Meet The Team
At Verbinding, we believe exceptional support begins with exceptional people. Our team are a dedicated and passionate ensemble of experienced professionals who are committed to making a positive impact. With diverse backgrounds, expertise and a shared commitment to helping others; we are compassionate problem-solvers and partners on your journey towards empowerment and wellbeing.
Hans van de Graaff
Founder and Director
Hans has worked in various leadership roles in the Disability sector for over 30 years. After spending the first part of his career working with people with an acquired brain injury, Hans moved into the area of mental health and intellectual disability support.
With an unwavering optimism and desire to effect positive change, Hans is passionate about making a real difference to lives of others. For Hans, the opportunity to support people with a disability so they can realise their own goals and aspirations, is both exciting and rewarding.
Care, compassion and dignity are some of the key values that Hans considers all important in delivering excellent support coordination. Hans works with his team to build and nurture deep connections with clients, while also ensuring exceptional customer service and support.
Jill Moylan
Senior Support Coordinator
With over 20 years’ experience in the Aged Care and Disability sector, Jill brings extensive knowledge and a genuine care to her work.
Jill prides herself on her problem-solving abilities and truly understanding the needs of her clients so that she can present all the options available to them. Considerate and empathetic, Jill takes an individual and holistic approach to each clients’ NDIS journey.
Jill is committed to working alongside her clients to ensure the right supports are in place so they can achieve their goals and live meaningful, happy lives.
Birgit Yandle
Specialist Support Coordinator
Following a brief career in IT and a long period as stay-at-home mum and part-time translator Birgit ventured into the disability field in 2013, initially volunteering at Sandybeach Centre in Sandringham and subsequently completing Certificate IV in Disability. Her first job was supporting clients 1-1 in their homes and in the community. In 2016 she started working as a residential support worker and was quickly promoted to being team leader, managing two group homes. In 2020 Birgit moved into Corporate Services where she was the go-to contact for any queries regarding restrictive practices (predominantly in the form of medication) and making sure the organisation complied with their legal reporting duties.
Support Coordination is an area where Birgit relishes the opportunity to use her skills and abilities to help make a difference in people's lives. Birgit brings compassion and a genuine desire to support people to live their best possible lives. She has excellent communication skills, is resourceful, and able to think outside the box as well as possessing a fantastic sense of humour.
John Carter
Specialist Disability Housing Advisor
John is a highly regarded disability housing specialist, with decades of experience and a strong track record of success in the planning and development of accommodation facilities for people living with disability.
John previously was the Director of SDA Stakeholder and Sector Engagement at the NDIA, where he was responsible for the design and implementation of new SDA design standards, pricing policy review, stakeholder engagement and implementation of the SDA Innovation Plan. He has held senior level roles with a Community Housing association, a large NGO in the disability sector and an international facilities management company. John has also owned and operated his own business - a registered disability housing provider.
John is a registered builder in Victoria, with qualifications in Asset Management, Project Management and Building and Construction.
Rilvana Sultan
Support Coordinator
Meet Rilvana, a dynamic and energetic member of our support coordination team. Known around the office as the "pocket rocket," Rilvana brings a contagious enthusiasm and positive energy to everything she does.
With a background in disability support and social work, Rilvana is passionate about helping people with disabilities to access the resources and support they need to live independently and participate fully in their communities. As a support coordinator, she works closely with individuals and their families to develop and implement support plans that are tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Rilvana's strengths as a support coordinator are many. She is a natural problem solver, always ready to tackle even the most complex challenges with creativity and innovation. She is also a skilled communicator and collaborator, building strong relationships with our clients and their families, as well as with other service providers and stakeholders.
Above all, Rilvana is known for her boundless energy and enthusiasm. She brings a positive and can-do attitude to everything she does, inspiring and motivating those around her to strive for excellence in their work. We are proud to have her as part of our team, and we know that her "pocket rocket" spirit will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of those we support.
Amelia Moore
Support Coordinator
As a business owner and operator, Amelia brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the team and understands the importance of delivering excellent customer service.
Amelia has an innate desire to help and care for others and is currently undertaking further study in Individual Support (Disability). Compassion, empathy and kindness are what guides Amelia when approaching her clients and their needs. Amelia will work with you to reach your goals and ultimately, improve your independence.
Mark Megalla
Senior Consultant
Mark is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and is registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers. He has 17 years of experience working in various clinical mental health settings including public hospitals, forensics and community services. Mark holds a Bachelor in Social Work, Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science. Mark has extensive experience in suicide and self-harm prevention, trauma, depression and anxiety and working with people involved in the criminal justice system.
He is committed to empowering clients to make their own choices in regards to their own Recovery and is strengths orientated. He understands the challenges and the complexities faced by both clients and support agencies who are involved in both legal and mental health systems. He has a passion for providing clients with supportive counselling and providing staff supervision and staff training and education.
Mark is registered with Medicare and able to provide counselling to clients.
Michelle Kerss
Support Coordinator
Michelle has worked in the Disability sector since 2005 after completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Disability Studies. In her final year of study, she was employed with Scope and has remained in this sector ever since. She is a very focussed, highly organised person. Her reliability, customer focus, and approachable personal style make her a pleasure to work with.
Manisha Beniwal
Support Coordinator
Manisha’s community service work has driven positive outcomes for individuals and organisations alike. With over 14 years in the Aged, Disability and Early Childhood sectors, Manisha brings a invaluable set of skills and experience to the Verbinding team.
Manisha’s devotion to helping others extends beyond the workplace, where she volunteers her time at various organisations mentoring students, visiting community centres and generally helping those less fortunate.
Manisha works hard to ensure her clients get the most out of their plan, whether that’s forging new relationships, engaging with the local community or finding the right allied health support.
Stuart Polwarth
Support Coordinator
Stuart derives immense enjoyment from support coordination and working in the disability sector, finding satisfaction in witnessing the transformation of the individuals he supports. He takes great pleasure in seeing participants not just cope but thrive, engaging in activities that define who they are. For Stuart, this journey is not just a career but a commitment to empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
Stuart's career has been marked by a passion for addressing challenging issues that intersect with individual well-being, and he thrives on unravelling complex problems to discover innovative solutions that enhance lives. Stuart's entry into Support Coordination was driven by a keen interest in navigating the unique challenges presented by the NDIS. He finds fulfilment in understanding the intricacies of these challenges and employing his skills to implement person-centred support systems, tailored to the individual needs of participants. Stuart is an expert in blending creativity and problem-solving to navigate the system and create meaningful solutions.