Meet our People
The heart of our organisation
We could not do the work we do without our people. From our board members to our volunteers, we are so deeply grateful for the passion and commitment our team brings to our Autistic community. Explore the categories below to get to know the minds behind our mission.
Our Board
Nerine Broome (she/her) – Autistic Co-Chair
Masters of Management (Human Resources)
GradDip of Management
GradCert in Information Systems
Nerine Broome is a proudly Autistic, multiply disabled leader with deep lived experience of physical, cognitive, and sensory disability. She has navigated disability, education, employment, the NDIS, and the health system across metropolitan, rural, and remote communities, shaping her strong commitment to inclusion and community‑led change.
Nerine brings more than twenty years’ experience across human resources, information systems, governance, and education. She has contributed to disability reform through the Queensland Disability Research Network, Standards Australia’s Assistive Technology Committee, and advisory groups across health, transport, and community services. She previously served as Chair of Queenslanders with Disability Network’s Nominations and Performance Committee, supporting lived‑experience leadership and strengthening governance processes.
Nerine is an active community advocate and founded the Brisbane Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) peer support group, working with others to build a statewide network. She is known for her warm, collaborative approach and her ability to connect people and resources to improve outcomes for Autistic people and the broader disability community. Â
Nerine lives in Brisbane with her youngest child and their assistance dog.
Alisa Cork – Autistic Co-Chair
GAICD
GIAP2
BA Media Studies & Public Relations
Specialising in communications and community engagement, Alisa has worked across a broad range of industries over the past 25 years, advocating in areas such as disability and health, infrastructure, agriculture and the environment.
Alisa has assisted NFP organisations through effective communication and engagement practices throughout her career. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the International Association of Public Participation, Alisa is intentional about lending her professional and personal experiences to support Autistic people to reach their full potential.
Alisa is committed to environmental and social governance, and is passionate about mental health and wellbeing. The proud parent of an autistic adult, Alisa believes in the potential for all young people to have a fulfilling life and to find a happy place in their respective communities.
Jim Haywood – Secretary
MAICD
Jim is a highly regarded Consultant, Coach, Facilitator, Mentor, and Change Leader in the Human Service sector. With nearly three decades of experience, he has established himself as a creative thinker and influential figure in the disability sector at both Statewide and National levels. Jim has led ground-breaking projects, demonstrating his ability to engage communities, motivate teams, and drive positive change.
As a leader at the forefront of Human Services, Jim continues to challenge and inspire individuals, teams, and organizations. He is dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders in designing, developing, and delivering creative and individualized quality responses for vulnerable Australians. His special interests lie in building community capacity, supporting young people with disabilities in transitioning to an ordinary life post-school, and cultivating the next generation of thought leaders in the disability sector.
Beyond his professional pursuits Jim is a camper, photographer, traveller, and an avid sunrise greeter.
Dr Lance (Ned) Le ray – Treasurer
MBBS
Masters of Public Health
Fellow of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Fellow of Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators
Dr Ned Le Ray worked as a General Practitioner in Mackay, North Queensland for 14 years.
Since 1998, he has worked in the public hospital system in the Northern Territory, NSW and Queensland in Director of Medical Services roles or Executive Director positions. He is currently employed as a Clinical Advisor in the COVID Emergency Operations Centre of Metro North Hospital and Health Service.
Ned is married to Bernadine and have a family of 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren.  Their late son Damien had ASD-2 and they are familiar with the challenges and rewards of raising a family member with ASD into adulthood.
Ned believes in social justice and enjoys working in the areas of disability and disadvantage.
