Meet the Team at RIISE!

As the Founder and Director of RISE, I’m deeply invested in every facet of the organisation, from strategic growth and stakeholder relationships to working directly with participants and families. I lead by example, showing up on the ground alongside my team and never asking of others what I wouldn’t do myself.

Backed by extensive studies in mental health, disability
and alcohol & other drugs (AOD), I’ve built RIISE on the foundations of integrity, compassion, and excellence.

Our mission is clear: to deliver consistent, high-quality support that genuinely changes lives, and to be the number-one provider in and around Ballarat. I’m proud to say we are doing exactly that.

What sets RIISE apart is the heart behind the work. I maintain close relationships across all levels of the business, from our incredible support workers to the families we walk alongside, because I believe that meaningful change starts with genuine connection.

Outside of RISE, I’m a proud mum who treasures time with my family and has a strong passion for training, health, and nutrition. The purpose and balance I pursue at home are the same energy I bring to this role every day.

Carl brings a strong background in support and leadership to his role as Manager, holding a Diploma in Counselling and a Certificate III in Coaching. As one of the founding team members at Riise, Carl has played a key role in shaping the organisation’s values and person-centred approach from the very beginning.

With exceptional communication skills and a genuine commitment to capacity building, Carl is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals to live as independently as possible. He works closely with families, support teams, and stakeholders to ensure services are tailored, responsive, and focused on what matters most to each person.

Carl oversees the day-to-day operations at Riise, always with a clear focus on quality, consistency, and meaningful outcomes. Carl is a well-respected manager known for his integrity, professionalism and ability to lead with purpose. Participants look up to Carl and place their trust in his guidance and support knowing he always advocates for their best interests. His clear communication style and goal-orientated leadership provides staff with confidence, direction, and a strong sense of purpose.

Outside of work, Carl enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active at the gym, and following footy and soccer. He’s also an avid motorbike rider and enjoys taking scenic rides through the countryside. Giving back to the community is close to his heart, and Carl stays involved through various local initiatives and support networks.

With over 11 years of experience in the disability and mental health sector, including roles in assisted living, community access, and coaching All Abilities cricket, Tash brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her role as Team Leader at RIISE. She has been an integral part of RIISE’s journey from the very beginning.

Tash works closely with participants, families, care teams, management and staff to deliver support that is genuinely tailored to each individual. She is a strong advocate for open communication, emotional awareness, and person-centred care, always placing the individual’s needs, strengths, and goals at the forefront.

Deeply passionate about inclusive living, Tash is committed to building each participant’s capacity and confidence, helping them grow, achieve their goals, and celebrate every success, big or small.

With her approachable, trustworthy, hardworking and fun-loving nature, Tash creates a safe and supportive environment where participants feel both valued and empowered. She is highly trusted by participants and staff alike, consistently building meaningful relationships and providing support across all aspects of day-to-day living. One of Tash’s greatest strengths is her ability to genuinely connect with participants and work alongside them to pursue their goals. She is highly effective in helping individuals manage and improve their emotional regulation.

Outside of work, Tash enjoys spending time with her family, playing sports with her children, and heading up the river for some well-earned fishing and relaxation by the fire.

As a valued member of RIISE from the very beginning, Rahul brings unwavering reliability, a steady presence, and a fun-loving spirit to his role. He is deeply passionate about empowering participants and supporting them in their daily routines, always with a focus on building confidence and independence. 

Rahul is the kind of team member who sees no task as too big or too small, nothing is ever an issue. His calm and grounded nature has a ripple effect, creating a sense of safety and ease for both participants and staff. His ability to adapt to any environment or challenge makes him an incredibly dependable presence in even the most complex situations.

Rahul plays an active role in helping participants build essential life skills, from grocery shopping and budgeting to attending appointments and community events. He is trusted at the highest level by management and is known for his consistency, integrity, and genuine care.

With his warm and approachable nature, Rahul forms strong, trusting relationships and ensures every participant feels seen, supported, and respected.

Outside of work, Rahul enjoys spending quality time with his family and embracing life’s simple pleasures.

Dean brings a rare and inspiring blend of elite athletic performance, deep industry knowledge, and genuine care to his role at RIISE. With a Bachelor of Exercise Science and four years as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at AFL club North Melbourne, Dean has built a career around understanding the body, maximising performance, and promoting sustainable health.

A State and National Natural Bodybuilding Champion and proud Olympic enthusiast, Dean lives and breathes health and fitness. But his proudest achievement has been finding his true purpose as a disability support worker. Since joining RIISE from day one, Dean has become a highly valued and much-loved team member, supporting participants to build strength, confidence, and independence.

Dean works closely with participants both in and out of the gym, creating tailored training programs and offering practical advice around nutrition, movement, and healthy lifestyle habits. His sessions are not just about fitness, they’re about building connection, self-esteem, and sustainable routines. Participants genuinely look forward to hitting the gym with Dean and thrive under his encouragement and guidance.

At RIISE, Dean is more than a coach. He’s a mentor, a motivator, and a passionate disability support professional who helps people become the best version of themselves every day.

With an extensive background in the disability sector, Roxy brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm to her role as a Support Worker at RIISE. Her experience includes working in assisted living and coaching the Ballarat Bulldogs All Abilities netball and football teams, where she is both well-respected and deeply loved by the players and broader community.

Roxy is passionate about helping participants build confidence and grow in all areas of life. Through her coaching, she encourages participants to learn new skills, push their limits, and achieve their personal best—on and off the court. She takes great pride in empowering individuals, supporting their goals, and building their capacity to live more independently and confidently.

Roxy’s fun-loving and approachable nature brightens every day, and her commitment to achieving the best outcomes for participants makes her a highly valued and trusted member of the RIISE team. Her dedication to inclusion and her hands-on approach continue to make a meaningful impact.

Outside of work, Roxy enjoys spending time with her family and watching or playing football.