Nadege
I work at Valued Lives as the Innovative Employment Network Manager and I’ve been with Valued Lives since October 2019.
I’ve worked in Human Services and Health for the last 10 years including at Carers WA, COTA, a very short stint at the NDIA, and at AWHI – a Rheumatic Fever prevention program in Auckland. I studied Health Science at the University of Auckland.
My favourite thing about my job is seeing people reach their employment goals and celebrating people’s achievements.
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me cooking and feeding people. I really dislike sport.
Around the office, people know me for being calm!
Gina
I’m an Innovative Employment Advisor at Valued Lives, and have been with Valued Lives since 2017, originally as a volunteer. I then moved on to a role as a Hub Manager, before joining the team as an Advisor.
Before Valued Lives, I worked as a hairdresser for 30 years, and owned my own salon for 7 years.
My favourite thing about my job is seeing people create and achieve goals.
When I’m not at work, I like to help my daughter, Tia, with her own Microenterprise as a designer and model, see my family, go camping and go out to events.
Around the office, people know me for my sarcastic sense of humour!
Craig
I’m an Innovative Employment Advisor at Valued Lives, and have been with Valued Lives since 2016.
Before Valued Lives, I’d worked in the disability sector for the last 30 years.
My favourite thing about my job is being told no. I like hearing what people can’t do so I can prove them wrong. I like batting for people.
When I’m not at work, I like to spend time with family, walk the dog and Facetime with my granddaughter and daughter.
Around the office, people know me for being Switzerland!
Cathy
I am an Innovative Employment Advisor at Valued Lives. I started working with Valued Lives in January 2022.
Before Valued Lives, I was a Hairdresser for 43 years and had my own Salon for 20 years. I also have a certificate 4 in massage Reiki 2 and a lot of knowledge in aromatherapy therapy. I have travelled a lot of Australia and worked in all states except NT and Tasmania. I love learning and embracing new ideas. I am a mother of 4 gorgeous kids – 2 sons and 2 daughters. 3 of my kids are Hearing impaired.
I love this job because you can challenge traditional ways of thinking and make a difference to the quality of people’s lives.
Outside of work I love to get out into nature! Camping and exploring, dancing, going to live music and festivals, reading and learning new skills, laughing and having fun with my family and friends, great conversations, and travelling and exploring new places.
Around the office, people know me for being reliable, punctual and hardworking.
Tennille
At Valued Lives I’m an Innovative Employment Advisor and have been with Valued Lives since 2021.
I’ve worked in the disability sector for 10 years and own a catering business with my husband, Ryan.
My favourite thing about my job is how everyone comes with their own ideas – I like non-traditional ideas that fill a gap we didn’t even know was a need in the community.
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me camping, crafting, eating and spending time with my family.
Around the office, people know me for being the ideas lady!
Eloise
I’m an Innovative Employment Advisor and Events Officer at Valued Lives and have been working with Valued Lives since May 2020.
Before Valued Lives, I studied Community Development at University, followed by a Cert 4 in Project Management Practice. While studying, I was a café manager, and undertook other hospitality work.
The best part of my job is that we fill a need in the community, seeing people make progress and achieve their goals. I also love meeting lots of different people.
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me spending time with friends, family and my cats, cooking, doing art, playing hockey and riding my bike.
Around the office, people know me for being enthusiastic and swapping hobbies every week!
Rachel
I’ve been an Innovative Employment Advisor and Social Media and Events Officer with Valued Lives since February 2021, but I was employed as a Business Assistant from 2019-2020.
Before Valued Lives, I studied International Aid and Development and Asian Studies and a postgraduate qualification in Gender Mainstreaming. I’ve worked in impact investment for an international non-profit focused on financial inclusion, and also taken on volunteer roles and internships in reproductive health and modern slavery.
My favourite thing about my job is that I love facilitating opportunities for people to show off their incredible talents and achievements to the community.
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me reading interesting non-fiction books, watching movies, cooking and hanging out with my rescue cat, Kimchi!
Around the office, people know me for having strong opinions!
Clare
I’m the School to Employment Pathways Project Lead at Valued Lives. Before this, I was an ILC Project Lead. I started with Valued Lives in August 2019.
I’ve had 20 years working in the sector – my roles have included support worker, behavioural support staff trainer, support coordinator, TAFE lecturer, inclusion and supported decision-making. I also sit on Boards – the WA Disability Advisory Council and the Board of PwD Australia.
My favourite thing about my job is challenging ideas around what people can and can’t do, and seeing people succeed!
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me being mad about my chickens, baking, spending time with my kids, buying earrings and being creative (I enjoy sewing, crochet and more!).
Around the office, people know me for being a feeder! And, of course, for my mad earrings.
Marcus
At Valued Lives I work as an Innovative Employment Advisor. I have been with Valued Lives since March 2020.
Before Valued Lives I worked as gym manager and personal trainer and wrestling coach. I’ve also worked with at-risk youth. Outside of work I compete in Olympic Style Wrestling and have travelled around the world to compete including to the Commonwealth Games.
My favourite thing about my job is seeing people achieve their employment goals, grow and turn their passions into meaningful work.
Outside of work, you can find me wrestling, coaching and spending time with my family.
Around the office, people know me for always being on the go and lifting heavy things.
Louise
At Valued Lives I’m employed as an Innovative Employment Advisor. I started working with Valued Lives in January 2022.
Prior to working with Valued Lives I worked in the Community Services sector for 30+ years, mainly in mental health and alcohol and other drugs. I have a Psychology Degree and Post Grad Diploma in Social Welfare, as well as a couple of Cert IV’s (Training & Assessment & Frontline Management).
My favourite thing about my job is meeting new people, hearing and learning about their lives, as well as coming up with innovative and/or outrageous ideas. So, the people are my favourite part of the job.
Outside of work, you can find me thinking about work! I have just become a grandmother for the first time to beautiful Emily and I absolutely love animals – cats in particular. I am a part of the Myalup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade and played water polo for New Zealand at the World Cup when I was 15 years old.
Around the office, people know me for asking lots of questions, loving to have a laugh and probably talking too much.
Sam
I’m an Innovative Employment Advisor at Valued Lives. I started in November 2019.
Before Valued Lives, I was studying Community Development and Sociology at Murdoch Uni and volunteering in disability and sporting organisations within my local community.
My favourite thing about my job is seeing people grow and succeed every day. We are very privileged to play a small role in supporting people to reach their goals.
Outside of work, you can find me taxi-ing my kids to sport, watching the Dockers, or watching cat videos.
Around the office, people know me for being precious about my desk – don’t think you can touch my stuff and get away with it!
Corinne
I’m an Innovative employment advisor at Valued Lives. I’ve been with the team since late 2021.
Before Valued Lives I previously worked as a Support Worker for 3 years, having completed my Diploma in Community Services. Within my Support role I worked as a business assistant supporting a Microenterprise owner with their business planning, and continued to support them with their business.
My favourite thing about my job is the great enjoyment I get watching participants discover hidden talents or watching already known talent become a thriving microenterprise. I love the community that has grown within our project, and there is never a dull moment when they are in the hub working on their businesses.
When I’m not at work, you can find me with my family – we are always out and about either in the ocean, swimming, snorkeling, surfing or away camping and exploring.
Around the office, people know me for always laughing when things get awkward.
