Meet the Team

Jonathon is the Managing Director of Empowered Community Services. Inspired by his lived experiences supporting both parents who have lifelong disabilities, and after working as a Disability Support Worker for several years, Jonathon founded Empowered Community Services.

Jonathon has over seven years of experience working within the disability sector supporting participants with complex needs. Whilst working in the disability sector Jonathon completed his Bachelor of Psychological Science at Newcastle University. Jonathon believes in providing an honest and reliable service that puts the participants needs first.

In 2020 Jonathon won the award for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Hunter Business Chamber for his work under Empowered Community Services.

Jonathon is an active member of the Lake Macquarie community and sits on the board  of directors at the Lake Macquarie Business Chamber. In 2021 at the Lake Mac Awards Jonathon won the Lake Macquarie Ambassador award. 

Outside of work, Jonathon enjoys walking his dogs, following the NBA and skateboarding. 

Having completed a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management, Mark is passionate about helping organisations and individuals achieve their goals. Prior to being employed by Empowered, Mark worked as a Support Worker and as a salesman for a local Electrical Wholesaler. Mark is also a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor. 

Mark has a collaborative approach to working with a diverse team of support staff, that focuses on delivering the right outcome for each situation. 

When Mark isn’t working he enjoys going to the gym, watching Rugby League and is a proud food enthusiast.

Alannah is a Support Coordination Manager with multiple years’ experience working within the disability sector. Prior to joining Empowered Alannah worked with St Vincent De Paul as a part of their Local Area Coordination program under the NDIS. Throughout her time with St Vincent De Paul Alannah gained extremely useful information about disability programs and services throughout Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Area.

Alannah is passionate about supporting NDIS participants to find the most appropriate provider to assist individuals to reach their goals. Alannah has a keen eye for detail and will ensure each participant gets the most out of their plan. Alannah has a Certificate IV in disability and Diploma in Community Services. More recently Alannah was voted the runner up in the 2019 One Community Support Coordinator of the Year award. 

Outside of work, Alannah enjoys spending time with her three dogs and watching Netflix.

Annika is a Support Coordinator with several years of experience working in the disability sector. Before working with Empowered, Annika worked at Allambi Care, working with children and adolescents living in out-of-home care with complex behaviours. Whilst working in the disability sector, Annika completed her Bachelor of Social Science at Newcastle University.

Tegan is the Holiday Coordinator here at Empowered. Before working with our organisation, Tegan worked as a Youth Worker, working with children and adolescents with complex behaviours. Tegan also holds a Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care and worked as an Early Childhood Educator for several years.

As Holiday Coordinator, Tegan will be working with participants to make sure that they are provided with the best holidays possible! Tegan works professionally and holds a high standard of work ethic. Tegan is patient, understanding and able to work with any participant to make sure that they are reaching their goals and ambitions.

Outside of work, Tegan enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, relaxing at the beach, going out for delicious meals or watching a movie.