2024 Allinto Outstanding Support Coordinator winner, Keela Bernardt with Multicap Board Directors Gail Black and Kalen Douglas at the staff Excellence Awards.
Helping her mother navigate the complexities of applying for NDIS funding was a turning point for Keela, igniting her passion for a new career.
After 18 years working in the justice system, Keela was inspired by the life-changing benefits her mother experienced through the NDIS and decided to become a support coordinator.
“It made me think—while my mum was fortunate to have a strong support network to achieve a positive outcome, what about those who don’t have that kind of help?” she said.
Two years into her role, Keela describes every day as rewarding.
“Allinto has the most positive work culture I’ve ever experienced,” she said.
“We’re a group of like-minded people working together to help people navigate the NDIS and collaborate with providers to achieve great outcomes.
“One of the highlights is seeing clients achieve their goals, set new ones, and continually build capacity.”
A highlight for Keela was working with a client, Tom, who had previously struggled to receive quality support coordination.
“I wanted to demonstrate what gold-standard support coordination could look like,”she said.
“We developed an action plan and worked closely with Tom and his family to address both short and long-term needs. Now, Tom is making incredible progress towards his NDIS goals.”
Keela’s dedication and passion for her role saw her recognised as the Allinto Outstanding Support Coordinator Award at the 2024 Staff Excellence Awards.
“I’m grateful that my colleagues took the time to nominate me—it’s a wonderful feeling to be acknowledged,” she said. “Professionally, it’s a meaningful recognition of how seriously I take my role and the commitment I bring to it every day.”
Keela believes that open, transparent communication is key to building strong relationships with clients and their families.
“Having been on the receiving end of waiting for answers, I understand the importance of being available and responding quickly to all communication,” she said.
Her advice for anyone considering a career in Support Coordination?
“Find a company like Allinto, where the culture is supportive,” she said.
“The role is a rollercoaster—there are so many rewarding moments, but you’ll also feel the setbacks your clients experience. Hang in there, because each challenge is an opportunity to create positive change.”
Interested in a career at Allinto? Visit our website to view current vacancies.