Our Behaviour Support Staff

Leanne is a registered nurse in Australia and the UK, having qualified in January 2017 with a 1st class bachelor’s degree, with Honours, in Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities). 

She worked as a nurse at the Mater Intellectual Disability and Autism Service (MIDAS) at the Mater hospital in Brisbane. In that role, she specialised in the care of patients across Queensland, aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Previously, Leanne was the Clinical Lead within a forensic inpatient ward in the UK, where she coordinated the specialist care and rehabilitation of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, psychosocial disabilities, and mental health conditions who had encountered the criminal justice system. 

Leanne is a kind, caring person, passionate about empowering others and committed to continuously expanding her knowledge and skills. Leanne is currently in maternity leave, returning mid 2025. 

Leanne is our Behaviour Support Team Lead and is part of our Brisbane Team. 

Tami has over 15 years of professional experience in the Early Childhood and Disability sectors, with specialist experience in Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Challenging Behaviour Support, and Palliative Care. She also has personal experience caring for a family member with an acquired brain injury (ABI). 

Tami holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Bachelor of Human Services, and has completed training in the Hope and Healing Framework and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI). 

Her passion is working with individuals who have challenging or complex behaviours, providing advocacy, support, and empathy to assist them in accessing services that help them reach their individual potential.

Tami is part of our Sunshine Coast Team. 

Ruth brings a wealth of lived experience in Mental Health and Disability, both from personal experiences with her family and herself, as well as 10 years of professional work in the Mental Health and Health sectors. She has been a valued member of AJH, serving as an Allied Health/Behaviour Technician and Yoga Instructor. 

Ruth thrives on the diversity and challenges of her role, which includes collaborating with individuals, therapists, and support providers to develop Behaviour Support Plans, training teams in behaviour support, and working directly with clients and support teams to implement various intervention strategies. She is skilled in data collection and analysis to enhance these strategies, identifying risks and reporting them through appropriate channels, and attending stakeholder meetings to prepare resources for individuals or teams.

With her expertise in Yoga, Ruth integrates stretching techniques, grounding and mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and mindfulness activities such as art and crafts. She also educates clients about emotions through concepts like Zones of Regulation. Ruth uses visual aids to support the development of routines and structures for regulation and mindfulness, believing that Yoga is not only about physical movement but also a practice of calming the mind and expanding tolerance for challenges, particularly for individuals with disabilities. These practices are included in Behaviour Support Plans only when aligned with an individual’s goals.

One of Ruth’s most rewarding aspects of her role is the strong relationships she has built with her clients, their families, support providers, and the AJH team.

Ruth is part of our Gold Coast Team. 

Sonya brings valuable life experience and a deep passion for assisting both adults and youth with challenging mental health needs to AJH. With her excellent listening skills and ability to make participants feel at ease, she is committed to helping each individual achieve the best outcomes, all while aligning with their personal goals.

Sonya is part of our Southern Brisbane Team. 

Jasmine is part of our Ipswich Team.