Two people seated viewing a laptop

Behaviour Support

Behaviour Support

Be heard, understood, and valued

At genU, we believe you should be supported to be happy and healthy and to have control over your life.


Note: we currently offer Behaviour Support in Melbourne (CBD and surrounds) and in the Barwon Area (Geelong, Colac and Surf Coast), however if you are outside of this region we have the capacity to offer telehealth service delivery if appropriate.


What We Do

Sometimes people do things that are unsafe that mean they are left out of their community. These things are sometimes called “behaviours of concern”.

We believe that “behaviours of concern” are a sign that things are not going well in a person’s life.

Our job is to work with you and the people who support you to find out what is going on for you and why things aren’t going well. We will come up with a plan together to make sure that you are not left out of your community (if you want to be in it!). This plan will aim to empower you and your support network with the skills, supports, knowledge and opportunities you all want and need — allowing you to live the kind of life that is important to you.

At genU, we’re not about providing a cookie-cutter approach! We will work with you to make sure your plan suits you and is based on what is important to you and what you need.

Our team also has an important role in identifying the use of “restrictive practices”. A restrictive practice means anything that other people do to stop your behaviour in a way that limits your choices or movements. Our role is to stop or minimise these practices. Sometimes restrictive practices are needed for a short time to keep you safe, but we want to find better ways to keep you and others safe. Our goal is to make sure you have as much choice and control in your life as possible.

We will work with you and the people who support you to make sure your plan is on the right track. We don’t pretend that we’re the experts – we believe people are the experts of their own lives! But everyone needs help sometimes and we are just a temporary helping hand on your journey. Our team works with people of all ages, including children, adolescents and adults.

Our Standards

At genU, we take the quality of our service very seriously. We’re also accountable to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (the Commission). 

As a registered NDIS provider, genU adheres to all NDIS practice standards. We ensure we have up-to-date practices in line with any updates to these Standards.

Our Behaviour Support Practitioners are all well-qualified and registered with the Commission. All of us are lifelong learners who want to be the best version ourselves so that you get the best out of us!


The Commission has created five fact sheets about behaviour support.

They have been written with, and for, NDIS participants using Plain English.

The five participant fact sheets include:

  1. What is positive behaviour support
  2. Understanding your rights
  3. Choosing a specialist behaviour support provider
  4. What to expect from your specialist behaviour support provider
  5. What to do if you are not happy with your specialist behaviour support provider 

The fact sheets can help you to understand more about positive behaviour support and your rights. They explain what providers are meant to do. This will help you to make decisions about providers.

You can access the fact sheets, and more information about Behaviour Support with the NDIS, here.

Our Team

We believe in respect and communication, and our behaviour support team live our values every day.

We have built a team that you can trust, led with exceptional knowledge and experience. We’ve got diverse qualifications and professional backgrounds, so our team can think about your unique situation from all angles.

We also ensure our staff have access to regular and varied training. This keeps them up-to-date with the industry and ensures that we’re always on the front foot.

Behaviour Support

Zac Demopoulos

Geelong and surrounds

Zac Demopoulos

Geelong and surrounds

Show Bio

Zac is a qualified Social Worker, with a Bachelor of Social Work from Deakin University. His career in community services spans over 10 years and has included multiple roles across out of home care, family and community services and disability. He has worked with people with a multitude of complex needs across their lifespan, from as young as two years old and up to end of life.

Zac has family and friends with various disabilities and has worked with some of our community’s most vulnerable people – and has seen the truly remarkable outcomes that can be achieved when people have the right support and opportunities to reach their goals.

Felicia O’Mahoney

Geelong and surrounds

Felicia O’Mahoney

Geelong and surrounds

Show Bio

Felicia is a registered nurse and comes to Behaviour Support with a Bachelor of Nursing and Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.

After gaining extensive experience in the mental health sector, she commenced in the behaviour support/disability sector in 2020. She noticed a lot of crossover between mental health concerns and behaviours of concern and is passionate about reducing restrictive practices in both sectors.

