The people delivering our SIL, disability respite services and community care are the heart and soul of I Am Here.

The passion of our team is what makes our accommodation and care stand out.

Our I Am Here family comprises our senior leadership team, critical care team and over 60 disability support workers and support staff. We all share the same values and work seamlessly together to deliver the caring, personalised SIL participants care services we’ve become known for in our three Newcastle homes.

Senior Leadership Team

  • Headshot of Fiona Newton, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), wearing a white shirt and glasses

    Fiona Newton – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

    Fiona oversees all aspects of I Am Here's operations, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and exceptional service delivery. With a passion for making a positive impact, Fiona works closely with our team to ensure we deliver the highest quality of service, fostering a community where everyone feels valued and cared for. Fiona is the driving force behind I Am Here, ensuring that I Am Here's vision and mission are realised through strategic leadership and operational excellence, guiding us towards a brighter and more inclusive future.

  • Headshot of Jodie Slater, Finance Manager, wearing a white strappy top and dark-rimmed glasses

    Jodie Slater – Finance Manager

    Jodie oversees all the money and cash-related aspects of our supported independent living, community, and respite care services. This includes being responsible for managing our finances, bookkeeping and payroll. She also deals with NDIS quotes and I Am Here payments.

  • Headshot of Lauren Kougias, Clinical Nurse Manager, wearing a royal blue top with blue hair

    Lauren Kougias - Clinical Nurse Manager

    Lauren provides strategic and operational clinical nurse management to residents and guests at our I Am Here SIL and respite accommodation. She’s a flexible thinker and clinical professional with high standards, demonstrated by her interactions, great compassion and empathy.

See where our participants stay and live. We have 2 independent living and respite care homes in Newcastle, NSW. We don’t offer in-home respite.

Take a tour+

Critical Care Team

  • Headhot of Reidena Barret, Critical Care Coordinator, wearing a light blue long-sleeved top

    Reidena Barrett – Critical Care Coordinator

    Reidena is in charge of coordinating all aspects of SIL and respite services for participants, including emergency respite care, to maximise participants' opportunities for an improved quality of life and personal empowerment.

  • Headshot of Tanya McCarroll, Critical Care Manager, wearing a royal blue top with natural red hair

    Tanya McCarroll - Critical Care Officer

    Tanya provides critical case management for I Am Here’s SIL participants, ensuring the highest quality individualised care is achieved. She’s an adaptive thinker with extensive service provider, disability support worker and team leadership experience.

Male I Am Here resident in a swimming pool hydrotherapy session, with smiling team

See how we care

From hydrotherapy sessions to foreshore walks and trips to the movies, we offer our independence and fun so our participants can enjoy a fulfilling life. It’s a critical aspect of our caring responsibilities.

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Twelve male and female I Am Here staff in blue uniforms stood outside in a group, smiling at the camera

Work with us

We're always on the lookout for enthusiastic people with a passion for caring to join our I Am Here SIL, respite services and community services team.

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