Sarah Knows Support Workers

When Lily Grubb’s son Liam was diagnosed with Level 3 autism, was non-speaking and had global developmental delay , her entire world changed. But what frustrated Lily most wasn’t the diagnosis. It was watching people see the disability before they saw her child . In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , Lily shares how she went from a 10-year career in HR to retraining, entering the therapy world and eventually building LGO Therapy Group . We talk about: • Why early intervention can matter so much • What parents should look for when choosing therapists • Why being labelled a “difficult parent” isn’t always a bad thing • Following the child instead of forcing them into a framework • Why connection matters before qualifications • Building a predominantly neurodivergent workforce • What great support workers actually do • Why simply “supervising” someone isn’t good support • Celebrating progress — even when it feels tiny • And the incredible story behind the Little Grubbs Orchard Foundation Lily also shares why the foundation was created: to help children and families access therapy and supports they may otherwise struggle to afford. The Foundation says its mission is to financially support people who don’t have adequate access to therapy supports, including costs the NDIS may not otherwise cover. 🌱 Learn more about LGO Therapy Group or enquire about their services: LGO Therapy Group 💚 Learn more about the Little Grubbs Orchard Foundation or make a donation: Little Grubbs Orchard Foundation The Foundation states that 100% of online donations go towards educating children with special needs , and donations over $2 are tax deductible. 🎧 Follow Sarah Knows Support Workers for more real conversations about disability, the NDIS, support work and the people doing things differently.

What does good support actually look like from a family’s point of view? In this episode, Sarah sits down with author, speaker, radio host and mum Julie Fisher to talk about raising her son Darcy, who has Down syndrome, and everything her family has learned along the way. Julie shares the reality of receiving Darcy’s diagnosis, navigating medical challenges, raising three boys, finding the right support workers and providers, and why understanding the whole family matters when you’re supporting someone with disability. They also chat about inclusion, community attitudes, NDIS changes, Julie’s books, her advocacy work and the simple message that has become a huge part of everything she does: Give people the chance, and you’ll see them shine. A warm, funny and very real conversation about disability, family, choice and what great support can look like.

Mark retired. It lasted two weeks. Then he bought a farm, got a tractor, collected around 40 chickens and somehow ended up back building technology. 😂 In this episode, I sit down with Mark, founder of Kismet, to ask a pretty important question: Why do we keep making healthcare and NDIS supports harder to access than they need to be? We talk about removing pointless admin, making healthcare more affordable, giving people more flexible ways to access services and why “that’s how we’ve always done it” is not a good enough answer. Mark also shares his journey from the Army to early childhood education, software, farming and eventually Kismet. We also discuss the good happening within the NDIS and why the people creating real change deserve more attention. And yes, the Emu War somehow makes an appearance. Don’t ask. 😂 Download the Kismet app to explore services, find provider matches and keep your NDIS information together: Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/kismet/id6443745099 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=healthcare.kismet.app You can also check out Kismet online: https://www.kismet.healthcare/ The 2026 Kismet Awards for Health + Disability Services are also coming up, celebrating the people, providers, products and programs making a positive difference across disability, healthcare and support services. Learn more about the Awards: https://www.kismet.healthcare/awards/info/about

Sexuality doesn’t disappear when someone has a disability—but access to clear, respectful education often does. In this episode, Sarah sits down with sexuality and relationships educator Melanie Guiney, someone she first learned from more than 15 years ago. Together, they unpack the conversations support workers are often expected to handle—but are rarely trained for—including: • Consent and the importance of being able to say no • Privacy, dignity and public versus private behaviour • Healthy relationships, body safety and warning signs • Answering awkward questions without creating shame • Supporting people who communicate differently • Knowing when it’s time to bring in a specialist This conversation is honest, practical and sometimes confronting—but it’s one our sector needs to have. Because people with disability deserve more than protection. They deserve choice, privacy, dignity, relationships, pleasure and accessible education. If you’re a support worker, team leader, parent, carer or allied health professional, this is an episode to save and share. Find Melanie at: https://thriverehab.com.au melanie@thriverehab.com.au Content note: This episode discusses sexual assault, abuse, consent and trauma.

What does strong leadership really look like in disability support? In this episode, Sarah chats with Kelvin Kamara from Hopewell Community Care about his journey from support worker and house supervisor to helping grow a family-run NDIS provider alongside his wife. Kelvin shares the honest reality of starting fresh, building industry relationships, supporting people with complex health and behaviours, and learning that experience alone doesn’t automatically bring referrals. They also discuss leadership, workplace culture, the lessons Kelvin has carried between the disability sector and the Army Reserve, and why quality support should always come before business growth. Connect with Kelvin through LinkedIn or visit Hopewell Community Care online.

