SACID STAFF

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. In both a professional and voluntary capacity she has assisted with the development of self-advocacy programs and supported individual’s with intellectual disability in their self-advocacy roles. This passion for supporting people with intellectual disability to have a voice has led her to undertake a PhD in the area of inclusive research. Felicity also enjoys sharing her knowledge, experience and passion with students through tutoring at Flinders University in the Disability and Community Inclusion Unit.

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 10 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 ARTHUR

SENIOR MANAGER -
PROJECTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Developmental Educator

Jillian is a Developmental Educator with diverse program coordination, organisational capacity building and teaching experience within the disability sector. Jillian is passionate about access to the arts, leisure and recreation for its natural ability to develop relationships, build confidence and instil a sense of identity in a way that cannot easily be sought in other areas. Jillian is involved in her community through her involvement in gymnastics as a performer with the Harlequin Spirals German Wheel team. Prior to joining SACID Jillian worked for a number of years as a Disability Advisor at an international NGO in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, while concurrently teaching online for Flinders University. Guided strongly by human rights, Jillian is passionate about her role at SACID and the ability to support people with intellectual disability to advocate for themselves.

CHRIS BERGIN

INCLUSION ADVISOR

Chris is a self-advocate and represents the voice of people with intellectual disability on the SACID Board. He is also a member of the Express Yourself Self Advocacy Group in Adelaide. Chris has represented South Australia on the Inclusion Australia – Our Voice Committee for a number of years. The Our Voice National Committee is made up of self advocates from all over Australia. During his time on the Our Voice Committee, Chris contributed to advocacy work regarding the employment of people with intellectual disability and helped other people with intellectual disability to understand the NDIS. As an Inclusion Worker, Chris enjoys supporting the development of new resources in Easy Read. Chris believes that it is important for people with intellectual disability to be included and valued in the community in order to have new opportunities to meet new people and to take part in community life, after all, it is our right!

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 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 Worker, 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 dancing, cheerleading 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!

REBEKA TOUZEAU

INCLUSION ADVISOR

Rebeka Touzeau is a skilled public speaker with a passion for ensuring people with intellectual disability have opportunities for real inclusion in their communities. Rebeka believes that it is vital for people with intellectual disability to have a good image and be respected in the community. Rebeka is well connected and contributes to her community through her involvement in dancing, where she is a mentor of school aged children with disability, as well as a member of a mainstream dance performance troupe. Rebeka is a role model to other people with intellectual disability as someone who lives independently, maintains open employment and has a busy community life. As the current Our Voice National representative for South Australia, Rebeka speaks up about issues important to people with intellectual disability in our state.
Mel smiling at camera

MEL CHEUNG

PROJECT OFFICER

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. 

GAVIN BURNER

INCLUSION ADVISOR

Gavin grew up on the Yorke Peninsula, the experience of which has led him to become a passionate advocate for people with disability living in rural and remote areas. He brings to SACID many years experience in the community sector having worked in both aged care and disability. Gavin has supported his local community working as a Program Assistant at the Camden Community Centre for over 17 years. Gavin is involved in self advocacy as a member of Our Voice SA where he also assists with delivering self advocacy training to others. He has used his voice as a member of the NDIS Participant Reference Group contributing feedback on NDIS processes and resources. More recently Gavin has taken on a position on the Intellectual Disability Reference Group, a sub-committee of the NDIS Independent Advisory Council. Never too far from his country roots, Gavin enjoys opportunities to explore nature and the outdoors with friends.

AERINA YUN

PROJECT OFFICER - WORKSHOPS

Aerina is a recent Social Work graduate from the University of South Australia and is excited to work with the SACID team in co-designing workshops and delivering them around South Australia. Prior to joining the SACID team, Aerina has worked people with disability as a support worker and youth mentor, where she supported NDIS participants to build their capacity and achieve their goals. Consistent with SACID’s values, Aerina is highly passionate about upholding and promoting the human rights of all people and working towards equality and inclusion for all. Aerina is dedicated to amplifying the voices of people with intellectual disability so that they can share their experiences and stories and are able to speak on matters that are important to them. Outside of work, Aerina enjoys dining out, watching sports, attending live music shows and thrift shopping. 

ALIRIO ZAVARCE

PROJECT OFFICER - WORKSHOPS

Alirio is a multiskilled professional with ample experience working across many different roles in the disability sector. He has a lived experience of disability through his brother Ali who was blind and had an intellectual disability and has a passion for human rights, advocacy and trying to offer solutions to social problems.

Alirio is an award-winning actor, director, theatre-maker and has developed a unique and distinct “Methodology of Ability” that combines film, moving image 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 deliver workshops created works in Jails, Detention Centers, National & International Universities, Schools, with Youth at Risk, with Multicultural and Linguistically Diverse Communities and with many organizations across Australia and Overseas.

As a performer Alirio has numerous performance credits 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.
Currently Alirio is the Artistic Director of ‘AJZ Productions’, ‘True North Youth Theatre Ensemble’ and ‘True Ability’ which Alirio Co-Leads with Creative Producer Kelly Vincent.

CATHI TUCKER

PROJECT OFFICER -
MY LIFE, MY CHOICES PROJECT AND PEER ACTION CREWS

Cathi is an experienced parliamentary advisor who has supported a number of members of parliament in a range of roles including research, administration and media liaison. As a mature aged student, she gained her Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and went on to complete an Honours degree in Early Childhood with a research project on diversity in children’s literature. She has always had a strong sense of social justice and an interest in human rights for all, working and volunteering on a variety of community action campaigns on a wide range of issues including public transport, tobacco law and improved disability access. Working with members of the public to access their rights and get better access to services has given her a strong overview of the services available in SA. She loves gardening, walking in the bush spotting wildlife or walking in the suburbs and finding great gardens and architecture.

