our team

Director

Services the Sunshine Coast region.

Please reach out to discuss capacity for referrals.

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 Bachelor degrees in Criminology, Psychology, and a Master of Social Work, coupled with over a decade of experience in the mental health and disability fields and specialised training as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, Hayley is well-equipped to address various complex presentations. Hayley is a trained Dialectical Behaviour Therapist, and also specialises in Autism PDA presentations as well as Forensic Mental Health.

Clinical & Operations Team Leader / Behaviour Support Practitioner

Services the Sunshine Coast region.

Currently on maternity leave.

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 

Services the Moreton Bay & Southern Sunshine Coast Regions

Samantha is a 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, Counsellor / Psychotherapist & Clinical Team Leader – Counselling

Services the Sunshine Coast region.

Paris is a registered Behaviour Support Practitioner with extensive experience in the developmental support industry. Her prior roles have provided her with a strong foundation in the field of disability and mental health practice. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy, and is a ACA registered Counsellor.

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

Clinical Team Leader (Brisbane) / Behaviour Support Practitioner

Services the Brisbane region.

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, and a Master of Counselling. She is registered with the Australian Counselling Association. 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

Services the Sunshine Coast region.

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

Services the Sunshine Coast region.

Currently unavailable for new referrals, please reach out to discuss waitlist.

Bennet is a proficient level 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 Worker

Services the Sunshine Coast region.

Currently unavailable for new referrals, please reach out to discuss waitlist.

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

Services the Sunshine Coast & Stanthorpe regions.

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.

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Services the Brisbane region.

Lachlan holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary, HPE) from Griffith University and brings over a decade of experience supporting children and young people with disability, complex behavioural needs, and diverse learning requirements. His experience includes teaching in London and across Queensland state schools.

Prior to joining Shear Community Services, Lachlan held leadership roles within the Queensland Department of Education, contributing to policy and program initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for students with disability.

Based in Brisbane, Lachlan is passionate about empowering NDIS participants and their families through evidence-informed, strengths-based behaviour support. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and supporting the North Queensland Cowboys.

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Services the Brisbane region.

Samantha combines professional knowledge with a warm, compassionate approach to supporting participants and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) and is an experienced Kinesiologist, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of the emotional, behavioural, and environmental factors that can influence wellbeing and quality of life.

Passionate about supporting positive and sustainable change, Samantha utilises evidence-informed, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches to behaviour support. Known for her calm presence and genuine empathy, she builds strong therapeutic relationships where participants feel safe, respected, and understood. Samantha works collaboratively with participants, families, and support networks to develop practical, individualised strategies that promote meaningful outcomes and enhance quality of life.

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Services the North Brisbane & Moreton Bay regions.

Zahara is a dedicated Behaviour Support Practitioner with a strong background in trauma-informed practice, child safety, and disability support. She has extensive experience working within out-of-home care settings, supporting children, young people, and adults with complex support needs across both the child safety and disability sectors.

Holding a Bachelor of Human Services and a Bachelor of Justice, Zahara brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work. She is currently completing a Master of Social Work, further strengthening her ability to deliver evidence-based, person-centred support.

Zahara is passionate about building genuine, trusting relationships with the people she supports and their families. She is committed to understanding each person's unique experiences and delivering compassionate, individualised support that promotes positive outcomes and improves quality of life.

Behaviour Support Practitioner and Counsellor

Services the Sunshine Coast & Gympie regions.

Christina is an advanced level Behaviour Practitioner and registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), specialising in working with individuals with complex needs. She uses a trauma-informed and regulation-based approach that goes beyond traditional behaviour management. Christina focuses on understanding what sits beneath behaviour, recognising the impact of unmet needs, distress, and nervous system overwhelm. 

With qualifications in psychology and counselling, and additional training in areas such as attachment, sensory processing, trauma, and psychosocial therapy, Christina brings both clinical knowledge and genuine compassion to her work. Known for her warm and down-to-earth approach, she values connection, dignity, and each person’s right to choice and autonomy. 

Outside of work, Christina enjoys tending to her fruit garden and spending time with her pets, in the peaceful hinterland town of Eumundi.

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Services the Sunshine Coast region.

Ethan is a compassionate practitioner who believes that meaningful and impactful change occurs through the quality of supportive relationships, built on collaborative and attentive work with individuals and their families. 

He is a registered behaviour support practitioner and holds a Bachelor's in Psychology (Honours), with a background in direct support and occupational therapy assistance.

Together, this experience provides Ethan with a strong practice framework grounded in person-centred and evidence-based care, focused on individualised goals, values, and choice of the people he supports. 

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Services the Sunshine Coast region.

Ruthie is a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner who is passionate about helping individuals and families improve quality of life through compassionate, person-centred support. Her long-standing experience of working with people of all ages in healthcare settings and local communities has provided an understanding of the importance of building strong relationships and working collaboratively with participants, families and support teams.

Ruthie has a particular interest in working with paediatric participants, including those with Autism and PDA presentations. She takes a strengths-based approach, focusing on understanding the reasons behind behaviour and developing practical strategies that support independence, emotional wellbeing and meaningful participation in everyday life. She is committed to creating supportive environments where people feel heard, respected and empowered to achieve their goals. And she will always add a little fun along the way. 

Outside of work, Ruthie enjoys surfing, outdoor adventures, her recent love of AFL (playing and watching) and spending time with her friends, whilst fitting in regular Facetime calls to her family who all live overseas! goes here

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Services the NSW Central Coast region.

Kiara is a warm and caring Behaviour Support Practitioner and Registered Nurse. At the heart of her work is a genuine passion for supporting people to feel seen, valued, and empowered in their everyday lives.

Kiara takes a thoughtful and holistic approach to care, looking beyond clinical needs and focusing on the whole person, including the people and environments around them. Based on the NSW Central Coast, Kiara has over seven years of experience supporting individuals and their families across the disability and healthcare sectors.