Our staff

Meet our team

Abdul

Abdul, Victoria lawyer

I joined the Your Story team because I wanted to challenge myself and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and tribulations that people living with disabilities face every day.

I previously worked as a Legal Help advice lawyer at Victoria Legal Aid assisting people with all kinds of legal problems. Before this, I worked in private practice as a generalist practitioner.

I love the work I am doing with Your Story, advising and assisting so many resilient and generous people to share their stories with the Disability Royal Commission. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Amanda

Amanda, Western Australia lawyer

I joined Your Story in late 2021, coming from Legal Aid WA’s Civil Division where I have been working in the NDIS Appeals Team and the Social Inclusion Program. Working with NDIS Appeals has given me valuable insight into the lives and experiences of people with disabilities and I am hoping to continue to assist these clients with the Your Story team.

I am based in Perth, where I completed my Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations and my Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia.

Before joining Legal Aid, I spent a few years at the Consumer Credit Legal Service where I assisted clients with credit and debt issues and also took part in law reform projects in the areas of banking and debt.

I am very excited to join the amazing team at Your Story to spread the word about the Royal Commission and help people share their stories.

Amelia

Amelia, Northern Territory lawyer

I grew up in Sydney and studied Arts (International Relations)/Law at the Australian National University in Canberra. Since university, I have worked in both government and non-government legal roles.

In 2017, I moved to Darwin and worked as a civil lawyer at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA). At NAAJA, I was lucky enough to travel monthly to the remote communities in the East Arnhem region. Most recently, I worked in a specialised litigation team in the family law and care and protection division of Legal Aid NSW.

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in July 2021 and feel incredibly privileged to be given the opportunity to work with and support people across Australia as they share their stories with the Royal Commission.

Amelia

Amilee, Western Australia lawyer

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in July 2021. I have previously worked as a solicitor at Victoria Legal Aid.

I grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and recently returned to be close to family. I come to this role with experience in mental health and disability legal practice, as well as a range of other civil legal areas, such as social security law, tenancy, infringements, and discrimination.

I think the Royal Commission is a vital opportunity to centre the important stories of individuals. These valuable stories will be the catalyst for much needed change in our communities and institutions. I am proud to be part of that effort.

Amanda

Anton, mobile lawyer

I grew up in Western Sydney and completed my law degree at the University of Sydney. I undertook my legal training at Legal Aid NSW before moving into private practice, assisting clients with a range of civil litigation issues including wills and estates.

I lacked the passion for private practice and ultimately I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support to undertake more meaningful work.

I am very grateful to have an opportunity to work in such an amazing team and have the privilege to assist people with disability to share their important stories with the Commission.

Abdul

Danny, mobile lawyer

I joined Your Story in 2021 as one of the lawyers based in the ACT. I have worked across a wide variety of areas of law within Legal Aid ACT, including supporting clients at the mental health tribunal and with employment matters, tenancy matters, debt matters, and discrimination matters. I completed a Bachelor Arts and a Juris Doctor at the Australian National University.

After a brief break to work for the University of Wollongong, I came back to Your Story and joined the team based in NSW. I am passionate about doing work that helps those most in need and advocating for access to justice. I am very proud to be part of a service that delivers legal support to people in a trauma-informed and holistic way.

Demi

Demi, Western Australia lawyer

I grew up in the South West of Western Australia and completed my Bachelor of Laws at Murdoch University, whilst working in criminal law. I went on to work as an Associate in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and then as a solicitor in a community legal centre specialising in social security law.

My time in community law uncovered my passion for supporting people with disability to overcome legal issues, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to do that full time with Your Story Disability Legal Support.

I joined Your Story in May 2022. I love being part of the Your Story team as I get to meet and assist so many resilient and generous people who are sharing their stories for worthwhile change.

Eleanor

Eleanor, mobile Aboriginal Legal Service lawyer

I grew up in Sydney and studied Law and Art Theory at the University of New South Wales and College of Fine Arts. 

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in March 2020. Before this, I worked at a community legal centre as a generalist lawyer. I loved going to our outreach services and developing relationships with the clients and communities in our catchment. Before this, I worked in policy and human rights, mainly in the areas of disability discrimination, racial discrimination, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights. I strongly believe that everyone has the right to access quality legal services and hope that my work can play a role in achieving this.