What if NDIS providers and support workers could spend less time completing admin—and more time supporting participants? In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , Sarah chats with Bhavin Patel, founder of Koala One , an AI-powered platform created by an experienced NDIS provider. They discuss how Koala One can help with: Writing case notes Managing NDIS budgets Rostering and worker matching Tracking compliance gaps Managing staff, vehicles and properties Reducing everyday administration Bringing important information into one system Supporting independent workers, growing teams and larger providers Bhavin also shares how Koala One began as a university project and grew into a real platform used by NDIS businesses—including his own. Less time buried in admin. More time delivering quality support. 🙌 👉 Explore Koala One: https://koalaone.com 🎧 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers for honest conversations about support work, disability services and the Australian NDIS. #KoalaOne #NDIS #NDISProviders #SupportWorkers #DisabilitySupport #SupportCoordination #NDISSoftware #NDISCompliance #ArtificialIntelligence #CaseNotes

NDIS compliance does not have to mean messy spreadsheets, scattered documents and a last-minute panic before your audit. In this episode, Sarah sits down with Adam Stefano , psychologist and co-founder of Cenaris , to unpack how his experience in mental health, healthcare leadership and compliance inspired him to build a smarter way for providers to stay audit-ready. Adam explains how Cenaris helps registered and aspiring NDIS providers organise their evidence, map documents against the NDIS Practice Standards, identify gaps and receive practical guidance on what to improve. The platform can support everyone from solo providers starting their registration journey through to larger organisations. Sarah and Adam also chat about: ✨ Why compliance should improve care—not just tick boxes ✨ The risks of relying on generic policy packs ✨ How AI can support providers without replacing human judgment ✨ Keeping sensitive healthcare information safe in Australia ✨ Building an affordable platform while working full-time ✨ Adam’s hopes for Cenaris and the future of quality care Cenaris is currently offering a 30-day trial with no credit card required , so you can explore the platform before deciding whether it is right for your business. 👉 Ready to become audit-ready without the chaos? Register and start exploring Cenaris at cenaris.com.au .

What happens when lived experience, youth work, case management and a belief in doing support differently all come together? In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , Sarah sits down with Luke Wilson, founder of Paylos , for an honest conversation about the journey from working in residential care and case management to building one of Victoria’s most recognised youth and disability support organisations. Luke shares how his own lived experience shaped the work he does today, why every young person deserves someone in their corner, and how Paylos grew from a grassroots idea into an organisation supporting hundreds of young people. They talk about: • Building Paylos from the ground up • NDIS support workers and what great support really looks like • Youth work, mentoring and positive role models • Trauma-informed and strength-based support without all the jargon • Why community access is about much more than “going out for a coffee” • The importance of early intervention • Why waiting until someone reaches crisis costs everyone more • The moment Luke nearly walked away from Paylos • Growing a purpose-led disability and youth services organisation • Co-design, lived experience and bringing young people’s voices into the room • The future of Paylos and creating pathways into employment This is a conversation about NDIS support, youth work, early intervention, community inclusion, lived experience and the power of having someone genuinely in your corner . 🎙️ Sarah Knows Support Workers Real conversations about support work, the NDIS, disability services and the people doing things differently. #NDIS #SupportWorkers #YouthWork #EarlyIntervention #DisabilitySupport #Paylos #CommunityAccess #TraumaInformedCare #NDISProvider #LivedExperience

Thinking of going from solo support worker to running your own business? This episode is for the support workers who are amazing on shift but are starting to ask, “Could I actually turn this into something bigger?” We’re talking about the jump from doing the work to building something that can actually grow. Clients, boundaries, systems, pricing, confidence, admin, and the part no one likes to say out loud… you cannot just wing it forever. Because being good at support work is one thing. Building a business around it is a whole different beast. In this episode, we chat about: How to know if you’re ready to go solo Why local support work still matters The difference between being busy and being profitable What support workers need to think about before scaling Why systems save your sanity How to stop treating your business like a side quest This is real talk for support workers who want more freedom, more impact, and less chaos. No fancy business fluff. Just the stuff you actually need to think about before you make the leap. 🎧 Listen now and send this to a support worker who keeps saying, “I reckon I could do this myself.”

