Our Team
Here at Diverse Pathways we foster a close community and connection among our valued staff.
Our Management Team
Phil Oakes
Managing Director
Phil is a highly experienced business leader having run successful international and Australasian-based businesses within the entertainment and IT industries.
He has been involved in the neurodiverse and disability services sector for 5 years and is passionate about delivering services that are truly needed and producing real results.
With Diverse Pathways, he is totally committed identifying and developing solutions that establish new standards in this industry.
Rebecca Turtle
Groups Programs Director
Passionate about family, connection, and community, Bec brings valuable experience to Diverse Pathways. With a background in early childhood education specialising in developmental delays, she is committed to supporting families and creating positive outcomes. Bec has been with our Mardi Clinic for 3 years and enjoys musical theatre, beach trips, bushwalking, and time with her kids and her German Shepherd-Husky, Teddie. As a parent of neurodiverse children, Bec brings both professional knowledge and a personal insight to her role.
Sam Murray
School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) Coordinator
Sam Murray is a dedicated advocate for neurodiverse young people transitioning from school to employment. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, Sam has been instrumental in developing and delivering tailored employment support and training programs. These SLES programs recognise individual needs and focus on providing coaching, training, mentoring and work experience opportunities to help young people build confidence and skills for the workforce. By fostering inclusive environments and promoting understanding among employers, Sam aims to create pathways that empower neurodiverse individuals to thrive in their careers.
Kate Douglas
Office Support Services
Kate is the friendly face that welcomes you to Diverse Pathways. With 7 years of experience in similar roles, she brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for helping others.
With lived experience supporting children with neurodiversities, she values family and the importance of connection.
Always up for a chat, Kate brightens everyone’s day with her positive energy and when she’s not at the front desk, you’ll likely find her reading Colleen Hoover novels on her Kindle.
Lorelle Cross
Office Support Services
Lorelle sits in the background of our office space with a huge smile as she crunches numbers with her computer and calculator. Having been in the corporate world, Lorelle brings huge value and experience to Diverse Pathways and is always one step ahead with her spreadsheets, balance sheets and ledger, keeping us all in-line.
Lorelle loves spending time with family and taking her grandchildren to sports and activities.
Eddie Jones
Admin & Operations Assistant
Eddie brings experience in the disability sector and youth support.
He is currently pursuing his studies to become a Psychologist and has a background in supporting neurodiversity and troubled youth. Eddie is a former amateur boxer and still enjoys the fitness aspects of the sport today.
Kaz Brown
Farm Animal Manager and Arts Groups Support
You will find Kaz in the art room at our custom-designed and creative hub. If she is not there, you may find her skipping through the paddocks with farm animals in hot pursuit.
Kaz was born with a hog bristle brush in her mouth. She was encouraged to paint and draw from a young age. Often forced at brush point to paint with her grandmother on the shores of Lake Macquarie during the school holidays.
Kaz also has extensive knowledge of art supplies, coming from ten gruelling years in customer service.
When not at work Kaz enjoys catching up with friends, doom scrolling, listening to live music and reading.
Our Support Worker Team
Emily Day
Hello, I’m Emily, a Neurodiversity Support Worker at Diverse Pathways. I have chosen this career path as I love helping people and supporting them with everyday tasks.
I am passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and advocating for a better future and community for neurodivergent individuals.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending all my time with my 2 year old son, going to the beach, exploring nature and helping him learn and grow everyday! I can’t wait to continue working with and meeting amazing individuals as a support worker!
Michael Ramsey
Hello, I'm Mike, a Neurodiversity Support Worker at Diverse Pathways. I’ve been a dedicated Support Worker in the disability sector for over five years, working in both group settings and one-on-one roles. My focus has been on community access and creating enriching experiences for clients in diverse environments, including group centers and outdoor activities.
Before joining the disability support field, I worked at an outdoor education centre, where I led groups of 25 to 30 students in various outdoor adventures. Many of these experiences involved adapting activities to include children and teenagers with disabilities, ensuring they felt included and valued. I also collaborated with Links to Learning, supporting teenagers with behavioural challenges, including neurodiverse individuals.
I believe in empowering clients to make their own choices while providing the guidance and support they need to thrive. My goal is to foster a consistent, supportive environment where clients can feel confident, challenged, and capable of achieving their dreams.
When I’m not working, I enjoy staying active and exploring the outdoors. Whether I’m running, camping, or discovering new activities, I’m always looking for ways to connect my interests with my work to inspire and motivate my clients.
