From Drama Teacher to Care Trainer — meet Yvette “Spaghetti” Salvaris!
In this episode, Sarah from the Support Worker Store sits down with Yvette Salvaris, founder of Ethical Training Solutions, to talk about her wild career pivot from teaching drama to transforming the care and training sector.
They dive into:
💬 How Ethical Training Solutions started (and what “ethical” really means)
💡 Why career pivots are booming post-COVID
🐶 How volunteering (with therapy dogs!) keeps her grounded
👥 Why empathy + real skills matter more than certificates
☕ How Yvette’s networking events are creating safe spaces for care professionals
🌏 Her plan to expand Ethical Training Solutions nationally
If you’re a support worker, educator, or care industry pro thinking about upskilling, pivoting, or growing your network — this chat is your sign.
📌 Timestamps
00:00 Meet Yvette “Spaghetti” Salvaris
02:41 From Drama to Care Training
05:30 Launching Ethical Training Solutions
07:37 The Power of Career Pivots
10:26 Volunteering & Therapy Dogs
12:53 The Truth About Working in Care
18:22 How to Make Training Fun (and Not Boring)
20:01 Safe Networking for the Care Sector
22:48 What’s Next for Ethical Training Solutions
✨ Hit Subscribe for more real convos with changemakers in the care and NDIS space.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast: [insert Spotify/Apple link]
💻 Find Yvette: https://ethicaltrainingsolutions.com.au
💖 Follow Sarah: @SupportWorkerStore
#NDIS #CareIndustry #SupportWorkers #CareerPivot #TrainingSolutions #EthicalTraining #Volunteering #PersonalDevelopment #Education #Networking #NDISPodcast #SupportWorkerStore
From humble garage beginnings to becoming the go-to name in NDIS & aged-care payroll — meet Garth Belic, founder of PayCat 🐱💼
Sarah (aka the Brat) chats with Garth about how PayCat turned the pain of SCHADS payroll into a smooth, automated system that actually makes sense.
In this ep, they cover:
💥 How PayCat was born in a garage (and built into a 30+-staff powerhouse)
💥 The truth about SCHADS — why it’s so messy and how PayCat simplifies it
💥 Saving hours (and money) with award-costing + automation
💥 The upcoming game-changing API that lets CRMs cost rosters in real time
💥 Lessons in balance, health, and building a business that lasts
If you’re a small NDIS provider, payroll officer, or support-biz owner who’s ever screamed at an Excel sheet — this one’s your new religion.
👉 Listen now, follow the show, and check out PayCat.com.au for free SCHADS resources + demos.
#NDIS #AgedCare #SCHADS #Payroll #PayCat #SupportWorkerStore #BratEnergy
If you’re tired of juggling apps, emails, and endless admin, this episode’s for you.
Sarah sits down with Matt Cagney, CEO of ShiftCare, to unpack how his platform became the one-stop shop for disability and aged care providers across Australia. From client management and rostering to billing, compliance, and communication — ShiftCare’s doing it all (and doing it well).
Matt shares his journey from the tech world to the care industry, what it takes to design software that genuinely supports support workers, and how community feedback drives every update. They chat about innovation, automation, and how tech can still have heart in a sector built on people and purpose.
Whether you’re running a small NDIS business, managing a large provider, or working 1:1 with participants, this episode gives you a front-row seat to what’s next in care tech.
In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Doherty, founder of Empowered Livability, who drops one of the realest lines you’ll ever hear in the NDIS sector:
👉 “If you’re going to be in this sector — don’t be a dickhead.”
Nicole has over 25 years of experience in community services and has built Empowered Livability on one core value — treat people like people.
We talk about:
🏠 Creating homes that actually feel like home
💬 How emotional intelligence changes everything in care
⚖️ The balance between compliance and compassion
💡 What strong leadership really looks like in the NDIS world
Whether you’re a support worker, provider, or just curious about what good care really means — this one’s a must-watch.
🎧 Also available on Spotify + Apple Podcasts under Support Worker Store Podcast
#NDIS #SupportWorkers #EmpoweredLivability #NDISLeadership #DisabilitySupport #NDISCommunity #CareWithRespect
The first few years of business? Brutal. 💀
But Cedar from MyAssista and Support Worker Store spill the truth: it’s the grind that builds the gold.
In this episode, we talk about:
💬 The messy, unglamorous side of startup life
💡 Why “hustle” still matters when you’re building something from nothing
🧱 Learning skills you never thought you’d need (and wearing all the hats)
🔥 What keeps founders pushing through when the money’s tight and the doubt’s loud
If you’ve ever felt like giving up on your dream — this one’s your pep talk and reality check all in one.
