SACID TEAM
FELICITY CROWTHER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Developmental Educator
Felicity has worked in a range of positions in the disability sector including service development, project management and service management roles. Felicity is passionate about supporting people with intellectual disability to have a voice within their community. She has assisted with the development of self-advocacy programs and supported individuals with intellectual disability in their self-advocacy roles. She has also been part of an inclusive research team working with co-researchers with intellectual disability to have a voice through research.
As Executive Director of the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID), Felicity has led multiple initiatives that promote inclusive practice for people with intellectual disability. She has a won a Development Educators Australia Incorporated Employer Award in 2021 for her work with SACID, and she serves on the board of Inclusion Australia, a national advocacy body on a mission to increase the voice of people with an intellectual disability and their families. Felicity received a 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award for her distinguished leadership and advocacy in driving an inclusive practice for people with an intellectual disability in South Australia.
LAYNIE DUNNE-HEYNIS
SENIOR MANAGER - PROJECTS AND REDRESS SUPPORT SERVICE
Developmental Educator
Laynie has extensive experience as a program coordinator and project manager within the Disability and Education sectors. Over the last 13 years she has been actively involved in various state-wide and national inclusive collaborations to drive change so that people with disability have equitable opportunity to access, participate and achieve their goals within education and employment. Laynie’s personal experience as a supporter of family and friends with disability led her to undertake studies in Law and Behavioural Science before completing her Honours in Disability and Developmental Education. She is passionate about social justice, self-advocacy and human rights, all of which underpins her drive to create more inclusive communities. In addition to volunteering in a number of roles within her community, Laynie is admin of her local Buy Nothing Group, a gift economy initiative which aims to build communities and collaboratively share the abundance around us. Laynie is a lover of astronomy, music, camping and gardening, and also provides academic support at Flinders University within the Disability and Community Inclusion Unit.
JILL METCALFE
SENIOR MANAGER -
PROJECTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Developmental Educator
Jill is a Developmental Educator with diverse program coordination, organisational capacity building and teaching experience within the disability sector. Jill is passionate about access to the arts, leisure and recreation for its natural ability to develop relationships, build confidence and instill a sense of identity in a way that cannot easily be sought in other areas. Jill is involved in her community through her involvement in gymnastics as a performer with the Harlequin Spirals German Wheel team. Prior to joining SACID, Jill worked as a Disability Advisor at an international NGO in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, while concurrently teaching online for Flinders University. Guided strongly by human rights, Jill is passionate about her role at SACID and the ability to support people with intellectual disability to advocate for themselves.
STEPH VIVIAN
SENIOR MANAGER
Steph has come to SACID after many years of working in the community services and disability sectors in a variety of roles. She has experience working in child protection, disability employment, case management and program delivery. Steph is excited to be joining SACID to work alongside people with intellectual disability to increase inclusion and opportunities for all. Steph loves a chat and enjoys meeting new people, learning about them and their needs to identify how she can support them to live their best lives. Steph is committed to supporting people to achieve their goals and empowering individuals and their families to advocate for themselves. She is passionate about working with people in the transitional stages of their lives to ensure they have access to flexible individualised supports and that they are set up for success.
Outside of work Steph enjoys spending time with her family and friends, supporting her beloved Richmond Tigers in the footy and dominating escape rooms.
MADDISON OLSON
SENIOR MANAGER - PROJECTS
Maddison is a graduate of a double degree in Social Science (Human Services) and Psychological Science. Maddison has previously worked for SACID in a casual Project Assistant role and since completing her degree has worked in administration for an NDIS registered Allied Health organisation and as a School Support Officer, supporting children with disabilities to be successful in the education setting. Maddison is passionate about inclusivity, finding ways to reduce and remove barriers to participation, and values the voice of all people. Maddison utilises a person-centred, humanistic approach in her work and life.
Outside of work, Maddison enjoys spending time with family, reading, nibbling at cheese platters and drinking a cup of hot tea or coffee.
AERINA YUN
MANAGER - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Aerina works at SACID as a Manager in the Business Development team. She has previously worked on SACID’s workshop’s team, co-designing and delivering capacity building workshops for people with intellectual disability and families across South Australia. She has also led the Cyber Wise project, co-designing an online training module about online safety for people with intellectual disability. She enjoys being creative while working to make the community more inclusive and accessible for people with disability. Aerina has completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of South Australia. Aerina is driven by social justice values and is passionate about fighting for an inclusive and equitable community.
In her spare time, she enjoys 90s music, trying new recipes, and watching history documentaries.
