Meet our leadership team below...
As the CEO of Access4u, Cathy Miller is a highly skilled strategic and visionary with more than 32 years’ experience in Human Services, health, mental health and the disability sector. She also has a degree in Human Resource Management. MBA, B.Bus (Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations), BHA, GAICD. Cathy has a deep commitment to developing a positive culture, create a team of passionate, committed and capable staff who make a difference to the lives of people living with disability.
She says the most rewarding part of her role is "...outcomes and capacity building – both in staff, who with support and skill building centred around their customers are confident and create real improvement for our customers, and customers who can live great lives with positive outcomes."
Joe Gannon, our Senior Manager Specialist Services, started his career in community services in youth work and residential disability care with the government over 32 years ago. After disappearing into the academic scene for a few years, where he studied and then lectured in psychology at the University of South Australia, he restarted his career back in the service sector in family therapy, health, and residential care. Joe then turned his attention towards management and sector leadership in the field of housing and homelessness where he remained for 15 years. More recently he commenced in his role within the disability sector with Access4u. Joe loves working within a role where you experience task diversity and problem solving.
Joe says "working within a flourishing, customer focused environment, which aims to provide the best services it can, is as good as it gets.... In particular, I have always worked within the services sector because there is nothing more rewarding than working with a sense of purpose. Working within the disability sector holds significant rewards in terms of delivering services to those people who need it most."
Gai Dawe, our Senior Disability Manager, has been involved in the disability sector for over 35 years personally and 27 years professionally. Gai's son has multiple disabilities which has provided her with a great understanding of the complexities families face when caring for a child with high needs. In 2012, Gai became involved with the implementation of the NDIS which commenced in 2013, and has seen great changes during this time. Gai has worked with many other organisations and government departments on the systemic issues in the NDIS and she hopes in part that she has made some difference. She believes that personal involvement with disability is an important factor to understand the issues people and families are experiencing and she can then, in turn, provide support to families and their loved ones along their journey. "I may not have walked in their shoes but I have certainly travelled the same pathway," she says.
Gai says the most rewarding part of her role is "meeting families and talking to them about caring for themselves. Offering realistic sound advice. Helping people advocate for what they need and ensuring that all families are treated equally."
Karyn McCue, HALO Manager at Access4u, is a qualified social worker and has a Diploma in Narrative Therapy. She has been working in the disability sector for 15 years. For the past 10 years, she has worked in the Supported Independent Living space (Home and Living Options) which continues to be tremendously rewarding for her. Karyn has the privilege of witnessing all of our participants developing their skills and maximizing their capacity at their own pace. Karyn loves watching participants improve their skills and reach their goals. Many participants she sees come from living at home with their parents and/or guardians, to then living independently in an environment where they can learn skills from how to do domestic chores and how to cook for themselves. "It’s amazing to see these changes in them," she says. "The positive experiences and changes I see in participants are thanks to the implementation of the NDIS and how the sector operates now."
Karyn says the most rewarding part of her role is "....being part of a fast growing and flourishing organisation. Since 2019, when we had just 3 employees, to now, with over 350+ staff members. Personally, I’ve also enjoyed expanding my own knowledge, learning about more areas and supports across the NDIS and the organisation."
Sandy Harmer, our Disability Services Manager - Adelaide Hills and Flerieu, has been working across the disability landscape since 2009, where she has been fortunate to have a primary role within many sectors such as Disability Employment Services, Individual Support Trainer and Assessor, Learner Support Case Management, National VET Manager, SIL Team Leader, and more recently, as a Therapist Assistant. Sandy is currently studying a Bachelor of Disability Developmental Education to expand on her Diploma in Counselling and Training and assessment qualifications. Sandy has always referred to herself personally as a helper and a fixer, and working across the disability sector provides her with opportunities to learn, grow and make a positive contribution to assist in people’s lives. She is passionate about our communities and ensuring people have genuine connections within it. "The interactions that I have with the people I work with teach me so many positive life lessons, that shape who I am today," she says.
Sandy says the most rewarding part of her role is "[witnessing a] participants journey to achieve, and sharing their successes together. I love being able to motivate and contribute to a team, by sharing my passion, knowledge and ability to work through challenges. As individuals, we can all learn so much from diversity."
Bri Price, our Disability Services Manager - North, has 25 years of experience in healthcare, starting as a Carer and later as an Enrolled Nurse. She's had the opportunity to work across various areas, including acute hospital settings, aged, disability, and community care.
Bri says the most rewarding part of her role is "[making a] positive impact, building strong relationships and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. I'm dedicated to helping our clients reach their full potential."
Samantha Olinga, Regional Coordinator - Yorke Peninsula and Surrounds, has extensive experience working within the disability and community services sectors, including roles in case management for housing and homelessness, service management with SIL services, and service coordination for NDIS participants. She is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling.
Sam says the most rewarding part of her role is "The opportunity to meet diverse individuals and help them navigate their support journey. I find great fulfillment in guiding people towards empowerment, providing the resources they need, and watching them build a path that enhances their quality of life. Being part of their transformation is truly gratifying."
Access4u is a not-for-profit organisation that helps guide you through the NDIS to ensure the most optimal and effective outcomes for your ongoing objectives. From your coordinator to your mentor, Access4u works towards your personal goals whilst increasing independence and adding value to every life we support.
We make a difference by providing personalised care to every individual and their aspirations. Through working with a diverse group of service providers we can ensure support for you in a timely, innovative, and flexible way. View our NDIS supports here.
