Meet the BelleJoy Team
Dive into the Heart of BelleJoy. Here, our team isn't just a group of professionals; they're a vibrant tapestry of personalities, each bringing our own flair and expertise to the table. From the dedicated office staff to our wonderful team leads, we're united by a common goal: to make your BelleJoy experience as joyful and enriching as possible. Get ready to meet the wonderful individuals who are the backbone of BelleJoy, where every member is a star in their own right, shining bright to light up your journey with us.
Kara Andrews - BelleJoy Founder
Hey there, I'm Kara Andrews, the founder and heart behind BelleJoy Support. Novocastrian born & raised, middle child extraordinaire, and all-around enthusiast for turning life's challenges into a joyous adventure.
I grew up in a loving household where my parents ran an electrical business. They instilled in me the importance of being a good boss, provider, and role model—oh, and never forgetting to give back to the community. No pressure, right?.
After school, I dove headfirst into working in the family business, wearing many hats over 15 years—figuratively, not literally. Accounts and finance became my jam, and during that time, I also managed to squeeze in a wedding and pop out two mini-me's, aka my daughters.
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In 2017, the universe handed me a golden ticket—to step out of the office and dive into the world of the Disability Sector as a Support Worker. Talk about a career change! Witnessing how some people were living pulled on my heartstrings. Cue the light bulb moment—why not create homes and supports where I'd joyfully drop off my loved ones? Genius, right?
Enter BelleJoy Support, named after my dynamic duo of daughters. Our teal branding isn't just a trendy colour; it's our nod to Ovarian Cancer Awareness. Inspired by my beautiful mum. She'd probably roll her eyes at all this attention, but hey, it's for a good cause.
At BelleJoy, we're not just creating support services; we're crafting havens of happiness, sprinkled with a dash of uniqueness and a whole lot of heart. Join me on this wild ride, where we turn challenges into joy and prove that laughter really is the best medicine.
Claire Yeatman - General Manager
As an Executive Leader, I am known for my expertise in designing, developing, and overseeing innovative Family Violence, Disability, Aged Care, Youth, Drug & Alcohol, Mental Health, Police, and Corrections programs. I am committed to my staff and participants and enjoy meeting stakeholder's needs and expectations. My work areas of interest are Strategic & Tactical Planning, Policy Development, Program Planning, Operations Management and Change Management.
On Australia day I was recognised by Africause, a non for profit organisation in Melbourne for my Outstanding Contribution of Service to disadvantaged members of the community. Prior to this, I received a Certificate of Appreciation for my Outstanding Leadership in Supporting Staff to achieve Outcomes.
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My role at BelleJoy is to lead the organisation and embed good culture. The participants and staff are like family, we care about each other and this is evident in the way we do things. We are making a difference in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley communities. BelleJoy is an amazing place to work and we like to live, laugh and love. BelleJoy is definitely the place to be if your passionate about working in the Disability Sector.
I am originally from the United Kingdom and migrated in 2009. I have climatised to the weather but do not speak Australian yet, I am still learning. The word ‘use’ is unfamiliar territory; I see them as baby sheep, but this is not the case. I would be happy to discuss this in more detail, though.
I have a small hobby farm and live near the ocean. I enjoy riding the Harley, horse riding and spending time with family and friends. Most importantly, trying to be a better human than I was yesterday.
Vanessa Neighbour - HR and Recruitment
Hi, I’m Vanessa. Before joining BelleJoy, I spent just under 20 years working in a corporate environment. Using my degree in marketing to deliver education programs and marketing campaigns that were meaningful, measurable, and engaging. It was a high-pressure environment, but I loved collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to bring our collective ideas to life and meet our business goals.
Then came my life changing moment. A dance with the “Big C” - Breast Cancer. Forced to take some time out for treatment and recovery, I had time think and take stock of my life, realising what was truly important to me - my people. My loved ones, family, and friends. My sole goal during this time was to be here to keep experiencing and making memories with them.
