Meet The Team
Founders of Advanced Abilities
Danya & Reece
Reece
Reece is the CEO and Co-Founder of Advanced Abilities and plays a hands on role in ensuring every participant receives the highest standard of care and respect. Known for his calm, reliable nature and genuine compassion, Reece brings strong leadership and a deep understanding of care to the team.
He has worked with young children in the community as well as adults with complex mental health needs and behaviours of concern. His experience includes supporting clients with high and complex needs such as seizure management, medication administration, dysphagia, PEG feeding, complex bowel care, and catheter management.
Reece is passionate about empowering individuals to live as independently and confidently as possible. His people first approach shapes the culture of Advanced Abilities fostering a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment for both clients and staff.
CEO
Danya
Danya is the Founder and Director of Advanced Abilities and the driving force behind the company’s compassionate, people first approach. She’s energetic, outgoing and passionate about creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to thrive.
With experience across aged care, childcare, and community disability support, Danya has worked with people of all ages and with a wide range of complex disabilities. Her hands on background includes experience in seizure management, PEG feeding, complex bowel care, catheter management, mental health support and much more.
Danya loves a challenge and thrives on finding creative ways to help others reach their goals. She has a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life and is known for her empathy, positivity, and strong sense of purpose. For Danya, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the people she supports gain confidence, independence, and joy in their everyday lives.
CEO
Angela
Angela brings many years of experience supporting people with disabilities. She moved from New Zealand to Adelaide in 2005, and prior to relocating, she predominantly supported individuals with quadriplegia who required low to high levels of care. Her extensive hands-on experience has given her a strong understanding of complex support needs and person-centred care.
Angela has also been actively involved in disability sport. From 2006 to 2018, she was a member of the Australian Wheelchair Rugby team and proudly represented Australia at two Paralympic Games. Her involvement in elite sport reflects her dedication, resilience and commitment to empowering people within the disability community.
Professionally, Angela worked with Disability SA from 2007 to 2018 as a Case Manager until the introduction of the NDIS. She then transitioned to Housing SA, where she worked for six years as a Housing Officer. Angela ultimately chose to return to support work, as it is where her passion truly lies.
SUPPORT WORKER
Georgia
Georgia started her support work journey during school deciding to complete her Cert 3 in individual support in year 11. Georgia has a range of experience in high care and behavioural needs, over her time working in disability Georgia has learnt the importance of understanding and patience when supporting individuals with disabilities. Georgia is someone who always likes to be 10 minutes early rather than late, and keeps a weekly schedule. Georgia loves being an early riser and will make the most out of everyday. You will always find Georgia with a smile and laugh. You will most likely find Georgia socialising with friends and family, or going to the gym in her spare time.
SUPPORT WORKER/ TEAM LEADER
Emma
Emma started her support work journey 22 years ago and has great experience within the role. Emma is passionate within her role and enjoys giving back to each participant by delivering a high level of quality care. Emma has a bubbly personality that helps to create a warm and welcoming environment for all clients. She believes in the power of listening, and makes it a priority to understand their needs and aspirations. In Emma’s spare time she loves spending time with her gorgeous dog, visiting the beach, or making candles, which she finds incredibly relaxing.
SUPPORT WORKER
Indy
Indy was given the opportunity to start support work and instantly loved it. Indys journey started supporting a 19 year old boy who has Septo-optic dysplasia. Over the next 2.5 years Indy started working with various young adults and teenagers (aged 14-21) with different levels of functionality, and complexity, both verbal and non verbal, Indy has learnt the importance of patience and adaptability. Indy enjoys supporting clients to become independent (to the best of their ability) and empowering them to make decisions for themselves. Indy is constantly looking for opportunities to benefit and expand clients skill set, whether it be everyday life skills or a hobby. Personally Indy loves being active, going for a walk or going to the gym, Indy also loves spending time with friends and family and will never say no to camping or travelling.
SUPPORT WORKER
Maddie
Maddie has been a hairdresser since leaving school, where caring for people and building genuine connections has always come naturally to her. Through her work, she has loved helping people feel comfortable, supported and truly looked after. Over the years, she realised how much she enjoys making a difference in the lives of others, which naturally led her toward support work. With a friendly, patient and easy going nature, Maddie takes pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment where people feel valued and understood. She genuinely enjoys brightening someone’s day and making a positive impact, no matter how big or small.
