Team
Cynthia Iyadi
Managing Director
Other Languages Spoken: Kiswahili
Cynthia has invaluable experience in management and a profound dedication to the disability and mental health sector. With a rich background spanning more than 10 years, Cynthia’s journey reflects her unwavering passion for community service and her commitment to supporting individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in accessing the assistance they deserve through the NDIS.
Cynthia’s leadership is marked by a profound understanding of the complexities within the disability industry and a relentless drive to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility. With her guidance, the KonnectUs team is empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, embodying our commitment to excellence and compassion every step of the way.
Ernest Ndagijimana
Specialist Support Coordinator
Other Languages Spoken: French, Kiswahili, Kirundi
Ernest is a husband, father and grandfather. He is a highly experienced humanitarian worker who has worked with asylum seekers, refugees, and disadvantaged people for over twenty years. This includes people living with a disability in Africa and Australia.
Ernest enjoys working in challenging and complex situations. He thrives on the work of assisting those who are funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Ernest was a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for seven years at Disability Services Commission, now called the Department of Communities Disability Division in WA.
Ernest’s diverse, multicultural skills help him to achieve goals with the people he works with. Ernest strives to find better ways and to learn every day to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people he works with. Ernest is ready to help at all times in all situations.
Erin Tierney
Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Erin began her journey in youth work at TAFE, where she completed both a Certificate IV and a Diploma in Youth Work. Erin’s passion for this field led her to further her education by pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Youth Work with Psychology as an elective study. Erin plans postgraduate studies in this area.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Erin is actively engaged in practical experience within the field.
Working at Konnectus Support Coordination, Erin manages a diverse caseload of clients spanning various age groups and cultural backgrounds. These clients face a wide range of psychosocial disabilities and are currently on NDIS plans.
Her commitment to the job is driven by her desire to achieve positive outcomes for her clients. She recognises the importance of collaborating with them to foster independence and self-advocacy, ensuring they benefit from their support plans and systems.
Jacquelyn Chong
Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Other Languages Spoken: Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese
Jacquelyn is an experienced and compassionate person-centred Support Coordinator and Recovery Coach who takes delight in bringing joy to the lives of those around her. She has a wealth of experience in community services, advocacy, coordination, early childhood education and supporting participants on their journey towards a fulfilling life.
One of her core principles is understanding and acceptance. She believes in meeting people where they are, acknowledging their unique experiences, and refraining from judgment. She understands that an individual’s path to recovery is personal, and she respects their choices and autonomy. She is not just a coach; she aims to be an individual’s best buddy on their recovery journey. She offers unwavering support, encouragement, and companionship. Together, both will navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and work towards the goals.
Her proficiency in Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay, and Indonesian allows her to break down language barriers and provide inclusive support to participants from various cultural backgrounds. She understands and respects the customs, traditions, and values of the communities she works with. These enable her to build trust and establish meaningful connections with participants, making them feel comfortable and understood.
Isaiah Ajak
Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Other Languages Spoken: Dinka
Isaiah holds a Bachelor of Counselling degree from the University of Notre Dame, Australia. He boasts a wealth of experience in therapeutic counselling, having dedicated his career to this noble profession since 2014. Isaiah specialises in Alcohol & Drug Counselling, as well as Family Counselling. His diverse career journey has seen him excel in various roles, including Therapeutic Community Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Support, and Mental Health Recovery. Isaiah is particularly skilled in both Individual and Group Counselling, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to helping individuals and communities.
In his role as a Community Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach at Konnectus Support Coordination, Isaiah can provide invaluable support to clients struggling with Mental Health (MH) and trauma-related issues, both within the hospital environment and in their homes following discharge.
Rebeka Maharjan
Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach
With 6 years of experience in the disability field, Rebeka is passionate about empowering participants to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Services. Rebeka’s expertise lies in developing personalised support/recovery plans tailored to each participant’s needs and preferences, coordinating services, liaising with stakeholders, guiding them through their recovery journey, and advocating for their rights and well-being. She is dedicated to promoting inclusivity, dignity, and respect for individuals with disabilities. Rebeka strives to create a safe and nurturing environment. She is a compassionate and empathetic professional who is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the participants she supports.
Regina Nshuti
Specialist Support Coordinator
Regina is a Specialist Support Coordinator with Konnectus Support Coordination, drawing from her extensive tenure as an NDIS Service Coordinator. With a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, specialising in Criminal Behaviour and Legal Studies, Regina is committed to deepening her expertise by pursuing further studies in the Mental Health Sector. Her dedication to enhancing participant care underscores her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
Beginning her journey in the disability sector as a support worker, Regina’s passion for delivering top-notch support services runs deep. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is driven by a profound sense of community service. Specifically, Regina finds fulfilment in assisting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to navigate complex support systems. She aims to facilitate access to services, preserve their cultural identity, and strengthen their connection to their heritage within the fabric of Australian society.
Annet lopiyong
Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Other Languages Spoken: Kuku
Annet is a diverse and respectful professional with over 5 years of experience within the community service area such as working as a youth, mental health, case worker, children and family support and disability support worker (physical and psychosocial disabilities) all within the community, residential, hostels or hospital setting. These experiences have enabled Annet to have the competency in assisting clients with understanding their NDIS plan, goals, care plans, provide trauma-informed and suicidal ideation support, and provide or connect clients to therapeutic support services and activities.
Annet is also passionate about empowering participants to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. She believes that for every challenge faced, there is always a way for a positive outcome if the correct approach is applied. This involves being understanding, empathic, patient, collaborative and witty. These qualities enable her to gain an insightful perspective on what her clients are going through, as well as their needs and wants. In turn, this will help her build rapport, apply positive strategies, and provide or connect clients to better support services, fostering stronger connections throughout their journey.
Annet holds a diploma in Community services, Mental health, Cert IV in Education Assistance: Special need and mainstream, Trauma inform, Domestic violence and protective behaviour training.
Lung Ceu Sarum
Support Coordinator
Other Languages Spoken: Zophei Chin, Hakha Chin, Senthang Chin, Burmese
Lung Sarum is a caring and experienced NDIS Support Coordinator with a background in community services and social work. Lung is passionate about helping people access the support they need through the NDIS, working closely with participants to understand their plans and achieve their goals.
Lung has worked with people from many different cultures, including CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities, building trust and providing support that respects each person’s unique needs. Lung is great at connecting participants to the right services, helping them find solutions, and advocating for their needs.
Over the years, Lung has helped individuals and families with challenges like homelessness, family violence, and housing issues. Lung creates personalised plans, organises services, and checks in regularly to make sure the support is working well. Lung also works closely with other service providers and organisations to ensure participants get the best possible outcomes.
Lung has also been involved in community programs, such as health education sessions and outreach activities, to help people access important resources and services. With qualifications in Community Services, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to help others, Lung is a valuable part of the KonnectUs team.
