About Us
Positive Practices are a Darwin based company who employ practitioners who specialise in the delivery of Behaviour Support and Specialist Support Services to NDIS Participants.
Company owners, Alana and Amber are both Northern Territory locals who have over 20 years combined experience providing services to those living with a disability who have complex and challenging needs.
Click below to read more about the team, our vision, mission and values.
Meet Our Team
Alana Michell
Director
Alana is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and has studied across areas of psychology, behaviour analysis and disability studies. Alana has worked in the Northern Territory disability sector for the past 9 years in roles providing clinical services related to positive behaviour support, behavioural consultation, forensic services, and management of specialist residential disability services.
Alana has extensive clinical experience in behavioural assessment, development of behaviour support plans and associated documentation, and implementation of behaviour support programs. Alana enjoys working closely with participants, guardians, support workers and providers to ensure that clients have improved quality of life outcomes.
Alana has received supervision in organisational behaviour management and has an interest in the way that design of systems and appropriate service delivery can impact on people’s quality of life. Alana is responsible for strategic operations of Positive Practices, and provides client service delivery, training, and supervision to clinicians.
Amber Flynn
Director
Amber is a dedicated professional who holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (OT) and post-graduate study in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Amber has over 15 years of clinical and managerial experience across the disability sector in the Northern Territory. Amber’s expertise lies in managing teams and providing support to individuals living with a disability who exhibit behaviours of concern or who have complex needs.
Amber is experienced in performing functional behaviour assessments, criminogenic assessments, risk assessments and disability needs assessments. She is skilled in utilising occupational therapy tools to develop clinical formulations as well as treatment and behaviour support plans tailored to individuals with complex and challenging needs. Amber has a strong interest in the development of PBS for those living with a psychosocial disability.
As a driving force behind service delivery and operational compliance at Positive Practices, Amber ensures that our commitment to excellence is upheld. Amber is committed to developing a service that delivers exceptional clinical services and fosters a supportive environment for all.
Lena Martin
Clinical Lead
Lena is an experienced Clinical Leader and Behaviour Support Specialist with expertise in forensic disability, positive behaviour support (PBS), and complex case management. She holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Griffith University and has worked across government, forensic, and disability sectors to deliver ethical, person-centred, and evidence-based support. As Clinical Leader at Positive Practices, Lena provides mentorship, supervision, and leadership to Behaviour Support Practitioners and Team Leaders. She ensures services align with NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission standards, oversees complex cases, and develops best-practice policies. Her expertise includes restrictive practice reduction, risk assessment, and behavioural interventions. Passionate about workforce development and human rights-based approaches, Lena has extensive training in PBS, forensic risk assessment, and trauma-informed care. She is committed to continuous learning and innovation to enhance outcomes for participants and their supports.
Beth Hales
Policy and Compliance Officer
Beth returned to Darwin in 2022 after 20 years in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, following another 20 years working across the NT, from cattle stations to small communities and Darwin. This experience gave her a strong understanding of the governance, risk, and community considerations that now inform her work as a Compliance and Policy Officer. She brings broad experience in Indigenous Affairs across federal and state government, as well as information management, community engagement, and compliance in the natural resource management, health, education, and NDIS sectors. Beth is passionate about creating safe, supportive, and well-governed environments where both staff and participants can thrive. She is guided by integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and is committed to ensuring Positive Practice reflects best practice while keeping people at the centre of its work.
Niki Flack
Team Leader - Behaviour Support Practitioner
TBA
Team Leader – Behaviour Support Practitioner
Michelle Pollard
Senior Behavioural Support Practitioner
Michelle commenced with Positive Practices in April 2024. Michelle is long-term Darwin resident who has lived here since 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (2023) and a Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies (2016), both from Charles Darwin University. More recently she completed the Graduate Diploma Psychology Advanced through University of Adelaide (2025) and is on the journey to becoming a psychologist. Michelle enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds. She worked as a case manager and advocate with asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants for several years before moving into a role supporting people with severe mental illness across the Darwin region. Michelle also has 8+ years’ experience working in the Aboriginal Health sector managing outreach health programs in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across the NT.