Hayden Starr
Hi I’m Hayden, a Neurodiversity Support Worker at Diverse Pathways. I’m currently at Uni studying a bachelor of psychology and business. Studying psychology has provided me with a range of skills and knowledge valuable in the setting of support work. I began working for Diverse Pathways as one of the group facilitators for the group therapy programs and have more recently joined as a support worker. I’m honoured to be able to support clients in reaching their goals, helping them feel heard, giving guidance and assistance, and providing meaningful, beneficial experiences in a community setting. I’ve lived on the coast my entire life, spending countless hours in this wonderful community. In my free time I like to sketch and create digital art as well as reading and spend time with my friends both locally and at uni
Marina Quick
Hello I'm Marina, as a dedicated Neurodiversity Support Worker at Diverse Pathways, I bring extensive experience and qualifications to my role. I hold a Level 3.3 OSHC Educator qualification, and certifications in Understanding Autism & ADHD (University of Kent & Kings College London). I have extensive experience in education at multiple childcare positions including OSHC in Public Schools across the Central Coast.
I believe that every person is unique and has their own set of strengths and challenges. My approach is centred around creating a safe, inclusive, and kind environment where people feel valued and understood. I emphasise the importance of building trusting relationships with both clients and their families, which fosters open communication and a collaborative approach to care. I am a proud mother of three children. Neurodiversity is a lived experience in our family, and this has enriched my understanding and drives my continual pursuit of knowledge ensuring the best possible care and encouragement for the children and adults I work with. Having lived on the Central Coast for over 25 years, I have deep roots in this community and a genuine commitment to supporting families. Outside of work, I enjoy beach walks, swimming, and spending quality time with family and friends. Travelling is also a passion. Snow skiing abroad.
Suzanne Milan
As a NDIS-experienced specialised Neurodiversity Support at Diverse Pathways, I help
Participants achieve their goals through personalised fun, interactive, skill building sessions that address everything from bedroom storage solutions to wardrobe organisation, outfit planning, personal presentation and job readiness.
Drawing from my unique combination of professional expertise and lived experience as a Carer of an adult with complex support needs, I provide time-limited, intensive
skill-building sessions rather than ongoing, open-ended support. My comprehensive personal styling
and professional development program equips Clients with the skills to move forward independently and maintain their surroundings, personal style, budgeting and other important life skills. What sets Dress-Sense-ABILITY apart is the dual focus: I work directly with NDIS Participants while also providing guidance to their regular support workers, ensuring that the skills taught continue to be reinforced long after our intensive sessions end. My goal is to bridge the gap between basic support and genuine skill development by enhancing existing support networks and providing tools and strategies that empower
both NDIS Participants and their support workers to achieve lasting independence.
Natalie Hewitt
Hi, I’m Natalie but you can call me Nat! I'm a Neurodiveristy Support Worker at Diverse Pathways. What started as a life-long passion and hobby, turned into a rewarding career when I completed formal training in Personal Styling, Colour Consulting and Make Up Artistry over seven years ago. During that time, I opened my own styling studio in the Hunter Valley which attracted a range of clients from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and I conducted consultations with clients in South and Western Australia via Zoom. When Covid struck, I returned to the corporate world as a Human Resources Coordinator for a Disability Provider and that’s when I realised that by combining my skill set, I could provide specialised support to neurodiverse individuals of all ages. I believe that everyone has their own story to tell, and their unique sense of style should reflect that. My aim is to create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where my clients feel heard and are excited to work together to achieve their goals.
Talia Bird
Hi, I'm Talia, I'm passionate and energetic about being a Neurodiversity Support Worker at Diverse Pathways, I bring a love for fitness, nature, and active living into their work. With a neuro-affirming approach, I enjoy supporting my clients in building confidence, independence, and wellbeing through outdoor adventures, fitness and exercise sessions, and community-based activities.
Whether it’s a coastal walk, a workout, or a quiet park catch-up, I always focus on creating meaningful, person-centred experiences that celebrate strengths and support goals in fun and practical ways.
Larni Moloney
Hi, my name is Larni, and I am dedicated to my role as a Neurodiversity Support Worker at Diverse Pathways. My journey in this field has been profoundly influenced by my strong commitment to empowering individuals who have diverse neurological profiles. I am a firm believer in the importance of fostering inclusive environments where everyone is not only welcomed but also appreciated for their unique contributions. Through a personalised approach to support and a deep sense of compassion, I work diligently to assist individuals as they navigate their own paths toward success and wellbeing.
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Anneka Jane
Hello I'm Anneka, as a dedicated Neurodiversity Support Worker at Diverse Pathways, I am passionate about empowering individuals to embrace their unique strengths and perspectives. My background in psychology and personal experience with neurodiversity fuel my commitment to providing tailored support that fosters independence and growth. I believe in creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and understood. Together, we can navigate challenges and celebrate achievements on the journey toward wellbeing and a fulfilling life.