U&I Educational Partners - Meet the Team
Erin
Barnes
Educational Therapist
Erin is a qualified education support professional.  Erin’s passion is working with children who have many learning and behavioural challenges including trauma, ASD, ADHD, developmental delays and medical disabilities. Erin has worked 1:1 with young people helping them to navigate their way and find success in them transitioning into secondary education. She has strong expertise in facilitating small group work. Her formal qualifications are Certificate IV in Education Support.
Kurtis
Brooksby
Therapy Assistant
Kurtis is working towards his Certificate IV in Individual Support (Disability). With lived experience of ASD and ADHD, he brings kindness and humour when engaging with individual clients, families and staff. Kurtis supports our Big Picture learners during optional independent study sessions. Where needed, Kurtis also supports our clients and their families through assistance with activity based transport.
Jacqui
Kirk
Educational Therapist
Jacqui works with us regularly on Tuesdays and casually on other days. Being neurodivergent herself and a mum to four neurodivergent children, Jacqui has a unique understanding of the complications of operating in a society that doesn't always understand. Currently studying for her Bachelor's Degree is Social Science, she has a passion for assisting young people to overcome adversity and see their individual strengths and talents. Jacqui has a deep respect for every young person she works with and has a particular talent for quickly building relationships based on trust.
Cathie McCulloch
Art Therapist
As an artist and qualified teacher with over 30 years experience in art and education, and a Visual Arts degree in fine arts, Cathie believes art is fundamental to a child's health & wellbeing. As an artist and teacher, she believes that exposure to the arts can enrich a child's life. Cathie is committed to working with students to uncover strengths and talents through art to achieve a greater sense of wellbeing. Cathie's formal qualifications include a Diploma of Primary Teaching and a Grad. Dip. Educational Studies (Vis. Arts). She is currently workign toward formal qualifications in Art Therapy.
Emma Brooksby
Managing Director Educational Therapist
Emma is an experienced leader and teacher working for the Victorian Department of Education and Training for over 15 years. An experienced school Principal and leader, she understands all facets of daily school life. As a result of her lived experience, Emma's driving force is to work for the neurodivergent community to develop their access to learning and life. She is a strong advocate for change in education across Australia. Her formal qualifications include: M.Ed. Leadership, B.Ed.(prim) and a Grad. Cert. in Disability Studies.
Jess
Wilkes
Office Manager
Jess manages all aspects of our office including accounts, reception and appointment bookings. With over 15 years experience, she is a valued member of our management team. As your first point of contact, Jess can answer the vast majority of questions and queries related to our day-to-day operations. Jess works Monday - Thursday 9:30am-5:00pm.
Kara
Pyke
Support Coordinator - Therapy
Educational Therapist
Kara is an experienced Childcare Educator and Education Support Professional. Kara has experience working with children who have developmental delays, ASD, ADHD, trauma, and physical disabilities. Kara's skillset is in individual and group program planning and building relationships with students. Kara's formal qualifications include a Diploma in Children's Services as well as being a Sounds Write Practitioner. Kara is currently completing her Diploma of Counselling.
Jenelle Stancombe
Support Coordinator - Education
Educational Therapist
Jenelle is an experienced Early Childhood and School teacher with over 10 years experience working in Australia and England. She has experience working with children and young people with a wide variety of learning and behavioural challenges. Jenelle has worked alongside children and their families going through the diagnosis and NDIS funding process and provided help and assistance. She supports educators to develop inclusive classrooms and creating evidence-based literacy programs. In addition to being trained in Read, Write Inc and Sounds Write, Jenelle's formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Education.