Our Team
At Supporting Abilities, we’re not just a service – we are people who get it. We know what it is like to have support workers in our homes, to rely on others for care, and to juggle the demands of family life alongside the challenges of disability. We’ve experienced first hand how the right support workers can be life changing – bring stability, independence, and relief. We have also felt the frustration and exhaustion when support is inconsistent, unreliable or just not right for you.
That’s why we are so passionate about what we do. We believe in building a team that truly makes a difference – support workers who aren’t just skilled at what they do, but are also kind, reliable, and committed. When you have the right people by your side, everything changes.
We’re here to make sure you don’t just get a service – but that you get the support that actually benefits you and your life.
Tammy Farmer
Director and Specialised Support Coordinator
“Abilities outweigh disabilities.”
My journey in the disability sector began long before I entered the workforce. From the moment I was born, I was immersed in it. My older sister, was born with multiple disabilities, including vision impairment, severe developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and significant medical challenges, such as a heart transplant. To me, she wasn’t “different”—she was simply my sister. However, as I grew older, I became acutely aware of the barriers my family faced due to my sister’s challenges.
At thirteen, I began volunteering at Care for Kids, where my sister participated in activities. It was an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. By Year ten, I was completing work experience at North Rocks Deaf and Blind School. Watching children determined to learn new skills, despite the odds being stacked against them, was inspiring. Their resilience, joy, and laughter sparked my passion for making a difference. I still remember teaching an 8-year-old boy to verbalize through singing and how to use a spoon. Seeing how something so small for many could have such a profound impact on someone’s life was transformative. Their infectious spirit helped me see my life in a different light, and at a young age, I already knew what I wanted to do as a career.
After finishing school, I secured my first full-time role as a teacher’s aide at Giant Steps, a school for children with autism. Giant Steps had a multi-disciplinary team of therapists, teachers, and autism specialists, providing me with the best possible foundation to start my career.
After six years of working with children, I transitioned into a support worker role, working for the next four years with a diverse range of clients across various settings, each with unique needs. I then spent six years in management roles across three companies that provided staff to multiple clients. However, I witnessed firsthand how these companies often overcharged clients without delivering the quality of service they truly needed and deserved. This experience reinforced my belief that disability support should be about genuine care, not just business. Determined to create meaningful change, I co-founded Supporting Abilities with a clear vision: to build a service that truly places people at the centre—not just one that claims too.
Through years of hands-on experience, professional expertise, and a deeply personal connection to the challenges families face, Supporting Abilities was built on a foundation of compassion, dedication, and a commitment to making a tangible difference.
Today, I continue this journey with unwavering passion, ensuring that every person we support receives the guidance, respect, and care they deserve. Because for me, this isn’t just a career—it’s personal.
Nikki La Faber
Director and Specialised Support Coordinator
“Differing Abilities” is a daily part of my life.”
In 1994, when I was just 14 years old, my life changed dramatically after my mother suffered a severe accident that left her quadriplegic. This incident profoundly affected not only her but also our entire family as we rallied together to provide the extensive support she needed for daily living tasks. Experiencing firsthand the challenges of navigating disability support during my teenage years instilled in me a deeper understanding of the complexities involved, which would shape my journey as both a parent and a family member.
As I grew older, my own family faced additional challenges when two of my four children were diagnosed with autism. This personal journey enhanced my insight into the daily struggles families encounter, from accessing the right services, to understanding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and advocating for essential support. I witnessed the emotional and logistical hurdles firsthand, which fuelled my passion for ensuring that families receive the assistance they need.
In 2014, we relocated my family to the Central Coast to be closer to my parents. At that time, my mother had been living with a significant disability for 24 years, and my father had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Despite knowing that they needed help, navigating the system was overwhelming and often frustrating. This experience deepened my appreciation for knowledgeable and compassionate support, which is crucial in securing the right care, equipment, and services to enable individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives.
