Master of Education
CertIII Early Childhood
MANAGING DIRECTOR | FOUNDER
EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER (ACECQA RECOGNISED)
Registered with TRBWA, QCT
Meet Ruan, our dynamic Managing Director with a heart as big as his ambitions. Ruan not only manages all the operations of LaunchPod, he is also the mastermind running our popular and innovative Social Skills Development sessions.
As a registered Early Childhood Teacher with a Master's degree in education an additional qualification in early childhood as well as nearing the completion of post graduate studies in special education, Ruan has taken on multiple leadership roles within private schools, equipping him with the knowledge and expertise needed to enact meaningful change. However, what truly distinguishes him is his personal experience. Ruan is also a devoted father to two exceptional children, both with complex needs associated with their autism. Ruan has a mission close to his heart – helping neurodivergent children and their families thrive.
Ruan understands the challenges, the triumphs, and the unique journey that comes with raising children with autism. His deep understanding of kids with pathological demand avoidance, gained through both professional and personal experience, has made him a true advocate for innovative interventions that are neuro-affirming. He believes in the power of thinking outside the box to nurture the potential in every neurodivergent child.
Ruan is a real-life superhero when it comes to wielding innovative resources and activities to develop skills in children. Bursting with enthusiasm and an electrifying personality, he lights up any space he steps into. His keen sense of others' needs makes kids and families instantly light up, ready to dive into the fun and engaging activities he offers.
Outside of his life-changing work, Ruan's passions keep him on the cutting edge of cool. Whether he's tinkering with robotics or exploring the latest tech gadgets, his curiosity knows no bounds. Ruan's vibrant energy and heartfelt warmth make you feel like you're reconnecting with an old friend the second you meet him!
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
DIRECTOR
EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER (ACECQA RECOGNISED)
Registered with TRBWA, QCT
Nikki is a dedicated and highly skilled, registered teacher, with a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Development. With a calm and composed demeanour, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as an Early Intervention practitioner, making her a trusted advocate for young children and their families.
As a mother of two children, Nikki's personal journey has uniquely equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and joys of parenthood. Her eldest son, who has autism and complex needs, has been her inspiration and motivation to delve into the world of early intervention. Nikki's unwavering commitment to her son's growth and development has not only transformed her into a passionate advocate but also a highly skilled practitioner in the field.
Nikki's professional journey has seen her collaborate seamlessly within a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with allied health teams as a key worker in early intervention programs. Her ability to coordinate and communicate effectively with a diverse range of professionals ensures that each child she works with receives the holistic support they need to thrive.
Beyond her career, Nikki's interests are as diverse as her talents. Apart from being an avid cat lover, Nikki's musical inclinations and artistic flair reveal her creative soul, which often finds expression in her early intervention programs, where she inspires young minds to explore their own creative potentials.
Bachelor of Psychology
OPERATIONS MANAGER
SENIOR THERAPY ASSISTANT
Josh truly embodies the essence of a multifaceted individual. Holding a bachelor's degree in psychology and currently working towards his master's in the same field, he's on track to specialise as a paediatric psychologist. As our senior therapy assistant, Josh expertly juggles multiple roles, including overseeing our business's everyday operations as the operations manager.
Josh is our go-to tech guru, with an unwavering passion for using innovative resources in play based ways to build essential life skills in children.
If you ever find yourself in a Lego contest with Josh, prepare for a challenge! He's a master builder who will give you a run for your money. Plus, he's always ready to share some handy tricks and tips to elevate your Lego creations to a whole new level!
Josh is also a big kid at heart, bringing joy and laughter wherever he goes. His quirky sense of humor never fails to entertain everyone around him, and his infectious enthusiasm is simply contagious!
Beyond his incredible talents, Josh is also deeply committed to making a positive impact on the community. He generously volunteers at youth events, where he shares his knowledge, inspires young minds, and fosters meaningful connections.