Anjali Sharma
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Anjali is a dedicated Behaviour Support Practitioner with a Master’s degree in Sociology and Social Work. With over five years of experience in the mental health field, Anjali brings comprehensive knowledge and a strong commitment to supporting individuals with complex needs. Combining evidence-based practice with a person-centred approach, Anjali specialises in understanding behavioural challenges, promoting positive behaviour support, and improving quality of life outcomes. Through a compassionate and collaborative approach, Anjali works closely with individuals, families, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver effective, ethical, and outcome-focused support.
Adrienne Grant
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Addie is a dedicated Behaviour Support Practitioner, passionate about supporting people to build lasting change through connection, understanding and practical support. With qualifications in psychology, teaching and coaching, she brings warmth, curiosity and respect to her work. Before joining Positive Practices, Addie worked in education and wellbeing roles throughout the Northern Territory, supporting students, families, and educators to create calm, inclusive environments where students could thrive. She draws on evidence-informed, trauma-aware and culturally-responsive approaches to guide her practice. Addie values listening deeply and ensuring that the voices and aspirations of the people she supports guide the direction of her work.
Courtney Synnott
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Courtney has been a Behavioural Support Practitioner at Positive Practices since March 2024. She spent her early childhood in Papua New Guinea and the rest of her upbringing has been in the Northern Territory. Courtney has a Batchelor of Psychological Science and has broad experiences in disability support, childcare and education. Her areas of clinical interest include early childhood, autism, pathological demand avoidance and trauma informed care. She is passionate about providing positive environments for individuals to grow, learn and enjoy life. Courtney enjoys working in a team dynamic and networking with other professionals and individuals.
Cristina Li
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Cristina’s journey into the disability and social services sector has been shaped by both her professional experience and her passion for helping others. Originally from Mainland China, she later moved to Hong Kong, where she worked in investment banking for more than seven years. Although her career was in the corporate world, she always found herself drawn to supporting vulnerable people and regularly participated in volunteer work both in Hong Kong and overseas. Wanting to make a more direct difference in people’s lives, Cristina moved to Australia in 2023 to complete a Master of Social Work. During her studies, she gained experience through placements in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation service and with the Department of Education, where she provided counselling and support to individuals facing a range of challenges. Today, Cristina works as a Behaviour Support Practitioner and is passionate about understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern rather than simply focusing on the behaviour itself. She enjoys working alongside participants, families, and support teams to build skills, increase independence, and improve quality of life. Cristina believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life and feels privileged to be part of that journey.
Daniela Autencio
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Daniela Autencio grew up in the southern Philippines before relocating to Darwin, Australia in 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is deeply passionate about mental health, human behaviour, and supporting individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Throughout her studies and early professional experiences, Daniela actively participated in volunteering and community outreach initiatives focused on mental health awareness, wellbeing, and social support. In the Philippines, she completed internships across educational, psychological, and community settings, where she supported mental health programs, assisted with counselling and psychological services, and worked alongside professionals supporting children with additional needs. Her early experiences also included working with elderly nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, and local schools through mental health and community wellbeing initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion, support, and positive outcomes for individuals across different stages of life. Since moving to Australia, Daniela has continued pursuing her passion through her work in Behaviour Support, where she is committed to compassionate, person-centred, and evidence-based practice. She is passionate about empowering individuals, families, and support networks through positive behaviour support approaches that promote independence, dignity, and improved quality of life. Daniela values building genuine connections with the people she supports and remains dedicated to ongoing learning and professional growth within the disability and mental health sectors. Outside of work, Daniela loves travelling, spending time in nature, thrifting, crafting, and loves everything pink!
