Our Story
My name is Megan and after a long career as an advocate in the mining industry, with expertise in policy development, consultation, and stakeholder engagement, I took time to reflect on my journey and purpose and seek to align my professional skills with my personal passions to positively influence better outcomes in the disability sector, and society more broadly.
I completed a Diploma of Access Consulting (see Blog - What is an Access Consultant?) and am trained to identify potential accessibility issues and recommend ways to remove barriers and comply with legal obligations. I am particularly focused on removing access barriers, both physical and psychological, for those with non-visible disabilities.
This is complemented by my lived experience as a neurodivergent person and caring for 2 neurodivergent school aged children, with a range of neurodivergences - Autism, ADHD, PDA profile, OCD, APD, SPD, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.
I have a detailed understanding of the education setting, having previously been the President of a Community Kindergarten and I am currently appointed to a third 2-year term on School Council at my daughters’ primary school.
I have provided several professional development sessions to teachers on how to support neurodivergent students, presented at school assemblies, co-convened a WhatsApp group for neurodivergent families and friends, facilitated the development of a wellbeing sensory garden located at the school, and advocated for a quiet space for students to re-regulate.
I have participated in many Student Support Groups and Disability Inclusion Plans for my children and my daughters receive extensive adjustments in a mainstream school. In addition to this, I support other families get the supports their children require and assist families that transition from specialised school settings into mainstream school settings.
In 2022 I was appointed to the Moonee Valley City Council - Disability Advisory Committee and recently been appointed for a second 2-year term. I am a very active member, including chairing and facilitating a panel for International Day for People With Disabilities, successfully advocating for adoption of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, championed inclusive events through guidelines, social stories and provision of quiet and sensory supportive spaces, and presented to a Community of Practice on non-visible disabilities.
I am Mental Health First Aid certified which means I have the skills to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves. And I play a vital role in reducing stigma and promoting pathways to support for those experiencing mental health problems in our workplaces, communities, schools, and tertiary institutions.