Jackie Stewen
Jackie is the Director of BCDS Support Workers and Respite. Starting in Wonthaggi, this has now expanded to Emerald and surrounds. Jackie is FT single mum to 2 kids and loves catching up with her Nan.
Jackie’s experience includes over 14 years in childcare, 4 years working in the NDIS both as an NDIS ECEI Coordinator and an NDIS Support Coordinator, 3 years in aged care and experience in mental health, recruitment/worker screening, developmental research and working with vulnerable families. This includes experience with ASD , Psychosocial disabilities and more.
Jackie originally completed her Diploma of Children’s Services, before completing Bachelor and Honours of Psychology, then completing Certificate 3 in aged care and home and community care and recently completed her Masters of Professional Psychology. Jackie is now a registered psychologist.
Jackie also holds:
First Aid, CPR, WWCC, Police check, Insurance , NDIS worker screening and training...
Plus additional training in Autism, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ training, trauma-informed practice and more.
Jackie created BCDS Support Workers and Respite as someone who saw the huge need for high-quality disability support across all of Gippsland which then expanded closer to Melbourne. With a goal of delivering accessible support without the need for the usual red tape of other NDIS providers- an organisation that values its staff and its clients equally with a desire to go the extra mile and inform people about the NDIS, and pass on her knowledge.
To get access to one of Jackie’s great support workers, cleaners or respite. contact Jackie on 0478 153 668
Cass
Many of our clients will interact with Cass at some point as she also is in charge of rostering and staff support and training.
Cass is a proud member and ally of the LGBTQ+ community and she embraces diversity wholeheartedly.
With a heart full of empathy and an abundance of life experience, growing up in an environment that encouraged open discussions about mental health, Cass understands the significance of creating a safe and nurturing space for everyone she interacts with.
Cass enjoys providing physio and speech therapy support to clients under practitioner's guidance whilst offering a comforting presence for those anxiety or depression. She has worked in previous roles as a children's birthday party host and team leader for teens right through to elderly where she has honed her skills in cultivating safe environments where individuals can thrive.
Cass has experience in assisting individuals with various conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Parkinson's Disease, Stroke, ADHD, intellectual disabilities and more.
Whether you're seeking guidance, companionship, or practical assistance, Cass is here to lend an ear or hand.
Allow her warmth and wisdom to guide you towards a brighter tomorrow.
Qualifications: Manual Handling, Assist Clients with Medication, First Aid, CPR, Police Check, NDIS Check, WWCC, Stroke Training, is fully insured and has completed NDIS Worker Orientation.
Munya
Munya is an exceptional cleaner who is also now branching out into support work after finding that this is where her heart is. Munya is a very hard worker who finds joy in servicing clients needs without judgement and is very accommodating to the needs and preferences of others. She is also a brilliant cook of multicultural food and has been known to provide delicious meals for our clients. Munya also works a second job and has a young boy of her own so availability is limited but she will bend over backwards to accommodate the needs of others.
Qualifications: Manual Handling, Stroke Training, First Aid, CPR, Assist Clients with Medication, Police Check, NDIS Check, WWCC, and is fully insured.
Bex
Bex is a warm and hardworking professional with over 10 years of experience providing services to individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Bex prides herself on ensuring outstanding levels of support to individuals of varied ages and complexities to reach their capabilities, potential and independence.
Bex worked overseas for 9 years as a Nanny, which she loved. Whilst nannying, she volunteered as a Samaritan (suicide prevention), where she provided non-judgmental face-to-face counselling for people experiencing distress and despair. Once home, Bex completed a Diploma in Community Services, and whilst studying, Bex worked as Disability Support Worker. After completing her studies, Bex went on to gain the role as a client services manager in the Disability sector, where she was responsible for managing caseload compliance, staff training and supervision.
Bex has attended forums and workshops on trauma-informed care practices and Cultural Competency, where she gained further insight into cultural practices and allowances in relation to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Participants.
Bex loves her young daughter, golden retriever ‘Frankie’, beach walks and getting to know new people.
