With a Bachelor's degree in education and disability studies. Kolinda also serves as the Director of Zest Project Co. Additionally, Kolinda hosts our Young Adult Getaways, which occur every three months, and organises Young Adult Catch-Ups between these Getaways to promote meaningful relationships and provide opportunities for authentic connections among participants.

Chloe brings over five years of dedicated experience in the disability sector. Her roles have spanned support worker, mentor, therapy assistant, and development educator, showcasing her versatile skill set and commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her background in administration further complements her hands-on experience, making her a well-rounded professional in the field.

Harry is a passionate and trauma-informed Developmental Educator specialising in supporting children and young adults. With a background in teaching, Harry promotes emotional and social regulation, employs de-escalation techniques, and champions neuroaffirming practices, with a particular focus on Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA).

Caity is dedicated to her role in support coordination, where her unwavering commitment to supporting others shines through. With a strong passion for assisting individuals in achieving their goals and navigating challenges, she is focused on making a meaningful impact on the lives of those she supports. She enjoys exploring new destinations, savoring diverse cuisines, and sharing these adventures with her dog, Floyd.

Clare brings over 20 years of experience in health and wellbeing, with a background in massage therapy and pharmacy support. She is known for her calm, compassionate approach and strong communication skills, particularly when working with older individuals and those managing health challenges.

Clare is passionate about person-centred care,

helping people feel safe, heard, and supported.

In her spare time, she enjoys the beach, walking,

live music, and gardening, which keep her

grounded and balanced in her work.

As an Autistic person with ADHD (AuDHD), Jas is dedicated to providing neuro-affirming support, currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies.

With 10+ year’s experience in disability, mental health, child protection, and employment services, Jas enjoys utilising her knowledge while navigating legislation to better support participants. In her free time, Jas spends her time exploring interests in the Titanic, airports, and planes.

Leigh has completed her Certificate III in Individual Support with five years of lived experience caring for her father.

With a committed to helping others live fulfilling lives, Leigh is dedicated to making a positive difference in the community, helping people reach their goals and feel valued every day.

Leighs passion for AFL football plus her love for arts and crafts bring a personal touch to her supports, allowing her to connect with participants and bring joy to their days.

Katey uses her Bachelor of Health Science to provide holistic NDIS support coordination. With expertise in change of circumstances and AAT processes, Katey’s lived experiences with ASD, EDS, ADHD, and complex health conditions give her deep insight into the needs of clients, particularly children from complex backgrounds and adults with psychosocial disabilities and ABI. She is dedicated to integrating physical, emotional, and social well-being into tailored support plans.

Shannon has several years of experience in the field of Youth and Volunteering, where she has dedicated herself to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. She is enthusiastic about providing positive and effective support, driven by her strong passion for assisting others.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys exploring new activities and is an avid animal lover.

Demi is a highly qualified developmental educator with a master's degree in disability policy and practice. With over ten years of experience, she is deeply committed to promoting the rights, equity, self-identity, and inclusion of people with disabilities across various environments. Demi has extensive
expertise in establishing and implementing skill development programs, working holistically and collaboratively, and supporting individuals across their lifespan and through life transitions.

Kirralee is Zest’s resident adventurer. 

An Emergency Nurse with over 7+ years' experience spanning aged and disability care. She’s trekked the remote corners of Australia and is a passionate advocate for rural and Indigenous health.

Off duty, Kirralee is undefeated in badminton, a fierce UNO contender, and has a soft spot for alpacas. Often referred to as a “Jack of all trades” she turns every sports game or sunset chase into a quirky story.

Whether chasing sunsets across outback Australia or adding streaks of energy to every team, Kirralee brings great zing to Zest and quirky spirit wherever she lands.

Renae brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and a diverse set of skills to Zest having worked in Community Services for 20 years. Renae has lived experience and draws on these experiences to better understand the challenges others face, and aims to deliver trauma - informed and person - centered support. She is passionate about social justice and human rights and is a lover of travel, cats, trying new cuisines, seeing live music, crime shows, spending time in nature and creative pursuits.

Mads is a compassionate mental health professional with a Certificate IV in Mental Health, offering support through a holistic lens.

Mads is driven by a passion for mental health, inspired by witnessing the need for accessible support. She began volunteering with Riding for the Disabled (RDA) at age 10 and have always been drawn to helping others.

Mads enjoys horses, photography, outdoor adventures, and arts and crafts, enriching their empathetic approach and connection with participants.

Leejay comes with over 4 years of experience in disability support, with a focus on psychosocial disabilities including supporting individuals with ADHD, CPTSD, BPD, Anxiety, and Depression. Leejay’s lived experience adds a unique perspective to her supports. Leejay is also an off-grid camping enthusiast, spending her spare time camping off the grid, embracing the simplicity of nature.

