Professional knowledge, practical experience and genuine understanding

Hi, I'm Faye, founder of Gold Coast Social Works. My journey into social work has been shaped by professional experience, years of study and lived experience. Coming from a neurodivergent household and being a parent of a neurodivergent child, I understand firsthand that navigating disability, family life and support systems is not always straightforward.

I am a qualified social worker, with AASW membership pending. I hold a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), alongside qualifications in clinical hypnotherapy, NLP and art therapy. My experience as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, combined with lived experience, informs my person-centred, strengths-based approach to building functional capacity and supporting individuals and families.

Through working with people with disability and their families, and particularly through developing and delivering communication and emotional literacy resources, I saw how people could have several supports yet still lack opportunities to learn and practise everyday social and relational skills.

That insight inspired Gold Coast Social Works: a practice that looks beyond diagnosis, recognises strengths and listens to what matters to each person.

Why Functional Social Work?

Faye's aim is to bridge the gap between existing supports and real-world challenges, working alongside participants, families and other professionals to strengthen connection, participation, choice and everyday independence.