Russell Pitkin

Support Co-ordinator

Russell Pitkin is a Support Coordinator with The Cassidy Crew Support Coordination team where he has worked since June 2019. Russell has previously been employed in a variety of community services positions over the last 24 years including teachers aid, disability support worker, case manager, accommodation services team leader, service coordinator and regional manager, as well as working with child protection and forensic disability support. Russell has completed Certificate 4 in disability as well as an Advanced Diploma in Community Services. Russell is a result driven support coordinator that enjoys seeing positive outcomes for participants and seeing the benefits of a well utilised National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan. Russell believes that life changing outcomes can be achieved through a sometimes complex and confusing system by working closely with participants to untangle the often complicated NDIS process. When not at work Russell enjoys being on the lake at Eildon and spending time in the Victorian high Country either by motorbike, four-wheel drive or on foot on one of the myriads of bushwalking trails.

Karen Strange

Support Co-ordinator

After graduating university with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Disability (Clinical/Social) in 2003 Karen found herself entering the field and worked in a variety of Case Management roles in Disability and Mental Health. Karen has worked for both large and small organisations varying from non-for-profit and private. During this time, she was given the opportunity to undertake a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment which shifted her into the education sector training adults into the field of Disability to become Support Workers whilst working for a Registered Training Organisation. Prior to commencing her journey as a trainer, Karen opted to also complete the Certificate IV in Disability so that she was aware of what her future students were about to experience.  This was such a challenging and rewarding time of my life as it was a pure delight to qualify people into the field that I am so passionate about. Karen has worked consistently in the Disability sector since 2000 allowing her to have experienced a 20-year shift in the industry and be amongst the changes that have occurred to date.
Karen prides herself on developing a solid working relationship with my participants and maintaining solid communication at all times.

Kerryn Darwin

Support Co-ordinator

Kerryn has always been interested in the disability field. As a mother of an adult son with a disability, it feels like a natural progression for her to be now working as a Support Coordinator. She has gained a wealth of knowledge advocating for and finding the right support for his needs. She has experienced the shift from previous disability funding models to the way the NDIS is today and has had to learn to adjust to these changes. Kerryn completed her certificate 3 in Community Services (Home & Community Care) and was employed locally as a Support Worker with people with a disability and aged care in 1999. While there, she completed her certificate 4 in Community Services (Aged Care). After 22 years she decided it was time for a change, so she completed her Diploma in Community Services in June 2022 to become a part of the Support Coordination team at The Cassidy Crew. Kerryn has had experience and training in a variety of areas, including, key word sign, mental health, elder abuse, palliative care and dementia.

Kerryn is a passionate and inclusive support coordinator who likes to support participants in how to get the most out of their NDIS funding so they can live the quality of life they truly deserve.

Peta Hanrahan

Reception

Peta has spent many decades in the professional Theatre Industry in Melbourne before committing to a life in East Gippsland, where the air is sweetened by the forests and the sea.

She moved very easily into the Tourism industry as Receptionist and Administrator but saw that her heart still beckoned for something personal and relevant in her working life, as theatre and art had for so long.

Peta being the mother of a sensational daughter living with disability knows that it is an easy choice to work with The Cassidy Crew Team, where the participant comes first, and the company’s workers are cared for.

 Peta looks forward to answering your calls and making sure your communication with the Cassidy Crew is a smooth and supportive experience.