, before deciding to follow her strong interest in the area of working with children with delays and disabilities.

“I feel privileged to work at Shaping Outcomes with other dedicated professionals, who are so supportive not only of the children and families they work with, but also one another. I very much enjoy being a part of our community and getting out into the homes, centres, and schools where I am able to work alongside others to provide positive outcomes for children.”

Carley Veal is a qualified primary school teacher with over 12 years’ experience across a variety of local educational support settings. Before becoming a teacher and joining our team Carley previously worked in early childhood settings, she was a teacher’s aide for many years and has worked for Ronald McDonald House as a tutor for children who have missed significant amounts of school due to illness.

Carley first came to Shaping Outcomes as a parent and is passionate about the transdisciplinary approach that Shaping outcomes offers as she has seen first-hand the success early intervention has for families like her own. Carley has plans to further her study this year with a graduate certificate in Autism Studies.

“Working for Shaping outcomes has given me an opportunity to give back the support that was originally given to me. I’m so happy to be able to help our community and build relationships that will foster growth for these families moving forward. I am really proud to be part of such an amazing team of professionals in such a supportive environment.”

With a Diploma in Early Childhood Services Hayley has worked as an educator for 19 years. During these years she was always drawn to working closely with children who have additional needs. This led Hayley to accomplishing a Graduate Certificate in Autism studies in 2019 and then most recently a Cert 4 in Education Support which has given her the opportunity to work as a teachers aid in local primary schools.

“Over the years I have witnessed first hand the dedicated support that children, their families and educators receive from Shaping Outcomes. I am excited to be apart of such a supportive and invested team”.

Kym has worked in Early Childhood for over 20 years, she comes with experience in working in a variety of roles; one on one with children, managing families and teams and also managing a service that meets the needs of families with diverse backgrounds. It was during this role that she cemented her passion for working with children and families with disabilities.

“After having both professional and personal experiences with Shaping Outcomes over the past 10 years, I feel honoured to be part of such an inspiring team. Supporting families to provide environments and experiences in their community that help in enhancing their children’s development, while creating a sense of safety and security is when I feel truly rewarded.”

Melinda Turnbull has worked as a Lead Practitioner at Shaping Outcomes for 6 years, prior to that she worked for 25 years in a variety of Early Childhood settings including as Teacher/Director in small rural preschools, Early Intervention Transition to School program and an Aboriginal Children’s Daycare Centre. Melinda collaborates with other therapist and embeds therapies within the child’s routines of the day ensuring the best outcomes for her families and children in the Lismore region. Melinda is a trained Lego Group Facilitator and runs this as a social skills development group for children in the area.

“I love being part of a team bringing about positive changes for families and children, seeing a child start in group who struggles to relate to others – finish the group with not just a skill set but a social circle of friends as well is rewarding.”

“I am excited to join Shaping Outcomes. To be part of an organisation with passionate professionals who constantly work towards best practice and to work with children to help them be the best version of themselves “.

“After securing Early Childhood Intervention for my daughter, I quickly realized the immense value of having a Key Worker/Lead Practitioner by my side. They are crucial for delivering therapy, providing support during the inevitable challenges and valuable for celebrating both the big and small wins that arise along the way. In my role at Shaping Outcomes, I have had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated and experienced staff, whose passion and expertise have further inspired me in my field. It is truly a pleasure to collaborate with such a talented team”.

Shaping Outcomes has been a pillar of support and advocacy for families and children with developmental delays and disabilities in the Tweed for over 40 years.  When the opportunity presented itself to Col to assist the organisation in 2014 in Governance support it was a no brainer for him to lead the board.  Since then he has walked closely with the team watching them transition through one of the hardest reforms undertaken to any industry in Australia, the NDIS.  The level of commitment, flexibility, understanding and passion from the SO team was unwavering and Col sees it an honour to be the CEO of such a reputable organisation.

“It is my privilege and responsibility to contribute and support the Shaping Outcomes team as much as possible to see families and children impacted by our work.”

Since the year 2000, Ruth worked with a children’s organisation supporting the emotional wellbeing of children within the education system. After receiving a diagnosis for her daughter in 2013 it became evident that a future advocating for children with disabilities would entail. In 2017 she joined the Shaping Outcomes team to combine a love of writing, advocacy and support of families writing NDIS plans. After a short stint leading the Northcott team at Tweed Heads, Ruth brings an enthusiasm and exhaustive knowledge for NDIS to Shaping Outcomes which will support our families and staff.

“Shaping Outcomes has supported us through some of our most testing times as a family, it is so great to be on the other side giving back to a supportive workplace and community.”

Elaine Clinnick has been involved with Shaping Outcomes since 2010 when her family accessed the service for her daughter. She began working at Shaping Outcomes in 2012 as an Early Childhood Intervention Teacher/Key Worker Specialist, and continues to work part-time in early childhood education and care.

“Shaping Outcomes is such a great place to work, we have a fantastic team of staff who are very supportive of each other. It is wonderful to be a part of Shaping Outcomes”.

Aaron came to Shaping Outcomes after 18 years in accounting, taxation, finance and business services; including 13 years in public practice. As a parent of two children who have accessed the service, a past period on the Board of Directors as the treasurer and as an adult living with ASD, he is well placed and passionate about the service. Aaron is working in the management team ensuring the continued financial health and sustainability of Shaping Outcomes.

“Our family has trusted this service for many years and seen great gains in our children. It seemed like a natural progression to work here and ensure it is sustainable for years to come.”

Krystel Joyce has worked in many roles and even studied to be a paramedic, but found her calling in Early Childhood Intervention. She has a background in working with kids & adults with various disabilities, and as the parent of a child with processing issues she also has lived experience. After working for Shaping Outcomes for two years as an Individual Skills Worker Krystel made the change to work as our Executive Administrator and hasn’t looked back.

“I am very excited about working with the admin team, to help families from the start of their journey with SO. It’s a great privilege to walk this path with these families”.