Who Are We ?
Meet Our Core Team
Will Burrage, Recovery Coach & Adventure Team Director
Will has over thirteen years experience in coaching/mentoring groups and individuals across sports, public speaking, academia, and the outdoor industry. Also training others to lead in these fields, Will has observed the traits of what makes someone a great mentor and their way of effectively connecting with different personality types. Since starting Adventure Team, initially working as an individual, now also overseeing our support, Will has seen firsthand the importance of these relationship dynamics, as well as the often overlooked value in systematically creating a routine that outlasts the presence of any one mentor.
Jonny O'Connor, General Psychologist & Operations Manager
Jonny has been involved in the disability support industry since he was 20 years of age. Initially working as a behaviour technician and acquiring an in-depth understanding of disabilities and challenging behaviours. Jonny enjoys working with participants’ families to help plan activities, support staff and tailor support plans. Over the past three years, Jonny has worked as a Psychologist in the NDIS, the Correctional System and is currently in private practice. Whilst working in private practice, Jonny is also involved in respite and support with participants in Newcastle.
Matias Sixto, Job Counsellor & Program Facilitator
Matias has been working in disability support for five years, having recently graduated with Honours for his studies in Psychology. He brings a person-centred and evidence-based approach, helping individuals develop independence, confidence, and practical life skills. Adventure Team is lucky enough to have Matias spearhead our work programs, provide job counselling to our participants, tailored support in job readiness, career exploration, and community engagement. Providing mentoring and positive psychology-informed counselling, working with families and professionals to ensure support plans reflect participant’s goals, strengths, and needs. In addition to his work in the field, Matias draws on his background in film and television to offer creative media workshops that build technical skills, confidence, and self-expression.
Mel Prior, Administrator
Mel has been involved in the disability support industry for six years, working as a support staff, in schools as a learning support officer, as well as behind the scenes. For Adventure Team Melissa leverages her experience in being a part of a grass roots organisation, using her breadth of knowledge, her compassion for working with and helping participants to provide thoughtful contributions in helping our staff and participants.
Emma Taylor, Administrator
Emma started with Adventure Team after working for the NDIS in one of their contact centres. In her time there, she gained experience in conversing with and understanding participants varying needs from support. She is passionate in helping others, and is a great resource for information for our participants going for review, whom have questions regarding applications of funding.
Aiza Ramirez, Administrator
Aiza has extensive experience regarding back of house operations for NDIS organisations. For Adventure Team, she ensures our staff are correctly inputting their notes for record keeping, and helps keep Adventure Team running smoothly behind the scenes. Aiza works during our extended hours, meaning our participants are able to reach Adventure Team as late as 8pm during weekdays. This ensures we are able to better pick up on any last minute changes that may occur for support.
