Supporting our students and families

The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) at Illawarra Christian School aims to bring high levels of evidence-based support to students. We strive to work together in a responsive and dynamic way to respond to the needs of our school community.

This can include offering group programs to students, upskilling teachers, and completing assessments for clarity around student needs.

We also work closely with the school learning support team and teaching staff to create a holistic support service for students.

Jair completed his BA in Psychology and Master of Professional Psychology at Macquarie University and recently completed his Master of Clinical Psychology through The Cairnmillar Institute in Melbourne. Prior to joining the team at ICS, he has worked as a psychologist for over a decade in the educational and not-for-profit sectors.

Jair has a particular interest in supporting neurodiverse youth and is passionate about helping young people approach challenges constructively and move toward rich, fulfilling lives. Working primarily from a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) standpoint, Jair has experience treating a wide range of psychological issues. He is also experienced in conducting educational assessments to support students in their learning journey.

Outside of work, he enjoys trail running and surfing, which help him maintain balance and wellbeing.

Following her completion of tertiary studies (at Wollongong University and the University of Western Sydney), Jill spent 12 years working with youth with challenging and complex anti-social behaviours in varied environments; including community, specialist court diversionary program and custodial settings. Further to this Jill has worked in mental health community settings before moving to ICS at the beginning of 2024.

With a compassionate and strengths-based approach, Jill is dedicated to fostering resilience and wellbeing in individuals facing life's challenges. She draws on both psychological and social work practices to tailor a multi-dimensional intervention utilising each individual's biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Jill provides compassionate support, fostering resilience, and empowering clients to embrace their strengths as they navigate life's challenges. Jill enjoys working in a relaxed and informal context with students, often characterised by humour and everyday language to connect with students in a non-threatening way and break down barriers, thereby facilitating authentic rapport and relationship.

Jill is excited to be working with dedicated staff and families at ICS in order to provide students with an inclusive and loving education.

Following completion of her tertiary studies (at Wollongong University), Nada spent 10 years working as an accountant. It was during this time that she became a Christian and completed a Graduate Diploma of Divinity at Sydney Missionary & Bible College. With a newfound desire to serve Jesus, she retrained as a school chaplain and secondary teacher. She worked in both primary and secondary schools in the wellbeing space before completing a Graduate Diploma of Counselling. She has been teaching part-time at Calderwood Christian School for the last six years, whilst working part-time as a counsellor in private practice, working with individuals of all ages.

Nada is a curious, life-long learner and takes this approach as she works with individuals. She loves exploring how God has wonderfully made them and how they can tap into the gifts that they have been given to live out their God-given potential. She believes that traversing difficulties can lead to a deeper walk with Christ, through leaning into his wisdom, strength and compassion. She takes an integrated approach in working with individuals - helping them see their strengths and empowering them to develop strategies to overcome challenges with grace.

Nada believes that wellbeing is essential to be able to serve Christ from a full cup, rather than an empty one. She enjoys long walks, time with family and chatting with Jesus about everything.

Catherine has over 10 years of experience working with children and families, supporting their performance and participation in the daily tasks and activities that are meaningful to them. Following her studies at the University of Queensland (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy), Catherine gained work experience in Education QLD, in community paediatrics in the UK, and in Child Development Services as well as at a major disability service provider in Perth, WA.

Catherine is passionate about supporting students to reach their potential at school, not only in the classroom but in break times too, as students play together and socialise. Catherine often describes occupational therapy as ‘creative problem-solving’, seeking to find individualised solutions to help students participate fully in school life. Her approach involves working individually with students as well as consulting with classroom staff, facilitating an understanding of each students’ unique blend of strengths and challenges.

Catherine enjoys relaxing at the beach with her family, as well as reading and the occasional spot of gardening.