Toni Thatcher
Greenvale
Summary
Disability and community services professional with over 26 years’ experience supporting people with cognitive disability and complex needs across community, statutory and multi‑agency settings. I bring 7.5 years’ middle management experience and strong capability in complex assessment, behaviour support, risk management and service coordination. I have extensive experience navigating the NDIS, working alongside allied health and statutory services, and balancing client rights with safety, accountability and community wellbeing. I am values‑driven, collaborative and motivated by making a meaningful impact in complex environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Services Director
YMCA Whittlesea
01.2018 - Current
- Provide operational and practice leadership across disability, respite and inclusive community programs supporting children and young people with complex needs, including trauma‑related behaviours and justice‑adjacent risk.
- Lead and support a multidisciplinary workforce of 80+ staff delivering safe, person‑centred supports across home, community and residential settings.
- Coordinate and oversee risk‑informed supports, including review of Behaviour Support Plans, incident responses and escalation pathways.
- Work within safeguarding, legislative and NDIS practice standards to ensure compliance, accountability and quality service delivery.
- Collaborate with participants, families, allied health professionals and statutory services to coordinate supports and manage behaviours of concern.
- Provide coaching, mentoring and practice guidance to strengthen workforce capability in trauma‑informed and positive behaviour support.
- Oversee workforce planning, rostering, onboarding, performance management and reporting.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce incidents, strengthen practice consistency and improve participant outcomes.
- Key Achievements: Improved participant satisfaction and service outcomes by embedding consistent behaviour support and trauma‑informed practice across programs. Reduced incidents and improved participant experience by strengthening risk management processes and consistent practice.
Sessional Teacher – Certificate IV in Disability
FYI Training
01.2016 - 05.2019
- Designed and delivered accredited training aligned with regulatory and industry standards.
- Delivered practical, skills‑based learning in person‑centred practice, behaviour support and safeguarding.
- Conducted assessments, placement observations and competency reviews.
- Applied inclusive adult learning principles to support diverse learners.
- Key Achievement: Improved student competency and confidence through targeted mentoring and practical skills coaching.
Disability Instructor
Carinya Society
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Supported people with disability to build independence, community participation and life skills.
- Developed and implemented person‑centred plans and behaviour support strategies.
- Coordinated supports with families, case managers and external providers.
- Maintained accurate documentation and progress reporting.
- Key Achievement: Supported increased independence and community participation through tailored, person‑centred supports.
Accommodation Team Leader
Gateways Support Services
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Led staff teams supporting young people with complex needs in residential care.
- Managed rostering, recruitment, supervision and compliance.
- Liaised with Child Protection, DHS, Juvenile Justice and other statutory services.
- Participated in care team meetings, case planning and interagency coordination.
- Key Achievement: Strengthened service consistency, staff capability and participant safety through improved coordination with statutory stakeholders.
Acting CEO / Manager / Volunteer & Camp Coordinator
People Outdoors
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Provided strategic and operational leadership across inclusive community programs.
- Designed and delivered training and induction for 200+ staff and volunteers.
- Oversaw budgeting, risk management, compliance and partnerships.
- Key Achievement: Secured recurrent DHS funding enabling program expansion and improved outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.
Education
Advanced Diploma - Community Sector Management
Partners in Training
03.2026
Diploma - Disability Studies
TMG
Certificate IV - Training and Assessment (TAE40110)
Australian Adult Learning Institute
Certificate IV - Disability Studies
Certificate III - Children’s Services
Key Capabilities
- Disability Services Coordination & Risk Management
- Behaviour Support & Risk Reduction
- Complex Assessment, Planning & Reporting
- Safeguarding, Compliance & Quality Assurance
- NDIS Advocacy & Service Navigation
- Workforce Leadership & Practice Oversight
- Interagency & Statutory Collaboration
- Accurate Documentation & Record Keeping
Additional Training And Certifications
- First Aid & CPR
- Safeguarding & Safe Behaviours
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Leadership & Conflict Resolution
- Manual Handling & Medication Administration
- Critical Incident Debriefing
- Light Rigid Driver’s Licence
Timeline
Community Services Director
YMCA Whittlesea
01.2018 - Current
Sessional Teacher – Certificate IV in Disability
FYI Training
01.2016 - 05.2019
Disability Instructor
Carinya Society
01.2014 - 01.2018
Accommodation Team Leader
Gateways Support Services
01.2013 - 01.2014
Acting CEO / Manager / Volunteer & Camp Coordinator
People Outdoors
01.2007 - 01.2013
Certificate IV - Disability Studies
Certificate III - Children’s Services
Advanced Diploma - Community Sector Management
Partners in Training
Diploma - Disability Studies
TMG
Certificate IV - Training and Assessment (TAE40110)
Australian Adult Learning Institute