About Us
Melissa’s Approach
Melissa, our Developmental Educator and Therapist, is passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities to achieve real outcomes. She believes providing support away from a traditional setting and in more relaxed natural spaces enhances the learning process. She has many years of experience and is well qualified, including recent training in ecotherapy, to deliver tailored support and therapy programs at Glenwood Farm. With a focus on increasing independent living skills and participation, behaviour support, sensory regulation and communication, Melissa works in partnership with participants and their support networks to create a goal-focused plan to achieve the individual’s NDIS goals and aspirations.
The natural spaces of the farm, with its friendly animals, vegetable gardens, and beautiful nature spots, provides a versatile and flexible environment for individuals to be supported. Our programs are delivered in a spacious, rustic stable equipped with the requirements for daily living skill programs, play and sensory areas, and views of the surrounding forest, offering participants the chance to be in nature if they choose, and not just confined to a room setting.
Melissa is also an experienced teacher/lecturer in tertiary level disability courses, a qualified and current NDIS Support Coordinator, parent of neurodiverse children, advocate and uses trauma informed, evidence-based approaches. She also has post graduate qualifications in Counselling. Melissa has a deep understanding of the NDIS system, barriers facing people with disabilities across the lifespan, and is equipped with the knowledge and tools to maximise individual outcomes with available funding.
What is a Developmental Educator?
A Developmental Educator (DE) must hold a professional practice Degree in disability studies and is a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary professional who specialises in promoting the skills, empowerment and independence, and quality of life of individuals with developmental and/or acquired disabilities. As a registered and qualified Allied Health professional, their goal is to help children and adults reach their full potential and achieve greater independence in all areas of life. They use practical, evidence-based strategies to help individuals overcome challenges and develop new skills.
Developmental Educators are recognised by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and listed in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits under Capacity Building Supports, and in the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Practice Standards Verification Module.
For further information on Developmental Educators refer to: https://www.deai.com.au/ and for the Scope of Practice see: DEAI_document_v1.0_240423_web.pdf