“….PEOPLE WHO SHINE WITHIN DON’T NEED THE SPOTLIGHT….”
Our Team of DIVAS brings with them a wide range of experiences in the field of Human Services;
Serving a wide range of clients in our diverse community.
The Divas each have their own areas of interest working diligently within NDIS budgets, engaging and monitoring supports before preparing evidenced-based reports for NDIS.
We work collaboratively with clients, their families and Providers sharing our knowledge, our experience to ensure capacity building across the Sector, whilst being open to learning from others.
Team Divas are quiet achievers; their goal is to deliver the best outcomes for the clients they serve…
Sukhi Tear
Director &
Specialist Support Coordinator
Diploma in Social Work (DipSw), BA Human Services
0420 859 722
sukhi@diversitaswa.com
Sukhi Tear
Director &
Specialist Support Coordinator
Diploma in Social Work (DipSw), Degree in Human Services.
0420 859 722
sukhi@diversitaswa.com
Experience
Sukhi has a Diploma in Social Work qualifying in the UK, and has worked in the social care industry for over 30 years across a number of jurisdictions that include England (London), the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) and Western Australia (Perth).
Sukhi acquired her degree in Human Services in Canberra, ACT, and continued her studies in Perth; commencing her Masters in Social Sciences. However, due to conflicting priorities, Sukhi had to defer this, although the research itself has been completed; studying whether the Guardianship and Administration System took away people with disabilities’ Human Rights. Balancing the Care vs Control elements of Guardianship and Administration Orders brings with it, complex issues that must be navigated through carefully. However, we must ensure that Supported Decision-Making is implemented when these Orders are made to keep people safe & ensure their Voice is heard.
Sukhi strongly believes in Social Justice and has been a robust supporter and advocate for a wide range of vulnerable client groups, which include adults and children with disabilities & mental ill health; survivors of domestic violence; statutory child and adult protection; Out of Home Care; homelessness and those living with alcohol & drug dependency.
Sukhi has extensive experience in the statutory child protection arena; working directly with clients and their families at the coalface (with sleeves rolled up), trying to undertake the preventative work so children could remain with their families; as well as making applications for relevant Court Orders to ensure children were protected if parents were unable to make changes in their parenting capacity. Sukhi has given evidence under cross examination in the Children’s, Magistrates and High Court’s in London as well as relevant Courts in Canberra, ACT and was commended for her work by a High Court Judge in London for the work she undertook in an extremely difficult and complex children’s matter.
Sukhi has also worked as a Guardian in the Office of the Public Advocate’s office here in Perth. She has sound knowledge of the Guardianship and Administration System; and focused her research on whether the Guardianship & Administration System in WA upheld the human rights of people with disabilities. Sukhi’s key area of interest lies in advocacy, human rights and social justice; ensuring that all client contact should be done through honest, transparent and respectful communication.
Pro Bono Work
Are you stuck in between systems or are struggling to find the right Support Pathway. Please call Sukhi directly on 0420 859 722 to discuss whether we can assist you.
Whether you have an NDIS plan or not we can talk and work out the best option, including some support and helping you without charge… Just to help you get started.
Melissa
Services Manager &
Specialist Support Coordinator
Bachelor of Arts (Justice)
Melissa
Services Manager
Experience
Melissa has spent the past 16 years in the disability sector and has an extensive understanding of the Guardianship & Administration system, having been a Guardian at the Office of the Public Advocate for over 10 years.
Prior to becoming a Guardian, Melissa was an Investigator at the Office of the Public Advocate and has also worked at the State Administrative Tribunal.
Melissa’s passion is justice, and she has a Bachelor of Arts (Justice) degree. She strives for fairness and equality for all, which is evident in the work that she does.
Melissa’s leadership of the DIVAS’ is second to none; helping colleagues when required and delivering whatever is required, ethically, to ensure Goals and Outcomes for clients are met.
Melissa works extensively as part of the management team ensuring quality and that Diversitas WA’s strategic direction is sustained..
Julianne
Team Leader & Specialist Support Coordinator
Mst Sc. (Project Management), BSc. (Psychology)
Julianne
Specialist Support Coordinator
Experience
“There are not enough hours in a day, so waste them wisely”
Julianne has a proud employment history that provides a diverse and expansive set of skills and experiences absorbed over a 30+ year career that encapsulates, medicine/health, counselling, Engineering, Aged Care and Disabilities.
Within the Disability Sector, Julianne combines her skillset, finely honed through working with the “MyWay” trial site program in the South West and South Metropolitan Areas. Then, having been seconded to NDIS as a planner in the first intake, due to her ability to grasp concepts quickly and succinctly, she continued to add to those skills.
This move to the NDIS was quickly followed with a request by the NDIS Complex Support Needs (CSN)s’ Branch Manager for Julianne to spearhead the Complex Support Needs’ Pathway (CSNP) in WA. Starting with a team of just three CSN Planners (one being Julianne), she expanded the WA CSN Branch to a team of 15 Planners, successfully transitioning WA bringing it into line with the National Directives.