👀 Tune in now to Sarah Knows Support Workers — the podcast for the real, raw, and ridiculously resilient.
#MyAssista #SupportWorkerStore #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #WomenInBusiness #NDISBusiness #Founders #AustralianStartups #PodcastForFounders
With 19 years in the disability sector, Brett Sams has seen it all — from the overwhelming early days of community care to becoming a behavior support practitioner shaping workplace wellbeing. In this conversation, Brett shares how personal experiences influenced his career, why understanding behavior triggers is essential, and how collaborative support plans can change lives.
We dive into the real talk on burnout, why men in the sector struggle to open up about self-care, and how building a toolbox of wellbeing strategies can protect workers and improve company culture. Whether you’re a support worker, team leader, or provider, this episode will remind you why looking after yourself is just as important as looking after others.
✨ Takeaways:
Collaborative care = better support outcomes
Self-care looks different for everyone
Corporate wellbeing programs can shift workplace culture
In this episode of Support Worker, Sarah chats with Belinda Toohey — a powerhouse in the disability sector. Belinda shares her journey from the early days of deinstitutionalization to creating Including You, a service built on social justice and advocacy.
They dive into:
How the NDIS changed disability support (for better and harder)
Why choice and control matter for people with disability
The real challenges support workers face every day
Why skill development and community inclusion are key to independence
Belinda’s story is all about adaptability, leadership, and creating real change. If you care about disability support, NDIS, and building inclusive communities, this conversation is for you.
👉 Keywords: disability support, NDIS, deinstitutionalization, choice and control, skill development, community inclusion, support workers, Including You, social justice, advocacy
In this episode, we sit down with Connor Greene, a passionate support worker and ADHD advocate, to explore the realities of supporting neurodivergent children within the NDIS framework.
Connor shares his journey from aged care to working with kids with ADHD and autism, unpacking the unpredictable nature of daily support work and the importance of communication, self-regulation, and education.
We dive into:
✨ Why Connor believes ADHD should be redefined as a self-regulation disorder
✨ The changing role of schools in ADHD awareness and mental health support
✨ How parents can better understand their child’s neurodivergent needs
✨ The power of passion in creating great support workers
✨ Building community and connection in the neurodivergent space
This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, support workers, and NDIS professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of ADHD, autism, and community support.
NDIS, ADHD support Australia, autism support, support worker podcast, neurodivergent community, parenting ADHD Melbourne, education ADHD awareness, self-regulation disorder, mental health NDIS, ADHD Australia 2025
In this episode, Sarah from the Support Worker Store chats with Laura Appel, an experienced NDIS dietitian and founder of Feed Me Nutrition.
We dive into what a dietitian really does, why they’re so important under the NDIS, and how they work with support workers to make meal planning, nutrition, and food choices easier for participants.
Laura shares her journey, the challenges around food in group homes, supporting people with PEG feeds and texture-modified diets, and training support workers to deliver better mealtime outcomes.
Whether you’re a support worker, NDIS participant, or provider, this episode is packed with practical tips to make mealtimes healthier, more social, and stress-free.
https://www.feedmenutrition.org/dietitian, nutrition, NDIS, meal planning, support workers, health, food, training, dietetics, wellness, disability, mealtime, texture modified diets, PEG feeding, nutrition planning, NDIS funding, healthy eating
In this episode, Sarah from the Support Worker Store sits down with Amy and Aaron, the powerhouse duo behind Marco Polo Portal, to unpack their journey through entrepreneurship, disability accommodation, and the importance of neurodiversity in business.
Together, they explore:
✨ How their partnership dynamics fuel innovation
✨ The role of feedback, mentorship, and AI in shaping their platform
✨ Why empowering people with disabilities to find the right housemates is more than tech — it’s about choice, community, and dignity
✨ The future of NDIS, disability accommodation, and person-centred approaches
This conversation is equal parts real talk and inspiration — covering everything from the resilience needed to build a start-up, to the ethical imperative of putting people first.
💡 Takeaways:
Be kind to yourself and own your uniqueness
Empowerment is the heart of real impact
AI works best when it strengthens human connection
Innovation in the disability sector starts with listening
Tune in to hear how Amy & Aaron are reshaping the future of disability accommodation — one partnership, one platform, and one community at a time.
https://www.marcopoloportal.com/
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, I sit down with Phil Hamilton from Human Power to talk all things HR, workplace culture, and the art of managing people (not just policies).
