About Us
Acacia Care Group is a multidisciplinary allied health team; owned and operated by qualified and experienced Social Workers with over 30 years combined experience. We purposefully position ourselves to be a small business so we can really know our participants and provide appropriately tailored services.
Acacia Care Group prides itself on being responsive, transparent, accountable and highly ethical in it's service delivery.
Meet Kaitlyn
Co-founder of Acacia Care Group
Behaviour Therapist | Social Worker
- Bachelor of Social Work (University of Newcastle)
- Professional member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
- Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
- Member of Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia
As a parent of a child that has utilised the NDIS and having navigated the system firsthand, Kaitlyn says she can appreciate the challenges and barriers faced by those engaged with the NDIS.
Kaitlyn has extensive experience within a range of clinical and management roles which has included the Reunification and Long Term Care Team Leader for children living in out of home care across the Northern Territory. Kaitlyn’s experience also includes working as a Mental Health Clinician conducting telehealth mental health assessments and recommendations for patients presenting to Emergency Departments across urban and rural NSW, and for individuals visited at home by Police and Ambulance Services via the First Responders program.
Kaitlyn has extensive experience in case management, functional capacity assessment and behaviour support roles, both within the NDIS and ACAT sector. Kaitlyn also provides clinical supervision to Social Work professionals and students.
Meet Will
Co-founder of Acacia Care Group
Behaviour Therapist | Social Worker
- Bachelor of Social Work (University of Newcastle)
- Engaging in Positive Behaviour Support Practices (Monash University)
- Professional member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
- Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
- Member of Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia
Will is a registered and qualified Social Worker with extensive experience across the fields of Youth Services, Counselling, Child Protection, Mental Health, and Disability. Will has worked in both management and clinical roles in government and non-government agencies across Australia.
Will has diverse experience, including as Team Leader of the Child Abuse Taskforce in the Northern Territory (servicing both urban and very remote communities), providing Counselling service as the Hunter region Clinical Lead for a multi-national company to organisations such as, the NRL, Telstra, NSW Police and Ambulance Service, and many of Australia’s largest companies and institutions. Within this role Will was considered the regional specialist in Disability and child/family services.
Will has a high-level understanding of the NDIS space having worked in both ‘on the ground’ service delivery, and Operational Management of NDIS organisations. Will has completed specialist Positive Behaviour Support tertiary education via Monash University.
Will made the easy decision to return to what he enjoys most, supporting individuals and their networks to create and apply positive outcomes.
Meet Claire
Behaviour Therapist | Mental Health Nurse
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Forensic Mental Health
- Registered health practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
- Member of Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia
Claire is a qualified Registered Nurse and Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner with extensive experience in Mental Health, Disability and Aged Care sectors.
Claire has 15 years experience, focusing on the area of mental health and in the acute and community care settings in the government sector, working with general and forensic populations of all ages. Claire has a wide range experience in fields such as; suicide prevention, dual diagnosis, rehabilitation and general counselling. As a registered nurse, Claire has holistically supported people to navigate significant challenges and complex needs. Claire also has experience working in the Aged Care sector supporting clients with self-care and emotional needs.
Claire is passionate about working alongside individuals to achieve their goals and to live a meaningful life and is a strong advocate for reducing stigma. Claire is committed to a person-centred approach and implementing practical strategies. Her passion is to work collaboratively with the individuals, their support teams, carers and family members to achieve positive outcomes that will improve the individual's quality of life.
Meet LAYNE
Behaviour Therapist | Developmental Educator
- Bachelor of Special Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Disability Studies
- Engaging in Positive Behaviour Support Practices (Monash University)
- Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Layne has a wide range of professional experience in educational and disability support settings in Australia and the United Kingdom and has worked alongside participants connected to the NDIS for over 10 years.
Since completing a Bachelor of Special Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Disability Studies with the University of New England, Layne has completed specialist Positive Behaviour Support tertiary education via Monash University.
Layne’s formal training, professional experiences, and journey through the NDIS system as a parent have all contributed to an extensive understanding of the scheme and the impacts it can have on the lives of people with a disability. Layne has capacity to connect positively with professional supports, family, and scheme participants to work towards their goals.