Felicia works with autistic individuals and those with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and disability and complex trauma. She is passionate about Deaf Culture. She enjoys taking the journey with her participants understand the reasoning behind their behaviour together. She loves to see the small wins in building skills and increasing the participant’s quality of life.

Natalie Colosimo

Melbourne - Coburg and surrounds

Natalie Colosimo

Melbourne - Coburg and surrounds

Show Bio

Natalie has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) from RMIT and holds a Diploma in Art Therapy.

Natalie has experience supporting individuals with complex needs reaching their goals. She specializes in working with children, young adults, and families, approaching her work with compassion, collaboration, and communication. 

Natalie is a strong advocate for everyone’s right to access their necessary resources and opportunities. Natalie is dedicated to empowering individuals for greater control over their lives and is committed to providing top-notch support in a safe and welcoming environment.

Natalie supports people aged 2 – 35 years old, but can also consider people of other ages depending on complexity and needs. She is able to provide a face-to-face service to participants in Central Melbourne (Richmond, Brunswick and surrounding suburbs) out through to Broadmeadows, Sunshine, Footscray, Doncaster and Campbellfield.

Allison Cooke

Geelong and surrounds

Allison Cooke

Geelong and surrounds

Show Bio

Allison worked in the Education systems for 15 years before transitioning into community services, and holds a Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Arts and Post Graduate Diploma of Psychology. She comes to behaviour support after having previously worked in family services and NDIS Support Coordination.

Allison is a passionate advocate for all individuals’ right to access resources, opportunities and supports they require. In her work she focuses on building relationships based on honest and transparent interactions. Allison holds special interest in working with children, adolescents and their families but enjoys working with participants of all ages.

Tamara Wolf

Geelong and surrounds

Tamara Wolf

Geelong and surrounds

Show Bio

Tamara has Diplomas in Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Community Services and she is trained in acceptance and commitment therapy for trauma related disorders.  She is also currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science.

Tamara has worked across various roles within genU, with a primary focus on psychosocial disabilities and recovery.

Tamara is passionate about supporting people to live rich and meaningful lives. Special interests include trauma-related disorders and working with people from the LGBTIQ+ community. 

Rebecca Hunter

Geelong and surrounds

Rebecca Hunter

Geelong and surrounds

Show Bio

Rebecca is a qualified Social Worker with 15 years’ experience in the community sector in Australia and the UK. She has worked in a variety of roles including supporting young at-risk adolescents, providing case management support to individuals and families with complex needs and, most recently, providing Support Coordination within genU. Rebecca has supported individuals with varying needs and has a particular interest in working with children and young people.  

Rebecca supports people to reach their goals and live fulfilled lives. She embraces the opportunity to work collaboratively with individuals and their support network.

Emily Dunlop

Geelong and surrounds

Emily Dunlop

Geelong and surrounds

Show Bio

Emily is a Registered Nurse and Behaviour Support Practitioner, with multiple degrees including a Bachelor of Nursing, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and a Graduate Diploma of Genetic Counselling.

Emily comes to the genU Behaviour Support team with an 18-year career within public and private healthcare with vast experience in hospitals, residential aged care settings, forensic and mental health settings, after-hours crisis care and behaviour support.

Emily’s experience in senior nursing positions within public and private residential aged care, along with other practice areas, allows her to bring her exceptional knowledge and passion for the sector to her role as a behaviour support practitioner at genU. Emily enjoys supporting people living in residential aged care, including those living with dementia, mental ill-health or those approaching end of life, as well as supporting those who love and care for them, to ensure they attain the highest possible quality of life.

Mackenzie Crane

Geelong and surrounds

Mackenzie Crane

Geelong and surrounds

Show Bio

Mackenzie joined genU in 2020 and holds a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours. This degree included a study abroad program in Art Psychotherapy.

A former Support Coordinator, Mackenzie has a deep understanding of the NDIS and is experienced in supporting individuals with complex needs to overcome barriers. She has a keen interest in working with children, young adults and their families, and brings a warm, collaborative and compassionate approach to her work with participants. 

