Our people

Michael is a seasoned Executive operating in the for purpose sector for over 25 years, both domestically, within Australia, and internationally with the United Nations in New York, Geneva and across the Caribbean.

Michael has spent his career ensuring the opportunities afforded him are used to provide opportunities for vulnerable people everywhere. With extensive experience in youth and community development, public administration, aged care and NDIS, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role.

A keen advocate and voice for the voiceless in society, Michael is committed to making the world a better place for all, believing that everyone can help us build a society that is truly inclusive of all.

Michele is a highly experienced finance professional with 20 years of experience providing commercial and technical advice to business partners and non-finance stakeholders. She has a demonstrated track record of successfully providing financial insights to directors and senior management and establishing lasting, collaborative relationships. Since commencing her first role in the sector at SILC as the Head of Finance in August 2022, Michele continues to be inspired by the values and cooperative principles of the SILC model, and the innovative way it helps families to achieve great outcomes with NDIS home and living supports. Michele holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).

Michael commenced at SILC in 2018 as a House Manager at CESIL house. Later that year he completed his Crisis Prevention Institute MAPA instructor training (now known as safety-intervention) and has been training staff in managing challenging behaviours since. In March 2024 he commenced as an operations lead.

Michael has over 13 years experience in the sector, initially running sports and recreation programs for people with disabilities, to support work before moving into management of supported independent living houses in 2015. Michael’s motivation is to be able to reflect upon a difficult time in a participant’s life and see how far their quality of life has improved since.

He enjoys learning and thinking critically about each of the people he supports and working with them and their support network to facilitate better life experiences.

In his spare time Michael enjoys competing in endurance events and spending time with his Great Dane Flo.

Vanessa is the Risk and Compliance Manager at SILC and has nine years of experience in the disability sector.

A self-described “systems nerd”, Vanessa believes in putting people with disabilities at the centre of what we do at SILC and building the management systems around them.

Over the years, her experience translating legislation and standards into plain language and practical action with customers and staff alike have seen her implement reforms and improvements within the insurance, aged care and disability sectors. This includes achieving ISO 9001 accreditation for the Uniting Local Area Coordination (LAC) program.

Vanessa sees meeting the requirements for NDIS registered service providers as an opportunity for SILC to continue to innovate and support residents in living their best lives.

Declan joined SILC in September 2022 as the senior support coordinator. He first engaged in the community services sector through his role as a support worker to children residing in involuntary out of home care before transitioning into the support coordination field.

Prior to this, Declan worked in professional basketball as he has a strong interest in all things sport. Declan holds a Bachelor of Commerce (International Business) from Macquarie University and is currently studying his Masters of Business (Not-for-Profit & Social Enterprise) through QUT.

Declan joined SILC to further develop his passion of providing equal opportunities to those living with a disability and is excited to be able to support participants and their families to explore the NDIS ‘Home and Living’ space

Coaching leaders for success within service delivery and community services-oriented organisations. Passionate about building people and organisation capabilities. SILC is a great place to be now, helping build and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Providing business acumen in the people and culture space, supporting leaders to develop beyond managing complex items, case management, employee relations, performance management and change management. Committed to continuous learning and professional development, certified in post graduate studies in Human Resource Management from my hometown at the University of South Australia.

Being a Pisces I love the water, make your dreams reality and be bold to conquer your fears whatever it might be. Mine once was a fear of heights, pushing through it to complete a skydiving certificate after jumping out of a perfectly good plane. Being open to diversity, challenged myself drawing upon my HR skill set to achieve a hotel opening in South Korea. Understanding a culture vastly different to our own, while being inspired by what great things people can do with shared vision, purpose and energy.

Ailsa joined SILC in 2022 as the House Manager for Blue Sky House, assisting in its establishment. Prior to this, Ailsa attended the University of Sydney completing both a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Psychology and Neuroscience) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (Cultural Studies), before completing her Master’s Degree in Brain and Mind Sciences.

During her studies, Ailsa gained invaluable practical experience working at a primary school in learning support for children with various developmental disorders, as well as facilitating home based early intervention programs and personalised support work services.

Ailsa is driven by a dedication to advocate for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive comprehensive, individualised support aimed at enhancing their quality of life and fostering opportunities for inclusivity and empowerment within the community.

Skye joined SILC in September 2023 as the Executive House Manager at My House Oatlands. With over 20 years of leadership and management experience in the disability sector, Skye brings a wealth of expertise across various service areas, including Respite Services, Supported Independent Living (SIL), Community Participation, and Transition to Work Programs.

Prior to joining SILC, Skye served as a Client Services Manager, overseeing the management of 10 SIL homes that supported 44 clients with diverse challenges and support needs. Skye’s extensive experience and dedication to empowering individuals make him a valuable asset to the SILC team. When Skye is away from work he cherishes spending time with my family and friends, engaging in hobbies, activities, and interests that bring him happiness and fulfillment. Skye is a Rugby League fan, and a keen supporter of the Penrith Panthers, a team that is going for 5 titles in a row.