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Fast forward two years, I was elated to be off the sick train. Cancer free and back at work. But my focus had changed. I was no longer fulfilled and started yearning for something new. Closer to home and more aligned to my values.
That’s what brought me to BelleJoy and my new career in HR. I remember walking away from my first interview and thinking how good it felt. How the values of the Director resonated with my own and how inspired I felt by her vision for BelleJoy. I joined the BelleJoy Family almost two years ago. I am completing online studies in HR. My days can be hectic and are always varied. From recruiting new support workers and onboarding them, to answering complex questions regarding employment laws. All while heating my morning coffee in the microwave three times before lunch and talking to myself in the corridors!. 😊
My goal is to continue to support our people to grow into the best support workers and versions of themselves they can be through creating a safe and healthy work environment where everyone can be themselves and be valued for the contributions they make.
When I’m not at work, I look after my own crazy at home. My partner Jim, 12-year-old son Ben, and a menagerie of birds, fish and cats. I spend time with my family and friends creating fun memories to cherish always.
Keely Andrews - Finance Manager
I have been with BelleJoy since early 2020. I started my career as a Support Worker and have been provided with fantastic opportunities to further my knowledge and develop my skills in the Disability Sector during this time. Previous to this i was studying nursing and completed my Certificate. Also i studied Construction Management. I now work closely with our amazing General Manager and passionate Team Leaders on a day-to-day basis. Working in our state of the art Office and Community Space means I am still lucky enough to interact with our participants having fun, being creative and learning new life skills with our motivated support workers.
When I am not in the office, you will find me in the gym, spending time with my dog or busting moves on the d floor with friends.
Sophie Dunning - Team Leader
After 7 years in the Early Education Sector caring for families and their children, it was apparent that there were many families needing additional support when trying to raise children with additional needs. I then started in the disability industry. I have been at BelleJoy for 2.5 years in that time I started my journey as a support worker and grown into a Team Leader.
During our intake process I enjoy building strong relationships with clients and their families all while killing desk plants and being the self-appointed social coordinator.
While I am not at work you will find me at the gym, enjoying time with my family or hiding delivery parcels from my partner. If you’d like tips on keeping plants alive, I’m not your girl but if you need any assistance with navigating the NDIS and supports, I’m your gal.
Katie Newell - Team Leader
I have had the pleasure of being with BelleJoy Support since our doors opened in 2019. During this time, I have been lucky enough to see many of our participants reach their goals and the business evolve into a community of people we can call family. I feel very privileged working together with likeminded individuals who all share the same passion of putting the participants first. Singing and dancing in the office and within the homes is a regular occurrence (whether I am good or not 🤣) My side role is to bring joy, fun and laughter into everyone’s lives.
Nat Mowatt - Team Leader
I started in the disability industry 4 years ago in the community participation sector. I loved taking all my different participants to the movies, to the beach and shopping! I joined the Bellejoy family in November 2021. I worked my first SIL shift and I was hooked! Spending the day with participants in their home, working towards their goals with an amazing team supporting them was just incredible to be a part of. In the July of 2022, I applied to be one of 3 mentee team leader and to my surprise, I got the job! I was mentored and trained for 12 months to become the team leader I am today. Being a part of the behind-the-scenes action made me fall in love with the industry even more.
Growing up, I never inspired to be much more than a stay-at-home soccer mum who drives a Range Rover and drinks overpriced iced lattes, but now I'm in a career that I can see myself in 40 years still having the same passion and drive that I have today.
Brody Dougherty - Team Leader
I’ve been with BelleJoy now almost 2 and half years, moving from my hometown in Gloucester to the big smoke was definitely daunting.
Learning the ropes to being a support worker and finding a passion in a new field of employment was exciting and something I enjoyed.
Fast track to now, I’m managing 2 homes with 3 participants and finding my legs as a manager. BelleJoy has allowed me to grow in my chosen field being disability and provided me with the tools to excel.
BelleJoy really has made me feel like family and filled the void of being away from home.