Casey Archbald (he/him) – Managing Director
Master of Business Administration
Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)
Owner / President Management Program, Harvard Business School
Casey is Autistic and proud.  He believes Autistic people are a people group because we get our distinct and beautiful Autistic characteristics from our ancestors and we pass them to our children.   As an Autistic social scientist, he likes to find ways to have make it difficult for people to supress Autistic rights.  Casey used to advise the federal government, and continues to advise the Queensland government, on matters important to Autistic people.  Casey is a member of the Advocacy Advisory Group of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network of Australia and New Zealand and is intensely interested in Autistic freedom and justice. As well as a Bachelor of Social Science, Casey has an MBA and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. Â
Mel Maddox – Director
Masters in Health
Mel is an Autistic speech pathologist, working in private practice using a neuroaffirmative approach to support her clients to achieve their communication goals. Mel places a big emphasis on empowering her clients to embrace and be proud of their Autistic identity.
Mel is also undertaking her Masters in Mental Health, with a particular interest in supporting those with complex communication needs to access adequate mental health support.
Mel is passionate about the importance of Autistic representation, to show Autistic children and young people that having an Autism diagnosis doesn’t have to hold them back.
Dr Chris Edwards – Director
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours in Psychology)
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
Bachelor of Business (Management)
Chris is a Postdoctoral Researcher with Autism Spectrum Australia and Adjunct Research Fellow with the Menzies Health Institute Queensland (Griffith University) as part of the Inclusive Futures beacon. Chris is also an Executive Committee member of the Australasian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR). Chris is autistic, and has been supporting the Autistic community for over nine years through various roles. These roles have been in special education settings, as a disability support worker, positive behaviour support and research-focused positions. Chris’ PhD was completed through the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC) in 2019.Â
His PhD thesis explored how teleconsultation could help provide professional development and support for school staff in rural and remote regions, supporting Autistic children with complex needs. He has published and presented at conferences in areas related to education and Autism in adulthood. Chris’ current research projects are all Autism specific, connected to education, mental health and adult experiences.
Our Executive Team
Casey Archbald (he/him) – Managing Director
Casey is Autistic and proud.  He believes Autistic people are a people group because we get our distinct and beautiful Autistic characteristics from our ancestors and we pass them to our children.   As an Autistic social scientist, he likes to find ways to have make it difficult for people to supress Autistic rights.  Casey used to advise the federal government, and continues to advise the Queensland government, on matters important to Autistic people.  Casey is a member of the Advocacy Advisory Group of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network of Australia and New Zealand and is intensely interested in Autistic freedom and justice. As well as a Bachelor of Social Science, Casey has an MBA and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. Â
Dr Aida Hurem (she/her) – Acting CEO
Tamara Flynn (she/her) – Empowerment & Engagement Manager
Tamara is a community engagement specialist who has spent nearly 20 years walking alongside communities across Australia helping to shape inclusive and sustainable engagement pathways. She has worked at all levels of government, building engagement capacity, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring communities are not just consulted but genuinely empowered to shape the decisions that affect them.Â
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Known for her strategic insight and deeply human approach, Tamara is passionate about ensuring engagement is not just a process but a powerful tool for dignity, voice and lasting impact that elevates lived experience, builds trust, and delivers outcomes that truly reflect Australia’s diverse communities.Â
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Currently as the Manager, Empowerment and Engagement, Tamara’s work is grounded in a clear commitment that Autistic people must be at the centre of decisions, systems, and services, ensuring Autistic people are empowered in ways that honour both their identity and individuality.   Â
Our Staff
Cass Carew (she/her)
Finance Manager
Holly Wright (she/her)
Programs Coordinator
Danielle Flanagan (she/her)
Peer Programs Coordinator
Riley Sellick (he/him)
Marketing & Communications Officer
Elise Manson (she/her)
Project Administration Officer, Empowered Pathways Employment Mentor
Michael Coles
Program Facilitator and Empowered Pathways Employment Mentor
Breanna Swan
Project Assistant
Forrest Brett (he/him)
Empowered Pathways Employment Mentor
Maddy White (she/her)
Empowered Pathways Employment Mentor
Izzy Sanderson (she/her)
Empowered Pathways Employment Mentor
Our Volunteers
Holly Wright (she/her)
Danielle Flanagan (she/her)
Riley Sellick (he/him)
Elise Manson (she/her)
Michael Coles
Breanna Swan
Forrest Brett (he/him)
Maddy White (she/her)