Most people think buying an NDIS business is just a matter of snapping up a shiny registration online—big mistake. Sarah dives into why that "easy buy" is a dangerous illusion and how rushing in without proper checks can threaten your reputation, your finances, and most importantly, the people you support.This isn’t a quick flip like selling burgers or clothes—you're stepping into a complex world where trust, compliance, and participant safety are everything. Sarah shares the real risks of buying a "clean skin" registration, explaining why registration isn’t a shortcut but a license to deliver safe, quality care. She breaks down the critical questions you must ask before signing any dotted line: What exactly are you buying? Who are the people involved? Are the participants aware and protected? And crucially, do you understand the responsibilities that come with each registration group?You’ll discover: how to spot red flags like poor audits, staff issues, or murky systems that spell disaster down the road. Sarah unpacks the legal, financial, and ethical landmines lurking behind careless purchases—and why the sector is demanding higher standards. Plus, her top tips for vetting providers, interrogating sales promises, and embracing the true responsibilities of a quality provider.Why does it matter? Because buying blindly could mean risking people’s lives for a quick profit, and that’s a gamble nobody should take. The shift toward accountability and compliance isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s a safeguard for vulnerable lives. If you’re considering buying an NDIS business, or just want to understand the risks of jumping in unprepared, this episode is your crash course in doing it right.Ready to avoid the costly pitfalls and actually do right by your future participants? Tune in. Sarah’s no-nonsense advice could save you—and the people you serve—a whole lot of trouble.

The new NDIS Annual Pricing Review is 186 pages long… and respectfully, most support workers do not have time to read it front to back unless they have lost a bet. In this solo episode, Sarah breaks down the key pages support workers, independent support workers and sole traders should read — in order — to understand what the NDIS is proposing, why it matters and what could change before January 2027. We cover: Pages 6–14 for the executive summary Pages 32–36 for the reasoning behind registered vs unregistered provider pricing Pages 37–59 to understand how support worker rates are built Pages 136–154 for community participation, travel, cancellations and the proposed 10% reduction for some unregistered providers Pages 176–178 for the Disability Support Worker Cost Model This is not a new invoicing rate card. It is the NDIA’s Annual Pricing Review and its recommendations for future pricing. If you invoice NDIS participants, work independently, run a small support-worker business, or deliver community access and participation supports, this episode is your easy-English starting point. Go read it. Understand it. Do not let January 2027 sneak up on you wearing a fake moustache.

In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , Sarah chats with Matt Sevier , Founder and Director of Steppr , a Positive Behaviour Support provider based in WA. Matt shares how his own lived experience, time as a support worker, and work as a behaviour support practitioner shaped the way he sees the NDIS, PBS, families, and support teams. We talk about what Positive Behaviour Support actually means in easy English, why behaviour support plans need to be easier to understand, why training matters, and how support workers and families often hold the most important information. This is a must-listen for support workers, families, PBS practitioners, and NDIS providers who want behaviour support to feel less like paperwork and more like real support. Because let’s be honest… if no one understands the plan, the plan isn’t helping anyone. To learn more about Matt and the work he’s doing at Steppr, visit: https://www.steppr.com.au/

NDIS providers, support worker businesses and independents, this one is for you. In this solo episode, I’m talking about why social media in 2026 needs to be more than copied Canva posts and “we’re hiring” tiles. Instagram and TikTok are where many support workers are scrolling. YouTube is where you can build a trust library with deeper content. LinkedIn is where business-to-business relationships happen with providers, support coordinators, plan managers and sector leaders. But the big message is this: your content needs to feel real. People want to see helpful information, real stories, clear education, reels, carousels, collaboration and proof that your organisation actually understands the people it supports. If you want support workers to join you, families to trust you, and support coordinators to refer to you, your social media needs to do more than look pretty. It needs to connect.

In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , Sarah chats with Traidy , founder of Chosen Family , about support work, advocacy, inclusion, and what it really means to create a place where people feel safe, seen, and supported. Traidy shares how he went from law, ministry, and community work into support work, and how one unexpected shift helped lead to the creation of Chosen Family. This conversation dives into LGBTQIA+ inclusion, cultural care, disability support, belonging, AI, leadership, and why good support work is never just “a shift.” It is connection, trust, choice, and sometimes helping someone build a whole new life. We also talk about the power of chosen family, why providers need to keep learning, and how support workers can make a real impact when they take the time to truly know the person in front of them. To learn more about Chosen Family, visit: https://www.chosen.family/

In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , I chat with Umberine Williams , founder of SIL Match , about her journey through the disability sector and why she created a platform to help people find better supported living matches. Umberine shares her background as a Local Area Coordinator , her volunteer work with the Office of the Public Advocate , and what she learned from seeing supported accommodation before and after the NDIS. We talk about the real challenges participants, families, support coordinators and providers face when trying to find the right SIL arrangement — because finding a house is one thing, but finding the right people to live with is a whole different story. We also unpack how SIL Match works, why profiles are anonymous, how matching is based on real preferences and support needs, and why participant choice and safety need to sit at the centre of everything. This is a great listen for support coordinators, SIL providers, participants, families, and anyone who cares about people living in homes that actually feel like home. Find SIL Match at silmatch.org or connect with Umberine on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , I sit down with Hayley Thiele, CEO of Kindship, for a real and honest chat about NDIS changes, plan management, parenting, support workers, and what families are feeling right now. Hayley shares her story as a mum of three, her journey into the disability sector, and how her lived experience led her into support coordination and now Kindship. We talk about: NDIS reforms and why families are feeling overwhelmed What Kindship does for parents and carers Why clear NDIS information matters The role of plan managers How Kindship is building community and education for families Why support workers are still the beating heart of good care This conversation is honest, easy to understand, and full of lived experience. No fear-mongering. No jargon soup. Just a real chat about what is happening in the NDIS and why families, providers and support workers need clear information more than ever. Learn more about Kindship here: https://www.kindship.com.au/supportpathways

