New Way Agencies

Meet Our Team

Director- Karen O’Brien

Hi my name is Karen O’Brien and while I am new to this role, I have an extensive background in the Government Sector, primarily in Administration and Management.  This background allows me to have a good understanding of the systems and protocols of the NDIS.  We will provide you with not only quality service as well as the best people in the industry.  I believe that we do have the right people in the right roles to see New Way Agencies grow and flourish in this sector.  Our commitment to compliance and upholding the Code of Practice for the NDIS is second to none. 

 

I am very proud of my Management Team they make sure our clients and staff are well cared for.  They are a team that will meet regularly with you and your “team” to make sure you are on track to achieving your goals and they are there to help you with any issues that may arise.  Our support staff work hard for our clients every day, they go the extra mile to make sure everyone feels like part of the New Way Agencies family. 

 

We want you to feel in control of your journey with us, we don’t want you to feel lost in a system, it’s that very reason I feel that sets us as a smaller agency apart from some of the larger providers.  We can offer you a more tailored service that will ensure your experience with us is always positive.

 

We hope to welcome you to our family. 

CEO – Michele Cohen

I have a background in government services. Understanding the NDIS and making sure that we comply is of the utmost importance. Following the Codes of Practice for the NDIS & New Way Agencies sets up a fabulous framework for us to work with you.

I love how New Way Agencies is a smaller service as we can provide a very personal one on one service that will help you that achieve your goals. We ensure that the support staff who work with you are a good match, and we do this by letting you work with several workers who will form your team. If you don’t “gel” with someone that is OK we will introduce you to someone else until we have a great team where you feel valued, listened to, comfortable, secure, and safe. 

Compliance and Quality Officer – Robert Torrisi

I have been with New Way Agencies since January 2021, coming out of semi-retirement to take on the role!  My background is largely in public administration, with several stints as a lawyer in the private sector.  Much of my work takes place in the background, so you may likely never hear from me!  My focus as Compliance and Quality Officer is to ensure that New Way Agencies Pty Ltd meets all of its obligations as a registered NDIS service provider, and that our staff are implementing reasonable, safety-focused and sensible practices whenever they deal with our clients.


While we may be a smaller player in the NDIS sector, this works to our advantage as we can be agile, we can have closer connections to our clients to truly understand their needs and we can be more responsive to clients’ feedback and changing situations.


I have been really impressed with all of the staff at NWA – they are truly committed to what they do and always look out for the best interests of the client.  Our staff are the key to our whole operation – it is only through staff that are valued, trained and properly supported that we can provide quality supports to you.


 


Accounts Manager - Rhonda Rasmussen

Roster Coordinator – Patricia Freeman

Hi, I am Patricia but most people call me Trish - over many years I have had different jobs from working in aged care, refugee centre, childcare, administration of a playgroup, Kinda Gym, hospital domestic work, hospitality, owned my own cleaning business, supermarket advertising/ demonstration work and disability support work and travelled all over Australia as a defence family and a full time mum of four children. Our family finally settling in Townsville 9 years I started working with New Ways as a support worker then into Wednesday activity co-ordinator and now I am the roster co-ordinator and a many people know the voice that answers the phone.


I have been with New Ways nearly 9 years and loved every minute of my work as I am privileged to interact with both the staff and clients on a daily basis to assist them to all achieve their goals.

Support Coordinator - Jordyn Whittington 


Team Leader – Adam Hextall

After spending 7 years in the Army and beginning study in Nursing I decided it was time for a change. I began working with New Way Agencies as a Support Worker and enjoyed interacting with the clients. When a position as Team Leader came about, I thought this would be a new and exciting way to broaden my ability to assist the clients

Why I like working at New Ways

New Way Agencies being a smaller company means, while I am working in the office as a Team Leader, I still get to speak to and interact with the clients on a regular basis. I really enjoy that I’m not disconnected from the clients, and I still get to be involved in the support and assist with them reaching their goals.

Team Leader – Tania Clarke

Hi, I’m Tania and I am one of the team leaders here at New Way Agencies. Having spent nearly 20 years in the banking and finance industry helping people to achieve their financial goals, I was in need of a change to find something that was both rewarding and fulfilling. This role is that, and so much more. As team leader I get to interact with both the staff and clients on a regular basis, while being involved in their ongoing supports and assisting them to reach their goals.

Activities Coordinator – Courtney-Maree Tulk

I’m a mother to 3 beautiful children, I originally become a disability support worker because of my youngest son who has a disability. I have always taught him that his disability doesn’t define his ability, that he as well has all individuals have the ability to achieve greatest even if it requires assistance.

 

I started working at New Way Agencies 2 year ago as a disability support worker and then transitioned into the role of the Activities Co-ordinator. These last 6 months as Activities Coordinator has been an absolute blessing. I have been able to introduce educational and recreational activities to improve their mental, social and physical development. As well as giving clients the ability to encourage their creative individual personalities and combining their cognitive fine motor skills, physical activities, social communication and confidence building to achieve their NDIS goals. The clients smiles, laughter and pure joy seen from the clients is a reward everyone receives