Eleanor

Georgina, NSW/ACT Aboriginal Legal Service lawyer

Before coming onboard with Your Story, I worked in the in-house legal team of a large charity, where I primarily investigated and resolved client complaints. Prior to that, I was working as an Investigation Officer with the NSW Ombudsman. I was passionate about these roles as I believe government and community service providers should have robust, trauma-informed and accessible complaints systems that empower clients to be heard.

I have also worked with the Inner City Legal Centre in Sydney, where I assisted with civil, criminal and family law matters, but particularly with the Trans and Gender Diverse Legal Service and Sex Worker Legal Service. Prior to this, I worked in a number of other capacities, including prison advocacy, as a support worker for people seeking asylum, and in public health research.

I feel incredibly privileged to be part of the Your Story team and to be supporting people sharing their stories with the Disability Royal Commission.

Eleanor

Hiran, South Australia lawyer

I grew up and currently reside in Adelaide, South Australia. I completed a Bachelor of Laws/Health Sciences double degree from the University of Adelaide in 2016 and also have a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies.

After graduating, I worked as a solicitor at a private law firm in Adelaide before joining the Legal Services Commission of South Australia as a Legal Adviser. I really enjoyed working in this role and providing legal advice to a broad cross section of society, particularly focusing on civil, family and criminal law matters.

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in May 2021 and look forward to being able to assist individuals to share their stories with the Royal Commission, which will hopefully provide positive change for people with disability in the years to come.

Eleanor

Jack, mobile lawyer

I was born in Pinjarra, Western Australia, but grew up in Adelaide, South Australia, where I completed degrees in both Law and Psychology at the University of Adelaide. I moved to Sydney in early 2021 after accepting a job at Legal Aid NSW on the Your Story Disability Legal Support team.

Before beginning at Your Story, I worked as a researcher and paralegal for solicitors and barristers across Adelaide and volunteered with JusticeNet SA. In my spare time, I enjoy cinema and art, as well reading about history.

Since completing my practical legal training at the Legal Services Commission of South Australia in Adelaide, I have had a passion for improving access to justice and making Australia’s legal system as easy to navigate as possible. I am now honoured to have the opportunity to help people with disability share their story with the Disability Royal Commission and hope it leads to real change.

Jaclyn

Jaclyn, Mobile Social Worker

I have 15 years’ experience providing trauma informed counselling and holistic case management services to people whose lives have been touched by domestic and family violence, out of home care and mental health challenges.

In 2015, I was recognised for my work in the domestic and family violence sector, named one of the top five finalists for the NSW Premier’s Award for “customer focused service delivery”.

I am passionate about connecting with clients at the point in which they are at and deeply value the healing that can take place when people feel believed, supported, empowered and respected.

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in December 2021. I am so excited to be welcomed into this incredible team.

I am deeply privileged to hear the stories that clients choose to share with me and I look forward to supporting clients to share their experiences with the Royal Commission.

Jane

Jane, Tasmania lawyer

I grew up in Hobart and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania in 1995. I spent many years practising insurance litigation in private firms in both Hobart and Sydney. After having our three children (one of whom has a disability), I had a career break to care for them and our elderly parents. During this time, I realised my deep wish to move from an adversarial to a collaborative and rewarding space where I could make a more tangible difference. My experiences as a carer were eye-opening as I discovered some of the challenges faced by people with disabilities when accessing appropriate support.

Since January 2021, I have worked at Tasmania Legal Aid (TLA) on the Advice and Legal Services team. This involves answering the statewide telephone advice line, conducting in-house clinics and responding to the TLA Legal Talk chatroom on our website. It has given me a deep appreciation of the immense challenges faced by people with disabilities, the incredible importance of trauma-informed care and the pressing need for systemic reform.

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in August 2022. I am delighted to be working with such a passionate team that is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, their carers, and support workers to make submissions to the Disability Royal Commission. I am committed to ensuring our clients feel heard and validated. Their lived experiences and stories really matter. By sharing them with the Royal Commission, I am hopeful positive, life-changing systemic change will result. I am so grateful to have the deep privilege of working towards this aim.

Eleanor

Jo, Client Information Officer

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in March 2020.

For the past six years, I have worked across Legal Aid Queensland in various teams, including the family dispute resolution team, and litigation support to lawyers and frontline services.

