Meet Team Ascend

servicing the Albury/Wodonga region and surrounds

Get to know Rob |

Rob grew up in the UK and spent 15 years teaching Physical and Outdoor Education before moving into Special Education. He moved to Australia in 2015 and has been living in the Albury/Wodonga area for 7 years. Rob continued working in Special Education at an Autism specific school before becoming a Behaviour Specialist. He has over 20 years experience working in Education and with complex needs.

Rob has a real passion for all sports and being outdoors. He spends his free time playing sports or taking advantage of the outdoor activities that the local area has to offer. Rob believes that he can help clients reach their individual goals and build their capacity through self-paced adventurous activities and increase their wellbeing.

Get to know Mel |

Born and raised in Albury/Wodonga, Mel has over 15 years experience working in a range of disability services. After spending 7 years in Sydney as a Director of an independent OOSH centre and Special Needs Educator in child care centres, Mel returned to the border to support children on the Autism Spectrum as a Teacher's Aide. Mel has also worked as a Support Worker and has over 10 years experience in working with complex needs.

Mel enjoys working with individuals on establishing and developing independence, in particular life and social skills. She is also passionate about incorporating pet therapy into her sessions. Lottie, a golden retriever/poodle mix, has many years experience accompanying Mel and is always ready for a walk, hike, swim, bike ride or a cuddle.

Qualifications

Rob |

  • Qualified Outdoor Education and Physical Education Teacher UK

  • BSC (Hons) 2:1 Health and Sports Science Huddersfield University, UK

  • Registered Teacher NSW

  • Currently completing graduate certificate in Counselling -University of Canberra

  • Duke of Edinburgh Award - Level 2 Leader

  • Secret Agent Society Social skills learning Facilitator

  • Enabling Quality Behaviour Support Planning Course - University of Melbourne & Scope partnership

  • Behaviour Specialist

  • Current NDIS screening check

  • Current Vic and NSW working with children checks

  • Current First Aid certificate and CPR

  • Anaphylaxis Epi-pen training

  • NDIS worker orientation

  • NDIS understanding abuse training

  • Diabetes management training

Mel |

  • Current Vic and NSW working with children checks

  • Current First Aid certificate and CPR

  • Anaphylaxis Epi-pen training

  • NDIS worker orientation

  • Positive Partnerships training

  • Child Protection training

  • Asthma management training

  • CPI training (Crisis Intervention and de-escalation)

  • training and experience using communication devices; LAMP + PECS

  • Current NDIS screening check

“Inclusion is a philosophy that embraces the idea that everyone has something of value to contribute and that everyone has a right to belong.” 

                                                                                                                                        Lisa Friedman