Jess is a Behaviour Support Practitioner with over 20 years of experience dedicated to working across positions in the disability and mental health sector. Drawing on a rich personal background growing up in a neurodivergent family, Jess brings lived experience of autism, mental health, neurological conditions such as stroke, dementia, acquired brain injuries, and substance use comorbidities. This unique perspective underpins a compassionate, neuroaffirming, and human rights–based approach to her work, empowering individuals and their families to achieve meaningful quality of life outcomes. Jess has made significant contributions to shaping disability services, including her role in supporting the development of New Zealand’s Mana Whaikaha disability support system. She has held leadership roles within supported independent living, previously worked as an NDIS support coordinator, and served as a therapy assistant. She brings operational, clinical, and a sound understanding of lived experience to her practice. After gaining her Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support from the University of Queensland in 2022, Jess has been actively practising as a Behaviour Support Practitioner. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Autism and Neurodivergence at the University of Wollongong, she is expanding her expertise to integrate developmental education with behaviour support interventions across all age groups. Jess is passionate about advancing person- and family-centred practices that respect neurodiversity and leverage the strengths of individuals and their support networks. She is committed to fostering inclusive, culturally respectful environments and continually develops innovative strategies and resources to support positive behavioural outcomes. Through building positive relationships and seeing the individual and their family as experts, Jess strives to build capacity within the sector. Jess actively advocates for accessible, high-quality support for marginalised and neurodivergent populations.