Coffs Coast Team
A dedicated team of professionals committed to
delivering family focused education, therapy and support to children 0-7 years and their families.
Early Connections Coffs Coast delivers education, therapy and support for children aged 0-7 years and their families. We work in partnership with client families using a Key Worker model, which focuses on relationships and building a connected team around each child and family.
Our team’s stability and long-term retention are vital for the families we work with. Children learn best when they are surrounded by people they trust. We know that security and connection are key for creating optimum environments for children’s learning, early childhood development and achieving NDIS goals.
Caryn Maher
Manager Coffs Coast
23 years with Early Connections – Coffs Coast
Caryn is proud to lead a fantastic team of devoted Early Intervention professionals.
As the Manager of Early Connections, Caryn’s goal is to provide as much information and support to families as possible and to foster the full inclusion of people with differing abilities into the community.
Caryn feels privileged to share the experience with families as they support their child and enjoys hearing of each child’s future accomplishments.
Qualifications include a Master Degree in Early Childhood Education and Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Special Education.
Caryn works alongside the Coffs Coast Management Committee who volunteer their time to contribute to the Alliance with knowledge, expertise, advice and leadership.
Julia Doust
Occupational Therapist
BAppSc Occupational Therapy
Class I Honours
7 years with Early Connections CC
Julia has focused her career on supporting children and their families over the early years of their life. Julia has a special interest in preparing children for school. She believes in using a holistic model which involves family and a child’s environment to help achieve the best outcomes for each individual.
Tracie Wallace
Early Childhood Intervention Teacher
Bachelor of Education
16 years with Early Connections CC
Tracie enjoys working with young children and their families and finds that there is always something new to experience and learn at Early Connections. She describes her workmates as diverse and professional but considers them friends too and acknowledges that this dynamic greatly contributes to making the team so special.
Nicole Maskell
Senior Occupational Therapist
Bachelor of Health Sciences & Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice
5 years with Early Connections CC
Nicole enjoys working with a welcoming and supportive team at Early Connections. Nicole holds a degree in Health Sciences and Masters of Occupational Therapy and works to develop long lasting relationships with the team, the children and the families.
Ellen McNulty
Key Worker - Family Worker
Bachelor of Education
3 years with Early Connections CC
Ellen has come from a teaching background but has found her passion in supporting children and their families as part of the team at Early Connections. Ellen has extensive experience in crisis support and is currently completing her Diploma of Counselling. She enjoys working with such a dedicated team and believes that supporting the wellbeing of the whole family is a fundamental part of ensuring positive outcomes for children
Kiandra Sciascia
Early Childhood Teacher
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Bachelor of Arts (Special Education)
2 years with Early Connections CC
Kiandra enjoys being part of the collaborative team here at Early Connections. She is a proficient primary school teacher and understands the importance of creating strong relationships with children, their families and educators in order to achieve best outcomes. Kiandra values The Team Around the Child approach, having experienced it as a parent in our program. She has previously worked as a Wellbeing Learning and Support Teacher in the primary setting and has a special interest in school readiness and emotional regulation using Circle of Security concepts.
Lisa Archibald
Early Childhood Intervention Teacher
Bachelor Education
5 years with Early Connections CC
Lisa has worked in a variety of Early Childhood settings for many years. She has a passion for supporting children with additional needs. She loves developing strong relationships with the children and families at Early Connections and supporting them on this journey. Lisa values the Team Around the Child Approach.
Melissa Summers
Early Childhood Intervention Teacher
Bachelor of Special Education
12 years with Early Connections CC
Melissa has previous experience teaching in an Early Childhood Development Program at a Special School. She enjoys working with children as babies and following them through to transitioning to their first year of school.
Leah
Occupational Therapist
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours Class I)
Leah is passionate about the importance of regulation, safety and building connections when supporting children and their families. Leah uses a play-based, neuro-affirming approach to working with children and enjoys using your child’s interest and strengths to ensure they are always motivated throughout the therapy process. Leah enjoys working as part of a therapy team, sharing knowledge and ideas and brings a sense of fun and curiosity to her therapy sessions.
Nicky Lambeth
Occupational Therapist
1.5 years with Early Connections CC
I am a mum first to two amazing teenagers, both diagnosed with autism. One of my children also has an intellectual disability and is non-verbal, giving me a deep, personal understanding of the joys, challenges, and unique journey of supporting a child’s development. This lived experience has shaped not only who I am as a parent but also my approach as an occupational therapist—one built on empathy, collaboration, and a true appreciation for the small but meaningful milestones along the way.
Rachel Kilbourne
Speech Pathologist
Bachelor of Science Speech Pathology
16 years with Early Connections CC
Rachel supports children with a diverse range of disabilities to develop their communication. She has a special interest in using alternative and augmentative communication for children with complex needs. Rachel runs the Hanen Centre ‘It Takes Two to Talk’ program for children with language delays and is a Key Word Sign presenter.
Abbie Bray
Speech Pathologist
Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)
Abbie has 7 years’ experience working as a Speech Pathologist with young children. Abbie works to support young children and to empower their families. Abbie is strong advocate for families, working collaboratively to ensure their voices are heard. She is committed to thinking holistically about what is happening for a child and their family and recognises each child strengths and builds upon them. Abbie loves working as part of big team and delivering therapy that is meaningful.
Jan Cartwright
Speech Pathologist
Bachelor Speech Pathology
8 years with Early Connections CC
Jan has extensive experience working with children through the community health system, through the disability sector and within her own private practice with a specific interest in dysphagia. She loves working with other professionals to deliver the best and most holistic care possible.
Jannah Currie
Program Support Officer/ Allied Health Assistant
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
5 years with Early Connections CC
Jannah has extensive experience working in the community sector, namely with CALD and refugee families both in Australia and overseas. She enjoys working with a diverse and knowledgeable team and looks forward to supporting families. Jannah also has Bachelor in Humanitarian and Community Services.
Careers
Expressions of Interest
Learn more about careers with Early Connections.
Monique Delmadoros
Administration Officer
8 years with Early Connections CC
Monique is a highly organised and valuable administrative professional with a diverse skillset with experience in healthcare and community services. With a positive attitude and welcoming smile, Monique has extensive experience in the field of administration and accounts making her an integral part of the team.
Rewarding Careers
Family-friendly workplace
My Time Coffs Coast
Our MyTime group provides support for mothers, fathers, grandparents and anyone caring for a child with a disability or chronic medical condition.
Parents can socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role. Caring for a child with a disability is often described as a journey. MyTime can introduce you to others on a similar journey, who can help you find your way
Who can join
Our MyTime Group welcomes parents and carers – including mums, dads, grandparents and the principal carer – who are eligible for the Carer Allowance (Child) for a child with a disability or chronic medical condition.
- Facilitator: Kiandra Sciascia
- Venue: Early Connections 13 Kane Crescent Coffs Harbour
- Every Friday during School Term Time: 10am to 12pm
