Meet Our Team
At Making Connections Toowoomba, our team of professionals has a proven track record of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, especially those facing social challenges. We adopt a strengths-based approach, leveraging your young person's strengths and interests to facilitate connections with peers who share similar interests. We deeply value diversity and inclusion, considering it a privilege to work with your young person.
Fiona Goodall
Autism Consultant
Owner & Director of Making Connections Toowoomba
Making Connections Toowoomba was founded by Fiona Goodall, a Special Educator with over 20 years’ experience. Fiona holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of Special Education. She is also a certified facilitator of the PEERS® Program, Peaceful Kids Mindfulness and Positive Psychology programs, and is a certified facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy. Fiona has a professional and personal interest in Mindfulness and Meditation. She is a Registered Meditation Teacher with the Meditation Association of Australia, and is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling.
Fiona has worked across all education sectors, including specialist autism settings, special education settings and mainstream schools, both in Australia and abroad. Fiona stepped into the private sector so she could devote her professional time, passion, and expertise to working directly with neurodivergent young people, and their families.
Fiona is a member of the Positive Partnerships Delivery Team, working with caregivers and educators of school-aged children on the autism spectrum to provide evidence-informed information through face-to-face and online workshops. Fiona is also a member of the Positive Partnerships Educators Reference Group.
Fiona is the proud mother of two teenage boys who are patient in their endeavours to keep her up to date with Gen Y lingo. Her better half shares her love of live music and passion for supporting neurodivergent youth. Aside from her human companions, Fiona enjoys the gentle company of the family’s little white dog Oskar, and their two chooks, who are reluctant layers yet enthusiastic scratchers of her beloved garden.
Chelsea Hasted
Occupational Therapist, Special Educator & Group Facilitator
Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Primary Education with a major in Special Education and a Masters of Occupational Therapy and has done so for 15 years. Prior to OT studies Chelsea worked in multi age classrooms and special education settings. Wanting to further her skills she went on to study OT and after graduating took a break from working in paediatrics for a few years and to work in rehabilitation for a government organisation.
Returning to her roots, Chelsea has been teaching and/or working as an OT ever since. She has now got three of her own children to keep her busy and up to date with what is trending with children!!! With a special interest in working with children on the autism spectrum, the early years and specific developmental concerns Making Connections Toowoomba is the perfect landing place!
Outside of work Chelsea enjoys the adventures having a husband and 3 boys brings. She can also be found in her garden or on their cattle property just out of Toowoomba.
Darcy Goodall
Special Education Teacher & Group Facilitator
Darcy is a Special Education Teacher with over 20 years of experience working with neurodivergent youth. Darcy's professional journey began in behaviour units, both in Australia and abroad, before he transitioned to Special Education programs within mainstream schools upon returning to Australia. Darcy spent a decade as an Advisory Visiting Teacher for Autism, and during this time, he worked as a Facilitator for Positive Parentships where he delivered workshops for caregivers and educators of school-aged children on the autism spectrum. Darcy then returned to working in a high school where he has held the position of Program Leader for Enhanced Learning.
Darcy holds a Bachelor of Education, Master of Special Education and Bachelor of Psychology. He is currently taking leave from his school-based position to complete his Honors and Masters studies in Psychology. He is excited that this has afforded him the opportunity to work with the Making Connections Toowoomba youth, and their families.
Darcy’s spare time has been limited in recent years while juggling full-time work, family and study. However, when he gets a moment he enjoys golf, and is a die-hard fan of the Brisbane Broncos… no matter where they place on the ladder!
Nikki Esplin
Occupational Therapist
Nikki is an Occupational Therapist with a passion for supporting people to have meaningful and purposeful lives – however that might look like! Since graduating in 2013, Nikki has worked within child and youth mental health settings, working with individuals, and facilitating group programs, as a vital part of a multidisciplinary team. Additionally, she has provided support to parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals working with vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Nikki has a special interest in working with neurodivergent youth and loves the authenticity, fun and energy that these amazing young people bring.
Nikki enjoys creative endeavours; usually having one or more projects on the go at a time and a new art technique waiting to try. She also loves going to brunch with friends, spending time with her animals, and volunteering for a local charity.
Nicholas Downey
Group Facilitator
Nick holds a Bachelor of Psychology from QUT and is currently studying a Master of Learning and Teaching. Nick has extensive experience as a caseworker working with young people in the statutory care system, supporting them to remain stable in their foster care placement so that they do not bounce through the system.
Nick is passionate about seeing all young people empowered to do what they are passionate about and thrive personally.
In his spare time Nick likes fishing, eight-ball pool, and spending time with his young family.
Michelle Vanzella
Group Assistant & Independent Support Worker
Michelle has had a broad career working with vulnerable people within the community. Michelle worked as a government social worker for over a decade in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Seeking more hands-on roles, Michelle started working as an allied health assistant about five years ago, and more recently, as an independent support worker. She enjoys the challenge of creating meaningful working relationships with people and their families to achieve their goals.
Outside of work, you’ll find Michelle and her husband trying to keep up with their busy teenage children. They love bushwalking, picnics and board games and can often be seen searching for their beagle who is a supreme escape artist.
Sarah Ryan
Group Assistant
Sarah is a third-year Psychology student with UniSQ. Sarah chose Psychology because she has always been interested in human behaviour, and hopes to one day work as a child psychologist.
In addition to working as an Assistant in several Making Connections Toowoomba groups, Sarah also works at a local youth camp, where she enjoys running fun, outdoor, adventurous activities for primary-aged students. Sarah has also been volunteering with a local primary school for the last two years. She loves helping students with math and reading rotations and especially music lessons and concert items.
Besides study and work, Sarah loves relaxing while drawing, taking photos or watching action and fantasy films. However, what she really loves most is her cat Mitten, and dog Jasper!
Kay Folker
Group Assistant
Kay has always worked in compassionate and caring roles, testimony to her measured and patient nature. Kay worked for many years as a registered nurse, then later when she gained her Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood, for seven years in a dedicated early intervention setting for children with autism.
Kay’s passion is for working with neurodivergent children, teens and young adults, where she believes in and celebrates the uniqueness of every person. Kay sees learning as a social activity and values collaborative interactions and caregiver partnerships.
Life away from work, sees Kay living on a farm on the outskirts of Toowoomba with her husband, two barn cats and a herd of Speckled Park cattle. Kay’s children have flown the nest, so visits to Brisbane or the Sunshine Coase are much anticipated get-aways, where she has two grandchildren to spoil!