NOW ACCEPTING REFERRALS FOR POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT
Meet the Team
Maryelle Haidar
Founder & CEO/Senior PBS Practitioner
Maryelle is the Founder and CEO of EmpowerU Supports, bringing over seven years of experience working within the NDIS. Throughout her career, she has supported children and adults with complex needs and behaviours of concern, always with a strong focus on understanding the person behind the behaviour.
Maryelle has worked across a range of roles, including Behaviour Therapist and Play Therapist, and is known for her calm, practical, and person-centred approach. She specialises in behavioural assessments and the development of Positive Behaviour Support Plans that are realistic, collaborative, and tailored to each individual and their support network.
As an endorsed Advanced Senior Behaviour Practitioner, Maryelle has extensive experience supporting individuals with Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and mental health challenges. She holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Psychological Science, which underpins her evidence-based and trauma-informed practice.
Outside of work, Maryelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing video games, and discovering new places to eat.
Stephanie Tardio
Senior PBS Practitioner
Stephanie is a Senior Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner at EmpowerU Supports, bringing five years of experience working within the disability sector. Throughout her career, she has supported children and adults with a diverse range of support needs and has a particular passion for working with children and young adults, helping them build skills, confidence, and greater independence.
Stephanie has a background in Nursing, which provides a strong foundation for her holistic understanding of health, wellbeing, and person-centred care. Her background in both nursing and disability has equipped her with the skills to work collaboratively with participants, families, and multidisciplinary teams to provide practical, evidence-based support.
Stephanie is passionate about building genuine relationships and creating a safe, supportive environment where participants feel heard, respected, and empowered. She believes every person deserves individualised support that focuses on their strengths, promotes independence, and improves their overall quality of life.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys staying active through running, reading, and spending time shopping with family and friends.
Aidan Koukach
Admin Co-ordinator
At EmpowerU Supports, Aidan is the friendly and organised person working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.
As our Administration Coordinator, Aidan supports participant intake, service agreements, scheduling, and day-to-day operations. He works closely with families, support coordinators, and our practitioners to ensure communication is clear, processes are simple, and services begin without stress or delay.
Known for his approachable nature and problem-solving mindset, Aidan is always ready to help participants and their support networks navigate paperwork, bookings, and enquiries with ease.
Fun fact: Aidan is also Maryelle’s husband, which means the admin role often continues after hours too (whether he likes it or not ).
When he’s not being the backbone of EmpowerU, you’ll find Aidan spending time with family and friends, gaming, or out on the court trying to master that tennis backhand .
Mikaela O'Connor
PBS Practitioner
Jackie Gravatt
Senior PBS Practitioner
Jackie brings over 27 years of experience in the disability sector and holds an Advanced NDIS Commission endorsement. She partners with people of all ages and their families to build independence, increase choice and control, and improve quality of life.
Jackie has led regional services across both pre- and post-NDIS environments and has extensive experience supporting people with complex needs and behaviours of concern.
With a background as a National Compliance and Quality Manager, Jackie offers strong expertise in safeguarding, legislation, and the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices while guiding teams to deliver ethical, high-quality supports.
Jackie also brings valuable lived experience as an NDIS participant. Living with FSHMD, she uses a four-wheel walker and understands the system from both participant and provider perspectives. She is passionate about inclusion, cultural awareness, and has worked closely with First Nations communities.
Outside of work, Jackie loves spending time with her grandchildren and travelling with her husband.
Mikaela is a Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner with a strong interest in supporting young children and adolescents. She is passionate about creating inclusive and engaging supports that build on each person’s strengths, interests, and individual needs.
Mikaela takes a person-centred and strengths-based approach to Positive Behaviour Support, with a particular focus on learning through modelling, play, and meaningful engagement. Her practice focuses on reducing behaviours of concern by improving quality of life, building skills, strengthening communication, and supporting individuals to participate more meaningfully in their everyday lives.
Mikaela holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and brings over eight years of experience within the allied health sector, including two and a half years working in Positive Behaviour Support. She also brings valuable experience supporting individuals through the Anxiety Recovery Centre’s helpline and Cares4me program.
Outside of work, Mikaela enjoys walks, yoga, Pilates, dancing with friends, spending time with family, balloon tying, and playing the violin.