Phil shares his journey in HR and drops some real-world wisdom on creating safe, supportive workplaces where employees actually want to stick around. From navigating tough conversations to hiring the right people, boosting engagement, and retaining top talent, this chat is packed with takeaways for leaders, small business owners, and anyone trying to build a strong, motivated team.
💡 Key takeaways:
HR is about people, not paperwork.
A safe space = better engagement and performance.
Recognition and appreciation change the game.
Understanding what motivates your team keeps them around.
Proactive HR prevents bigger issues down the track.
👉 Want to learn more about building better workplaces? Check out Human Power for practical HR solutions that actually make sense.
Running an NDIS business isn’t just paperwork and policies—it’s heart, hustle, and a whole lotta chaos (with a sprinkle of confetti).
In this episode, I sit down with Phuong, founder of Connect My Community, to talk about what it really takes to thrive as a small NDIS provider. We dig into:
✅ Why compliance should feel like a superhero’s cape, not a straightjacket
🧠 The emotional toll of running an NDIS biz (and how to avoid burnout)
👥 The power of community support and building real connections
🚀 How personal branding and word of mouth can make or break growth
🔮 The future of NDIS registration and what it means for providers
This is the unfiltered truth about compliance, trust, and staying sane while making a difference in the disability sector.
🎧 Hit play and join us for real talk, practical insights, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this biz.
What do elevator pitches, big dreams, and support workers have in common? They all come together in this feel-good convo between Sarah from the Support Worker Store and Daniel from Jigsaw Australia.
From networking wins to career twists, Daniel spills the tea on:
What makes a great support worker 💡
Why partnerships matter more than ever 🤝
How Jigsaw is transforming lives through real jobs and real skills 💼
Career advice for anyone wanting to thrive in the NDIS space 🚀
The reality of support work—the good, the gritty, and the growth 🌱
Whether you're new to disability work or deep in the sector, this chat is packed with insight, warmth, and stories you’ll want to pass on. Hit play and get inspired.
👉 Keywords: disability, support work, Jigsaw Australia, elevator pitch, NDIS, community engagement, career advice, partnerships, transformation, support workers, social impact
In this episode, we sit down with Jack Traynor, Business Development Manager at Care Done Differently and founder of Caffeine Connections — a relaxed, relationship-first networking event changing how professionals connect in the disability support sector.
Jack shares how Caffeine Connections was born to fill a real gap in the industry: a need for casual, no-pressure meetups where NDIS providers, support workers, and community leaders can build genuine connections and collaborations. 💬
We unpack big topics like:
Why authenticity matters more than sales talk
How to build a personal brand that actually gets you noticed in disability care
The real deal with shared living and participant matching
Tips for new support workers who want to grow their impact and community
Whether you're an NDIS provider, support worker, or just curious about how we can all do care differently—this one’s for you.
☕ Want to join the next Caffeine Connections event? Follow along on socials or reach out to Jack to grab a coffee and connect with your people.
🧡 Curious about how Care Done Differently supports NDIS participants across NSW? Visit caredonedifferently.com.au to learn more about their fresh, person-first approach to support, shared living, and community care.
👉 Let's turn conversations into care—one connection at a time.
In this episode, we dive deep into the NDIS space with someone who gets it — from plan management headaches to community magic. We chat trust, ethics, networking that’s actually fun (yep, it’s possible), and why small providers are kind of a big deal.
✨ Real stories, real strategy, and a few laughs along the way.
🎧 Whether you're a support worker, provider, or just NDIS-curious, this one’s for you.
👉 Wanna connect with Stu or check out what he's building?
Visit his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stu-p-a5693315b
Tell him the Support Worker Store sent you 💬
https://events.humanitix.com/ndis-wizards-networking-and-fundraiser-event-melbourne
In this episode, Sarah from the Support Worker Store sits down with Greg Hart, co-founder of Your Hart to Hart, to unpack their inspiring journey in Australia’s NDIS and disability services sector. From starting out in a church hall to earning industry awards, Greg shares real talk about building a B-Corp social enterprise, overcoming the stigma around for-profit services, and the pivotal role support workers play in participant success.
We dive into the challenges of COVID-19, maintaining quality care, networking to grow community connections, and balancing mental health with a demanding business. Whether you’re an NDIS provider, a support worker, or dreaming of starting your own disability service, this conversation is packed with insights and practical advice.
