Claire Harnett

Senior Support Coordinator

As a child growing up, I loved my pets…a dogs, cats and horses. I now have a dog, Nellie, who is part beagle and has worked with Parkinson’s SA a as a greet and meet for existing and new clients. She is a delight, both calm and kind. She is also quite happy check in on the staff just in case there may be a morsel of food on the offering.!!
Nellie lives peacefully and tolerantly with two rescue cats, Bob and Ted, who rule the house. As for the horses, they are a story of their own for another time.
I am an avid traveller and enjoyed adrenaline-based activities; skydiving, sailing, horse endurance riding (minimum distance 80 Kms) and triathlons. Now in my sedate dotage, I walk the dog, enjoy fine wine appreciation and watch my daughter play NBL1 basketball, and yes still have good banter with friends. I am off to France late August for a gentle cruise with old friends, navigating the canals in the Burgundy wine valley, and sampling the fruit of the vine, baguettes and “fromage”.
For 30 years I worked for Housing SA, managing many tenancies where I developed and honed my skills in housing management, dealing with homelessness, hording, mental health, disabilities, child protection, domestic violence, truancy, disruption, neighbourhood disputes, forced relocations, allocations, drugs, home-based laboratories and court related matters. However, one needed to be robust, resilient, brave, creative and land on one’s feet daily. My survival skill was humour, and I quickly became known as the “CEO of Articulate Banter.”
In the last three years I have worked as a Senior Support Co-Ordinator, currently working for Bcognitive, and helping NDIS participants to not only access their funding, but to assist them in improved health and outlooks, building their life’s around social inclusion, a sense of belonging, self-contribution to both Plan and Life goals, engaging with their communities, families, with health and support providers, and fostering friendships. Further, to explore interests, relationships and re-connections. One of my strengths is to explore housing needs and options.
My favourite question to participants is: “what do you love”.? This opens dialogue.
On a personal level I like to network, nurture and think outside of the square.

Mark Edwards

Psychosocial Recovery Coach

Hello, I’m Mark, and I’ve had quite a journey in my career path. For over four decades, I worked as a hairdresser, styling and snipping my way through the bustling cities of Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and even the vibrant streets of London. It was a colorful and exciting ride, but life had more in store for me.
A shift in my life’s direction led me to the world of education, where I spent a fulfilling decade imparting knowledge and wisdom to eager minds. During my time as an educator, I even earned a TAE 40116, which is a Certification in Training and Assessment for Vocational Education and Training in Sydney, where I made my home for three decades.
However, as the world grappled with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to return to my roots in Adelaide, to be with family and reflect on the course of my life. It was a period of soul-searching and self-discovery.
During this time, I felt a deep calling to re-educate myself once again. Giving back to the community had always been a source of joy for me, and it was time to channel that passion into a new direction. I embarked on a journey to gain a Diploma in Mental Health, driven by my own experiences with mental health issues. In this seven-month journey in the field of Mental Health, I realized that my true motivation was to help others find a better way of living.
Empathy and compassion have always been at the core of who I am. I’ve spent my life making people look and feel their best on the outside as a hairdresser, and now, I’m committed to helping them find happiness and empowerment from within. My goal is to support people in achieving independence and living their best lives in their own unique way.
With a touch of wit and humor, I believe that I can always lighten the mood and make people smile. I want to see everyone grow into the amazing individuals I know they can be. It’s a journey of transformation, self-discovery, and empowerment, and I’m here to walk that path with you, offering a helping hand and a heart full of compassion.

Cynthia

Psychosocial Recovery Coach

Hi, I’m Cynthia, your dedicated Recovery Coach. I’m a professional mental health community worker with a deep commitment to helping individuals and families navigate mental health challenges and maintain their well-being. My approach is rooted in client empowerment, holistic care, professionalism, cultural competence, and a strong focus on each person’s unique needs. With a degree in Social Sciences, Community Service option, I’ve gained invaluable theoretical and practical knowledge to address various mental health and welfare issues affecting individuals, families, and communities.
My experience at Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre has allowed me to create a safe, empathetic, and supportive environment for individuals in crisis. I am results-oriented and take my professional responsibilities seriously.
I have worked with diverse populations, including seniors, people with disabilities, homeless individuals, and victims of family violence, which has provided me with a well-rounded perspective on how to approach each case uniquely.
As a Recovery Coach at BCOGNITIVE, my goal is to provide tailored mental health and welfare support to promote well-being. I combine my training with critical thinking and creative skills to find innovative solutions that improve mental health outcomes for my clients. I am compassionate and dedicated to contributing to the organization’s vision.
My strong collaboration and coordination skills, along with my understanding of welfare services and resources, including NDIS and aged care services, allow me to support individuals in leading fulfilled lives. If you’re looking for a Recovery Coach who is down-to-earth and kind, I am here to help you on your journey to mental wellness.

