Amanda Edwards

Proprietor

I am lucky enough to be the owner and operator of Geelong Independent Support Network.

The business has been developed from a single man operation that grew rapidly with immense passion.

My passion has continued to grow and inspire new business ventures resulting in further opportunities for our clients.

I have a solid management / book keeping background and was introduced to disability in 2010. From the moment I stood foot in the door I knew this is where I wanted to go in life. I immediately began studying cert 4 in disability which really ignited my passion.

I have had the opportunity to experience numerous roles including disability support worker, Assistant Manager at an SRS, Support Coordination, Care Team Manager and Plan Management.

I have used these skills to help develop a personalised approach at Geelong Independent Support Network. We aim to do things a little different to be able to assist our clients in the best possible way.

I hope to undertake further study to increase my knowledge in broader areas.

Kristen

Executive Assistant/ Senior Support worker

Hello, My name is Kristen also known as Kris or Krissy by staff and clients.

I am Executive Assistant to the Managing director Amanda and I am also a Senior Support Worker. Helping and caring for people is my passion so even though my job is primarily office based you will still find me out and about with both our younger and older clients.

I am so proud to say I work for an organisation like GISN, I have been with here since the very beginning, I was their first ever employee and I could not imagine being anywhere else.

Outside of work you will find me curled up on the couch with a hot cup of tea and a good book or watching True Crime documentaries with my Fur babies.

Coralee

 Support worker

Hey, my name is Coralee but everyone calls me Cozzy or Cozza and I am a support worker here at GISN.

I work mainly with our older clients, but you will sometimes see me helping at our School Holiday Program or After School Program.

I have worked in a variety of different industries from being a first aid officer in a high school to working in aged care as a personal care worker. I am very passionate about helping and caring for people from all walks of life, so when presented with this opportunity I felt that this would be the perfect fit for me.

Outside of work I like to read, play silly games on my phone and spend time with my family. I am a mother of 2 older children and a step mum to a 4 year old who keeps me on the toes.

Maddison

Support worker

Hi my name is Maddison and I am a Support Worker at Geelong Independent Support Network.

I am new to the GISN team! Most of the time I work with the kids, so you will find me at the farm for either school holiday programs or day programs.

In 2018 I graduated from University with my Bachelor of Youth Work, and previous to GISN I worked in an alternative education program.

When im not at work im usually finding any way to relax by hanging out with friends, watching movies pr hanging out down the beach.

Kara

Support worker

Hi, my name is Kara, I started a GISN a in June 2020.

I have worked in customer service most of my life, working at GISN is the most rewarding job I have had.

I work with the adults and children and I really enjoy the variety as it makes each shift different.

I have 2 children and 2 granddaughters . They all definitely keep me very busy. In my spare time I like to walk along the beach and camp down at Portarlington, but most of all I love spending time with my family.

Jemma

Support worker

My name is Jemma, but everyone calls me Jem.

I am a support worker here at GISN and I have enjoyed every moment of my time here  since beginning with in June 2020.

 

Everyday is different, which is my favourite part of this job. Getting to know all the wonderful personalities and being able to help, support and spend time with people is something thati. Am grateful to be able to do here and it is very rewarding.

 

Outside of work I enjoy playing netball, cooking up a storm in the kitchen and spending time with my family, friends and my dog Mika.

Liz

Support worker

Hi my Name is Liz or Lizzy by some of my clients. 

I am a support worker here at GISN, I work with both the adults and the children and enjoying having the variety.

I am a busy mum of 5 kids, with my second eldest having an intellectual disability and attending a specialist school. I understand that life can be challenging at times but at the end of the day I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I aspire to make all of my clients feel comfortable and to help them reach their goals and build a trusting professional relationship with all of them.

My interests include spending time with my family, catching up with friends, listening to music and watching a good movie.

Darcy

Support Worker / PT

Hi, My name is Darcy and I have only been at GISN for a short period of time but feel like this job is the perfect job for me.

The rewards that come from this job are indescribable and can only be truly known after experiencing it for yourself. My time is spilt pretty evenly between both our adult and children participants.

My free time mainly consists of playing football. gym and hanging out with family and friends. I like to bring feeling, fun and laughter to all my clients.