William is a compassionate and dedicated support worker, with a background in caring for his family. He is skilled at building connections and creating a positive, engaging environment for clients of all ages. A talented guitarist, beatboxer, and parkour enthusiast, William knows how to make support both fun and active. His playful nature, combined with his commitment to providing personal care, makes him a great choice for those seeking a reliable and engaging support worker.

With over 3 years of experience as a support worker, specialising in personalised care and high-quality service. Holding Bachelor Degree in IT Chiran leverages his technical skills to streamline services, ensuring efficient solutions that benefit clients.

Pauline comes with extensive experience in the Health Industry, including personal care, bathing/showering, manual handling, and assisting with mobility and daily living activities. Her dedication to promoting health and well-being is deeply important to her. In her personal time, Pauline enjoys beach walks, connecting with nature, arts and crafts, and spending time with furry friends.

Rhys is a talented musician, specialising in bass guitar. He's also an avid sports enthusiast and has a deep love for animals. Rhys's passion for music extends to playing in two bands, and he's dedicated to pursuing his personal interests and hobbies while also providing support and encouragement to others in their pursuits. Known for his calm and supportive nature, Rhys takes a person-centered approach in all his interactions, making him a valuable and caring presence in any community or group.

Lisa is warm, respectful, and easygoing, with a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She approaches every interaction with care and the best interests of others at heart. With a Certificate III in Community Services and lived experience with neurodiversity, Lisa brings both professional knowledge and deep personal insight to her work. Her empathy, patience, and genuine understanding make her a strong support for those around her.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys capturing life’s moments through photography, going for walks, cooking delicious meals, and spending quality time with loved ones. She also believes in the simple joy of a good cuppa — whether tea or coffee, it’s her favourite way to relax and connect.

Liam is a dedicated support worker with a Certificate III in Individual Support and experience in aged care. His background includes a Bachelor of Art and valuable staffing experience in Parliament House. A personal family journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) inspires his passion for support work, where he applies his skills with empathy and professionalism.

Jess has a strong background in the Health Care Industry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role. Interest includes: decluttering, organising and cooking. In her free time, she enjoys knitting and engaging in various craft projects. Cooking is a passion that allows Jess to get creative and share her favourite sweets, especially cakes and pastries! Jess prides herself in providing quality care and making a positive impact on the well-being of others.

Claudio is passionate about collaborating with others to uplift and guide them to live their best lives possible. As a fantastic mentor, he especially enjoys working with youth. Claudio finds joy in staying active through beach swims, nature hikes, and engaging in ball sports. Originally from Brisbane, he is a proud Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons supporter.

Haroola is a compassionate support worker with a passion for travel, beach walks, and self-care rituals. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Psychology, she has seven years of industry experience as well as lived experience. Dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and empowering individuals, Haroola is committed to tailoring each day to your desires on your journey towards fulfillment.

Jade has a Bachelor in Applied Social Science (Counselling). She has been specialising in various areas, including child and adolescent therapy, adult therapy, psychosocial issues, psychotic disorders, trauma, anxiety, and stress disorders, for over five years. She can work with children, families, and adults, and help them develop healthy approaches to strengthen themselves and their relationships with others.​

Em is passionate about community services, delivering person-centred support and positive experiences for both participants and teams. With a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management and extensive leadership experience, Em has come to Zest from community Aged Care across roles from Support Worker to Home Services Lead. Her strengths include team mentoring, compliance, training, onboarding, group facilitation, and continuous improvement. Em is also a strong advocate for mental health and well-being, supported by lived experience, work in the field, and further study.

With 9 years of experience in health care, Amber has worked in various settings, including child protective services, disability care, and medical drug rehabilitation. Originally from the Netherlands, She moved to Australia in 2019 and spent six years in hospitality before returning to the health care sector. She is passionate about inclusivity and believe in supporting individuals by focusing on their strengths and abilities to achieve their goals.

In her free time, I enjoy painting, playing the piano, yoga, and traveling.

​With over 25 years of experience, Zinnia brings a heartfelt commitment to supporting people in ways that honour their individuality and culture. Her background spans education, community, and employment services, with a strong focus on walking alongside people with psychosocial needs.
Passionate about inclusivity and equal access to the right supports, Zinnia is known for her compassionate approach and deep understanding of the NDIS, Aged Care, and Disability Employment Services (DES).
Outside of work, she enjoys podcasts, travel, learning, and time with her family and beloved 12-year-old Cavalier. She also values real-life experiences and exploring diverse cultural backgrounds, which enrich her perspective and practice.

Julie is a versatile and compassionate Disability Support Worker with a rich background in nursing, customer service, and administration. With experience spanning mental health, acute care, and aged care nursing,

Julie combines their healthcare expertise with a passion for supporting participants in achieving their goals. Outside of work, Julie is an avid horse enthusiast, excelling in riding, breeding, training, and driving.

