our team

Director

Hayley is the Founding Director of Shear Community Services and an AASW registered Social Worker. She created Shear Community Services to provide a flexible, creative therapeutic service for children and adults who engage in behaviours of concern and/or who live with complex intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities.

With over a decade of experience in mental health and disability fields, coupled with specialized training as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, Hayley is well-equipped to address complex mental health presentations. She eagerly anticipates contributing to the improvement of participants' quality of life through her dedicated service.

Behaviour Support Practitioner & Registered Social Worker

Meghan is a dedicated and compassionate Behaviour Support Practitioner and Social Worker, with experience assessing complex situations and codesigning intervention plans that align with participant goals.

Meghan’s journey in the field of social work has been marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering positive change and creating environments where individuals can thrive. This approach enables Meghan to address the multifaceted needs of participants across social, environmental and psychological factors that impact their wellbeing.

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Christie is a devoted and impassioned behavior support practitioner with extensive experience in the disability industry. Her professional journey has spanned multiple roles, including support worker, team leader, and case manager, affording her a comprehensive understanding of the sector.

Commencing her role as a Behavior Support Practitioner in 2017, Christie's passion for providing assistance to participants, families, and service providers flourished.

Drawing on her diverse experience in various capacities, Christie brings a wealth of industry knowledge. Her expertise extends beyond the clinical realm, encompassing a practical, hands-on understanding of effectively supporting individuals with disabilities.

Behaviour Support Practitioner & Registered Social Worker

Danielle is a dedicated and compassionate behavior support practitioner and AASW registered social worker. She focuses on collaborative work, establishing strong connections with participants, their families, and support teams to achieve sustainable outcomes aligned with participants' goals. Danielle takes an individualised approach to all participants, supporting them with interventions and strategies that meet their needs.​

Drawing upon her Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Masters of Social Work degrees, along with extensive experience in Mental Health, Disability, Child Safety, and Domestic and Family Violence sectors, Danielle guides her practice to address the complexities participants may experience

Behaviour Support Practitioner 

Samantha is a dedicated Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner with a strong academic foundation, holding a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Science and a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience.

She leverages this comprehensive knowledge in the biological and psychological sciences to inform her practice, ensuring that her behaviour support interventions are both scientifically grounded and holistically tailored to each individual. 

She brings over 10 years of experience in case management and leadership within the disability support and mental health sectors, as well as expertise as a Domestic Family Violence (DFV) Practitioner. This extensive background enables her to develop and implement person-centred behaviour interventions that truly enhance the quality of life for individuals.

Behaviour Support Practitioner 

Paris is a registered Behaviour Support Practitioner with extensive experience in the developmental support industry. Her prior roles as a support worker, therapy assistant, and NDIS facilitator have provided her with a strong foundation in the field. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and is on track to complete her Master of Counselling in 2025.

Paris is deeply passionate about supporting her community and continually expanding her knowledge and expertise within the disability sector. Drawing on her academic background and professional experience, she adopts an empathetic and person-centered approach, while being a dedicated advocate for those she works with

Behaviour Support Practitioner 

Ashleigh brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, with a well-rounded background across multiple areas of the NDIS sector. Her previous roles as a Support Worker and Support Coordinator have given her a solid foundation in disability services.

She holds a Bachelor of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Counselling, is registered with the Australian Counselling Association, and is currently completing a Master of Counselling, expected to be finalised in 2026. Ashleigh is passionate about supporting participants of all ages. She adopts an empathetic, person-centred approach and is a dedicated advocate for individuals who may not have a voice of their own.

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Danielle holds a Bachelor of Primary Education (Early Childhood) and spent ten years working as a primary school teacher. She has completed a Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Child Play from Deakin University, along with clinical training in Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT). Danielle now works in private practice as a play therapist and is currently completing a Master of Speech Pathology.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, Danielle lives with her husband and two children. She enjoys beach days, gardening, and cooking in her spare time.

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Bennet is a dedicated Behaviour Support Practitioner with extensive hands-on experience working alongside individuals and families navigating complex mental health challenges. He brings a calm, practical approach to every situation, drawing on years of frontline experience to create tailored, strengths-based strategies that promote safety, growth, and independence.

Outside of work, Bennet enjoys family time, walking his dog, surfing, travelling, and cheering on his favourite rugby league team.

His down-to-earth nature and genuine passion for helping others make him a trusted partner in achieving positive change.

Behaviour Support Practitioner & Registered Social Work

Sam is a registered Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers and also works as a Behaviour Support Practitioner. He brings over five years of experience in the community services sector and is passionate about building meaningful connections and supporting individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. 

Sam draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Strength-Based, Person-Centred Practice.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys camping, surfing, and spending time outdoors.

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Claire is an experienced Behaviour Support Practitioner who brings warmth, curiosity, and a love for the outdoors to her work. Originally from Africa, Claire has a passion for adventure — from camping and remote travel to surfing, hiking, and motorbike riding.

When she’s not supporting individuals to reach their goals, you’ll find her in the garden or spending time with her family and two much-loved pets.

Claire’s down-to-earth nature and diverse life experiences help her build strong, meaningful connections with the people she supports.