SUPPORT WORKER
Zane
Zane has worked in the education department for the last 3 years as a surfing and ocean safety instructor. Zane loves sharing his passion for the ocean and helping others to do something outside of their comfort zone. Zane is also just as eager in learning what excites others and trying new things. Zane has also worked in Lake Tahoe, California at a summer camp which was a great experience for him seeing new culture and mentoring youth. Outside of work you will most likely find Zane by the beach and if there’s waves, he will probably be surfing. Travel is another joy of Zane as he loves seeing new places and meeting new people!
SUPPORT WORKER
Elkin
Elkin is a kind hearted, funny and outgoing person who loves meeting new people and building meaningful connections within the community. Elkin is always excited to engage with others and create relationships based on trust and positivity. In her free time Elkin enjoys going for walks especially near the beach where she can relax and clear her mind. Elkin also loves making art whether it's drawing or painting it’s a great way for her to express herself. Staying active is important to Elkin so she regularly goes to the gym to keep both her body and mind in good shape. When Elkin is feeling adventurous she enjoys going to live music events. And of course Elkin loves cooking delicious meals trying out new recipes and sharing them with friends and family.
SUPPORT WORKER
Casey
Casey is a dedicated and passionate support worker who has been working with children since finishing school. With experience across childcare, OSHC, SSO roles and mentoring, she has supported children of various ages in both group and one on one settings. Through these roles, Casey has developed strong skills in building positive relationships, understanding individual needs, and supporting children in their learning, wellbeing and personal development. With a warm and encouraging nature, Casey is passionate about helping children grow in confidence, independence and self esteem. She enjoys getting to know each child’s unique personality and interests, tailoring her support to suit their individual strengths and goals. Casey takes pride in creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where children feel comfortable, valued and motivated to succeed.
SUPPORT WORKER
Jasper
With four years of experience in disability support, Jasper is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care to individuals with diverse needs. His strengths of communication, patience, problem-solving, and resilience enable him to navigate challenges with a calm and thoughtful approach, ensuring the best possible outcomes for those who he supports. His commitment to empowering others and fostering independence is at the heart of everything he does. In Jaspers spare time, you will typically catch him playing football or baseball and spending time by the beach!
SUPPORT WORKER
Sophie
Sophie is a compassionate and professional support worker, who brings her big heart and caring nature to the forefront. With a love for traveling and an artistic side that shines through her painting, she enjoys creating meaningful experiences with the participants. Sophie finds great fulfilment in building friendships and sharing fun activities together. Her good sense of humour allows her to uplift clients, bringing joy and laughter to their interactions
SUPPORT WORKER
Laura
Laura is passionate about supporting others and creating an environment where people feel empowered, valued, and understood. She finds genuine joy in making a positive difference in people’s lives and is known for her warm, patient, and reliable nature. Laura loves building meaningful connections and believes that everyone deserves to feel supported and respected. Outside of work, she enjoys practicing yoga, spending time outdoors on nature walks, cooking, and sharing quality time with friends and family.
SUPPORT WORKER
Helen
Helen lives in the Adelaide Hills, where she enjoys being surrounded by nature and local wildlife, including kangaroos, deer, and koalas. She shares her home with her two cats and appreciates the calm and peaceful lifestyle the area offers. Helen has a strong interest in creative activities such as painting, arts and crafts, and cake decorating for all occasions. She also enjoys cooking and baking, and values incorporating these skills into meaningful daily activities. In her spare time, Helen enjoys walking, reading, and gardening. She is passionate about supporting participants to engage in activities they enjoy, build independence, and feel safe, comfortable, and supported in their everyday lives.
SUPPORT WORKER
Tayla
Tayla is fortunate to have found her true passion in support work, a career that is both rewarding and fulfilling. She has always been driven to help others, and in this role, she has discovered a deep sense of purpose. Tayla is constantly seeking new opportunities to learn and grow, believing that no challenge is too big or small. Her goal is to ensure every client feels supported, comfortable, and valued in her care. Outside of work, she loves staying active at the gym and spending quality time with the people she cares about. You'll often find her enjoying a peaceful beach walk with a coffee in hand, her perfect way to unwind.
SUPPORT WORKER
Ally
Ally is a compassionate and dedicated individual, who strives to make a positive difference in the lives of others. With a strong focus on respect, patience and empathy, Ally provides tailored support that empowers individuals to live to their fullest potential. Ally takes pride in creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments where everyone feels valued and heard. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, staying active at the gym and taking beach walks with her dog.