Greta Larkey
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Greta grew up in Melbourne before moving to Canberra, where she completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Arts (Development Studies). Throughout her studies, she worked in a range of school environments, providing learning support and developing a strong appreciation for how relationships, inclusion, and tailored support can shape a person’s wellbeing and learning experience. After relocating to Darwin in January, Greta has continued to build her practice across diverse settings. She is passionate about improving individuals’ quality of life by recognising and championing their unique strengths, interests, and goals. She values working with people from all backgrounds and enjoys building meaningful, collaborative relationships that support growth and positive change. With a strong commitment to continual learning, Greta brings curiosity, compassion, and a person‑centred approach to her work as a Behaviour Support Practitioner.
Isabella Millhouse
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Isabella grew up in Hobart, Tasmania, before spending several years living in Darwin. Her early career in the Australian Defence Force sparked a deep appreciation for the importance of meaningful connections and their impact on mental health and wellbeing. This experience inspired her to pursue further study in psychology, leading to a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Since 2020, Isabella has worked extensively with children aged 0–12 across both educational and support settings, developing a broad range of skills in behaviour support, early learning, and child development. She has a particular interest in early childhood development and in understanding how exercise and movement can support mental health across all stages of life. Now an accredited Behaviour Support Practitioner, Isabella is passionate about helping children and families build on their strengths, develop positive coping strategies, and improve quality of life through evidence-based, compassionate support. She looks forward to continuing to grow her expertise within the field of psychology and behaviour support.
Jessica Kretschmer
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Justine Motlop
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Kathryn Hillier
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Namuna Sapkota
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Sarah Bancroft
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Sarah has had a varied career in the disability sector, studying Habilitation in WA providing residential care for adults and support to learn independent living skills. Travelling to Darwin in 1990, she joined Project Employment providing vocational training to assist adults transitioning into the workforce and learning Auslan to support the deaf community utilising her Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment. Sarah studied Bachelor of Teaching in Adult Education, while providing transition support, to students transitioning to suitable post school options into employment and adult life. Sarah was responsible for the initial roll out of The VET program NT Community Services and Health Certificate II. Sarah completed her Bachelor of Education in Primary and Special Education and has worked in the school education system as a Special Education Teacher for 24 years. Sarah was a board member with Helping People Achieve Inc for 8 years. Sarah strives to create a positive influence to make a lasting impact.
Sophia Sowry
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Sophia completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science with a deep interest in how people grow, heal, and connect. Her experience working across the Northern Territory introduced her to a wide range of participants, each with their own stories, strengths, and challenges. This path led her into behaviour support, where she combines her understanding of psychology with trauma-informed, culturally respectful practice.
Sophia works collaboratively with individuals, families, and support teams to develop practical strategies that make everyday life safer, calmer, and more meaningful. While she has a strong passion for supporting Indigenous youth, she is dedicated to empowering participants of all ages to feel understood, capable, and confident in shaping their own future.
Thinnie Win
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Thinnie is a compassionate and dedicated Behaviour Support Practitioner with a background in the healthcare and mental health sector. She holds a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy and has experience supporting individuals through counselling, psychosocial support, and behaviour support services. She is passionate about working collaboratively with participants, families, and support networks to improve quality of life and promote meaningful outcomes. Thinnie values person-centred, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approaches, and is committed to creating safe and supportive environments where people feel heard, respected, and empowered. With a strong interest in mental health, trauma-informed practice, and emotional wellbeing, Thinnie aims to support individuals in building confidence, independence, and positive everyday experiences.
Administration Team
Boon Lee Ku
Administration Officer
Bio coming soon.
Diya Gandhi
Finance and Administration Assistant
Diya is a Finance and Administration Officer who completed her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Charles Darwin University (CDU). She has a strong foundation in financial management, budgeting, and administrative coordination, and is currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification to further expand her financial expertise. At Positive Practices, Diya is responsible for overseeing daily financial operations, including accounts management, financial reporting, and expense tracking. She ensures that all financial processes are accurate, compliant, and aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals and NDIS guidelines. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to efficiency, Diya supports the team in maintaining high standards of financial integrity and operational effectiveness.
