Positive Behaviour Support in Logan, QLD | Meet PBS practitioner Gracie Macpherson
If you’re looking for Positive Behaviour Support in Logan, Queensland, this article is for you. In this article, we introduce Gracie Macpherson, who is a behaviour support practitioner supporting the Logan community, as well as NDIS participants in nearby areas such as the Gold Coast, Coomera, Redlands, Cleveland, Mount Cotton, Springfield, Gumdale, Coorparoo, Ormeau and Yarrabilba.
Gracie completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science and also completed qualifications in children’s services, human resources, leadership and management. Her extensive experience in the disability sector focused on mental health disorders, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and more.
Meet Gracie Macpherson Behaviour Support Practitioner in Logan, Queensland
Hi Gracie, it’s great to have you on our team in Brisbane! Tell us about you!
I grew up in Brisbane and have since lived in several different locations in Australia. I did home-schooling in my younger years, alongside my three brothers and two sisters — we were known as the Brady Bunch. I am currently raising a beautiful teenage daughter who will be graduating high school this year.
I have always had a passion for helping others see their potential and find their voice in whatever capacity they enjoy. This passion brought me to work within the disability sector for over ten years. This has been a truly rewarding and fulfilling career, which then led me to study a psychology degree. I’m looking forward to working in my new role as a behaviour support practitioner in Brisbane and helping others make positive changes in their lives.
You’ve completed qualifications in psychological science, children’s services, leadership and management. Why did you choose to study these fields?
I have a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others and their families. Psychological science is a fascinating field that delves into understanding human behaviour, cognition and emotion. I have a passion for understanding why people think, feel and behave the way they do. Additionally, my study of children's services allowed me to support the well-being and development of children.
The study of leadership and management are important skills in virtually any profession and industry. It provided me with the knowledge and tools required to inspire others, navigate complex challenges and help others achieve their goals, whilst leading and managing effective teams.
How has your experience in the disability sector influenced your approach to supporting individuals with disability?
My experience working in the disability sector has been invaluable in shaping my approach to supporting individuals with disabilities and special needs.
I’ve developed a deep sense of empathy and understanding for people’s unique challenges and experiences. I’ve learnt to take a holistic approach to supporting individuals, considering their specific impairments or limitations but also focusing on their strengths, preferences, and individual goals, acknowledging their right to live full and meaningful lives.
I have learnt that every individual is unique, therefore being adaptable and flexible in my approach to supporting each individual has allowed for greater responsiveness and effectiveness in meeting their individual needs.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of working in Positive Behaviour Support?
The most rewarding aspect of working in Positive Behaviour support is knowing that I am making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and their families, helping them to live happier, more fulfilling lives, and promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Not only is it a fulfilling job, being able to help individuals overcome behavioural challenges and achieve their goals, but I am also able to witness the progress and growth of individuals, which is incredibly rewarding and a constant source of motivation. I find immense satisfaction in building strong, trusting relationships with individuals, families, and communities, thereby creating a supportive network that facilitates meaningful change and growth.
In essence, connecting people with supportive communities in PBS is about recognising the interconnectedness of individual well-being and community support. By leveraging community resources, fostering natural support networks, and advocating for inclusive practices, Positive Behaviour Support empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives within their communities.
Through your experience working in the education sector, what important lessons have you learnt about working with children with disabilities?
The key to empowering young people is to focus on their strengths, interests and abilities which helps build their confidence, self-esteem and motivation, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Working with individuals with disabilities, I learnt this requires patience, empathy and understanding. People learn things in different ways and on different timelines; the importance is continuing to support a person to learn and develop skills, in a way that works for them. Showing empathy and providing encouragement can make a significant difference in a person’s journey and help promote their learning, development and well-being.
Positive Behaviour Support in Logan, QLD
As a behaviour support practitioner in Logan, what is important to you when you start working with new NDIS participants?