MEL CHEUNG
PROJECT OFFICER- REDRESS SUPPORT SERVICE AND REFERENCE GROUP
Developmental Educator
Mel is a Developmental Educator which has led her to experience a diverse range of roles within the disability sector from support worker, mentor, NDIS Support Coordination, allied health therapist and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner. Mel is passionate about supporting people to make a positive difference in their lives through using a person centred, active support approach. Mel is excited to be part of the SACID team, to work alongside people with intellectual disability and to promote an accessible and inclusive community. Mel enjoys exploring new foods and eateries in her spare time and also continues her work as a support worker and mentor.
BROOKS MCDOUGALL
PROJECT OFFICER
Brooks holds a degree in Secondary Education and has experience working in disability and youth sectors. His previous roles include Support Work, Service Coordination and crisis care.
Brooks is neurodivergent, passionate about systemic change, amplifying the voices of people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ rights and community care. Brooks is eager to be working with SACID, in a place that values inclusion and the rights of people with intellectual disabilities.
Outside of work Brooks enjoys being a dad to his adopted dog Arty, camping, travelling and spending time with his friends.
ALIRIO ZAVARCE
PROJECT OFFICER - WORKSHOPS, SEA PROJECT AND RESPECT (OUR) ABILITY.
Alirio is a multi-skilled professional with ample experience working across many different roles in the disability sector. Alirio has a passion for Human Rights, Co-Design, Advocacy and using workshops and video as a way to create change.
Alirio is an award-winning actor, director, and theatre-maker and has developed a unique and distinct “Methodology of Ability” that combines film, moving images and live performance in multiple bodies of work including “Sons & Mothers”, “The Book of Loco”, “The Migration Project” among many others. He has over 25 years of experience working with communities and has delivered workshops created works in Jails, Detention Centers, National & International Universities, Schools, Youth at Risk, Multicultural and Linguistically Diverse Communities and with many organizations across Australia and Overseas.
As a actor, Alirio has numerous performance credits in film and with many theatre companies across Australia including Sydney Theatre Company, Victorian Opera, The Malthouse, Windmill Theatre, State Opera South Australia and State Theatre Company of South Australia.
In 2016 Alirio received The Citizen of The Year Award from The City of Port Adelaide Enfield and was nominated for Australian of the year. Alirio is also a Marriage Celebrant.
CATHI TUCKER
PROJECT OFFICER - PEER ACTION CREWS
Cathi brings experience in public policy, volunteering, and politics. Her broad professional and life experience has set her up well to be part of “Team SACID”. She has always had a strong sense of social justice and an interest in human rights for all. She has worked and volunteered on a variety of community action campaigns on a wide range of issues including equitable public transport, tobacco law and improved disability access. Cathi enjoys innovating and was a codesigner on SACID’s My Life, My Choices project. She is currently working with SACID’s Peer Action Crews where she loves empowering individuals to interact meaningfully in the community. As an educator she enjoys being part of SACID’s Workshop team using inclusive facilitation skills. Cathi always brings an element of creativity and fun to her work and is a qualified InterPlay Leader. Decades of working with members of the public to access their rights and gain better access to services has given her a strong overview of community services available in SA.
DEANNA KING
PROJECT OFFICER - EASY READ
Developmental Educator
Deanna is a Developmental Educator and she has had a lot of experience in therapy roles and has also worked as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner. Deanna is passionate about supporting individuals to work towards achieving their goals and building their independence. Over the past 18 years, Deanna has worked in many school and post school environments, supporting families and people with intellectual disability to find meaningful employment or become engaged in other activities within the community. Deanna enjoys walking her dog, watching and playing soccer, and volunteering at her children’s extracurricular activities.
BAILEY TIESTE
PROJECT OFFICER
Developmental Educator
Bailey is a Developmental Educator with years of experience helping people with disabilities and working in the disability community. She is passionate about supporting individuals in finding their voice and identity, and in feeling confident in making choices that affect their lives. Bailey strongly believes it is important to listen to and amplify the experiences of people with lived experience. She is excited to support people with intellectual disabilities be part of making positive changes in systems that impact them through her work at SACID. In her free time, Bailey enjoys volunteering, spending time with her chihuahua Peggy, or relaxing with a good book or a craft.
TESSA THWAITES
PROJECT OFFICER
Speech Pathologist
Tessa is a speech pathologist with clinical experience working with children and young people across hospital, community, and NDIS contexts. She has studied a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Masters of Speech Pathology. Tessa has a strong interest in research and prides herself on her information finding and research translation skills. Prior to working at SACID, she has been involved in multiple projects relating to service design and quality improvement in the public health system. Tessa is excited to apply her passion for communication access and her experience as a speech pathologist to facilitate the self-advocacy of people with intellectual disability and contribute to more inclusive communities. Outside of work, you will find Tessa reading, at a café, or at the park with her dog.