Matt joined SILC in 2023 as house manager for Very Good Days. He comes with over 20 years experience in healthcare. He started off working in the Occupational Therapy department of a rehabilitation hospital before moving into the disability sector. Matt has extensive experience working with challenging behaviours, mental health and complex care.

He brings his knowledge and experience to the Operations team, with the aim of empowering staff to provide the best care for our residents, helping them to reach their full potential. In his spare time, Matt enjoys painting, producing music and spending time with his family.

Roshan brings a strong foundation in finance and technology to his role at SILC, where he has served as the accountant since 2017. His journey with the organisation began at The Hive (formerly TKALC), one of SILC’s residential facilities, where he worked as a support worker, gaining valuable frontline experience in the sector.

Holding a degree in accounting and information systems, Roshan developed his professional expertise through an internship at Coca-Cola Amatil. His commitment to the field is further demonstrated through his active membership in the Australian Bookkeepers Association.

A firm believer in continuous professional development, Roshan combines his technical expertise with strong analytical capabilities to ensure financial accuracy and compliance. His dedication to reliability and trustworthiness has made him instrumental in identifying and resolving complex financial matters, contributing significantly to SILC’s operational efficiency.

Erin Joined SILC in January 2024 as our Senior Support Coordinator.

She comes to us with many years of experience in the disability and aged care sectors, including working for St Vincent De Paul in the Local Area Coordination program, before joining the NDIA as a delegate of the CEO and after three years in this role, became a support coordinator in 2021.

Erin began her career in the public sector as an assistant nurse in aged care where she discovered her passion for helping people live their most fulfilling lives. This has translated to her support coordination work where she focuses on outcome driven service. Erin has worked closely with many stakeholders including NSW Health, Department of Communities and Justice and the Department of education to assist in delivering complex level support to participants in transitional or crisis periods in their lives.

Erin loves to read and has a particular interest in crime fiction/trash novels.

Hannah joined HOST in the role of Quality Support Officer at SILC in May 2024, drawing on extensive experience and a deep passion for the disability field. Her journey began with personal experience, having grown up with a sibling with a disability, which sparked her interest in making a difference. Over the past seven years, she has worked as a support worker and completed a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Sydney.

In 2023, Hannah joined Ability Consultants as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, where she adopts a person-centered, strengths-based approach. Her commitment to advocacy and understanding was highlighted in 2021 when she conducted research for the United Nations Association of Australia, leading to a published project report on Improving Participation for People with Disabilities.

Hannah is dedicated to deepening her understanding of participants’ needs and collaborating with them to achieve their goals. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive society that supports the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.

Leanne has an adult daughter who has severe autism and has been a resident of CESIL House since 2018.

Leanne has been a Director on the Giant Steps Board since 2001 and is the co-ordinator of the annual Giant Steps Ball, a major fund-raising event.

Leanne works as a Licensed Conveyancer for Maccallum Lawyers. She has extensive experience with property and mortgage transactions working in small and medium sized legal firms. Leanne is also a Justice of the Peace.

Fred is the father of 4 children, the youngest Julian, a 17 year old boy with autism. Julian currently attends Giant Steps school in Sydney and is a resident of My House Oatlands (MHO).

Fred was instrumental in developing and establishing MHO of which he is the Public Officer. MHO was established in 2013 a family-governed model that has created a’ home away from home’ for Julian and two other teenage autistic boys in Oatlands, Sydney. SILC became MHO’s SIL Provider in 2018.

Fred has worked in the building industry for over 38 years and established his own successful construction company as a builder and property developer.

His knowledge in these two areas makes Fred a valuable member of SILC. Fred is passionate to help other families create a ‘home away from home’ just like MHO that has been life changing for Julian and his family.

Tim is an entrepreneur with a background in international employment and HR services. He was most recently a co-founder of Shield GEO, an international Employer of Record that supported over 900 client employees across 55 countries. At the time of acquisition by Velocity Global, Shield GEO had 70 staff in 17 countries and was turning over in excess of AUD $150 million per annum. Tim is interested in values driven companies that put people first.

Kim has a wealth of academic experience including;

· Bachelor of Business Health Administration (University of Technology. QLD),

· Graduate Diploma Applied Science Nursing Education, and

· Registered Nurse (Psychiatry & Emergency Med. Major).

Kim is also a registered Midwife and has worked in acute private and public hospitals, Justice Health Community and Aged Care sectors since 1980 including CEO of a number of private hospitals for 12 years 1991 – 2002 in QLD and Sydney’s North Shore.

From 2002 – 2010 Kim held the position of Group Risk/Clinical Risk Manager of Ramsay Health Care Australia and Indonesia and later from 2010 – 2014 as the National Clinical Risk Manager Calvary Healthcare Australia. From 2015-2017 Kim was the Operations Manager at James Milson Village, North Sydney. Kim currently works for Opal Aged Care NSW as the Commissioning Manager at Opal Bankstown. Kim’s 18 year old son Joel is a resident of TKALC.