About Us & Our Approach
Empowering Lives with Compassionate Care on the Sunshine Coast
At Heart in Hand Support Services, we are more than just a service provider; we are a dedicated team committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with neurological conditions, including Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Our mission is to deliver personalised, empathetic, and professional support to our clients and their families across the Sunshine Coast.
Our Values
01
Personalised Support
We understand that each individual’s journey is unique. Our team collaborates closely with clients and their families to develop tailored care plans that align with their specific needs and goals.
02
Community Integration
We believe in fostering a sense of belonging. By encouraging participation in local activities and events, we help clients build meaningful connections within the Sunshine Coast community.
03
Continuous Improvement
Our commitment to excellence drives us to continually enhance our services through ongoing training and adopting best practices in the care industry.
Meet Our Team
Our multidisciplinary team comprises qualified support workers, healthcare professionals, and coordinators, all dedicated to providing exceptional care. With extensive experience in managing neurological conditions, our staff are equipped to offer both practical assistance and emotional support, ensuring our clients lead fulfilling lives.
Leadership
May
May Brakels is the founder and Managing Director of Heart in Hand Support Services, a boutique disability support organisation based on the Sunshine Coast. With a background in leading multidisciplinary teams, she is dedicated to delivering personalised, holistic care to NDIS self- and plan-managed participants. Under her leadership, Heart in Hand offers a range of services, including in-home support, wellness programs, and cognitive therapies, all aimed at empowering individuals to achieve their personal goals. Beyond her professional role, May actively supports neurological health initiatives, participating in events like the MS Super Splash and Brissie to the Bay to raise funds and awareness for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neuro conditions.
Alliese
Alliese is the kind and friendly Business Support Coordinator at Heart In Hand Support Services, serving as the backbone of the organisation. Her warm nature ensures that both clients and staff feel supported and valued at every step. Alliese goes above and beyond to provide additional assistance, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we support. Her dedication and positive attitude are vital to the smooth running of our services.
Team Leaders
Clare
Clare is a dedicated team leader passionate about supporting individuals living with neurological conditions. She empowers those she works with by promoting independence, choice, and confidence in every aspect of care. With a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and social needs, Clare ensures a meaningful and well-rounded support experience. Her respectful, collaborative leadership inspires compassionate care that truly honours each person’s dignity and goals.
Monique
Monique is one of those rare people who makes everyone around her feel instantly at ease. With a warm, gentle nature and a genuinely caring heart, she has a gift for building trust with the people she supports by creating an environment where clients feel safe, heard, and truly valued.
Bringing several years of experience working with individuals living with neurological conditions, Monique has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges these conditions can present. She approaches every person as an individual, tailoring her support with patience, knowledge, and compassion.
Beyond her work with clients, Monique is a natural leader. Her colleagues look to her for guidance and know they can always count on her steady, encouraging presence. She leads not by authority, but by example, always the first to roll up her sleeves, offer a kind word, or lend a hand where it’s needed most.
Easy to get along with and loved by everyone she works with, Monique embodies everything Heart In Hand Support Services stands for. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team.
Team Members
Mel
Mel is a compassionate caregiver whose lived experience gives her a deep understanding of the journey faced by individuals living with dementia. Her genuine empathy and patience allow her to build meaningful connections, offering care grounded in dignity and respect. Mel recognises the attention and compassion needed at every stage and provides support that is both heartfelt and attentive. Her personal insight makes her a guiding light for families navigating dementia care.
Katie
Katie is a dedicated support worker with six years of experience in dementia and complex care. She brings deep expertise and a calm, compassionate approach to every situation, helping individuals feel safe, understood, and supported. With a keen ability to identify needs and triggers, Katie tailors her care to promote comfort and well-being. Her empathy and dedication make her a trusted advocate for those navigating the challenges of dementia.