Administration Team
Robyn Connell
Administration Manager
Robyn has lived in the Darwin for over 30 years where she has worked across a range of different industries, including Aviation, Hospitality/Gaming, and International Education, in roles like Senior Admissions Manager, Business Development Manager, Operations Manager, and Campus Manager. While in these roles she has gained solid experience in leadership, business development and building strong relationships with teams and external partners. She now joins Positive Practice where she will be working alongside the management team and our clinicians who deliver high-quality, compassionate behavioural support to their clients. She is eager to support the team as they make a positive, meaningful difference in the lives of clients and their communities, all while she ensures a high level of customer service is delivered and operational efficiency maintained.
Interested in joining our team?
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver a capacity building service which facilitates incremental and large scale sector change to produce improvements and quality outcomes for the people we work with.
Our Vision
Our Values
Creating safe environments
Respectful of people and culture
Implementing sustainable practices
Improving quality of life
Producing outcomes
Our Commitment to
Participants
- Treat Participants courteously, fairly and without discrimination.
- Treat all people with respect, listen to their stories.
- Inform Participants of their rights.
- Take all opportunities to consult with Participants and people that are important throughout the therapeutic process.
- Protect participant information.
- Create opportunities for personalised delivery of information including ‘easy to read’ resources.
- Take all opportunities to encourage Participants to connect with their communities.
- Ensure Participants can provide feedback and make complaints in a way that is tailored to their communication and linguistic needs.
- Respect and encourage opportunities for cultural connection and respect individual views, opinions, personal circumstances, and cultural diversity.
- Ensure Staff have the appropriate skills and competencies to meet Participant needs.
- Provide positive behaviour support services that meet, or exceed, relevant standards such as the NDIS Practices standards, quality indicators, NDIS rules and their Charter or Rights.
Rights and
Responsibilities
- Exercise informed choice and control.
- Access supports that promote, uphold and respect their legal and human rights.
- Have freedom of expression, self-determination and decision making.
- Access supports that respect culture, diversity, values and beliefs.
- Access services that promote and respect a person’s right to privacy and dignity.
- Be supported to make informed choices to maximise independence.
- Receive support free from violence, neglect, abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
- Receive high quality disability supports that values participant feedback and is overseen by strong operational management that cares.
- Access services which are governed by, and safeguarded by staff who value quality risk management.
- Receive services from staff who value positive behaviour supports and person-centred practices.
- Sharing of information is limited and respected. Receive services from staff that highly vetted, trained and who value evidence based positive practices.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Positive Practices employees gather a wide variety of information relating to the behaviour support and personal information of Participants and possibly their families. Only information necessary for the Positive Practices to provide good quality service is collected. All personal information is only used for the purposes for which it was collected except where legal exemptions apply.
All information collected by the Positive Practices team is done in a lawful and fair manner and with informed consent by the person or their legal guardian. The information and relevant stakeholders are informed of who is collecting the information, how it is stored and what is will be used for.
We are committed to respecting the privacy of Participants, families and carers.
Consent
You have the right to say what happens to your information. You can decide not to share information or restrict the access someone has to your information. At times, by limiting access to information may impact on Positive Practices’ ability to provide a Participants with the best support.
You can change or cancel your consent at any time by contacting Positive Practices.
Complaints and feedback
Positive Practices values feedback in any form. Whilst we aim to provide high quality support to everyone we work with, there are always opportunities for improvement. You can contact Positive Practices at admin@positivepractices.com.au and or request a complaints form.
Alternatively, you can submit a feedback form here, and have the option to do so anonymously.
If you don’t wish to raise your complaint with us directly, you are encouraged to contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission directly on 1800 035 544.