Getting to know Spear & Arrow
Spear and Arrow is a Dubbo based personalised Behaviour & Therapeutic Support Service Specialising in Autism + Trauma.
With over 20 years experience in education supporting learning, disabilities and well-being, we’re looking forward to bringing our expertise to the Central West.
The reason behind launching Spear and Arrow, is due to the fact that Chantelle discovered a huge and concerning gap in the market. This gap is the need for specialised and quality services that are personalised to each individual person, instead of using a one size fits all approach.
At Spear & Arrow we break the mould.
Meet the Spear & Arrow Team
Channy & Max
For those of you who don’t know the faces behind Spear and Arrow yet, meet Chantelle & Max Ryan.
Every child deserves to reach their full potential. And that potential is often far beyond what many people can see. In pursuit of this brighter future, some need more specific and tailored support. Spear & Arrow was created to provide just that. We know how it’s usually done, but we’re breaking the mould. With years of experience in education and disability services behind her, our founder Chantelle saw a better way.
‘Goals’ and ‘outcomes’ aren’t words we throw around because we have to. The foundation of our work is a deep understanding of the things that will make a real difference to the children and young people we work with. We work toward realistic, achievable outcomes, and know that small, daily actions lead to big changes.
It’s hard, consistent work. The type of work that we don’t shy away from. And we do it all in the pursuit of our mission: to be the first paediatric clinic in Australia to reach the hearts and souls of the communities in which we live and work.
Our mission is backed by our promise, to not out-grow our connection to community and the individuals we work with. We will stay true to holistic, compassionate, and person-centred approaches.
We don’t have a magic wand, but we have something just as useful: perseverance and compassion.
It can be a long journey. We’re here to walk it with you.
Chantelle - Behaviour Support Practitioner
Chantelle has an excessive passion to leave her mark on the world, by making a difference in the lives of people she is lucky enough to work with. Building long lasting relationships with families and children allows Chantelle to achieve fantastic outcomes to empower them to live their lives to the absolute fullest.
“Kindness is free, sprinkle it everywhere”
Whilst working in the Education industry, Chantelle decided to further her studies to enable her to provide a mobile base service which offers relevant and responsive support for her clients and their support networks.
Chantelle has a special place in her heart for helping families and children struggling with Autism and Trauma. Working in Special Education and Social Work has allowed Chantelle to build her experience beyond belief to enable her to showcase great lifestyle changes for clients she has worked with. Seeing these changes, allowing her clients to meet their goals and enhance their lives and the incredible affects they can have for her clients, is what has made Chantelle grow so fond of this industry and the work it allows her to undertake.
Currently Chantelle holds a Bachelor of Primary (Special Education), a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis and is currently studying her Master of Social Work (Professional Qualification). She has over 20 years’ experience working in a range of positions throughout Central West NSW for the NSW Department of Education, and has recently worked as a Therapeutic Specialist providing Positive Behaviour Support to children in ITC-SD Intensive Therapeutic Care – Significant Disability.
Chantelle’s experience doesn’t stop there, she also has extensive experience and knowledge working with First Nations People and others with diverse backgrounds. This allows Chantelle to work and connect with a range of families and children from various walks of life.
Macy - Practice Manager
Macy brings a calming presence to the team. She is the glue that holds the office and team together and keeps us all on the right path.
Macy is organised, creative, has a great eye for detail and loves her role of helping everyone by getting the tough stuff behind the scenes done.
“You’ll always end up where you’re meant to be”
Gemma - Operations Manager / Key Worker
Gemma has over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and care with a Bachelor of Teaching – Early Childhood Education. She is committed to providing guidance, growth and helping you build a strong foundation for a brighter future.
Gemma is driven by genuine love for working with families and children to ensure they reach their fullest potential.
“You don’t always need a plan, sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens”
Bella - Administration Assistant
Isabella joins Spear & Arrow as an Administration Assistant with a proven track record of efficiency and excellence across various industries. With a diverse skill set encompassing Personal Care Support, Drug and Alcohol Support Work and Support Coordination she brings invaluable expertise to the team.
Her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask effectively make her an asset in any setting. Isabella’s proactive approach to problem-solving and commitment to operational excellence ensure smooth and efficient workflow. She is driven by a passion for delivering outstanding results and is dedicated to supporting the team’s success.
