About Shay

My life changed when I was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer which progressed to Stage 4. I went from being a healthcare worker and support provider to experiencing healthcare from the other side as a patient.

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My journey included surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hospital appointments, scans, challenging treatment side effects and the uncertainty that comes with living with cancer. It has taught me an enormous amount about courage, vulnerability, dignity and the importance of being genuinely heard. Being a patient strengthened the way I approach care.

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I understand more deeply how vulnerable it can feel when you need to rely on others including the importance of privacy, personal boundaries and having choices respected. Sometimes the smallest things, like a kind word, someone taking the time to listen, or simply being treated as a person rather than a diagnosis can make a difference. Cancer has not taken away my passion for caring for others. Instead, it has added another dimension to it.

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My professional training gives me the knowledge and practical skills to provide quality support. My own journey has given me an even deeper appreciation of compassion, patience and the importance of maintaining dignity and independence through life's most challenging seasons.

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I don't want people I support to feel defined by their diagnosis, disability, age or circumstances. I want them to feel seen, heard, respected and valued.

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That's the standard of care I would want for myself and my family, and it is the standard I strive to provide to every person who places their trust in my service.

 

​Professional Background

I began my career with the Queensland Government in 1994, where I had the privilege of working across a range of government environments and alongside Premiers, Ministers, Commissioners and the Office of the Queensland Governor.

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Throughout my Queensland Government career, I developed extensive experience in policy and procedure development, evidence gathering, reporting, governance, accountability and compliance. These skills continue to underpin my approach to healthcare, particularly my commitment to professionalism, documentation, responsibility and delivering services to a high standard.

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Journey into Healthcare

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In 2019, I transitioned to the healthcare and community care sector to pursue a career focused on supporting people to maintain their dignity, independence and quality of life.

Since then, I have provided individualised care and support to participants accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Support at Home Program including private clients.

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I have had the privilege of supporting people living alongside a diverse range of disabilities, health conditions and complex care needs, including malignancy (cancer), Motor Neuron Disease (MND), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Muscular Dystrophy (MD), Parkinson's Disease, Dementia umbrella, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Fibromyalgia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome and a range of mental health conditions.

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Palliative & Complex Care Experience

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Since 2019, I have provided palliative and end-of-life care to more than twelve individuals by supporting every wonderful person and their family with compassion, dignity and respect throughout their end-of-life journey.

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My practical care experience includes:

Personal care and activities of daily living, Palliative and end-of-life care, Bowel therapy, Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) feeding and care, Catheter care, Stoma care, Wound care, Hoisting and manual transfers, Medication assistance (cert), Meal preparation, Social and Community participation and Home and daily living support. 

 

I understand that providing quality care involves much more than completing a list of tasks. It means listening to the person, respecting their choices, maintaining their privacy, dignity and recognising the person behind the care needs.

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Professional Standards

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I am committed to providing safe, reliable and professional services by maintaining Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance, holding relevant worker screening and working-with-children clearances and training and competency certifications relevant to the needs of the people I support.

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My Mission is simple:

Provide compassionate, person-centred care that promotes dignity, independence, choice and quality of life.