SARAH BYRNE
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Sarah uses her voice as a person with intellectual disability to support SACID to develop information and resources that people with intellectual disability and their families really want. Sarah is passionate about speaking up and has held advocacy roles such as being an Ambassador for Down Syndrome South Australia where she was able to share her experiences and achievements with wide audiences both in Australia and overseas. As an Inclusion Advisor, Sarah enjoys helping people to be more informed by sharing her ideas for new workshops and assisting to develop and run these sessions. Sarah is involved in her community through participation in acting and long-term open employment and uses her networks to promote the work of SACID with passion.
Sarah believes that it is important for people with intellectual disability to be included and valued in the community so that you can teach the community how to be inclusive and understand people with intellectual disability – you do this by showing people what you are able to achieve! As the current Our Voice National representative for South Australia, Sarah also speaks up about issues important to people with intellectual disability in our state.
AMANDA HARDIE
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Amanda works with SACID as an Inclusion Advisor. She has worked as co-design researcher on the My Life, My Choices Supported Decision Making project. She is also a trained workshops facilitator for SACID’s capacity building workshops. Amanda is an experienced public speaker and an amazing advocate for people with intellectual disability. Outside of work you will find Amanda’s spare time filled with doing arts and crafts, cooking for her family, hanging with her friends, and caring for her much loved pets.
THOMAS DOHERTY
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Thomas is an Inclusion Advisor at SACID. Thomas was born in China and came to Australia at a young age. Thomas has had many volunteer roles at Op shops as a Retail Assistant and has helped out at a school cafe. He has also volunteered as a Leisure and health Assistant at aged care facilities, helping residents with social activities and interactions such as bingo, and providing extra help and support to make their life happy. Thomas currently also works as a Food and Hospitality Assistant at an Aged Care facility.
Thomas worked on the Towards Inclusive Practice – Including Everyone project. He is excited to work at SACID as he is keen to help people with intellectual disability to become more confident in themselves, speak up and be sociable in their friendship groups. Thomas wants to help people get out of their shells by overcoming their barriers in life. Thomas is looking forward to meeting the people SACID work with interstate, in his role with the Towards Inclusive Practice Project.
LIBBY CRAWFORD
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Libby has extensive experience as a self-advocate. She has been involved with Our Voice SA as a Peer Mentor since 2018 and has worked with Purple Orange to run workshops for people with disability. Libby is passionate about sharing her experiences in her life with others and has spoken at many different conferences and groups. Libby has worked on the Towards Inclusive Practice project with SACID and is currently working on the Redress Scheme. She hopes to gain more skills and also provide mentorship to others to speak up about their rights. Libby’s passion is helping people with disability to find their voice and to stand up for themselves; and to support others to take control of their lives. Libby also likes to socialise with others to see what they have been up to.
In Libby’s spare time, she enjoys doing diamond art and knitting.
MELINDA BROWN
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Melinda is a self-advocate. Melinda likes to speak up about the rights of people with disability and does so through the many groups she is involved in. At SACID, she is an Inclusion Advisor, a Peer Action Crew Leader, and a SACID Reference Group member. Melinda is part of Keolis Downer reference group which is about Adelaide trains, and she is a member of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Research Steering Group. Melinda is also a peer mentor for Our Voice SA Peer Network where she runs peer groups.
In her spare time, Melinda likes walking on the beach and having a yummy ice cream. She likes gardening in her backyard and going away on trips (long and short). She also enjoys fishing out in a boat at sea.
ZACHARY SUMMERS
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Zac is excited to join the SACID team as an Inclusion Advisor. Zac is currently finishing Year 12 and enjoys the subjects Math and Science. Zac is new to the workplace but is looking forward to working in a team and meeting new people. In his spare time, he enjoys watching action movies, his favourite movie is The Terminator. He also enjoys games like Chess and Uno. Zac carries a pack of Uno cards in his backpack and is always ready to play!
SAM PATERSON
INCLUSION ADVISOR
SACID is Sam’s first office job. Before starting at SACID he worked at Christies Sailing Club as a bartender. Sam is a Peer Action Leader for SACID’s Peer Action Crew.
In his spare time Sam likes to play guitar, record music, make art, and go to gigs. He also does activities at the beach including swimming, surfing and spending time with loved ones.
Sam believes that people with intellectual disability should be included because we all have dreams to reach, we all have a purpose, and we deserve to live the life we want.
MELANIE MCCARTHY
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Melanie is excited to work at SACID. Melanie is a Peer Action Leader for SACID’s Peer Action Crew. She is excited to learn new experiences and work with other people with disability. She previously worked in hospitality, but did not like it very much because people were not always nice.
In her spare time Melanie enjoys watching comedy and romance movies, and listening to music from the 60s, 70s and 80s. She also likes to hang out with her partner and go to the beach.
Melanie says that people with intellectual disability should be included in the community because we all have feelings too.