Kieran
Quality, Risk and Governance Officer
Bachelor of Arts in Law and Business
Kieran
Quality, Risk and Governance Officer
Experience
After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Business in the UK, Kieran built a career specialising in data governance, quality assurance, risk management, and operational compliance across major infrastructure and corporate organisations in London. With experience working for organisations including Sage and Crossrail, Kieran developed strong expertise in governance frameworks, stakeholder management, regulatory compliance, data integrity, and continuous improvement. Her work focused on ensuring high-quality, accurate, and compliant information systems while supporting ethical decision-making and organisational accountability.
Now working within the disability sector in Western Australia as a Quality, Risk and Governance Officer, Kieran is passionate about using her governance and compliance experience to support vulnerable members of the community. She strongly believes in equality, inclusion, and every individual’s right to live with dignity and respect.
Committed to continuous improvement and participant-centred practice, Kieran strives to help create safe, transparent, and high-quality services that empower people living with disability and support positive outcomes for clients and their families.
Vivian
Specialist Support Coordinator
Bachelor of Psychology
Vivian
Specialist Support Coordinator
Experience
After obtaining her Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Curtin University, Vivian entered the mental health / disability sector to explore her passion for assisting vulnerable people in the community and navigating mainstream and funded supports.
In addition to her current role as a Specialist Support Coordinator, Vivian is the mother of a child with a disability.
Vivian strives to provide genuine care and make real differences in people’s lives. Vivian is best summed by her dedication to do the best for her clients and their families:
“I wouldn’t change you for the world, but I would change the world for you”….
Shannon
Specialist Support Coordinator
Bachelor of Arts (Criminology & Social Psychology)
Shannon
Specialist Support Coordinator
Experience
Shannon completed her Degree in criminology and social psychology because of her passion for wanting to understand the needs of vulnerable groups in society and identifying the best supporting strategies. She has a particular interest in Aboriginal justice and rehabilitation/reintegration from within the justice system.
Shannon has been a Support Coordinator for 6 years, with experience navigating Specialist and Complex Mainstream interfaces including justice, CPFS, the DoC Bridging Program, complex family dynamics, drug and alcohol complexities, mental health, transitions from hospital and of course, the NDIS.
Shannon holds the firm belief that capacity building and empowerment are the driving factors for positive change; principles of justice, human rights and empowerment are fundamental in Shannon’s work.
Natalie
Specialist Support Coordinator
BSc (Nursing)
Natalie
Specialist Support Coordinator
Experience
Natalie is a highly motivated, responsible, hardworking and conscientious individual. She spent approximately 6 years working for The Disability Service Commission as a Local Co-ordinator. During that time, Natalie improved her knowledge and skills.
Natalie conducts herself with complete professionalism and ensures work is delivered in a timely manner. She is adaptable to change in the work environment and has an excellent track record of achieving positive outcomes.
Natalie also worked in the National Disability Insurance Agency as a planner, working tirelessly with participants, their families and service providers.
Natalie enjoys a challenge; and finds it rewarding working in what can sometimes be a very stressful but ultimately rewarding career.
Kat
Specialist Support Coordinator
Student Social Worker
Kat
Support Coordinator and Student Social Worker
Experience
Kathleen is currently studying for the Bachelor of Science (Social Work). She has worked in disabilities for 5 years and is dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities with utmost respect and consideration. Kat has a deep passion to help guide clients to their full potential and encourage and support clients to participate in appropriate activities as noted within the care plan. Kathleen is focused and committed to increasing her knowledge base as she proceeds through her educational journey.
Amanda
Specialist Support Coordinator
BSc (Nursing)
Amanda
Specialist Support Coordinator
Registered General Nursing (University of Edinburgh)
Diploma of Public Safety, TAFE SA
Certificate IV in Justice Studies, TAFE SA
Experience
Amanda was born and raised in England before moving to Scotland to study Nursing. Later, in the Justice system, Amanda specialised in Child Protection, Protection of Vulnerable Adults and Domestic Violence.
Amanda more recently worked as a Senior Guardian at The Office of the Public Advocate for over 8 years where she made lifestyle decisions for adults with cognitive impairments.
Amanda has extensive experience of the Criminal Justice System, NDIS and Health.
She is passionate about helping people.
In her spare time, Amanda loves spending time with her family and is a keen open water swimmer.
Pauline
Specialist Support Coordinator
Dip Ed (Human Services) & (Workplace Training & Assessment)
Pauline
Specialist Support Coordinator
Experience
Pauline has extensive experience working within disability services – she is diligent, motivated, hardworking and is passionate about implementing a “Person Centred” approach with the individuals she works for.
Within her career, Pauline has had a variety of roles including being an Area Supervisor for both Accommodation and Community Services, Managing a Support Coordination team, and has also been a Complex Support Needs Planner with the National Disability Insurance Agency. All these roles have enhanced her skills and knowledge on customer satisfaction and positive advocacy while consistently demonstrating commitment to providing appropriate resources and support for clients navigating complex needs and systems.
Within her work Pauline fosters positive relationships with all stakeholders and shows honesty, integrity and transparency, working with people to build their capacity to gain skills and achieve their goals.