👉 Connect with Greg and Kerry and learn more about Your Hart to Hart:
www.yourhart2hart.com.au
💡 Keywords:
NDIS, support workers, disability services, business journey, challenges, networking, community care, mental health, work-life balance, social enterprise, awards
🎧 Breaking Barriers: The Story of Tate Kemp
Episode out now on Support Worker – the Podcast
Meet Tate Kemp — marathon walker, disability advocate, and founder of All Abilities Public Speaking. Born with cerebral palsy, Tate’s life hasn’t followed the easy road... but that’s never stopped him from chasing big dreams.
From finishing 13 Melbourne Marathons (yes, really!) to launching his own public speaking business, Tate’s story is packed with resilience, laughs, and real talk. In this episode, Tate shares how he uses his lived experience to teach others about disability, inclusion, and community support — and why he believes that everyone has something to give.
We chat about:
What kept him going when doctors said he wouldn’t walk or talk
Why public speaking helps him change minds and open hearts
The power of school talks and meeting people where they're at
Raising funds for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and The Big Freeze
How sport and community helped shape his identity
His future goals (spoiler: he’s just getting started)
💬 “It does take a level of resilience… but I’ve had a great team.”
And speaking of that team — Tate wants to say a huge THANK YOU to:
Mum and Dad, Nash Kemp, Pat McKenna, Brad Mangan, Rob Waters, Jordan Ryan, Aaron McLean, Andrew Hall, all the amazing teachers he’s had, and the many legends who’ve supported his journey 💛
🔗 Want to book Tate or learn more?
Head to 👉 www.allabilitiesps.com.au
Follow Tate on Instagram: @allabilitiesps
📣 Share this episode and help us spread awareness one story at a time.
#DisabilityInclusion #NDIS #PublicSpeaking #Resilience #SupportWorkerPodcast #TateKemp #AllAbilitiesPS
Struggling to understand your NDIS plan? You’re not alone — but you don’t have to stay stuck! In this episode, Sarah from the Support Worker Store chats with Allan, founder of Strong Foundation Support, about the everyday wins, challenges, and lessons learned supporting participants through the NDIS maze.
From busted plan reviews to building trust with providers, this chat dives into what really works when it comes to support coordination — with plenty of laughs and lightbulb moments along the way.
🎧 Tune in if you're a participant, support worker, or provider who wants to feel more confident navigating the system.
👉 Check out Allan's work at Strong Foundation Support — where real support meets real understanding.
Meet Gabriella — the powerhouse behind the Knowing Me app! 💥 Built while still studying (yep, seriously!), this app is changing the game in disability support, NDIS communication, and family peace of mind.
We chat all things tech, community feedback, real-time updates, and how one app is making life easier for families, support workers, and providers. 💬✨ Gabriella spills the tea on the inspiration, the wins, the challenges — and what’s next! 🛠️💖
Perfect for anyone in the NDIS space who loves clever solutions with heart.
🧠 Keywords: Knowing Me app, disability support, NDIS, support workers, communication, mental health, family resources, tech for good, user experience
👉 Listen now — and check out the app at knowingme.com.au
Here’s the truth 👉 Most NDIS businesses aren’t struggling because their services are bad…
They’re struggling because their branding doesn’t connect.
In my latest podcast episode with Chris Lapa from The Growth Academy, we had a 🔥 lightbulb moment:
🧠 “People fall in love with the Apple logo — not the Steve Jobs photo.”
Let that sink in.
You’re not just selling a service — you’re selling trust.
And in the NDIS sector, trust is everything.
If your brand feels:
❌ Bland
❌ Unclear
❌ Inconsistent
…then chances are, people are scrolling right past you.
🎯 Chris breaks down:
✔ Why your inquiry process might be losing leads
✔ What makes a business referable
✔ How different-sized providers need different strategies
✔ Why personal branding isn’t always the answer
✔ How to pick the right marketing channels — not just the trendy ones
This episode is for support workers, NDIS providers, and founders ready to grow with intention (and results).
🎧 Watch the short clip below
🎙️ Then catch the full episode to rethink how you market in 2025
📲 Ready to level up your branding + strategy?
💡 Perfect for NDIS support workers, providers, and business owners ready to level up!
👉 Want to work with Chris? Visit thegrowthacademy.com.au and take the first step toward smarter marketing.
#NDISMarketing #SupportWorkerStore #NDISProviders #SupportWorkers #ChrisLapa #GrowthAcademy #NDISBranding #BusinessGrowthTips #NDISCommunity #MarketingMatters #ReferralReady