Aster and Sweetpea Services Team
Taylor White
Founder & Director
Behavioural, Social and Inclusion Support Specialist
Hi, I’m Taylor — a passionate educator with nearly 10 years of experience in special education. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education and Teaching, with a specialisation in literacy and currently specialising in autism and neurodiversity. I specialise in supporting students with diverse learning, behavioural and social needs and am deeply committed to creating inclusive environments where every child feels seen, valued, and understood.
My work is driven by a strong belief in the power of empathy, connection, and individualised support, especially for those who are often the most misunderstood.
Outside of work, my favourite place to be is with my family. On weekends, you’ll likely find me at the beach or the park with my two beautiful children and my husband, soaking up sunshine and making memories.
Lisa Anlezark
Behavioural, Social and Inclusion Support Specialist
Hi, I’m Lisa — an experienced, compassionate, and highly committed Behaviour, Social, and Inclusion Support Specialist with over 30 years of experience in special education. I specialise in working with children who face challenges within their learning and social environments, helping them feel safe, understood, and empowered to succeed.
My work is grounded in a strength-based approach, focusing not only on supporting students through their behavioural and social difficulties, but also on helping them recognise their own strengths. I believe that when students understand what they’re good at — and are supported in using those strengths — they are better able to thrive both in the classroom and in social contexts.
I also work closely with educators, providing practical guidance and professional development to help them build more inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environments. My passion lies in shifting the focus from “what’s wrong” to “what’s strong” — encouraging a mindset that nurtures resilience, confidence, and belonging.
Outside of work, I find joy and balance on the tennis court, where I enjoy the focus, movement, and connection the game brings.
Rhiannon Maher
Behavioural, Social and Inclusion Support Specialist
Hi, I’m Rhiannon. I’ve been a dedicated educator for over 15 years, with 10 of those years focused on special education. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of working in leadership within the Learning and Support Team, where I’ve developed a deep passion for identifying and nurturing each child’s unique strengths.
My approach centers around empowering students to achieve their personal goals by tailoring strategies to their individual needs. I bring extensive experience in conducting assessments, designing targeted support plans, and guiding others in the successful implementation of these strategies.
I’m a passionate, empathetic, and driven professional who believes every child has the potential to thrive when given the right support. Outside of work, you’ll often find me at the beach with my family, recharging and enjoying the simple things in life.
Taryn Wallis
Behavioural, Social and Inclusion Support Specialist
Hi, I’m Taryn! I am an early childhood teacher with extensive experience supporting young children, including many years working closely with little people on the autism spectrum. Over time, I’ve learned that every child brings their own unique way of seeing and interacting with the world—and that’s exactly what inspires me. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is uncovering each child’s individual strengths, nurturing their confidence, and helping them discover new abilities they never imagined they could achieve. Watching those moments of breakthrough and pride is what drives my passion every single day.
My professional journey is also deeply connected to my personal one. As a parent of a child with additional needs, I understand the emotional landscape families navigate—the questions, the challenges, the victories both big and small. I’m walking that path myself, and it gives me a profound appreciation for the resilience, hope, and love that families bring to the journey. My goal is to use both my professional expertise and lived experience to support families with empathy, honesty, and encouragement. I see every partnership with a family as a privilege.
When I’m not working, I’m happiest spending time with my own family. Weekends are often dedicated to making memories with my twin girls and my husband—whether we’re exploring new activities, enjoying simple moments at home, or just soaking up time together. They’re my greatest joy and my constant reminder of why this work matters so much.
Rachel Pulo
Behavioural, Social and Inclusion Support Specialist
Rachel brings over a decade of experience as a dedicated special education teacher, supporting children and families across a wide range of developmental, behavioural, emotional, and learning needs. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with children in both educational and therapeutic settings, developing a strong understanding of how to create supportive, inclusive, and individualised approaches that help children thrive.
In addition to her professional experience, Rachel also brings valuable personal insight through her own journey as a parent. This lived experience allows her to connect with families in a compassionate, genuine, and understanding way. She recognises the unique challenges that can arise when navigating supports, education systems, emotional wellbeing, and everyday family life, and is passionate about ensuring families feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.
Rachel is known for her warm and approachable nature, as well as her ability to build strong relationships with children, caregivers, educators, and multidisciplinary teams. Her approach is strengths-based, neuroaffirming, and family-centred, with a focus on creating practical strategies that support children’s confidence, emotional wellbeing, independence, and participation across home, school, and community environments.
Ashleigh Dark
Behavioural, Social and Inclusion Support Specialist
Registered counsellor and Behaviour Support Practitioner
Ashleigh Dark is a registered counsellor and behaviour support practitioner with experience supporting children, adolescents, and families across a range of emotional, behavioural, social, and developmental needs. Ashleigh is passionate about providing compassionate, practical, and individualised support that empowers both children and their caregivers to feel confident and supported in everyday life.
Ashleigh conducts assessments and prepares detailed reports to help families better understand their child’s strengths, challenges, and support needs. She works collaboratively with families, schools, and other professionals to develop tailored strategies that promote positive outcomes across home, school, and community environments.
Her areas of support include behaviour support, emotional regulation, social skills development, and inclusion support. Ashleigh also provides guidance and coaching for carers, helping families build practical tools and strategies to navigate challenges and strengthen relationships within the home.
Ashleigh is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and neuroaffirming environment where children and families feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their journey. Appointments are available both in person and via Zoom to provide flexible and accessible support for families.
Hannah Stoppani
Parents and Carers Peer Support Worker
Hannah Stoppani is a registered nurse with extensive experience in mental health, bringing both professional expertise and valuable lived experience through raising her own daughter. Hannah has a strong understanding of the emotional complexities, challenges, and demands that can come with parenting and caregiving, particularly when supporting children with additional needs.
Hannah is passionate about supporting parents and carers by providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where individuals feel heard, understood, and supported. Her approach focuses on building confidence and resilience within families while offering practical strategies, emotional guidance, and everyday support tailored to each family’s unique circumstances.
Through her warm and approachable nature, Hannah works alongside parents and carers to help navigate challenges related to emotional wellbeing, behaviour, family dynamics, stress, and caregiver burnout. She understands the importance of ensuring carers feel supported themselves, recognising that strengthening caregiver wellbeing has a positive impact on the entire family unit.
Appointments with Hannah are available both in person and via Zoom, providing flexible and accessible support options for families.