Logan
Logan brings warmth, energy, and a refreshing approach to dementia support, connecting deeply with individuals at every stage of the condition. His calm, empathetic nature creates a reassuring presence for both clients and their families. With a strong focus on person-centred care, Logan adapts to each individual’s needs, ensuring they feel valued and supported. His positivity and dedication make him a truly uplifting and trusted ally in dementia care.
Lynn
Lynn is a compassionate counsellor with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia and their families. She creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. Blending professional expertise with warmth, Lynn offers both practical strategies and emotional support to enhance well-being. Her dedication and genuine care make her a trusted and invaluable presence on the dementia journey.
Jordan
Jordan is a compassionate Exercise Scientist dedicated to supporting individuals with early-onset dementia through a wellness-focused approach. He uses tailored exercises and activities to promote cognitive function, engagement, and overall quality of life. With empathy and a strong focus on person-centred care, Jordan creates a positive environment where individuals feel empowered and understood. His work brings hope, connection, and meaningful support to those navigating early-onset dementia.
Natasha
Natasha is a kind and compassionate support worker known for her gentle approach and deep understanding of individuals living with intellectual disabilities and neurological conditions. She builds strong, trusting relationships by meeting each person with patience, empathy, and respect. Natasha takes the time to truly understand each individual’s unique needs, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and valued. Her calm and caring nature brings comfort and confidence to those she supports and their families.
Renee
Renee is a gentle and kind support worker, bringing warmth and genuine care to those living with MS. Her soft approach, paired with a lovely sense of humour, helps put people at ease and creates uplifting moments in daily life. Renee takes the time to understand each individual’s needs, offering support that is both thoughtful and respectful. Her presence brings comfort, connection, and a little lightness to those she so compassionately supports.
Eugenie
Eugenie brings an engaging and vibrant energy to her work supporting individuals living with neurological conditions. Her love of life shines through in every interaction, inspiring positivity, and connection. Eugenie’s ability to truly engage with each person allows her to provide personalised care that promotes independence and joy. Her enthusiasm and compassionate approach make her a valued and uplifting presence for those she supports.
Arika
Arika is a gentle and kind support worker dedicated to empowering individuals facing life’s challenges. She advocates passionately for those she supports, ensuring their voices are heard and their choices respected. With a compassionate approach, Arika creates a safe and nurturing environment where people feel valued and confident. Her commitment to uplifting others makes a meaningful difference in their lives.
Rose
Rose has a genuine passion for life and a natural ability to connect with others on many levels. Drawing from her rich life experiences, she brings empathy and understanding to her work supporting individuals living with all stages of dementia. Rose’s strong work ethic and flexibility make her a reliable and dedicated team member, always willing to take on a range of tasks. Her warm presence and commitment greatly enhance the care she provides to all families.
Brooke
Brooke takes a holistic approach to supporting individuals living with neurological conditions, focusing on their overall well-being. Her ability to understand and address both physical and emotional needs allows her to provide compassionate, personalised care. Brooke’s thoughtful support helps individuals maintain independence and improve their quality of life. Her dedication and empathy make her a trusted and valued caregiver.
Billy
Billy is a kind and gentle nursing student who brings understanding and compassion to his support for individuals living with early onset dementia. His caring nature helps him build strong, meaningful connections with those he supports. Billy’s dedication to learning and his empathetic approach ensure that each person feels valued and respected. His commitment makes him a trusted presence in their journey.
Ann
Ann is new to support work but quickly shows a natural talent for providing comfort to individuals living with late-stage dementia and other neurological conditions. She is attentive and compassionate, always focused on ensuring those in her care feel safe and at ease. Ann’s gentle approach helps create a calm and supportive environment. Her dedication to comfort and dignity makes her a valuable part of the care team.
Nathan
Nathan is a dedicated support worker and counsellor with a strong focus on men’s mental health and youth support. He takes an active, hands-on approach, building trust through meaningful engagement and practical support. Nathan’s approachable and grounded nature helps individuals feel comfortable, understood, and empowered. His commitment to positive mental health and personal growth makes him a valued guide for those navigating life’s challenges.