Mackenzie is also passionate about empowering people to have greater choice and control in their lives, and committed to delivering best-practice support in a safe and welcoming environment.

Martine Troedel

Geelong and surrounds

Martine Troedel

Geelong and surrounds

Show Bio

Martine is a highly experienced community services professional and holds multiple qualifications including a Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion from Deakin University, a Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Psychology) from Swinburne, and a Diploma of Disability. She comes to genU with more than 20 years’ experience in Community Services, spanning various roles including disability, mental health, AOD withdrawal, Support Coordination, Local Area Coordination and direct support.

Martine has travelled extensively and is passionate about human rights. She has a particular interest in working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, syndromes, and those from diverse backgrounds. She aims to achieve positive outcomes for individuals including those with complex and compounding factors that impact their lives.

Martine is caring and respectful, with a practical and holistic approach to behaviour support.

Martine is able to see participants with any level of life complexity and/or challenge, aged 16 years or older. She is able to provide a service to participants in Barwon (Geelong, Colac and the Surf Coast), inclusive of all townships down to Lorne, Victoria.

Shannell Gagliardi

Melbourne - Coburg and surrounds

Shannell Gagliardi

Melbourne - Coburg and surrounds

Show Bio

Shannell holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) degree from RMIT and comes to genU with more than seven years’ experience working with children with autism and their families.

She has worked in a variety of environments including home settings, schools and kindergartens, helping school aged kids, as well as supporting their families and carers, to create rich learning environments which promote development and the highest possible quality of life.

Shannell has a nurturing, compassionate, goal-driven approach and embraces new opportunities to develop her knowledge and skills. She appreciates diversity and believes that everyone has the right to be understood.

She can see NDIS participants aged 2-12, but can also consider people of other ages depending on presenting issues and needs. She is able to provide a face-to-face service to participants in Central Melbourne (Richmond, Brunswick and surrounding suburbs) out through to Broadmeadows, Sunshine, Footscray, Doncaster and Campbellfield.

Nick De Luca

Geelong, Werribee and surrounds

Nick De Luca

Geelong, Werribee and surrounds

Show Bio

Nick is a passionate and dedicated Youth Worker with over five years of invaluable experience in the industry and holds a Bachelor of Youth Work and Cert IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention, plus in-depth training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.

In his role overseeing the daily operations and staffing of a residential care unit at a large Community Service Organisation and other previous roles, Nick consistently displayed his knack for building rapport with young individuals, tapping into mutual interests, humour, and a strength-based, early intervention approach.
Before getting into Youth Work, Nick was a hotel manager and remains a committed golf enthusiast. He is a versatile and committed professional who adapts and thrives in varied and challenging environments.

Nick works full-time and can work with children, young people, and adults. He has a particular passion and skillset for working alongside school young people aged 12-25 and their supports. He can provide a service to participants in Werribee and surrounds, as well as North Geelong and nearby suburbs.

Bronwyn Anderson

Geelong and surrounds

Bronwyn Anderson

Geelong and surrounds

Show Bio

Bronwyn is a skilled professional whose qualifications include a Graduate Diploma of Teaching, a Bachelor of Arts and Nursing, and a postgraduate diploma in midwifery.

Her diverse experiences span teaching, nursing, and some experience working within the NDIS framework, notably as a Peer Mentor Support Officer, Support Coordinator and Early Childhood Early Intervention Key Worker at another local NDIS Provider. She comes to us with a multifaceted skill set uniquely suited for Behaviour Support within the NDIS framework. She enjoys facilitating families, students and adults alike.

On the weekend she can be found watching the AFL, taking pleasure in music, and enjoying time with her husband and 3 adult children. Nature in the Otways is her go to for relaxing. Bronwyn consistently showcases a comprehensive and holistic approach to care and well-being. Her blend of academic credentials coupled with practical experiences will undeniably bring a wealth of knowledge and adaptability to our team.

Bronwyn works four days per week, Tuesday – Friday, and can work with all ages 2–65 depending on complexity and circumstances. She services Geelong and surrounds as well as Forrest, Colac and neighbouring townships.

