Lara Elliott
Camden Park
Summary
Professional leader ready to drive team success and exceed objectives.
Proven track record in team collaboration, strategic planning, and problem-solving.
Known for strong communication skills, adaptability, and reliability.
Equipped to foster productive and positive work environment while meeting changing demands.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Lead
Ability Action Australia
01.2025 - Current
- Leading a team of 20 Key Workers (Early Intervention) in NSW, QLD, VIC, WA to ensure a high standard of clinical work is prepared and delivered using a coaching and strengths-based approach with families and children
- Presenting professional development training for all Key Workers every month, around topics including developmental/disability concerns, emotional and sensory regulation, behaviours of concern, etc
- Created a business plan structure for the Sydney region with business development targeted at local Early learning services/Playgroups for an ongoing referral pipeline
- Supporting therapists to present workshops and training to external audiences including teachers and families
- Inclusion as a ‘Subject Matter Expert’ with the Early Intervention team, creating a model of service delivery, designing a specific training package, reviewing/formulating templates/workflows, updating the intranet with relevant learning opportunities
- Providing advice and support about the Key Worker approach to Therapists, Team leaders, Business partners, Administration, Talent acquisition, Marketing, Compliance and Clinical excellence
- Engaging with external Peak bodies including ReImagine, ECIA and PRECI to collaborate for Best Practice Guidelines, Foundational Supports and regular networking meetings and training opportunities
Senior Key Worker
Ability Action Australia
09.2022 - Current
- Using the Key Worker approach, provided multidisciplinary support for families and their children aged 0-9 years of age to reach their full potential with goals created for them with the NDIS
- Consulted with Allied health teams to arrange support for children including Occupational therapists, Speech pathologists, Physiotherapists and Behaviour Support Practitioners
- Consistently achieving KPI’s of 90% and above during this time
- Used a coaching approach to help families, educators, and teachers develop children's skills to achieve success and develop independence in their everyday life
- Trialled and delivered Support plans to devise a goal achievement tool for therapists to work on with children in therapy sessions
- Collaborated with various education services in the region to provide training and workshops for staff and families about transition to school, developmental and behavioural concerns
- Have a strong passion to foster to inclusion of First Nations children in an authentic and culturally caring manner, especially those living in remote communities, and in out of home care
Key Worker
Everyday Independence
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Early intervention facilitated in the community within an interdisciplinary team
- Liaised with families and education services regarding participants NDIS goals
- Preparing therapy plans and budgets to outline strategies advised for successful therapy sessions to achieve successful outcomes
- Mentored 9 Key workers in the Sydney/Wollongong regions
- This involved induction, observing, shadowing, teaching process and sessions, supporting with therapy planning and ideas
- Engaged with Everyday therapy mentoring online, as a drop in video link, preparing presentations based on gaps in learning for key workers across the organisation
- Consistently achieving KPI’s of 90% and above during this time
Preschool Teacher
NSW Department of Education
01.2015 - 06.2021
- Full-time contracts at Sadleir Preschool in Liverpool and Sarah Redfern Preschool in Minto
- Facilitating teaching and learning programs with two separate groups across the week within the Preschools. Supported by an SLSO assistant and additional SLSO using disability support funding
- Observed and documented children’s learning using evidenced and strengths based methods. Online application initiated within both Preschools, to document and share learnings with families
- Facilitated online learning for families and children during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown periods. Creating daily programs and home learning packages, suitable for the low socio-economic regions
- Reviewed and updated the QIP as a live document to self-assess service expectations and quality standards
- Collaborated with Senior Preschool-Year 2 Officers to change practice enhancing the overall preschool quality
- Awarded an Exceeding rating in the National Quality Standards with ACECQA twice within a 6 year period
Classroom Teacher
NSW Department of Education
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Casual Replacement Teacher at Cobbitty, Oran Park, Narellan, Camden South and Spring Farm Public Schools
- Various block teaching weeks covered including Library, Computers, Years 5-6, Years 3-4, Learning Support including Mult-iLit literacy program, for children with learning delays and diagnosed disabilities
Teacher: Children’s Services
SWSI TAFE
01.2009 - 01.2017
- Writing, preparing, and delivering content for various Early Education and School Learning Support courses, including Certificate II - Diploma level
- Writing and marking of assessments for all units of study in above qualifications: face to face and online delivery
- Supervision and mentoring of students on work placement in services and schools in the greater Macarthur/Liverpool areas
Career Break
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Raising my family
Centre Manager
Jenny’s Kindergarten
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Daily operational responsibilities including observation of quality teaching and learning programs, staffing, financial and administrative tasks
- Provided ongoing support and mentoring for all staff in their programming and delivery of quality services for children and families
- Ensured delivery of early education and care was reflective of service philosophy, values and goals
- Reviewed and updated the QIP as a live document to self-assess service expectations and quality standards: Awarded a High quality rating in the former Quality Improvement and Accreditation System with ACECQA
- Ensured compliance with all regulations, legislative requirements and industry accreditation standards for Early childhood services
- Staff leadership and management: recruiting and employing suitable staff members, chairing meetings, personal development planning
Education
Graduate Diploma - Teaching (Primary)
SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY ONLINE
Melbourne, VIC01.2017
Certificate IV Assessment & Training - TAE40110
MRWED
Brisbane, QLD01.2009
Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND
Armidale, NSW01.2000
Skills
- Team management
- Clinical expertise
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Positive role model and mentor
- Differentiated instruction
- Innovative lesson planning
Employment References
Emily Williams
Ability Action Australia Business partner, now Kids & Co Owner
0423 465505
Emily@kidsandcotherapy.com.au
Kirslyn Conlon
Director at Thrive in Thought Therapy
0406 851734
thriveinthought@outlook.com
Certification
NESA # 263912, Proficient Teacher Registration
WWC0470376E
Leadership References
- 2023-current Team lead/Clinical supervisor 25 direct reports
- 2021-2022 Therapy mentor 7 direct reports
- 2019-2020 Preschool mentor 5 direct reports
- 2015-2016 Preschool team leader 5 direct reports
- 2013-2014 Education support coordinator 4 direct reports
- 2002-2004 Director 25 staff
Timeline
Clinical Lead
Ability Action Australia
01.2025 - Current
Senior Key Worker
Ability Action Australia
09.2022 - Current
Key Worker
Everyday Independence
07.2021 - 08.2022
Classroom Teacher
NSW Department of Education
01.2017 - 01.2019
Preschool Teacher
NSW Department of Education
01.2015 - 06.2021
Teacher: Children’s Services
SWSI TAFE
01.2009 - 01.2017
Career Break
01.2004 - 01.2009
Centre Manager
Jenny’s Kindergarten
01.2002 - 01.2004
Certificate IV Assessment & Training - TAE40110
MRWED
Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND
Graduate Diploma - Teaching (Primary)
SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY ONLINE
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