Gateways Management Team

Stephanie took up the role as Gateways CEO in July 2019.

As a founding member of the NDIA, Stephanie has played a critical role in the establishment of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), from policy development of the scheme taskforce to designing the first participant pathways, and negotiating the arrangements for the standing up of all original trial sites.

Stephanie moved to Geelong from Canberra in 2014 and managed the Barwon trial site for 15 months, continuing to implement and drive improvements in how to deliver the NDIS.  Over the past seven years, Stephanie has held numerous significant leadership roles in the NDIA including, Acting Deputy CEO.

Sean has been the Accommodation & Specialist Support Services Manager for Gateways since 2007. His responsibilities include supported accommodation, out of home care, independent living and individualised support. Sean also provides expert advice to other community organisations regarding people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and complex behavioural needs.

For more than 20 years Sean has provided and managed supported accommodation, case management and services planning for people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in Victoria’s South West.

Bernadette has been the Gateways Therapy & Inclusion Support Manager since 2013, previously working as the Family & Community Support Manager and Preschool Field Officer with Gateways since 2006.

Her responsibilities include NDIS and DET funded therapy services, autism assessments, the preschool field officer service, the Strengthening Parent Support Program and the Kindergarten Inclusion Support packages program.

Prior to working at Gateways, Bernadette was a kindergarten teacher from 1994 until becoming a preschool field officer at the City of Wyndham in 2001

Tom joined Gateways Support Services as South West Manager in January 2020, bringing significant knowledge, skills and experience together with genuine passion and understanding through his lived family history with disability care and services. Tom has more than fifteen years’ experience in the Disability and Social Services sector having worked for the National Disability Service, the peak body for non-government disability service organisations and Latrobe Community Health Services, the Wimmera South West NDIS Partner in the Community. He also has worked in direct care in housing for people with significant disabilities and behavioural challenges as well as working with young people with disabilities and their families. Tom brings a great passion for the people of South West Victoria, having been born and raised in Portland and now living in Warrnambool.

Clare was appointed as the Gateways Western Melbourne Regional Manager in October 2020.

She brings a diverse range of experience to Gateways, having worked as a General Manager with the Youth Support and Advocacy Service as well as the Manager of CatholicCare Family & Relationship Counselling Services, Barwon.

She brings a wealth of Western Melbourne knowledge, having worked widely across the region for many years. She has a passion and commitment to supporting families and children to achieve positive outcomes leading to improved lives.