Sydney Reid

Geelong and Surrounds

Sydney Reid

Geelong and Surrounds

Show Bio

Sydney is a qualified Registered Nurse and an Endorsed Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner. She is joining the genU team with multiple years of experience working across various roles within the NDIS supporting individuals and their families. 

Sydney has a deep commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred care. Her motivation lies in making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, ensuring they receive support and advocacy needed to achieve their goals and enhance their overall well-being. Sydney has a warm and friendly nature and is adept at building strong rapport with participants, their families, and other support systems. 

Outside of her professional life, Sydney finds joy in spending time with her friends and family, playing and watching sports, and nurturing a positive and healthy lifestyle. 

Sydney has experience spanning across a diverse range of individuals. She is well-versed in working with NDIS participants of all backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and respect in every aspect of her practice. 

Sydney works full-time, Monday to Friday, and can provide support to participants across Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and surrounds.

Katie Boys

Geelong and Surrounds

Katie Boys

Geelong and Surrounds

Show Bio

Katie is a qualified Social Worker, having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Deakin University, Geelong.

She has previously worked as a Support Coordinator in the Northern Territory and completed her first Social Work placement at the Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition. Prior to entering community services, Katie gained an extensive background in customer service.

Katie is compassionate and respectful, with a person-centred and holistic approach to practice. She comes to genU with ambition to evolve and expand in her knowledge and skills to support people with a disability. On weekends she can be found enjoying the outdoors, spending time with family and friends.

Katie currently works casually at genU and has the capacity to complete brief assessments for people of all ages across the Geelong, Colac, Winchelsea, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and surrounds.

Liz Johnston

Geelong and Surrounds

Liz Johnston

Geelong and Surrounds

Show Bio

Liz is an experienced Education Consultant and Registered Psychiatric Nurse. Liz holds a Post Graduate Diploma of Nursing Practice (Mental Health) from the University of Melbourne and a double degree in Nursing and Applied Science (Psychology) from Deakin University Geelong.

Her tenure at Barwon Health Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service involved autonomous clinical practices within demanding environments, with an emphasis on assessment, intervention, crisis management, and case management with people of all ages.

In her previous role, she effectively collaborated with various stakeholders to support Autistic students and other complex co-occurring needs. In all her roles, she has emphasised safe and inclusive environments, person-centred care, and a focus on human rights. Her career history spans from serving as an Autism Education Consultant at the English Montreal School Board to a Psychiatric Nurse Educator at Barwon Health Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service.

Liz is especially passionate about working with youth with Autism and other co-occurring mental health concerns, to enhance their sense of autonomy, wellbeing, educational experiences or opportunities, and quality of life.

She will be working full time and will be able to work with participants aged 6 – 60 across Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and surrounds. She has a particular passion and skillset for working alongside school aged youth and students aged 6-21yo.

Andy (Andrea) Stephens

Geelong and Surrounds

Andy (Andrea) Stephens

Geelong and Surrounds

Show Bio

Andy is a skilled disability professional who has enjoyed a career within the sector for over thirty years, with her most recent roles including Specialist Behaviour Support (Proficient) and, prior to that, Inclusion and Diversity Program Support at Sacred Heart College. Andy has a range of qualifications including a Bachelor of Applied Science (Intellectual Disability), Graduate Certificate (Health Promotion) and holds a full membership with the Developmental Educators Australia Incorporated.

Andy values working with people with disabilities and their support networks and uses a human rights framework to achieve effective inclusion and positive outcomes. Andy is able to employ a range of professional and technical skills that focusses on collaboration and person-centred practices to increase the quality of life of the people she is supporting.

Andy is able to provide support to participants of all ages and life stages. She has proven experience in providing capacity building support to families that are facing complexities as well as delivering tailored training options to suit individual and group needs.

Andy works four days per week, Monday to Thursday, and is able to provide support to participants across Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and surrounds.

Please note: We will assess your referral and let you know if we can accept within 2 business days