SUPPORT WORKER
SUPPORT WORKER
Jai
Jai is a kind and easygoing individual who loves to share laughter and positivity with those around him. He values being caring and supportive, always looking for the good in others and bringing a positive outlook to his work. Jai enjoys support work as it allows him to build genuine friendships, share laughs, and support people in the areas they need most, helping them make the most of their day. Outside of work, Jai spends much of his time in the ocean surfing, watching the footy, and enjoying time with his friends and family.
Cienna
I’m a passionate Disability Support Worker currently studying nursing at Flinders University. Helping others and spreading joy is at the core of what I do. I believe in building strong relationships with my clients to make their day a little brighter, whether through simple kindness or daily support. Outside of work and study, I enjoy walking in nature, practicing Pilates and hot mat yoga, and socialising with friends. My goal is to combine my experience in disability support with my nursing education to provide compassionate, holistic care that truly makes a difference. Every day, I strive to make people’s lives easier, happier and more fulfilling.
SUPPORT WORKER
Bridie
Bridie is studying Speech Pathology at the University of Adelaide. Growing up with a family member who has cerebral palsy, gave her a lifelong understanding of the value of support and inspired both her love for helping people and her choice to study speech pathology. This personal experience also led Bridie to become a support worker, as she enjoys making a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives and building strong, supportive relationships. Bridie grew up on a farm in a small community, which is why she deeply values the importance of community and connection. In her free time, she enjoys staying active through swimming, pilates, and walks, as well as spending time with family and friends and being by the ocean.
SUPPORT WORKER
SUPPORT WORKER
Sarah
Sarah is a bubbly and friendly person who loves hanging out with people and having a laugh. She enjoys connecting with people, having a good chat, and building relationships with those she works with. She is currently studying her Master of Social Work and is passionate about supporting others in reaching their goals. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys being at the beach, going to Pilates and for a walk, and hanging out with friends and family. Sarah looks forward to bringing positivity, warmth and encouragement to everyone she supports.
Jordan
Jordan is a community-minded, people-focused individual with a background in plumbing and over three years of experience as a support worker and mentor. Known for building strong, trusting relationships, Jordan brings a calm and easygoing approach to helping others while making a real difference in their lives. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through surfing, fishing and footy and has a passion for travel, the outdoors and connecting with his community.
Bethany
Bethany has a bright and friendly energy that she brings to everything that she does. Bethany finds great joy in empowering her clients to thrive in their communities and reach their individual goals. Currently in her third year of speech pathology at Flinders University, Bethany implements her skills and understanding into her care. In her spare time, Bethany is an Irish dancer and helps to teach younger dancers also. Dance has been a big part of Bethany’s life since she was little, but she’ll only dance for you if you ask very nicely!
SUPPORT WORKER
SUPPORT COORDINATOR / ADMINISTRATOR
Jaida
Jaida is our friendly Administrator who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes and ensures the team, participants and families feel supported every step of the way. With a bubbly personality and caring nature, she brings warmth and positivity to those around her. Outside of work, Jaida enjoys taking her dogs for a walk and spending time playing with her daughter. Please feel free to reach out to Jaida if you have any questions!
SUPPORT WORKER
Dina
Dina is currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing, which aligns with her warm, compassionate and understanding personality. She is dedicated to supporting others with a strong focus on promoting autonomy, wellbeing and laughter in those she cares for. Dina finds genuine joy and reward in her role helping others. In her spare time, Dina loves spending time outdoors in nature, with friends and family, travelling and being active with her very energetic dog!
Zachary
Zachary is a committed disability support professional with over a year of experience in the industry, focused on empowering individuals and supporting inclusive communities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Disability and Community Inclusion from Flinders University, along with a Certificate III in Micro and Small Business Management. He brings a diverse work background, including 10 years with Bunnings and 5 years with RunDNA, where he developed strong interpersonal skills and a reliable, individual-focused approaches. Outside of work, Zachary is passionate about long distance running, particularly the half marathon distance, reflecting his discipline and goal-driven mindset.
SUPPORT WORKER
Jakob
Jakob is a dedicated and experienced support worker who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. With 6 years of experience in the disability sector and a Certificate IV in Disability, he has supported a wide range of clients with diverse needs. Jakob is committed to helping individuals reach their goals, build independence and feel empowered in their everyday lives. He brings a calm, understanding and encouraging approach to his work, always striving to create a supportive and positive environment. Outside of work, Jakob enjoys the simple things in life like morning coffees, going to the beach, travelling, spending time with friends and family and keeping active at the gym. A fun fact about Jakob is that he has absolutely no willpower when it comes to chocolate, especially M&M’s and Wagon Wheels!