MADDISON OLSON

PROJECT OFFICER

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 a 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-centered, 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.

ELIZABETH DALWOOD

FINANCE OFFICER

Elizabeth has an accounting degree and is a Certified Practising Accountant with extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, having held finance roles at Minda Incorporated and Craniofacial Australia.  In these roles, Elizabeth was able to use her accounting skills to help provide useful financial information to people making financial decisions and gained an insight into the importance of maintaining a strong financial voice for people with disabilities to be able to access and participate equally in the community.  SACID’s purpose of inclusion, building confidence and equal access to information in order to both educate and participate equally are aligned to her own and she looks forward to being a part of the team. Elizabeth has a passion for travel, keeping active and music. She is currently studying music theory and singing and is keen to reconnect with family and friends when travel is possible.

Ruby smiling

RUBY NANKIVELL

INCLUSION ADVISOR

SACID Inclusion Worker Ruby Nankivell is a Peer Action Leader and Co-Design Researcher.  She is a team member of the Peer Action Crews Project and the My Life, My Choices supported decision making project. Ruby says working with SACID is a great experience: “I work with wonderful and creative people, with and without a disability to make life better for all South Australians.” Through her work at SACID, Ruby wants to end all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities.  She wants all people with a disability to know their rights and to be respected and valued community members, “I’d like to see the first Prime Minster of Australia with a disability”.

Ruby keeps busy with a range of activities such as making YouTube videos, going for walks, heading to the gym, catching up with friends, shopping, eating out (especially if it includes gelato), watching movies and helping her Grandpa in his business. Ruby had her first job in a café while she was at school.  Now she is setting up a public speaking business called: “Ruby Nankivell – find the value in every moment.”  She is studying public speaking and disability studies at Flinders University.  She is a Board Member of Enabled Youth Disability Network and volunteers at Flinders Medical Centre.

TIM ADAM

INCLUSION ADVISOR

Tim works with SACID in the role of co-design researcher on the My Life, My Choices Supported Decision Making project. He also supports the Workshops team and co-facilitates a number of the SACID workshops. Tim comes to SACID with a background in studying a Cert. 3 in Business and a Cert. 3 in Government. Tim has extensive volunteering experience at both the Noarlunga Hospital and the Glenelg Footy Club and past employment at Flinders University and a number of local Government departments. Working with SACID is very important to Tim. He enjoys the challenge of work, the chance to meet new people, socialise and be engaged in the community. Tim can be found enjoying many sports and is a passionate tennis and football player. Tim also enjoys time online, playing Playstation and video games in his spare time.  

AMANDA HARDIE

INCLUSION ADVISOR

Amanda works with SACID in the role of co-design researcher on the My Life, My Choices Supported Decision Making project. Amanda is new to the workforce and believes that working with SACID is a great way to start her career in the community. Amanda is keen to learn all about the work that SACID does and shows great qualities as an emerging self-advocate. Outside of work you will find Amanda’s spare time filled with caring for her much loved pets.

THOMAS DOHERTY

INCLUSION ADVISOR

Thomas is an Inclusion Advisor for the project Towards Inclusive Practice – Including Everyone. 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 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, as part of 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 recently been working with Purple Orange to run workshops for people with disability. Libby is passionate about sharing her experiences in her life with others and have spoken at many different conferences and groups. Libby is excited to be working at SACID as an Inclusion Advisor for the Towards Inclusive Practice – Including Everyone, project. 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 life. Libby also likes to socialize with others to see what they have been up to.

In Libby’s spare time, she enjoys speaking up for herself and others, and knitting.

JOANNA KLAOSEN

INCLUSION ADVISOR

Joanna joins the SACID team as an Inclusion Advisor for the Towards Inclusive Practice – Including Everyone, project. She is excited for the opportunity to look at things in a different perspective. Joanna would also like to share her experiences living with an intellectual disability, with others.

 

Joanna has a background in Hospitality and has previously worked at cafes and Aged Care Facilities. Joanna had a big family which includes three brothers, who she enjoys spending time with. In Joanna’s spare time, she enjoys cooking, keeping active with sports such as tennis and netball, film and new media with Tutti and quad biking.

ANDREA SALISBURY

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Andrea first became involved with SACID as a parent who participated in co-designing the Future Proofing Workshop. She has three children and lived experience as a mother of a teenager with an intellectual disability. Throughout her working life she has always had a role where inclusion was at the centre. She is passionate about inclusion, has a person-centered approach and is community minded. Andrea believes that everyone can contribute to their community, therefore no one should be denied the assistance to participate. Professionally, Andrea has had roles such as NDIS Coordinator for an Occupational Therapist, Education Support Officer within an independent Schooling System and a Swim School Coordinator within a Recreation Centre establishing a range of inclusive swimming lessons. She is also currently part of Assistant Minister, Emily Bourke’s Autism Support Committee.

 

As an active member of her community, she has had the privilege to support families in advocating for their child and thoroughly enjoys sharing in the successes no matter how small they may appear. She knows it’s the little wins that are really the big ones! Andrea is very excited to be joining the SACID Team as an Executive Assistant and she looks forward to meeting you soon.