I have worked closely with police, social workers, community organisations and other stakeholders to give information and support to vulnerable people.

I have worked in frontline services for over 12 years and am passionate about helping to build the bridge in connecting people most in need. I’ve worked in various locations, including remote and rural. I’m excited to continue this journey with Your Story Disability Legal Support.

Eleanor

Josie, Tasmania Aboriginal Legal Services lawyer

I am a Northern Territorian and grew up in rural Darwin. I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support when I moved to Hobart in February 2020 and am based at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS). I have a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology.

I previously worked as a lawyer in civil litigation acting for people who were often severely injured and suffering great hardship. Prior to becoming a lawyer, I worked in the Northern Territory Supreme Court as a Judge's Associate and as a law clerk for a Senior Counsel, who was also a prominent Aboriginal and human rights advocate. Through this work I was involved in assisting people in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the early stages of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.

My passion for social justice is the reason I became a lawyer. The Your Story team and role are so important in ensuring that the Disability Royal Commission process is inclusive and that anyone who wishes to engage has the opportunity to do so in a safe way. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to help empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living with disability to share their stories with the Royal Commission, and to learn from their experiences.

Eleanor

Katrina, Infoline director

I started with Your Story Disability Legal Support as part of the original project team in September 2019. I joined the Your Story project team from my role at Legal Aid Queensland, where I look after the legal information and advice services, including our client contact (call) centre.

I have been working at Legal Aid Queensland for over 15 years now, representing parents, children and young people in the area of child protection. Before joining Legal Aid, I was the principal lawyer at the Women's Legal Service Queensland and I also worked at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Legal Service for a number of years.  

I became a lawyer because I passionately believe that everyone should have access to the legal help they need. At Your Story, we have been looking at ways to reduce bureaucracy and paperwork, increase accessibility and incorporate trauma–informed processes into our service delivery. I love working at Your Story and I'm looking forward to working with the national team to keep on improving and expanding our services.

Eleanor

Kim, Senior Communications Advisor

I am an experienced journalist and communications professional hailing from the Whitsundays in North Queensland and currently based in Brisbane.

Over the course of my journalism career, I had the privilege of sharing the stories of people from all walks of life while writing for news publications in Queensland and British Columbia, Canada. I’m passionate about environmental and social justice and since moving into not-for-profit communications, I have worked with international medical humanitarian organisations to promote the right to health and access to healthcare.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, yoga, travel and anything involving the outdoors. I also have hearing loss, wear hearing aids and am learning Auslan.

I’m proud to be a part of an organisation supporting people with disability and their family, friends, carers, supporters and advocates to share their story with the Disability Royal Commission, so that we can create a safer, more inclusive society and ensure all Australians can lead full and fulfilling lives, free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Amanda

Lauren, National Coordinator

I am originally from Victoria but am lucky to be living on Arrernte Country in beautiful Mparntwe/Alice Springs. I am the National Coordinator for the Your Story National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) team. I am passionate about First Nations justice issues and disability rights and was excited by the opportunity this role presented to combine my experience and interests in these areas.

Since being admitted to legal practice in 2007, I have been fortunate to spend 10 years working at different Aboriginal Legal Services (particularly the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Central Australia Aboriginal Legal Aid Service and the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency) in casework, policy and advocacy roles. I coordinated CAALAS’ response to the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT (RCPDCNT) and felt privileged to represent and assist young people and families as they shared their experiences and insights with the Commission.

I have also worked with women experiencing domestic and family violence in Central Australia and the Barkly in legal casework and community legal education roles. More recently, I worked at the Community Visitor Program, an independent statutory body based within the NT Anti-Discrimination Commission that monitors, promotes and safeguards the human rights of those receiving treatment in the mental health and disability systems.

I am strongly committed to supporting the important work being done by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services across the country, and look forward to supporting the contributions of ATSILS specialist Your Story staff and their clients to this Disability Royal Commission.

Eleanor

Michelle, Victoria lawyer

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in July 2020 and am based at Victoria Legal Aid. I have worked at Legal Help, Victoria Legal Aid, for many years, giving information and advice to callers, including callers to prisoner legal help and disaster legal help.

