Abbey Gayton
Brisbane,QLD
Summary
Motivated and adaptable professional with a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, and community engagement across support work, research, hospitality, and education roles. Skilled in building rapport with diverse individuals, maintaining professionalism under pressure, and handling sensitive information with discretion and empathy. Demonstrated experience in evidence-based research, accurate documentation, and conflict resolution. Proven ability to work independently and in team environments, showing reliability, initiative, and a commitment to public service. Passionate about contributing to community safety and well-being through integrity-driven, people-focused work.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Experience Mentor
University of the Sunshine Coast
05.2025 - Current
- Proactively contacted and supported first-semester university students to ensure a smooth transition into university life.
- Provided guidance on academic success strategies, available resources, and university systems.
- Utilized active listening and empathetic communication to build personal connections with students, ensuring they felt heard and supported.
- Maintained a warm, friendly, and approachable tone to foster a positive, and encouraging environment.
- I asked thoughtful, open-ended questions to better understand student experiences and provide tailored support.
- Accurately documented key details and student concerns in call notes to ensure continuity of care and follow-up where needed.
Private Nanny
Scott and Rachael Dunoon
, QLD
03.2024 - Current
- Supervised daily activities and routines for children in a nurturing environment.
- Assisted with homework and educational activities to support learning development.
- Prepared healthy meals and snacks tailored to children's dietary needs.
- Established positive relationships with children, fostering trust and comfort.
- Managed schedules, ensuring timely transportation to school and activities.
- Took children on outings such as parks, library visits, sports events or educational trips.
- Communicated with parents regularly to discuss progress, concerns and any other issues related to the care of their children.
Disability Support Worker
Platinum Care Services
07.2022 - Current
- Assisted clients with daily living activities to promote independence.
- Coordinated transportation for clients to appointments and community events.
- Assisted in developing self-care skills such as personal hygiene practices.
- Monitored client progress and reported any changes in behaviour or health conditions to the supervisor.
- Maintained records of services provided, client progress, and goals achieved.
Research Fellowship
University of the Sunshine Coast
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Assisted in the development and management of a comprehensive research database examining risks to police during domestic violence call-outs.
- Conducted systematic literature reviews to identify and synthesise relevant academic and policy research.
- Coded and entered complex qualitative and quantitative data using structured frameworks.
- Utilised databases for efficient data retrieval, management, and analysis.
Disability Support Worker
Applied Abilities
06.2022 - 03.2024
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and care activities.
- Provided support to teenagers with disabilities by facilitating their participation in group activities, assisting with daily tasks, and promoting social inclusion, and independence in community settings.
- Managed challenging behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques.
Volunteer
4Voices
04.2022 - 09.2022
- Followed directions from supervisors and completed tasks within appropriate timeframe.
- Collaborated with other volunteers to create a positive work environment.
- Helped with prep, set up, and breakdown of community and public events.
- Offered support and assistance to victims of domestic violence.
- Prepared court support statements to reduce the emotional burden on clients by minimizing the need to repeat traumatic experiences.
- Assisted clients in completing online forms and claims, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Waitress
Sushi Train
07.2020 - 06.2022
- Handled cash transactions and processed payments accurately.
- Maintained a clean work station by restocking supplies, wiping down counters.
- Managed opening and closing procedures, delivered high-quality customer service, trained new team members, and efficiently handled phone orders.
Education
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Criminology And Justice -
University of The Sunshine Coast
Moreton Bay06-2026
Queensland Certificate of Education -
Mount Alvernia College
11-2021
Diploma of Business -
Redmako
01-2021
Certificate III in Hospitality -
Mount Alvernia College
01-2021
Certificate III in Events -
Redmako
01-2021
Skills
- Time management
- Youth relationship building
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Social integration
- Daily living assistance
- Problem-solving strategies
- Communication skills
- Active listening
- Client support
- Research analysis
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Student Experience Mentor
University of the Sunshine Coast
05.2025 - Current
Private Nanny
Scott and Rachael Dunoon
03.2024 - Current
Research Fellowship
University of the Sunshine Coast
01.2024 - 04.2024
Disability Support Worker
Platinum Care Services
07.2022 - Current
Disability Support Worker
Applied Abilities
06.2022 - 03.2024
Volunteer
4Voices
04.2022 - 09.2022
Waitress
Sushi Train
07.2020 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Criminology And Justice -
University of The Sunshine Coast
Queensland Certificate of Education -
Mount Alvernia College
Diploma of Business -
Redmako
Certificate III in Hospitality -
Mount Alvernia College
Certificate III in Events -
Redmako
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