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”
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.
Macy - Practice Manager
Macy brings a calming presence to the team and is the glue that holds the office and staff together, ensuring everyone stays on track and supported. She is highly organised, creative, and has a sharp eye for detail, which she uses to manage the many moving parts of the practice seamlessly.
In her role, Macy loves helping everyone by handling the tough behind-the-scenes work from operational tasks and administration to coordinating projects, so the team can focus on delivering high quality care and support. Her dedication, problem-solving skills, and approachable nature make her an invaluable part of Spear & Arrow, ensuring the office runs smoothly while fostering a positive and collaborative environment for staff and participants alike.
“You’ll always end up where you’re meant to be”
Angela - Administration & Intake Officer
Angela is an important part of the Spear & Arrow team, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for everyone. She manages the onboarding journey for new participants, guiding them step by step so they feel supported from the start.
Angela also handles enquiries, providing clear, friendly, and timely responses to help participants, families, and carers navigate our services with confidence. With her organisation, attention to detail, and approachable nature, she keeps the behind-the-scenes administration running seamlessly, supporting the team to deliver high-quality care and support.
“You are the greatest project you will ever work on”
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”
Gemma - Key Worker & Behaviour Practitioner
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”
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”