Lauren

Senior Support Coordinator & Recovery Coach

I am Lauren, and it is with great enthusiasm that I embrace my role as a Senior Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach at BCognitive. With a career spanning a decade, I have garnered a wealth of knowledge and experience in various domains, including mental health, anti-human trafficking, leadership and homelessness.
My professional journey has been marked by a dedication to uplifting individuals in their most vulnerable moments. In the past, I committed six years of my life to the front lines of mental health work. During this time, I became well-versed in the intricacies of the field, mastering the art of crisis and non-crisis interventions. The challenges I faced only deepened my resolve, and I found my passion rooted in the realm of mental health support and recovery.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of compassion and understanding, and I have honed the ability to utilize my vast knowledge effectively to guide individuals toward a path of healing and growth. I understand that each person’s journey is unique, and I am dedicated to tailoring my approach to the individual needs of those I serve.
As a Senior Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach at BCognitive, I look forward to bringing my extensive experience and insights to the team. My mission is to foster a culture of empathy, resilience, and recovery, helping our clients regain their footing on the path to mental well-being. With a firm belief in the potential for positive change and growth, I am excited to be back in the mental health space, ready to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Celine

Support Coordinator & Psychosocial Recovery Coach

Hi there! I’m Celine, I’m one of the Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach here at BCognitive. My mission? To help you rock your NDIS journey with confidence and a whole lot of support. Whether it’s navigating the system, setting kick-ass goals, or just being your cheerleader along the way, I’m here to make sure you feel heard, supported, and ready to conquer anything that comes your way. Let’s team up and make magic happen!

Mariam

Team Leader & Specialist Support Coordinator

Hello, I’m the Support Coordination team leader at BCOGNITIVE, specialising in Specialist Support Coordination and Support Coordination Level 2. What drives my passion in this role is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of participants.
My journey in the disability sector was started by my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Social Planning, coupled with an extensive understanding of the NDIS. Throughout my career, I’ve assumed various roles, including social work, rostering, client coordination, and support coordination. Empathy is my main approach, and I’m known for my “go-get-it” attitude. My true calling is empowering participants and my team, providing the support and tools necessary to achieve their goals and fulfil their specific needs.
Beyond my professional life, I’m a devoted parent to two wonderful children, emphasising the importance of family in my values. My bilingual abilities in Arabic enhance my ability to connect effectively with a diverse range of clients. As a Support Coordinator, I’m here to guide participants to navigate the NDIS successfully and achieve their aspirations. I’m here to lead our team and uplift every member to be their best in their roles, driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of our participants.

John

Mental Health Counsellor

John is an accredited and qualified counsellor, and is a member of the Australian Counselling Association since 2007, John is a client-centred therapist, tailing client’s sessions to meet the client’s needs, using a variety of treatment options, including Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [CBT], Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing. John works with clients with concerns of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, domestic and family violence and drug & alcohol use issues.
John is a dedicated, motivated, and focused behavioural health professional, he is a qualified professional that brings a natural ability to build healthy relationships with clients.
Given that many clients have had mental health for a long period of time and some very negative experiences, John works with clients to understand their journey, looking at the clients’ strengths, focusing on the clients’ abilities, not their disabilities, and uses evidence-based supports to help clients regaining control of their identity and life, having hope for their life, and living a life that has meaning for them, whether that be through work, relationships, community engagement, by providing early intervention to connect with mental health and support services, to help reduce the long-term impacts of a client’s mental health.

Indi

Administrative Officer

Hey!
I am Indi, and I am one of the BCOGNITIVE Administrative Officers.
Known for my bubbly personality, I thrive on connecting with people and creating a warm atmosphere wherever I am, whether that be on the phone, in the office or simply with my family and friends in the comfort of my community.
When I’m not busy working hard in the office, you might catch me on the football field, revelling in the camaraderie of the game. Sports, especially AFL, have taught me the value of teamwork and resilience, qualities I bring to the professional arena.
In addition to my love for people and sports, I have a soft spot for animals. This compassion extends to my work, where I approach challenges with a caring and empathetic mindset, always ready to lend a helping hand.
As an Administrative Officer, my commitment goes beyond just managing tasks; I’m here to support and uplift my colleagues and their clients in any way possible. A caring and empathetic approach underscores everything I do, as I strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Chenoa

Office Manager

Hey there, I’m Chenoa, the go-to Office Manager at BCOGNITIVE, responsible for orchestrating the smooth operations of both the SA and WA offices. I’ve got a knack for organisation that keeps everything ticking like clockwork, earning me the title of the “tech guru” for my prowess in fixing any technology-related hiccups that pop up.
But it’s not all about work for me – I’m a firm believer in balancing productivity with laughter and good food. You’ll often find me having a laugh with my co-workers or talking about what people have for lunch.
When it comes to problem-solving, I’m always on the front lines, ready to tackle any challenge that comes our way. Whether it’s directing tasks or diving into troubleshooting, I’m committed to finding solutions and keeping things running smoothly for everyone at BCOGNITIVE.
I am the go-to girl for anything office related, I will direct where it needs to go or have the information on hand ready to assist where I can.

Damien Porter

Client Experience Consultant

Hello, I’m Damien, a 45-year-old family man with three children, aged 16, 14, and 10. Two of my children face unique challenges; my 14-year-old has autism and ADHD, while my 10-year-old deals with bilateral hearing loss stemming from an illness during infancy, alongside ADHD.
My wife and I both navigate life with disabilities—I’ve been in a wheelchair since I was five years old. Drawing from my personal experiences, I’ve become deeply involved in advocating for disability rights and inclusion, Which I can be very vocal about. In addition to my advocacy work, I co-host “The Ability Podcast with Damo & Eddy,” where we discuss issues surrounding disabilities and share stories of empowerment and resilience.
At BCOGNITIVE, I serve as an NDIS Client Experience Consultant, dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the best possible support tailored to their individual needs. I am your go-to man for feedback, complaints or praise!

Brian

Director

BCOGNITIVE is spearheaded by Brian Njuguna, a former lawyer who transitioned into mental health as a recovery coach. Currently pursuing his bachelor’s in psychology, Brian’s unique blend of legal acumen and deep understanding of mental health dynamics positions him as a guiding force behind BCOGNITIVE’S mission and vision.