Our Team
At Newcastle Social Workers, our strength lies in the people who support you.
Our Team
Real people.
Genuine support.
From experienced Specialist Support Coordinators to community-minded Recovery Coaches, every member of our team brings warmth, understanding, and local knowledge to the journey
Whether you're navigating the NDIS for the first time or seeking long-term support, we’re here to listen, guide, and empower, without judgement and without confusion.
We’re not just service providers, we’re part of your team.
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Kurt Walker
DIRECTOR
Newcastle Social Workers was founded by Kurt Walker, an Accredited Social Worker (Australian Association of Social Workers) with a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons).
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Sylvia Muller
SPECIALIST SUPPORT COORDINATOR
With 10+ years in trauma recovery, mental health, and crisis support, Sylvia brings deep experience and calm guidance to every participant.
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Simone Eckert
SPECIALIST SUPPORT COORDINATOR
With over 15 years of experience in mental health, disability, aged care, and suicide prevention, Simone brings a steady, trauma-informed approach to every participant.
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Michelle Johnson
TEAM LEADER, RECOVERY COACH & SUPPORT COORDINATOR
With 12+ years in mental health, disability, and family support, Michelle leads our team with empathy and insight.
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Debra Dean
SUPPORT COORDINATOR & PSYCHOSOCIAL RECOVERY COACH
With 7 years of NDIS experience and a background in mental health and disability, Debra brings empathy, calm, and real-world understanding to her work.
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Alecia Thomas
SUPPORT COORDINATOR & DISABILITY ADVOCATE
A lived experience advocate and mum to two kids with complex needs, Alecia brings warmth, clarity, and deep understanding to every NDIS journey.
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Kaylene Anderson
SUPPORT COORDINATOR & PSYCHOSOCIAL RECOVERY COACH
With 10+ years in community services, Kaylene supports people facing complex challenges—mental health, homelessness, and SIL.
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Vidya Unnithan
SUPPORT COORDINATOR & RECOVERY COACH
With 10+ years of experience in disability, mental health, and employment services, Vidya supports participants through psychosocial challenges and chronic conditions using trauma-informed, person-centred care.
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Ashley Clancy
SPECIALIST SUPPORT COORDINATOR & PSYCHOSOCIAL RECOVERY COACH
With 8+ years of frontline experience, Ashley supports people navigating complex mental health, dual diagnosis, and the justice system.
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Megan Luker
SPECIALIST SUPPORT COORDINATOR & MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
With a Master’s in Mental Health and 10+ years in disability and child protection, Megan brings clinical insight, trauma-informed care, and deep empathy to her work.
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Virginia Pessanha
SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Virginia is an experienced Support Coordinator with over five years working within the NDIS.
She supports participants to understand their plans, use their funding effectively, and build supports that are practical and reliable.
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Olivia Lichtenberger
NDIS SUPPORT COORDINATOR & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (AHPRA REGISTERED)
Olivia brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and real-world coordination experience across the NDIS, mental health, and hospital systems.
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Eliza Kokkin
SUPPORT COORDINATOR & SOCIAL WORKER
With experience across child protection, disability, and early intervention settings, she understands the complexities of supporting individuals and families through challenging and often high-pressure situations.