“Not all those who wonder are lost”
Office Assistant - Georgia Berry
Georgia brings more than just administrative support to our team, she brings a contagious enthusiasm and warmth that brightens every corner of our workplace.
With a keen eye for detail and a heart full of kindness, Georgia tackles tasks with dedication and a smile that’s infectious. Her positive attitude and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to our team.
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier”
Lisa - Behaviour Support Practitioner
Lisa has a wealth of knowledge of experience in a variety of areas. Lisa has a background in community services working with clients from new-borns to adults, running young parenting groups, youth centres and community centres before moving into the education field. Lisa spent 6 years working as a Primary School Teacher before moving into Early Childhood Education and Care for 12 years. She then felt the pull to return to community services and worked in Out Of Home Care ITC-SD.
She is highly passionate about enhancing the lives of children and young people and supporting them to achieve their best outcomes. Lisa enjoys meeting new people and learning about their journey.
“Dare to Dream”
Pooja - Behaviour Support Practitoner
Pooja has a Masters in Psychology and a Bachelor of Honors in Psychology. Pooja is committed to providing expert support, she is highly trained with a strong background in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy.
Pooja has a passion for helping individuals with a variety of behavioural challenges, she brings knowledge and compassion to Spear & Arrow Therapeutic.
“Stay positive, be happy”
Sabrina - Occupational Therapist
After growing up in Dubbo Sabrina excitingly returns from Sydney bringing with her an extensive experience working in paediatric occupational therapy. Sabrina has worked in the private sector working in clinic settings, preschools, schools, telehealth and home settings. Sabrina passionately supports families and children, utilising their strengths and unique skills with evidence-based strategies to enable them to be the best version of themselves.
Sabrina is passionate about empowering children and their families to understand their child’s neurodiversity or unique support needs and is focused on working with the whole family to support the best outcomes for them. Working with a range of clients and their abilities Sabrina has experience working with children with ASD, ADHD, PDA, Developmental Delay, DCD, intellectual disabilities, complex trauma background and global developmental delay.
“Today you are you, that is truer than try. There is no one alive who is youer than you” Dr Seuss
Sophia - Occupational Therapist
Sophia is a passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist committed to helping individuals build independence and participate in meaningful activities. With a fresh perspective and up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practices, she takes a participant-centered approach to support people in developing daily living skills and achieving their goals. Sophia is eager to work alongside our participants, families, and support teams to create tailored interventions that foster growth and well-being.
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘The Present’.”
Tammi - Allied Health Assistant
Tammi, our dedicated Allied Health Assistant, known for her loving and caring approach. With a heart full of compassion, Tammi brings warmth and empathy to every interaction.
Her commitment to supporting others shines through in her work, as she assists participants with kindness and understanding. With Tammi by your side, you’ll always feel valued and supported on your journey.
“Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved”
Belinda - Allied Health Assistant
Belinda, our compassionate Allied Health Assistant, dedicated to making a positive impact. With a nurturing spirit and genuine care for others, Belinda goes above and beyond to provide support and assistance.
Her attentive approach ensures participants feel valued and understood, creating a welcoming and comforting environment for everyone. Trust Belinda to lend a helping hand and brighten your day with her warmth and kindness.
“The centre of the world is between your own two feet”
Heather - Support Coordinator
Heather is a dedicated and experienced leader in the field of support coordination, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. With a focus on excellence and a passion for empowering individuals with disabilities, Heather plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of exceptional support services to the community.
She is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families within the community.
“Life’s to short for boring hair”
Nathan - Support Coordinator
Nathan, an experienced NDIS Support Coordinator with a passion for optimising services for individuals.
With a background spanning over 12 years in disability support and coordination, his relaxed demeanor fosters strong community relationships, while his advocacy extends to legal and professional settings. Nathan is committed to ensuring every individual receives the support they deserve.
“One step at a time to reach the goal”
Claude - Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Claude is a dedicated and motivated Psychosocial Recovery Coach with a diverse background and extensive experience in the social services sector. With a career objective focused on continuous learning and professional development, Claude consistently strives to excel in any role undertaken and earn the highest regard from employers.
With a career pathway history spanning various roles in Crisis Support, Casework, Mental Health, and Community Care, Claude brings a wealth of practical knowledge and skills to his role with Spear & Arrow. From managing crisis support teams, conducting cultural awareness sessions, providing direct care to community members and coordinating services for participants, Claude has demonstrated versatility, adaptability, and a strong work ethic throughout his career.
“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you”