About Our Team

Ann is a registered nurse with over 50 years’ experience and whose entire nursing career has focused on the provision of high-quality personalized support to clients who are aged or have a disability and wanted to use her expertise and passion for the industry to train the next generation of support staff. Her favourite thing about her role is being able to work with people who are as committed as she is to achieving the Akadia vision.

When she isn’t in the office she can be found walking, either with her dog Cody at dawn or away on a multi-day hike in a place most of us can’t pronounce.

Qualifications: Registered Nurse, Cert IV Disability, Cert IV Training and Assessment, Diploma of Management, Diversional Therapist.

Prior to founding Akadia, Simon had a fulfilling career in the Army where he gained valuable experience in training systems and operations management that helped his transition into leading a registered training organisation.  His favourite thing about Akadia is that he gets to work with a team of passionate people who share the Akadia vision. 

Simon is a competitively social tennis player, or socially competitive depending on the way you look at it.  It may surprise you to know that yoga is also one of his loves, it allows him to play tennis and playing tennis means he needs to go to yoga.

Qualifications: Diploma of Training and Assessment Systems, Student of Life

Michelle began her career as an accountant working on special projects for companies like the Golden Casket, Boeing Australia and London Electricity.  She then moved to teaching English to speakers of other languages and on to training teachers and also training trainers.  In the move to language teaching,  she also became very involved in online learning and have developed online courses as well as trained through them for nearly 10 years. 

Michelle feels that everyone knows someone that needs support or care and that should be provided by an appropriately trained care-giver and sees Akadia as playing a vital role to help to make that a reality.  

Michelle is always working on some kind of new craft project and especially loves hobbytex. 

Qualifications: Bachelor of Accounting and Information Technology

After 10 years working as a support worker Ashleigh wanted to use her passion for the industry to train future workers so she moved into being a trainer and assessor. 

The thing that she loves most about working at Akadia is that she is able to provide a truly individualised service to students to meet their learning needs.  Working at Akadia also gives her the flexibility to spend time with her family and doing things that she enjoys like going to the gym.  Somewhat surprisingly while she admits to knowing close to nothing about trucking some of her favourite shows are Outback Truckers and Highway through Hell.  Ashleigh is also an op shop fanatic and every new outfit she wears to the office always has a story to tell.

Qualifications: Certificate IV Training and Assessment, Certificate III in Individual Support,  Certificate IV Disability, Certificate IV Leadership and Management

Meredith is an experienced healthcare professional and educator with a strong background in clinical nursing and vocational training. Meredith is passionate about supporting students, combining her clinical knowledge with a commitment to high-quality education and safe practice.

With a Bachelor of Nursing and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Meredith has a proven ability to mentor and guide students, fostering confidence and competence in clinical environments. She is known for her calm, supportive approach and strong communication skills, enabling her to build positive relationships with students. Meredith is dedicated to continuous improvement and delivering practical, evidence-based training that enhances outcomes for both her students and the communities they serve.

Qualifications: Registered Nurse,Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Shelley has been a Trainer/Assessor for Akadia for 10 years and currently trains Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing).  While she loves most aspects of her job she says by far the most rewarding is to see the sense of achievement on the faces of her students when they accomplish something they didn’t think they could. Most of her working life has been in the aged care sector, 8 years as an Assistant in Nursing and 10 years as a Registered Nurse.  

When she is not working she loves spending time with her family, enjoys reading and doing the odd bit of interior decorating.   Shelley is very much a morning person and starts every day watching the birds from her front verandah.

Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Diploma of Psychology, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Certificate III in Individual Support (Dual).

Catherine is a Trainer and Assessor with 10 years’ experience in the Aged Care and Disability sectors. She is passionate about supporting vulnerable people and enjoys working alongside like‑minded colleagues at Akadia to make a positive impact across the sector. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys reading, spending time fishing, and camping with her husband, and hanging out with her Great Dane.

Qualifications: Certificate III in Individual Support (Dual), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Belinda brings extensive experience in the aged care sector and is deeply passionate about supporting both students and the workforce that cares for them. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, she transitioned into training, where she now shares her knowledge and practical expertise with current and future support workers. Belinda is committed to empowering others to deliver high-quality, compassionate care across the aged care and disability sectors.

What Belinda enjoys most about her role is collaborating with like-minded professionals who share a common goal—improving the standard of care within the community. She values connection, continuous learning, and fostering a supportive environment for both staff and students.

Outside of work, Belinda enjoys an active lifestyle. She can often be found swimming, hiking local trails, or working out at the gym. She also loves watching triathlon and motorsport and proudly supports her two sons as they pursue their passion for go-kart racing. In her downtime, Belinda enjoys true crime stories and has recently taken up the rewarding hobby of bonsai.

Qualifications: Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), Certificate IV in Disability, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Jodie is a dedicated and compassionate registered nurse with 16 years of clinical experience, including the past seven years working within the disability sector. She is deeply passionate about supporting clients in the community and is committed to delivering person-centred care that respects each individual’s unique needs, empowering them to live with comfort, dignity, and confidence. Outside of her professional role, Jodie values time spent with her children and friends and enjoys unwinding with a good book.

Qualifications: Registered Nurse

Angie Boden is a highly experienced professional with over 40 years dedicated to the disability sector, complemented by 14 years of practice as a registered nurse. Her career reflects a deep commitment to supporting individuals with diverse needs, underpinned by strong clinical expertise and a compassionate, person-centred approach.

Originally from Ireland, Angie’s life journey has taken her from Ireland to Africa and ultimately to Australia, shaping her broad perspective and cultural understanding. She brings this rich background into her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and support people from all walks of life.

 Angie is passionate about her current training role, where she seamlessly integrates her extensive nursing knowledge with her decades of experience in the disability field. She is dedicated to empowering others through education, sharing practical insights, and promoting high standards of care.

Outside of her professional life, Angie is a devoted wife to her husband Dave and a proud mother of three children, valuing family as the foundation of her personal and professional resilience.

 

Qualifications: Registered Nurse

Faye has spent 42 years working for the Queensland Government in the Disability Sector. Faye was a direct support worker for the first 20 years of her career. The following years were spent in supervisory roles, until she followed her interest in supporting new support staff to gain their Certificate IV in Disability.

After her retirement from the government, Faye joined the team at Akadia as an Online Marker.

The thing Faye loves the most about working at Akadia is the flexibility. Working for Akadia makes her feel like she is still contributing to the Disability sector, but still gives her the time to follow her passion of helping animals, by volunteering for RSPCA Qld and spending time cross stitching.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Certificate IV in Disability

Janine has extensive experience in the aged care sector 

Janine’s favourite thing about working for Akadia is the interactions with the students and the friendships and community of the staff. She is looking forward to the ever growing student base and the opportunity to assist people learning and growing in the Disability and Aged Care industries and workforce.

Holly began her career as a part time admin support officer to her mum Michelle while she was recuperating from a knee operation.  She made a great impression on the entire team through her willingness to help out and provide emotional support.  While Holly has an open door policy she also regularly does the rounds around the office to check in on everyone, especially if she hears the microwave.  

 

Qualifications:  Certificate in Hugs and Listening Ears, Diploma in Negotiation (ie. always gets what she wants)