Our Staff

Jeremy Ward (BA(Hons), LLB)

Jeremy Ward is the manager of Pave the Way and a member of the leadership team at Mamre Association. He is a lawyer with many years experience in the law as it relates to people with disabilities and in working in advocacy organisations with people with disabilities and families. Jeremy is the parent of three young adults, the eldest of whom requires assistance to live in her own home. Jeremy has worked with Pave the Way since it was first established as a small part time project in September 2002.

Sharon Bourke

Sharon Bourke works full time as a development worker with Pave the Way. Sharon is the mother of three. Her two sons were born with significant disabilities. Sharon believes her real learning began twenty years ago when her first son was born and that her children’s life journeys and their challenges continue to be an inspiration. Sharon co-ordinated/managed a lifestyle support agency for 10 years where she worked with, and was directed by, people who have disabilities and their families. Her work continues to be based on a deep respect for people’s life choices and in the value and power of families.

Julie van Oosten

Julie van Oosten is a full time development worker with Pave the Way. Julie has many years experience working with individuals with disability and their families. This work has included a number of roles at the Mamre Association including support worker, family support key worker, coordinator of the Parent Support Program and circle facilitator. Julie enjoys working with individuals and their families in a developmental way, especially as it pertains to people developing network support and with planning for a good and secure future.

Catherine Raju

Catherine Raju works full time as a development worker with Pave the Way. She has worked as a teacher librarian for over 25 years in Queensland and Victorian schools. Catherine is the parent of two daughters, one of whom was born with significant disabilities. As a parent, Catherine was involved in a voluntary capacity for many years with organisations that work for people with disabilities and their families.

Christine Douglas (BASoc.Sc, DipEd, GradDip Counselling)

Christine works part time as a consultant with Pave the Way. Christine is a skilled counselor whose work has been shaped by over 30 years of working with and for marginalized groups of people. For 10 years, Christine worked as an advocate for people with disabilities and their families and more recently, moved to setting up her own counselling practice focusing on issues relating to people with disabilities and their families, and people’s personal and spiritual life journeys. Christine’s work is based on a commitment to contribute to the struggle for an ordinary and safe life for all people with disabilities.

Michelle Schneider

Michelle is the Administration Resource Worker at Pave the Way. Michelle has many years experience in administration roles in the private sector and has responsibility in Pave the Way for administration and resource management.