ISAIAH CARUSO
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Isaiah worked at Bakers Delight and studied in the Up the Hill Project at Flinders University before coming to SACID. He liked learning about science, nursing and PE. Isaiah is excited to work at SACID because he wants to be focused and tell people about his experiences. He likes going to meetings and making phonecalls.
Isaiah has played football for Goodwood Saints for 8 years. He enjoys football because the people are really nice and support him well on the field. In his spare time, he plays games on his PlayStation, goes to the gym, dances, and supports the Adelaide Crows!
Isaiah thinks that people with intellectual disability should be included in the community because other people are included. People need to learn more about intellectual disability and Isaiah wants to help them learn.
KYM LANGTON
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Kym is a person with an intellectual disability. He is a father of an adult with autism. Kym has been involved in the disability industry for many years, advocating for the rights of people with disability. He was highly involved in setting up programs for Grandparents for Grandchildren.
Kym has been involved with several SACID groups, activities, and events. He is also a Reference Group member. He is a big advocate for people with disability, and for accessible communication for people who cannot read or write. Kym has a big interest in government and systemic advocacy. He is passionate about making a change in society so people with disability can be included and accepted as equal members of the community.
Kym is strong willed and has lots of views of things. He is always up for a conversation!
LUKASZ WOJNIAK
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Lukasz passion for people with all disabilities shows by the way he advocates in our society today. Lukasz has been on the board at an inclusive employment Australia provider as a consumer nominee for 6 years.
Lukasz believes that working at SACID will increase his knowledge and enhance empowerment by guiding people to know more about their rights.
Lukasz plays lawn bowls for Woodville bowling and has just started to play cricket in the Adelaide inclusive league.
Lukasz also works as an event day attendant at Adelaide Oval. Greeting patrons and making sure they have a memorable experience.
TIM BIHET
INCLUSION ADVISOR
Tim is excited to work with SACID and to assist others.
Tim has lived experience dealing with NDIS, Health Services, and Housing SA. He is keen to share his knowledge and help others to self-advocate.
He enjoys cricket, football and motorsport. Tim plays in the Para Hills Cricket Club Inclusive Team. Other hobbies include doing diamond art, making candles and melts to sell at markets and spending time at home with his family, dogs and cats.
GEORGIA HORGAN
ROAD TO SUCCESS PRESENTER
Georgia joins the SACID team as a Road to Success Presenter.
Georgia is a strong advocate for people with disability and
likes to share her knowledge and lived experience where she can. Georgia has
been involved in lots of different spaces such as: The Growing Space, Enabled
Youth Disability Network (EDYN), being involved in consultations, focus groups
and advisory groups.
Georgia is a singer and song writer and has been on podcasts
and the radio. She has been part of an inclusive program called Lift Up Voices.
Fun fact about Georgia is that she has worked as an Assistant at Parliament
House!
In Georgia’s spare time she likes to going swimming, seeing
her family and being in touch with nature; especially listening to the sound of
waterfalls.
DUNCAN LUKE
ROAD TO SUCCESS PRESENTER
Ducan joins the SACID team as a Road to Success Presenter. He wants to teach people with disability about self advocacy – helping people to speak up for themselves.
Duncan is an actor with No Strings Attached. Duncan has been acting for over 30 years. Duncan loves football, and his favourite team is the Adelaide Crows! Duncan also enjoys bike riding.
Duncan believes people with disability should be treated equally like everyone else, because we are all the same!
CHRIS BERGIN
ROAD TO SUCCESS PRESENTER
Chris joins the SACID team as a Road to Success presenter.
Chris likes speaking up for people with intellectual disability and likes to teach people about self-advocacy and how they can speak up about their rights.
Chris has been a self advocate for many years. He has been involved with Our Voice, a subcommittee of the Inclusion Australia Board. Chris has attended many conferences interstate and presented at them. Chris has also been overseas to present at the ASID conference.
In Chris’ spare time, he likes to go out with his mentors, go for a walk and chill. Chris is a big Doctor Who fan!
JASMINE JENKINS
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Jas works behind the scenes to help keep our organisation running smoothly. As the Office Coordinator, Jas supports our Executive Director, Board, stakeholders and all SACID staff through her administrative and client services experience in the not-for-profit sector. Whether her workday is filled with procedure development, event planning, responding to your inquiries, or fixing a broken appliance in the office – Jas is happy to help!
Jas is passionate about creating a warm and welcoming environment, developing systems that help people thrive, and supporting our teams in building more inclusive communities. Although much of her work happens behind the scenes, you can find Jas at our front desk and on our phone line as SACID’s first point of contact. Jas is proud to support SACID in promoting rights, opportunities, and systemic advocacy within the disability community.
Outside of the office Jas enjoys playing guitar for her cat, going to local gigs, exploring nature, and finding the best op-shops around town.
JESS MAINE
FINANCE COORDINATOR
Bio coming soon.