Before joining Victoria Legal Aid, I worked in several community legal centres. I also worked for One Parent Families, a charity in the UK helping single parents. I live in Ballarat, Victoria. I have four young children, including a child with a disability. In my spare time I teach yoga and I am particularly interested in making yoga accessible and teaching trauma sensitive yoga.

I am currently enjoying working from home, especially when my kids are at school, and am excited to be a part of Your Story Disability Legal Support.

Eleanor

Nicola, ACT lawyer

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in June 2022. I studied a combined law and social work degree in Sydney and was previously a disability support worker.

In 2020, I moved to Canberra to work in family law at the Attorney-General’s Department. I have since embraced the Canberra lifestyle and you will often find me riding my bike, avoiding magpies and wearing a puffer jacket.

My older sister has an intellectual disability. I love being around her and I want her to always be safe, cared for and happy.

I’m excited to be part of an organisation that is supporting people in the disability community to share their stories and advocate for systemic change.

Eleanor

Oliver, mobile lawyer

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Service in July 2020.

I studied Arts/Law at the University of New South Wales and then worked as a policy graduate at the Commonwealth Attorney-General's department, including promoting law and justice in the Pacific.

After stints as a university tutor and at the Public Defenders Office NSW, my most recent role was as a project officer and advocate at People with Disability Australia. I help people with disability with issues like health, housing and safely giving evidence to the Disability Royal Commission.

I am a proud person with disability, and I am passionate about disability rights. In my career I have strived to work toward social justice. Working at Your Story Disability Legal Support enables me to use my legal skills for a cause I care deeply about.

Eleanor

Petra, Client Information Officer

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in June 2021. Before moving to the sunny Queensland, I worked and studied in New Zealand, where I completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and Sociology, and an applied Masters of Social Work.

My previous role was at a community mental health organisation, and it involved ‘walking alongside’ individuals on their journey to mental health recovery. I have also worked in disability employment services for over three years, and in various voluntary roles, including with refugee services and an anxiety helpline.

I am excited to be working for a cause that promotes social justice and helps people with disability (and their allies) share their experiences with the Royal Commission.

Eleanor

Rachael, Infoline project officer

While I was born in central Queensland, I have spent the majority of my life living and working in Brisbane. Being Queensland born and bred, I am a staunch Maroons supporter!

I have been working with Your Story Disability Legal Support since it started operation in September 2019.  Before this, I worked mainly in client service roles with Legal Aid Queensland and have done so for the past 25 years. A strong social conscience and desire to support vulnerable people in need has always been, and remains, my motivation.

Since starting with Your Story Disability Legal Support, I have been involved in establishing the information line and overseeing the client information officers who work on that line.  As a team, we continue to strive to ensure the information line operates in a trauma informed and culturally safe way and that we provide quality information and advice services to people wishing to share their experiences with the Royal Commission.

I am acutely aware of the importance of this Royal Commission for people with disability, their supporters and carers and I am proud to be part of a service that supports them to share their story.

Eleanor

Rania, mobile lawyer

I joined the Your Story Disability Legal Support team in October 2021. Prior to that, I have worked at Legal Aid NSW in both family litigation and in grants. I am based in Sydney, where I have lived my entire life.

I am a person with a lived experience of disability. I am also a mother to three young children; two of whom have been diagnosed with a disability in the past year. I have spent my adult life advocating for the rights of people with disability to have access to services, employment and to the community.

I am excited about the work of the Disability Royal Commission and am grateful to work with and support people with disability, their family members, carers and support workers as they share their vitally important stories with the Royal Commission.

Samantha B

Samantha B, Office Manager

I started as the office manager of the Your Story Disability Legal Support team after working in various roles within Legal Aid NSW. I have worked as a frontline team member supporting clients to access legal support and advice which has given me a greater appreciation of the resilience of our clients as well as some of the barriers they can face. Your Story is a wonderful team and I am very proud to be a part of it. My goal is to support the team in any way I can to allow them to do their jobs to the best of their ability. I also enjoy showing the team pictures of my pets (even when they don’t ask). I feel so privileged to be working with the Your Story team who support our clients to tell their story to the Disability Royal Commission and advocate for positive change.

Samantha

Samantha L, ACT lawyer

I joined Your Story in August 2022 and am very excited to be part of the final push to engage with people with lived experience of disability in the ACT and to support them to share their stories with the Disability Royal Commission.