Professionally, I bring over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, holding a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and a Diploma in Social Services. Throughout my career, I have held various roles, including Director and Educational Leader, where I worked closely with children with complex needs in both childcare settings and private homes. Additionally, I have supported young adults with disabilities through respite programs and worked within disability support since 2001, further enhancing my understanding of inclusive, person-centred care.
In 2019, inspired by our own experiences and the life-changing impact the individual journey we both travelled had, Tammy and myself co-founded Supporting Abilities. Our mission is to create a service that empowers individuals and families by providing compassionate, high-quality Support Coordination and Disability Support Services. We firmly believe that every individual deserves to live with dignity, choice, and independence, and we are dedicated to making that a reality for those we support.
Through Supporting Abilities, we strive to ensure that families feel heard, understood, and equipped with the resources they need. We really are passionate about creating a positive change in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, fostering an environment where they can thrive.
Our Services Team
Steve Parker
Services Manager
With fourteen years of experience as a disability support worker and six years of management experience in the disability sector, Steve Parker is the Services Manager at Supporting Abilities, bringing unparalleled expertise in the management of SIL facilities and human resources. His deep knowledge of staffing, management, and all things NDIS makes him an invaluable asset to the team.
Steve’s stoic nature and great sense of humour make him a reliable leader, while his hands-on approach ensures that every challenge is met head-on. He tackles problems with unwavering determination and a calm demeanour, never seeing any challenge as too difficult to overcome.
Though his tough exterior may give off a commanding presence, those who work with Steve know that his heart is incredibly kind. His dedication to supporting both his team and the individuals we serve is rooted in a genuine care for others, making him an indispensable part of Supporting Abilities. As a father of two children on the spectrum, Steve brings a deeply personal understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by families navigating the disability sector.
Rebecca Davies
Director and Specialised Support Coordinator
Bec Davies brings over 15 years of experience in the pharmacy field to her role as Services Coordinator at Supporting Abilities. In addition to her pharmacy background, Bec has a strong foundation in working with children and adults with disabilities, having provided both in-home services and support within community and group settings.
Known for her cheery, enthusiastic personality, Bec is dedicated to helping others and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for the people she supports. Her passion for empowering individuals with disabilities shines through in everything she does, from coordinating services to offering hands-on assistance when needed.
Bec’s combination of professional experience and heartfelt dedication makes her an exceptional resource for families, ensuring that each person receives the care, support, and respect they deserve. Always ready to lend a hand, she strives to make a positive difference in the lives of those she works with.
Nicole Rochester
Senior Support Coordinator
Nicole Rochester is the Senior Support Coordinator at Supporting Abilities, known for her authenticity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her clients. With a deep and comprehensive knowledge of the NDIS, Nicole offers exceptional support, ensuring that families receive the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of the system.
Her attention to detail is impeccable, allowing her to carefully craft tailored solutions that best meet the needs of those she works with. Nicole’s sweet and genuine nature shines through in every interaction, making her an invaluable asset to both clients and colleagues.
Nicole’s dedication goes beyond simply meeting expectations—she consistently goes above and beyond to support her clients, offering a level of care and advocacy that truly makes a difference. Whether it’s addressing concerns, providing clarity, or finding creative solutions, Nicole’s support is always delivered with compassion and precision.
Kristy Royna
Finance and Office Administrator
Kristy Royna is the Finance and Office Administrator at Supporting Abilities, and she truly is the glue that keeps everything running smoothly. With a background in disability care, Kristy excelled as a support worker before transitioning to this pivotal role. Kristy has a Diploma in Social Science, Certificate III in Individual Support and great knowledge of the sector, this combined with her exceptional organisational skills, makes her a standout team member.
In her current role, Kristy manages the financial books, oversees wages, invoicing, assists with staff leave, and ensures that all NDIS compliance tasks are up to date. She is also instrumental in keeping the team informed of sector changes, ensuring that Supporting Abilities remains at the forefront of industry standards.
Kristy’s dedication goes beyond her responsibilities—she is always ready to jump in and offer her assistance to the team whenever needed. Her willingness to help, combined with her incredible expertise, makes her an indispensable asset to Supporting Abilities. The support and care she provides are deeply appreciated by everyone she works with.