Meakayla is our creative all-rounder, supporting the team across a range of office and administrative tasks. With a background in secondary education in English and Visual Arts, she brings creativity, strong communication, and excellent organisational skills to her work. Her experience in retail and marketing has also given her a strong understanding of people, presentation, and storytelling.

An artist and avid reader, Meakayla approaches every task with curiosity and imagination. As a neurodivergent person with lived experience of autism and ADHD, she values different ways of thinking and learning. Meakayla approaches her work through a neuroaffirming perspective, helping to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for both colleagues and clients.

Les is an outdoor enthusiast and creative woodworker, specialising in eco-friendly projects. He loves to tinker and create as well as share his knowledge. With a background in supporting family members, Les offers empathy and understanding. He's also a general handyman for odd jobs, ready to lend a hand wherever needed. Les is excited to support others in their passions and committed to fostering growth and empowerment.

Angela brings a rich background in retail management, office administration, hospitality and cafe ownership to her role. With two children and love for adventure, including 4x4ing, camping and kayaking. Angela thrived on learning and new challenges. She enjoys music, reading, baking and aims to master the guitar/songwriting. Angela's diverse experiences and commitment to growth make her a valuable support to our participants teams. 

​Alison keeps our numbers in check and our accounts running smoothly. With extensive experience in the NDIS industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does. Based in NSW, Alison supports our team remotely, ensuring everything behind the scenes runs seamlessly. Outside of work, she’s a proud mum to three amazing kids and a fur-mum to two lively Labradors and a cat who rules the roost.

With over 4 years of experience as a support worker, Brooke brings a warm, person-centred approach to the individuals she supports. Holding a Certificate IV in Community Services and a Certificate III in Aged Care, she is passionate about empowering people to live meaningful, independent lives.

Booke has lived experience with Autism and ADHD, which allows her to support participants with genuine understanding and a neuroaffirming perspective.

In her downtime, she enjoys beach walks, spending time in nature, creating arts and crafts, and being around animals. These interests often inspire the way she connects with participants, bringing creativity, calm, and a love for the natural world into 
the support she provides.

Fuelled by coffee, compassion, and a deep love for equity (and snacks), Phoebe is someone who has lived experience with disability and is passionate about empowering people, advocating for mental health, and bringing good vibes into every space she enters. With her background in mental health administration, rostering and case management, Phoebe truly values community, creativity, and purpose. She is in her element when helping people and shaking things up for the better.

Britt is a creative and organised professional with strong problem-solving skills and a compassionate, empathetic nature. She brings valuable lived experience supporting neurodivergent children, which has deepened her understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of diverse families. Britt has previously supported early childhood learning and family engagement through a home-based education program, where she built meaningful connections with both children and caregivers.

With six years of experience in the disability sector, Ethan is passionate about delivering clear, consistent, and person-centered support. In his role as support coordinator, he strives to help participants feel confident in navigating the NDIS and empowered to achieve their individual goals. Ethan believes in building strong, respectful relationships that put people first and ensure their voices are heard. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him enjoying music, lifting weights, gaming, or trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

Diandra is a second-year Bachelor of Social Work student with a strong passion for helping and supporting others. She is dedicated to developing her skills and growing both personally and professionally within the field of social work. Known for her loving and caring personality, Diandra is someone who values meaningful connections and making a positive difference in people’s lives. In her free time, she enjoys walking, especially along the beach, reading, baking, spending time with animals, and watching good TV shows. She thrives on genuine conversations and is committed to becoming a compassionate and effective social worker.

Lisa is warm, respectful, and easygoing, with a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She approaches every interaction with care and the best interests of others at heart.

With a Certificate III in Community Services and lived experience with neurodiversity, Lisa brings both professional knowledge

and deep personal insight to her work. Her empathy,

patience, and genuine understanding make her a strong

support for those around her.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys capturing life’s moments

through photography, going for walks, cooking delicious

meals, and spending quality time with loved ones.

She also believes in the simple joy of a good cuppa, 

whether tea or coffee, it’s her favourite way to relax

and connect.

With over three years of experience in the support industry, Gideon brings both professional expertise and genuine compassion to his role. Holding a Certificate III in Individual Support, he combines practical knowledge with lived experience to connect meaningfully with the people he supports. Guided by empathy, respect, and a person-centred approach, Gideon is committed to Zest Project Co’s mission of empowering individuals to live with independence, purpose, and joy. Outside of work, he enjoys volunteering, reading, and spending time in nature. Always eager to grow, Gideon is continually seeking ways to strengthen his ability to support others and help create a positive, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired.

With 14 months of experience in the support sector, Hannah has found a true passion for this work. She’s currently completing her Certificate III in Individual Support and holds a Certificate IV in Nutrition. She has supported people with autism, down syndrome, paraplegia, and people with acquired brain injury, providing light personal care and medication assistance. Hannah brings a caring, person-centred approach to every role. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, travel, cooking, the gym, and spending time with loved ones (especially her dogs). Personal growth and helping others thrive are at the heart of what she does.