- Building rapport by establishing a trusting and respectful relationship with the NDIS participant and their support network is crucial. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment where the participant feels comfortable.
- Getting to know clients is really important to me: their personal experiences, challenges and goals.
- I aim to have a person-centred approach by understanding the individual's needs, preferences and aspirations. By actively listening to them, respecting their autonomy and involving them in decision-making processes regarding their support plan.
- Developing a holistic understanding of their situation and working collaboratively with the participant, their family, caregivers and other stakeholders.
I aim to provide high-quality and person-centred behaviour support services that empower NDIS participants to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.
Which Logan communities do you provide Positive Behaviour Support?
I support NDIS participants in a number of suburbs and regions in Queensland, including Logan, the Gold Coast, Coomera, Pimpama, Beenleigh, Eagleby, Mt Cotton, Redlands, Capalaba, Cleveland, Yarrabilba, Springfield and Ormeau.
Do you focus on supporting NDIS participants with specific diagnoses or age groups?
Although the majority of my experience is working with young people, I can support all ages and individuals with a range of diagnoses, including but not limited to:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Intellectual Disability
- Down Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Mental health conditions
- Epilepsy
- Developmental Delay
How to get started with Positive Behaviour Support in Logan, QLD
How can NDIS participants in Logan get started with Positive Behaviour Support?
The first step is to make a referral for Positive Behaviour Support on our website. NDIS participants can do this anytime. They can make their own referral, or a member of their support team can make a referral on their behalf.
Life in Logan, Queensland
What do you love most about living in Logan and the greater Brisbane area?
Having explored or lived in various other cities in Australia, Brisbane still has my heart. Brisbane is a vibrant city with year-round near-perfect weather which allows for plenty of outdoor activities and events.
Only a short drive away from Logan are spectacular beaches, stunning views from the mountains and endless natural beauty to explore. Not to mention the vibrant culture and friendly people.
Accessible recreation activities and locations in or near Logan
Logan City Council Libraries
Our local libraries can be found in Beenleigh, Greenbank, Jimboomba, Logan Central, Shailer Park, Underwood, Logan Village, Browns Plains and Marsden.
The Marsden library offers a sensory space with sensory equipment such as interactive projectors and a bubble tube. The library hosts activities in this space including story time with a sensory focus and sensory exploration which focuses on 1-1 interaction.
Logan Art Gallery
The Logan Art Gallery is located at the corner of Wembley Road and Jacaranda Avenue in Logan Central. The gallery showcases art by Logan artists and offers art workshops and community events.
Staff and volunteers can assist and information is provided in a number of formats. Entry is free and there is free parking, accessible toilets and baby change facilities.
Logan City Council Active and Healthy Program
The Active and Healthy Program by Logan City Council offers a variety of physical activities and healthy living programs that are free or low-cost, such as Men’s Sheds, tai chi, yoga, balance and falls prevention, walking groups, computer club, dancing, walking football, bowls, golf and even belly dancing.
KRANK school holiday program
The KRANK school holiday program is organised by Logan City Council. Children and teenagers can choose from 140 free and low-cost activities including art, sport, STEM activities, outdoor and water activities and life skill workshops such as mechanics, learning how to drive, making cookies, composting, bike riding and more.
Logan Gardens
Logan Gardens offers an accessible playground with a Liberty Swing, sensory garden, and communication boards with basic Auslan. There’s plenty of shade, paths, sheltered picnic areas, accessible toilets and even a water play area at the Logan Water Park for those hot days.
About Ability Consultants
Ability Consultants is a Registered NDIS Provider in Logan. We support NDIS participants and private clients throughout NSW, QLD, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. In Queensland, we provide Positive Behaviour Support in the greater Brisbane metropolitan area as well as Ipswich, Stanthorpe, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Cairns and Townsville.
If you have any questions about Positive Behaviour Support, please feel welcome to call our team on 1300 694 625 or send a message using our contact form.
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