I grew up in Sydney and studied a Bachelor of Law and International and Global Studies at the University of Sydney. While studying, I volunteered at several community legal centres and worked with many clients who identified as having a disability. After university, I moved to Canberra to work in social policy at the Department of Social Services. One of my roles at the Department was working on a program to improve outcomes for families and children in rural and remote communities across Australia.

I started at Legal Aid ACT in April 2022, and have been working in the Domestic and Family Violence Team. Since joining Legal Aid, I’ve loved working closely with clients and members of the community and am keen to connect with more people through Your Story.

Eleanor

Sara, Northern Territory Aboriginal Legal Service lawyer

I grew up Darwin and have lived in the NT ever since, bar a brief sojourn to the Gold Coast for university. Before joining the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) as part of the Your Story team, I worked in various roles at the Northern Territory Government.

Most recently, I managed a team that collated and reported against my former agency's progress on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.

My job is to give legal advice, information and community legal education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people and children in the Northern Territory, who may have information and wish to give evidence to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

I moved to NAAJA to take up this role and am very excited to progress the important work of elevating the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a disability.

Sifa

Sifa, senior mobile lawyer

I moved to Australia in 2003 to study Law in Perth. I came to Sydney after I graduated and now proudly call it home.

My career has broadly focused on dispute resolution, initially working in private firms. In 2015 I started my first role in the public service, as a senior lawyer in the Office of Solicitor Assisting in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. I have worked in the public sector ever since, including at the Disability Royal Commission before I joined Legal Aid NSW and Your Story Disability Legal Support.

I am passionate about access to justice for vulnerable people in our society. I also volunteer in my community, including working with young African-Australian women to ensure that their lived experiences are recognised and represented in key national conversations.

Silva

Silva, National Project Officer and NSW Stakeholder Engagement Manager

I have a history of frontline service delivery and leading teams across the NSW Department of Justice, with previous experience in Corrective Services, Juvenile Justice, NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and NSW Trustee and Guardian.

I am now on secondment to Legal Aid for the duration of the Disability Royal Commission period as the National Project Officer and NSW Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Your Story Disability Legal Support.

A proud advocate of women in martial arts, I also worked and lived in Japan for a number of years, working with and training the Tokyo riot police at the world headquarters of Yoshinkan Aikido. There, I lobbied for and was one of the first women worldwide to be allowed and accepted into an elite international one year, full–time instructor training program run by the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation in conjunction with the Japanese riot police organisation.

Susannah

Susannah, Director

I started with the Your Story Disability Legal Support in November 2020, and it’s a team that I am incredibly proud to be a part of. I’ve had various roles at Legal Aid NSW, including the Director of Client and Case Management System and the Solicitor in Charge of the Domestic Violence Unit. I have worked as a lawyer with children, young people and parents for 15 years in the areas of domestic violence, child protection and family law. From 2014, I was involved in establishing Legal Aid NSW’s Domestic Violence Unit, and the Family Advocacy and Support Services in NSW.

I completed a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) and Bachelor of Laws (with honours) in 2004, as well as a diploma of frontline management and an Executive Master in Public Administration in more recent years. I am passionate about social justice and about legal services that work together with clients in a way that values respect, dignity and compassion. I love being able to contribute to systemic change, as well as to services that can create change through improving the experience that a client may have through a legal process (knowing that it can be a very challenging and sometimes traumatic journey).

Working with Your Story is a cause very close to my heart both professionally and personally as my brother passed away from a degenerative metabolic disorder. Growing up with this experience taught me respect for the resilience of people with a disability and their families, as well as the importance of high quality and trauma-informed support. And it’s a privilege to now be able to work with clients and colleagues in this area.

Will

Will, Mobile lawyer

I joined Your Story Disability Legal Support in February 2020. Before this, I worked in other areas of Legal Aid NSW, supporting vulnerable clients across NSW, and prior to that, I worked for courts, community legal centres, universities, and private law firms.

I have Law, Arts and International Relations qualifications and I am admitted as a solicitor in NSW.

Throughout my working life I have always focussed my energies on improving access to justice for those who need it most. I have worked closely with people with disability, newly arrived migrants and refugees, prisoners, and vulnerable workers. I firmly believe that everyone is entitled to access and enforce their rights, and it is this fight for equity that motivates me to get the best outcome for my clients.