SUPPORT WORKER
Luke
Luke is a motivated and hardworking support worker who is currently in his final year of studying nursing. Through his university placements across acute settings in Victor Harbor Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre, and Repatriation General Hospital, he has gained valuable hands-on experience and developed strong clinical insight. Growing up around his family’s fruit and vegetable shop in Hawthorndene, Luke has built a solid work ethic and excellent communication skills, which he brings into every interaction. Although new to support work, Luke is eager to learn and expand his experience, drawing on similar situations he has encountered during his nursing placements. He is passionate about helping others and looks forward to making a positive impact while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
SUPPORT WORKER
Oscar
Oscar is an energetic and outgoing support worker who loves staying active and connected with others. With a strong interest in footy and basketball, he enjoys everything from playing and watching to talking about the game, making it a great way for him to engage and bond with the people he supports. Music is also a big part of Oscar’s life, and he’s always listening to something new or sharing his latest finds. Known for his social and approachable nature, Oscar thrives on meeting new people, having a laugh, and creating positive, enjoyable experiences. He brings a fun and engaging energy to his work, helping to build genuine connections and a supportive environment. Whether it’s spending time out and about, attending events, or simply having a good chat, Oscar is always keen to make the most of every moment and support others to do the same.
SUPPORT WORKER
Chris
Chris is passionate about helping people and creating genuine connections through support work. Supporting others has always felt natural to him and he loves being able to make a positive difference in someone’s day-to-day life. Chris has a couple of years of experience in support work and values building strong relationships with participants. He believes compassion, empathy and understanding are some of the most important qualities in this role and he strives to create a supportive and comfortable environment where participants feel heard, respected and encouraged to achieve their goals. Chris is committed to providing person-centred support and enjoys getting to know each individual for who they are, while helping them build confidence, independence, and meaningful experiences.
SUPPORT WORKER
Ella
Ella brings a strong background in both childcare and disability support, with almost three years of experience in the industry. She has a particular interest in trauma-informed care and supporting individuals with complex needs, including those with ASD Level 3. She has supported a wide range of ages and is confident working with both verbal and non-verbal individuals, including those with high care and behavioural needs. Ella is known for her calm, patient approach and her ability to build genuine, trusting relationships with the people she supports and their families. Ella is currently completing her Certificate III in Individual Support and is passionate about continuing to grow her skills. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, getting creative with arts and crafts, and relaxing with friends.
SUPPORT WORKER
Shae
Shae is a bright and bubbly support worker who is passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives. Currently working in the Pilates industry as a reformer instructor, she brings valuable experience in both childcare and customer service, allowing her to connect easily with a wide range of individuals. Shae is driven by a genuine love for helping others, with a strong focus on creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable and valued. She takes pride in building meaningful relationships and strives each day to make a difference, bringing smiles to people’s faces and supporting them to live more fulfilling lives. Outside of work, Shae enjoys travelling, spending time by the river and being with friends and family, along with her beloved dog, Bailee.
SUPPORT WORKER
Zanda
Zanda is an enthusiastic and compassionate support worker who is new to the disability industry and eager to make a positive difference in people’s lives. He is driven by a genuine desire to help others feel happy, supported, and valued, and is committed to learning and growing in his role each day. Zanda brings a patient, caring, empathetic, and understanding approach to his work, ensuring that those he supports feel heard and respected. He finds great reward in seeing the impact he can have and is motivated by the meaningful connections he builds along the way. Outside of work, Zanda enjoys spending time surfing and making the most of the outdoors, as well as hanging out with friends and staying socially connected.
SUPPORT WORKER
Bruna
Bruna is a caring and dedicated support worker who is passionate about building meaningful connections and making a positive difference in people’s daily lives. Since starting in the industry in 2022, she quickly discovered how rewarding it is to support others in becoming more independent and empowered. With a background in Law, along with experience in yoga and mind-body practices, Bruna brings a calm, balanced, and thoughtful approach to her work. She focuses on creating a supportive and reassuring environment where clients feel comfortable, respected, and encouraged to achieve their goals. Outside of work, Bruna enjoys spending quality time with her family, practicing yoga and meditation, and getting outdoors whenever she can.
SUPPORT WORKER
Ailie
Ailie is a mum to a young boy and brings over six years of experience working in childcare. She later chose to transition into support work to better align her career with her schedule as a parent and quickly discovered how much she enjoys the role. She is passionate about helping others and places great importance on building genuine, meaningful connections with the people she supports. Outside of work, Ailie enjoys spending quality time with her son. Together, they often host friends and family for dinners at home and also enjoy getting out and about in the community.
SUPPORT WORKER