Meet Cailin, EllieB’s new Practice Lead
When we look at potential EllieB’s employees there are a few non-negotiables:
- They must be fierce in their advocacy for people with developmental disabilities
- They must be truly passionate about their job and bring joy to work every day
- They must be able to make our participants smile
Cailin – without a doubt – has personified this for over a decade working with EllieB’s. So, as she steps up into a new role as Practice Lead, we wanted to share a little more about this wonderful EllieB’s advocate so that you can get to know her too.
You’ve been part of EllieB’s for 12 years – a remarkable milestone. Can you take us back to the beginning? What first brought you to EllieB’s?
I was introduced to EllieBs when Harrow transitioned from a previous support provider, I had no prior knowledge of the company.
You started as a support worker and have grown through several leadership roles. Looking back, what have been some of the moments that have shaped your career the most?
Leading a team through the transition to NDIS, COVID times and back into “normality” were certainly some challenging times, all of which helped to shape my career to where I am today.
Twelve years is a long time to stay with one organisation. What is it about EllieB’s – and the people you work alongside – that has inspired you to build your career here?
From when I started at EllieB’s, I could tell that the participants were at the heart of everything that (it) does. I have worked alongside many people passionate about supporting people with disabilities to live their best life – from support workers to the CEO, the leadership team and even administration at the office; everyone is working towards a common goal of seeing our participants safe, happy and thriving!
Cailin (left) has been with EllieB’s for over 12 years.
Every workplace has its own culture. How would you describe the EllieB’s culture, and what makes it special to you?
EllieBs culture to me is supporting people in that way that they want to be supported, being creative and finding ways to make things work for the participants. Working somewhere that innovation is welcomed and improvement is always embraced has been important for my own personal and professional growth over the years.
Congratulations on your new role as Practice Lead. What was your first reaction when the opportunity came up?
Thank you! I was excited for the challenge and the next chapter of my career to unfold.
You’ll now be supporting multiple homes and teams across the organisation. What excites you most about having a broader impact?
I am most excited to get to know more of the participants we support and assist the teams in ensuring we are exceeding expectations across the board!
From when I started at EllieB’s, I could tell that the participants were at the heart of everything that (it) does.
Families at Harrow know you well and trust you deeply. What would you like them to know as you transition into this new position?
I would like the families at Harrow to know that I am still around, and still here to help and guide as needed. Harrow will be in very safe and capable hands with Bec’s oversight and the dedication and support of the team on the floor. Being a part of the Harrow community and building trusted relationships with the participants and families will be some of my most cherished memories and highlights of my career.
You’ve spent more than a decade supporting people with intellectual disabilities. What continues to inspire you to do this work every day?
Seeing others happy and achieving their goals is what makes me happy, I am genuinely excited to come to work each day and ensure that our participants are well cared for and able to do the things that they want to do.
Can you share a moment or experience that reminds you why you chose this career?
The moments that remind me of why I work in the disability field are the small moments. Making connections with participants, seeing people for who they are and being that trusted person to help through the everyday mundane and the hard times in life is absolutely priceless.