Mel

Support Worker

Hi, my name is Melissa but everyone calls me Mel. I am a new addition to the GISN team and I am so excited to be here.

Over my working life I have tried my hand at a few different jobs like a Beauty Therapist and truck driving just to name a few but since starting in my role at GISN I know this is the perfect job for me.

I am a mum to 2 beautiful girls who like to keep me on my toes, in my spare time I like to go for walks spend time at the beach and hang out with my friends and family.

Oaklee

Support worker

Hi, my name is Oaklee.

I am a bright and bubbly person who enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with my friend, family and getting away camping enjoying the open space and fresh air.

I prioritize making others feel comfortable and welcome, putting a smile on peoples faces is always a goal for me.

Cant wait to meet you all in the future!

Kristie

Support Worker

Hi, My name is Kristie.

I am a new to the disability field but when presented with the opportunity to work for GISN I felt like this is the perfect job for me as I love helping people around me achieve their goals and learn new life skills.

I am a laid back person who LOVES to read books, take nanna naps, go camping, wake boarding and spend time at my bush block on my motorbike with my fam bam.

My go to saying is be kind to everyone and always do nice things for people because it is the best feeling and never expect anything in return.

Nat

Support worker

Hi, my name is Natalie but I go by Nat or Natty.

I am a fun, kind hearted, friendly person who’s passion is to bring happiness and laughter to those around me.

I love working as a Disability Support worker as I find it very rewarding watching them learn new life skills and achieve their goals.

In my spare time you will find me holidaying down in Portarlington with my husband Daz and my fur baby Diesel.

Alex

Support Worker

Hi, my name is Alex.

I am so excited to be a part of the GISN Team.

I am a very caring, compassionate person who is always up for a challenge so when presented with the opportunity to work with GISN I didn’t hesitate to jump on board.

Outside of work I love to keep active, I enjoy camping, swimming and reading books.

Von

Support worker

Hi, my name is Veronica but everyone calls me Von.

I have been at GISN for a few months now and I absolutely love my role. I have always been drawn towards support work in the community within varied roles. My time is spent mainly with adult clients but also with our school holiday program. Outside of work you will find me upcycling furniture, cooking & working online as a volunteer bereavement support person. I am a carer for my mum and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends while making handmade gifts.

Matt

Maintenance Manager / Support worker

Hi, my name is Matt.

I help take care of our Ranch and the lovely animals that live there, if i’m not getting my hands dirty out in the paddock or in the shed building. You will find me working with our younger participants.

Outside of work I enjoy fishing, metal detecting, playing the odd video game and spending time with my friends and family.

Taylor

Support Worker

Hi all, my name is Taylor, I am new to the disability industry and I’ve been loving every second of it!

I work with both the adults and children. I’m so grateful to be apart of the GISN team and to be working along side all of the other great workers.

When I’m not at work you can find me painting, drawing, reading and binge watching my favourite shows (especially Supernatural), but I mostly enjoy spending as much time as I possibly can with my amazing fur child Deuce

Upload Image...

Jamie

Maintenance 

Hi all, my name is Jamie. I’m GISN’s jack of all trades. I spend most of my time maintaining our facilities, but I have been working with our kids more and more at our School Holiday and After School Programs.

I love meeting new kids and enjoy working 1.1 with more complex children. My aim is to make sure each child has the most amazing time while in our care!

 

Upload Image...

Bodhi

Support Worker

Hey, my name is Bodhi and I’m a support worker here at GISN.

I decided to get into this field after finishing up in construction and have loved every minute of working at GISN.
I work mostly with our adults, but love helping out at our kid’s programs as well.

I love being a part of the development that our clients work so hard for, it’s very fulfilling and makes the job very rewarding.

In my free time I enjoy working out, doing Jiu Jitsu, watching MMA, NBA and NFL.
I also really love playing videogames with my mates. 

Upload Image...

Andy

Support Worker

 

Upload Image...

Kristy

Support Worker

 

Upload Image...

Amee

Support Worker

Hello, I’m Amee and I’m a support worker at GISN.
I’m new to the industry but I’ve been loving every second of it!
You can find me working with both the adults in the community and with the kids at our programs.

When I’m not working you can find me enjoying time with my children and grandchildren.;