Coffs Coast Team
A dedicated team of professionals committed to
delivering excellence in Early Childhood Intervention.
Early Connections offers education, therapy and support for children and their families.
We believe all children and families can learn, play and connect with the community.
Our team can meet with your child at school or child care to support your child’s inclusion.
Caryn Maher
Manager 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
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
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
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
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)
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
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.
Sue Martyn
Physiotherapist
Bachelor Physiotherapy
Sue focuses on developing movement skills for children with motor difficulties, enhancing their function through movement and exploration. Sue enjoys working with infants and toddlers and finds it wonderful to observe children grow in skills and confidence, and to share this time with families.
Careers
Expressions of Interest
Learn more about careers with Early Connections.
Melissa Summers
Early Childhood Intervention Teacher
Bachelor of Special Education
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.
Kanti-Saraswati
Senior Speech Pathologist
Bachelor Speech Pathology
Kanti has a specific interest in working with children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has extensive experience in intensive support for children and their families with a focus on speech and language. Her expertise in learning disabilities, augmentative and alternative communication, dysphagia and dyspraxia allows children to build valuable life skills.
Jan Cartwright
Speech Pathologist
Bachelor Speech Pathology
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.
Rachel Kilbourne
Speech Pathologist
Bachelor of Science Speech Pathology
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.
Trudy Brandse
Admin Claiming Coordinator
Trudy is highly accomplished in key administrative systems, she has certifications in Business and Administration for which she received an Award of Excellence. Trudy is passionate about working in the not-for-profit sector and has a strong belief that strong families build strong communities.
Jannah Currie
Booking Officer and Allied Health Assistant
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
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.
Monique Delmadoros
Administration Officer
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.
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: Cathy Jourdant Venue:
- – Early Connections 13 Kane Crescent Coffs Harbour
- – Every Friday during School Term Time: 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Coffs Coast Policies
Coffs Coast Policies
These are Early Connections Coffs Coast Policies – please contact your local site for more details on access their policies and procedures.
- Consent for Telepractice Video and Photography Policy_April 2023
- Fees and Cancellations Policy-Sept 2023
- Complaints and Feedback Form
- Client Management Service Plan Policy
- Complaints Handling Policy and Procedure-MAY20
- Interactions With Children Policy
- Child Protection Policy and Procedure-MAY20
- Positive Guidance and Behaviour Management Policy-Restrictive Practice-MAY20
- Alliance -Complaints&Feedback-Brochure-June20
- Decision Making and Consent Policy-June20
- Child Protection Policy and Procedure-Allegations of abuse against an employee-MAY20
- Access to Confidential Information Policy June 2020
- Privacy Policy – June20
- Pandemic Response Policy
- Disaster Emergency and Evacuation Policy and Procedure
- Incident Policy