Qualifications: Diploma of Community Services from Swinburne University of Technology, First Aid/CPR, NDIS Check, National Police Check
Current WWCC and is fully insured.
Bryan
Bryan comes to us with lived experience. He is especially skilled at working with clients with physical disabilities. He can transport clients with his fully accessible vehicle, and he is also able to assist with basic maintenance or handyman support. Bryan has worked with clients with Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson's, ADHD, ASD and more...
Bryan is a keen hockey player and loves a chat...
Qualifications: Manual Handling, Assist Clients with Medication, First Aid Certificate, NDIS Worker Check, WWCC, Contractor Insurance, CPR Certificate
Brent
Brent has a real passion for capacity building for clients and exceptional computer skills. His professionalism, autonomy and dedication make him an adaptable support worker, able to work with almost any client.
He has a background in hospitality before moving to training and then disability work. He also comes with some lived experience of disability.
Qualifications / Certificates: Certificate 4 in Disability, NDIS Check, WWCC, First Aid, CPR, Assist Clients with Medication, Fully Insured, Manual Handling Training, Food Handling, PEG Feed Training, & NDIS Worker Orientation modules.
Interests: Brent loves music of many styles and will even get involved in the occasional jam. He also loves camping, fishing and surfing, but is happy to adapt to the interests of each client.
Sally
Sally holds qualifications as a Registered Nurse and a qualified Surfing Instructor! She is a Bass Coast local and mother of a 28-year-old, and she loves the beach and local wildlife. She has worked on the Mercy Ship and in prisons, and her favourite job was a Community Nurse. Sally also cared for her own mother for many years and has thoroughly enjoyed supporting clients of all ages with BCDS.
Qualifications: Certificate of Nursing, Diploma of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, First Aid, CPR, Police Check, WWCC, NDIS Check, Manual Handling and is Fully Insured.
Ty
Experience: Ty holds qualifications in production, and while he comes to us without industry-specific credentials, he has extensive lived experience that cannot be learned from a book! He has a strong passion for improving the lives of others, and as such, he works well as a mentor to youth and in the mental health space. Ty is a good all-rounder and also relates well to our older clients, having experience caring for family members.
Interests: Ty loves music and digital media and is passionate about mental health. He is a great conversationalist who loves bringing others out of their shell with his positive attitude to every role.
Qualifications: Production quals, First Aid, CPR, Assist Clients with Medication, Police Check, WWCC, NDIS Check, Manual Handling and is Fully Insured.
Robyn
Robyn is one of our most versatile support workers. Her maturity, flexibility and experience make her an amazing support worker for any client. Robyn has experience with a wide range of clients, including Parkinsons, Intellectual Disability, Autism, a wide range of mental health concerns, and ADHD, to name a few.
Robyn is presently studying mental health and has extensive lived experience as well, making her ability to empathise with both clients and staff second to none.
Qualifications and certificates
Robyn has her NDIS Check, First Aid, CPR, Support Clients with Medication, Manual Handling, Insurance, WWCC and is currently studying mental health.
Linda
Linda has extensive experience in disability and aged care. She has worked within a school for the hearing impaired, with elderly clients and a range of disabilities, including physical, neurological and mental health. Her duties have included showering, assisting with self-care, and transportation. Linda is a diligent worker with an attention to detail. Her ability to build trust and rapport with elderly clients is a standout skill amongst our team. Additionally, she has a great ability to motivate and encourage clients. Linda collaborates well within a multidisciplinary support team, including therapists, primary carers, and family members.
Linda enjoys volunteer work, walking, travelling, cycling and reading.
Qualifications: Food Handling, Mental Health First Aid, Medication Handling, First Aid Certificate, NDIS Worker Check, WWCC, Contractor Insurance, CPR Certificate, NDIS Quality Safety and You.
Michael
Michael is a highly skilled and compassionate disability support worker with over 12 months of experience in the special needs field.