Harrison
Harrison is a kind and experienced support worker with a thoughtful approach to supporting individuals living with early onset dementia. He focuses on understanding each person’s unique strengths and needs, helping them maintain independence and quality of life. Harrison’s calm and compassionate manner fosters trust and confidence, creating a supportive environment where great outcomes can be achieved. His dedication and genuine care make him a valued part of each person’s journey.
Kylie
Kylie is a gentle and highly supportive support worker with a background in teaching and a strong understanding of autism. Her calm, patient approach helps create a safe and encouraging environment where individuals feel respected and empowered. Kylie’s ability to connect and communicate effectively makes her especially skilled at supporting people with diverse needs. Her warmth and professionalism make her a trusted and valued presence in the lives of those she supports.
Jennifer
Jennifer is a former nurse with a lifelong passion for caring for others and making people feel truly seen and valued. She brings warmth, empathy, and a nurturing presence to every interaction, always aiming to uplift those around her. With a gentle touch and genuine heart, Jennifer helps individuals feel good about themselves and confident in their daily lives. Her deep care and kindness leave a lasting impact on everyone she supports.
Thupten
Thupten brings gentle wisdom and compassionate presence to his role as a support worker, embodying the peaceful nature of the Dalai Lama in even the most challenging situations. With high care support experience, he expertly manages complex medical needs and behavioural challenges while maintaining his characteristic calm demeanour. His patient approach and genuine concern for each person’s dignity transforms difficult moments into opportunities for connection and healing. Thupten’s wholesome nature and mindful presence make him an invaluable member of the Heart In Hand Support Services team.
Riccardo
Riccardo brings a little bit of Italian soul to everything he does. Warm, fun, and full of heart, he has a natural ability to light up a room and make the people around him feel genuinely cared for. Originally from Italy, Riccardo carries with him a deep cultural appreciation for connection, family, and, of course, good food.
With meaningful experience supporting individuals living with dementia, Riccardo understands that great care goes far beyond the practical. He uses his kind and intuitive nature to meet each person exactly where they are, adapting his approach with patience and sensitivity to ensure every individual feels comfortable, respected, and understood. His warm presence has a way of cutting through the noise and reaching people on a truly human level.
When Riccardo isn’t with clients, you’ll likely find him in the kitchen, at the beach, hiking, exploring life.
Riccardo is currently furthering his passion for health and wellbeing by studying physiotherapy at the University of the Sunshine Coast, bringing fresh knowledge and enthusiasm to his work every day. His dedication to growth, both personally and professionally, is a reflection of the kind of support worker he is, always striving to give more.
Dikshya
Dee is the kind of person who walks into a room and instantly brings the energy up. Vibrant, kind, and bursting with a genuine zest for life, she has an infectious enthusiasm that uplifts everyone around her — clients and colleagues alike.
With hands-on experience supporting individuals living with neurological conditions, Dee brings both knowledge and heart to her work. She understands the complexities these conditions can present and approaches every person with thoughtfulness, patience, and an unwavering commitment to making each day a good one. Her naturally warm and lively spirit has a wonderful way of turning everyday moments into something meaningful.
Dee is currently pursuing her nursing degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast, channelling her passion for people and care into building a future in health. The dedication and curiosity she brings to her studies is reflected in everything she does on the ground, always learning, always growing, and always showing up for the people who need her most.
Full of life and genuinely devoted to the wellbeing of others, Dee is a wonderful asset to the Heart In Hand Support Services family.
Testimonials
Join Our Community
We invite you to become part of the Heart in Hand family. Whether you’re seeking support services or looking to make a meaningful difference as part of our team, we welcome you to connect with us.
Heart in Hand Support Services is a registered NDIS provider committed to delivering exceptional support to the Sunshine Coast and Queensland community.
