Vanessa Laird

NDIS Registered Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner

Practitioner Identification Number: P0002251

ABOUT

As a dedicated behaviour support practitioner, Vanessa brings a wealth of passion and experience to the realm of disability and mental health services. With a master’s degree in social work, a bachelor's degree in health science, and applied behaviour analysis training under her belt, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within these fields. Her expertise extends across all age groups – from children to adolescents to adults – as she strives to enhance their quality of life and foster better relationships through evidence-based practices.

One crucial aspect of the role is establishing effective working relationships with families, service providers, and stakeholders. By building trust and understanding with these key individuals, she can create a collaborative environment that fosters growth and development. Vanessa recognises that strong relationships are the foundation for successful interventions.

Additionally, acknowledging that each person's needs are unique, she tailors her approach accordingly to provide personalised support that enhances their overall well-being. Through collaboration and a client-centred approach, Vanessa strives to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives filled with meaningful connections and increased happiness.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Vanessa is a qualified social worker with a strong foundation in disability and mental health services. She possesses a wealth of experience and expertise that has shaped her professional journey. Drawing from both a holistic and person-centred framework, she has a broad understanding of the inter-relational, psychosocial nature of both adult and child wellbeing issues such as poverty, domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, the impacts of colonisation and the ongoing effects of the Stolen Generation, homelessness, and education. Working as a behaviour support practitioner, she aims to assist individuals and their caregivers in identifying their needs through assessment and individual planning, to develop meaningful goals and practical strategies to meet their needs in both home and community.

Vanessa’s background in allied health care has been instrumental in shaping her approach as a behaviour support practitioner. In her previous role, Vanessa focused on linking subjective experiences to physiological processes through comprehensive assessment and evidence-based planning. Through this comprehensive and holistic understanding, Vanessa would formulate treatment goals and interventions tailored specifically to address the client’s unique physiological needs using complementary medicines. By linking individual experiences with physiological processes, Vanessa facilitates holistic care that works on the underlying causative factors to optimise overall wellbeing.

Furthermore, Vanessa’s aspiration to become a mental health social worker stems from her genuine passion for helping individuals facing complex challenges. Recognising the immense importance of addressing mental well-being, she strives to expand her repertoire of skills through ongoing education and professional development. Currently pursuing a master’s in child and adolescent mental health, Vanessa is dedicated to acquiring specialised knowledge that will enable her to provide effective support to this vulnerable population. She strives to empower her clients by employing diverse strategies that promote self-acceptance, resilience, and support - by making a positive impact on individuals lives.

SPECIAL INTEREST

Vanessa’s unwavering commitment lies in working with young people and children who have endured hardships and faced numerous disadvantages within society. Her deep-rooted interest stems from the belief that drawing upon cultural identity, and fostering connections to individuals, places and communities can cultivate resilience that withstands any challenge. Vanessa recognises the transformative power of cultural heritage in empowering young minds to overcome adversity. Equally important to her is facilitating safe and healthy peer connections, enabling children to build essential skills necessary for navigating the complexities of social interactions. With a profound dedication to these aspirations, Vanessa strives to provide a nurturing environment where young people can flourish despite their past experiences, ultimately guiding them towards a brighter future.