She Was Denied an iPad at School — Now Keeley’s Cause Has Helped 691 Kids With Autism In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , Sarah chats with Sharon from Keeley’s Cause about the powerful story behind the charity changing lives through iPads, communication, and inclusive education. Keeley struggled through school, bullying, and being denied the technology that could have supported her learning. After receiving a diagnosis of mild intellectual disability, Keeley turned her pain into purpose and told her mum she wanted to start a charity so other children would not have to go through what she did. Today, Keeley’s Cause has provided 691 iPads to children with autism, intellectual disability, and communication needs across Australia. Sarah and Sharon talk about: How Keeley’s Cause started Why iPads can be life-changing for autistic and non-verbal children The reality for families trying to access assistive technology Why inclusive education still has a long way to go The emotional impact of giving children a way to communicate The upcoming Keeley’s Cause Gala and how people can support This is a beautiful conversation about advocacy, disability, education, family, and what happens when one young person decides to make the world a little fairer. Support Keeley’s Cause: Website: keeleyscause.org.au Instagram/Facebook: Keeley’s Cause

We made it to 100 episodes of Sarah Knows Support Workers — and honestly, I don’t think I realised how big that was until now. This podcast started with no fancy business plan, no perfect strategy, and no big production team behind it. It started because I genuinely enjoy talking to people in the NDIS, disability and aged care sector . I love hearing how people got started, what they have learned, what they are still figuring out, and how they keep showing up when things get hard. In this solo episode, I reflect on the journey to 100 episodes and what this podcast has taught me about support workers, NDIS providers, business owners, participants, leadership, burnout, sector change and resilience . The truth is, the NDIS sector is not easy right now. There are big changes happening. Providers are under pressure. Support workers are tired. Participants and families are trying to understand what comes next. But through all of that, there are still people doing incredible work every single day. This episode is a celebration, but it is also a real conversation. I talk about why the podcast has lasted this long, why curiosity matters, why support workers need more honest conversations, and why storytelling is so important in this sector. Every guest, every solo episode and every listener has helped shape this podcast into something much bigger than I expected. If you work in the NDIS, aged care, disability support, support coordination, provider space, or frontline care , this episode is for you. Thank you for listening, sharing, supporting and being part of the first 100 episodes. Here’s to more real talk, more learning, more sector stories and more conversations that actually matter.

In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , Sarah chats with Stevie-Lee Molina , founder and director of Pure Living Accommodation and Care , about what quality support can really look like in the NDIS. Stevie-Lee shares her journey from support work, crisis work and child protection into building a registered NDIS business that provides SIL, respite, community access and skill-building supports around the Hunter Valley area. This conversation covers: ✨ What makes a good SIL home feel like an actual home ✨ Why oversight, communication and routine matter ✨ Green flags families and coordinators should look for ✨ How small goals can lead to huge participant wins ✨ Why support workers need training, guidance and the right attitude ✨ The future of Pure Living, Pure Start and skill-building programs This episode is full of real talk about participant choice, dignity, independence and building supports that actually help people grow. To learn more about Stevie-Lee and Pure Living Accommodation and Care, visit: purelivingaccommodationandcare.com.au

In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , Sarah sits down with Em Hoskin from Your Best Support to talk about what real, person-centred NDIS support actually looks like. Em shares how she went from support worker and support coordinator to building a registered NDIS provider during COVID, and why consistency, communication, and getting in the thick of support work still matters. This conversation covers support coordination, psychosocial disability, participant independence, building capacity, communication styles, provider accountability, and why support workers are so much more than “just support workers.” We also talk about the original purpose of the NDIS, helping people move forward, and why good support should build skills, confidence, and community connection — not keep people stuck. Perfect for NDIS support workers, support coordinators, providers, participants, families, and anyone who cares about better disability support in Australia. In this episode, we cover: NDIS support coordination Person-centred support Support worker skills Building participant independence Psychosocial disability support Communication and behaviour Provider responsibility Real stories from the disability sector Guest: Em Hoskin, Your Best Support Host: Sarah Heriot, Sarah Knows Support Workers