Michael has years of experience in tourism and, as a chef, is always willing to teach people cooking and healthy eating skills. Being a local to the island, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of services and experiences within the Bass Coast Shire. Michael is always keen to expand his skill set by trying new things. Michael gets to know his clients to an exceptional level, enabling him to build rapport, foresee risks, and put his clients' well-being at the forefront of his mind.
Given that Michael is currently completing his diploma in counselling and has lived experience in mental health, this is where his true passion lies.
Qualifications: First Aid & CPR Certified, ASCIA Anaphylaxis Training, Police Check & NDIS Worker Check, Working with Children Check (WWCC), NDIS Worker Orientation Training Completed, Fully Insured
Tjiana
At BCDS Support Workers and Respite, we take pride in our compassionate and adaptable team members, like Tjiana (TJ). With a strong passion for helping others and a flexible, "up for anything" attitude, TJ is dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages—including children, the elderly, and everyone in between.
With experience working in a community youth performance group, TJ has developed excellent communication and leadership skills, as well as the ability to build meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds. Growing up in a home with foster children has further strengthened her understanding of empathy, patience, and trust—key qualities that make her an exceptional support worker.
Whether assisting with daily activities, offering companionship, or ensuring a safe and comfortable environment, TJ brings adaptability and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. Her flexible availability means she is ready to assist whenever needed, always striving to enhance the well-being of the individuals in our care.
We’re proud to have TJ as part of our BCDS team, helping to create a supportive and inclusive environment for our clients! TJ's hobbies include cosplay and musical theatre.
Qualifications: Assist Clients with Medication, First Aid & CPR Certified, Police Check & NDIS Worker Check, Working with Children Check (WWCC),NDIS Worker Orientation Training Completed, Fully Insured.
Melissa
Melissa is a knowledgeable and values-driven support worker with a strong foundation in mental health and human behaviour. Holding both a Diploma of Counselling and an Associate Degree of Social Science, she brings a depth of understanding that enhances every interaction she has with clients. Her background equips her to navigate complex needs with empathy, insight, and emotional intelligence.
She also brings a diverse and dynamic professional background, having worked across community services, traffic management, and local council maintenance. This broad experience has shaped her adaptable, hands-on approach and strengthened her communication and problem-solving skills — essential qualities in disability support.
Melissa has supported a wide range of NDIS participants, including individuals with autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and non-verbal communication styles. She has experience in using visual prompts, providing personal care, assisting with meal preparation, and supporting capacity-building activities such as community outings and safety awareness.
Calm, consistent, and client-focused, Melissa takes the time to understand each individual’s unique needs and preferences. She’s known for her reliability, clear communication, and genuine commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives.
We’re proud to have Melissa as part of the BCDS team.
Qualifications:
First Aid & CPR Certified, Police Check & NDIS Worker Check, Working with Children Check (WWCC), NDIS Worker Orientation Training Completed, Diploma of Counselling, Associate Degree of Social Science, Fully Insured
Hannah
Hannah is based in Cape Woolamai and brings a fantastic blend of professional experience, academic knowledge, and a genuine passion for supporting others.
She is currently completing a Bachelor of Health Science (Rehabilitation Counselling) at La Trobe University, with an expected graduation date of June 2026. Alongside her studies, Hannah has hands-on experience in the disability sector, outdoor recreation, and leadership roles — giving her a strong foundation for providing high-quality, person-centered support.
Hannah has a particular strength in supporting clients with physical and complex needs, and she thrives when helping people to develop independence, build skills, and achieve their goals.
Key skills and experience:
- Personal care and daily living support, including transfers and household tasks
- Supporting clients with complex needs while promoting independence and skill development
- Knowledge of the NDIS system, policies, and client rights advocacy
- Program coordination and team leadership experience
- First Aid certified and trained in safety and risk management
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Her warm and structured approach allows her to build strong relationships with clients and families while focusing on growth, independence, and meaningful outcomes.
Qualifications:
First Aid & CPR Certified, Police Check & NDIS Worker Check, Working with Children Check (WWCC), NDIS Worker Orientation Training Completed,
In Progress: Bachelor of Health Science (Rehabilitation Counselling)