Getting to know Spear & Arrow
At Spear & Arrow, we know that every child and family is unique. Our team provides practical, compassionate, and individualised support for children, adolescents, and families across Western NSW, specialising in Autism, Trauma, and Developmental Needs. We are proudly Indigenous-led, guided by co-founder Max Ryan from the Wiradjuri Nation of the Tubba-Gah people, and committed to honouring culture, community, and connection in all that we do.
Our paediatric Occupational Therapists support children under 17 years, while our behaviour support services are available for all ages, and our Key Worker program focuses on children aged 9 and under.
We understand that navigating therapies, schooling, and everyday challenges can feel overwhelming. That’s why we walk alongside families, step by step, offering evidence-informed guidance, strategies that work in real-life situations, and support tailored to each child’s strengths, needs, and family context.
We don’t have a magic wand, but we do have perseverance, expertise, and a deep commitment to supporting families, helping them make meaningful progress one step at a time. By breaking complex challenges into manageable steps, we help families see growth in daily routines, emotional regulation, social participation, and independence.
Our Mission, Vision & Values in Action
At Spear & Arrow, we live our values every day to achieve our mission and vision, guiding the way we support children and families throughout their journey.
Our Mission: Improve the quality of life and achieve brighter futuristic outcomes for the community.
Our Vision: First paediatric educational clinic in Australia who reach the hearts and souls of humanity. Who stays true to holistic, compassionate person-centred connection to community.
Our Values: Every step we take with families is guided by a commitment to be a leader in providing care, offering meaningful education that equips children and families, and helping them feel truly empowered to face challenges. We take bold steps to support each family’s personalised journey, remain steadfast with perseverance when progress is gradual, and approach every child and family with respect, honouring their individuality, strengths, and story.
We walk alongside families, celebrating progress, navigating challenges together, and making daily life calmer, more manageable, and more meaningful.
Meet the Spear & Arrow Team
Chantelle - Co-Founder, Director, Behaviour Support Practitioner & Clinical Lead
Chantelle has over 25 years of experience supporting children and families across a range of developmental, behavioural, and trauma-related needs. She works with children and young people of all ages, helping them build skills, confidence, and resilience through personalised, practical strategies.
Chantelle’s strength lies in forming strong, long-lasting relationships with families, understanding their journey, and supporting realistic, achievable outcomes. She ensures every child’s journey is guided with compassion and consistency.
“Kindness is free, sprinkle it everywhere”
I’m Chantelle Ryan — proud Dubbo local, behaviour support
practitioner, mum of nine, and founder of Spear & Arrow Therapeutic and Wiluray Gunyah.
This journey began in my living room with a whiteboard, one
support worker, and a fire in my belly to do better for children and families
falling through the cracks. After 20 years in education, I witnessed too many
kids in regional NSW being misunderstood, pushed aside, or stuck on waitlists.
The support they needed either didn’t exist or wasn’t built in a way that made
sense for their lives.
So I took a leap.
I left my career in education to build Spear & Arrow
from the ground up — not to meet minimum standards, but to deliver real,
lasting change. Today, we’re a team of over 30 passionate professionals
supporting more than 100 participants across the Central West. Our clinical
services include behaviour support, occupational therapy, support coordination,
and therapeutic group programs.
Alongside this, our companion organisation, Wiluray
Gunyah (Wiradjuri for “Sweet Home”), offers mentoring, support work,
and respite care through our dedicated house. That service was co-designed with
families, reflecting exactly what regional communities told us they needed
most.
I hold a Bachelor of Education (Primary – Special Education)
and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis, and I’m currently
completing a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies. My background includes
extensive work in Special Education, Social Work, and Positive Behaviour
Support, including time as a Therapeutic Specialist in Intensive Therapeutic
Care – Significant Disability (ITC–SD).
My practice is shaped by deep experience with First Nations
communities and people from diverse backgrounds. I believe connection is
everything — and that real impact comes from walking alongside people, through
the hard days and the breakthroughs. Our work is grounded in trust,
consistency, and compassion.
We’re proud to be an Indigenous-owned, community-first
service that puts people before policy, and heart before hierarchy. We’ve been
honoured at the NAIDOC Ball, won Silver at the Heart of Health and Disability
Awards (HOHAD) for Rural and Remote Service of the Year, and been recognised as
finalists in the Beam Awards. We’re also Supply Nation certified.
But the greatest reward? Hearing a parent say, “You
changed our lives. You’re the first ones who stayed.”
That’s why we do what we do.
Max - Co-Founder & Director
Max is a proud Aboriginal man from the Wiradjuri Nation of the Tubba-Gah people. He brings vision, leadership, and operational guidance to Spear & Arrow, working closely with Chantelle to ensure the service remains focused on personalised, high-quality support and that families experience seamless guidance. Max’s approach combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to community, culture, and the children and families we serve.
“Great things are never done by one person , they’re done by a team.”
Macy - Practice Manager
Macy brings a calming, organised presence to the team, managing operations, projects, and administration to ensure families experience smooth, consistent support. She coordinates the service’s behind-the-scenes operations so clinicians can focus on delivering high-quality care. Macy’s approach is practical, approachable, and dedicated to supporting both staff and families.
“You’ll always end up where you’re meant to be”
Angela - Administration & Intake Officer
Angela is the friendly first point of contact for families at Spear & Arrow. She guides new participants through the intake process, ensuring every family feels supported from the start. Angela also manages enquiries and ongoing administrative support, making it easy for families to navigate services with confidence.
“You are the greatest project you will ever work on”
Georgia - Office Assistant
Georgia is the friendly face who welcomes families to our space, bringing warmth, energy, and attention to detail from the moment they walk in. She supports staff and families alike, ensuring every administrative task is handled efficiently and with care. Her enthusiasm and positivity make every family’s experience welcoming and seamless.
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier”
Lisa - Behaviour Support Practitioner
Lisa has extensive experience across community services, early childhood education, and teaching. She works with children and young people of all ages, supporting developmental and behavioural growth. Lisa combines professional expertise with a compassionate, participant-focused approach to help families achieve meaningful outcomes.
“Dare to Dream”
Gemma - Key Worker & Behaviour Practitioner
Gemma has over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and behaviour support. She works with children under 9 years, supporting families in building strong foundations, navigating early challenges, and achieving their child’s developmental goals. Gemma’s approach is patient, practical, and grounded in genuine care for families.
“You don’t always need a plan, sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens”
Sabrina - Occupational Therapist
Sabrina is a paediatric OT supporting children under 17 years. She works across home, school, and community settings, using evidence-based strategies to help children achieve independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in daily life. Sabrina has experience supporting children with ASD, ADHD, PDA, developmental delays, DCD, intellectual disabilities, and complex trauma. She works closely with families to understand each child’s strengths and needs.
“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 paediatric OT supporting children under 17 years. She takes a participant-centred approach, tailoring interventions to help children develop independence and engage in meaningful activities. Sophia is passionate about collaborating with families to create personalised strategies that build confidence and growth.
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘The Present’.”