With a profound dedication to caring for others, Daney has established herself as an invaluable therapy assistant, recognised for her compassionate, gentle nature and intuitive approach. Her journey is further enriched by her ongoing studies in Nursing, with a special focus on Midwifery.
Daney's empathy and understanding stem not just from her academic pursuits, but also from her personal experiences. Growing up with a neurodiverse sibling, she developed a deep sensitivity to the unique needs and perspectives of individuals, which now shines through in her professional interactions. This lived experience has gifted her with an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, creating a sense of ease and comfort in her presence.
In any setting, Daney has a remarkable talent for bringing a sense of calm and tranquility. Her presence alone can transform the atmosphere of a room, making those around her feel understood and at ease. Her quick ability to form meaningful connections is not just a testament to her interpersonal skills but also reflects her genuine interest and concern for the well-being of others.
As a therapy assistant, Daney applies her skills and knowledge compassionately, always prioritising the needs and comfort of her clients. With her blend of professional knowledge, personal experience, and innate warmth, Daney is a beacon of comfort and care in the lives of those she touches.
Caleb’s love for life and people is bound to rub off on everyone he encounters! With a perpetual smile and a heart full of love for life, Caleb has the ability to uplift the spirits of everyone he crosses paths with.
What really sets Caleb's soul on fire is his unwavering passion for children and their bright futures. He's like a superhero in disguise, dedicated to guiding children as they navigate the exciting journey of growth. With years of experience volunteering with children and young people, Caleb knows how to make their dreams take flight.
Caleb is also a master in the art of urban design and town planning. Currently pursuing his studies in this fascinating field, he's all about creating beautiful and functional spaces that bring communities together. When he's not buried in books or crafting blueprints, Caleb unleashes his inner athlete, participating in various sports and thrilling adventures.
With a deep passion for helping children achieve their most meaningful goals, Janelle is currently pursuing studies in Occupational Therapy. Her journey in this field is driven by a genuine interest in supporting children as they develop essential life skills, fostering creativity, communication, and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Janelle is committed to guiding each child in enhancing self-awareness, reaching personal milestones, and building a brighter, more confident future. Her empathetic and reliable nature, along with a resourceful and proactive attitude, stems from both professional and personal experiences—growing up in a neurodiverse family and working as a swim teacher for children and adults with special needs.
These experiences, coupled with her time as a youth leader, have honed Janelle’s ability to connect with a diverse range of people. She understands each child’s unique motivations and is dedicated to helping them unlock their "superpowers" through tailored strategies.
Janelle finds great joy in seeing children realize they are capable of more than they initially believed and in encouraging them to push beyond their perceived limits.
As an aspiring educator, Ruben loves embracing each child’s unique journey! He has a special knack for meeting kids exactly where they are, using his gentle and humble approach to make everyone feel valued and understood.
Not just a caring presence, Ruben is also incredibly determined and skilled at forming connections effortlessly. He brings a wealth of experience as a surfing coach and a budding pilot, always ready to turn every day into an adventure and a learning opportunity.
Ruben's kindness and patience are at the heart of his work, aiming for each child to not only reach their potential but also experience the joy and excitement of learning in their own way. With Ruben, it's all about celebrating every small victory and nurturing a joyful, affirming environment. Get ready to be inspired by his passion and the meaningful connections he fosters!
Jasmine, the compassionate force of nature with a heart as big as the great outdoors! Driven by an unstoppable desire to lend a helping hand and fueled by her unwavering love for children, she's embarked on a thrilling journey studying Occupational Therapy.
But Jasmine's not your average superhero. When she's not wearing her cape of compassion, she's a music-loving beach enthusiast who knows how to ride the waves of life. Her outdoor adventures have provided her with invaluable experiences, especially in the world of volunteering with kids who have special needs.
What truly sets Jasmine's heart ablaze is witnessing children's growth and their dreams taking flight. With her infectious enthusiasm and caring nature, she's on a mission to expand their horizons, boost their confidence, and help them conquer their goals.
So, if you're seeking someone who can combine the magic of adventure, the power of therapy, and the boundless energy of a true superhero, Jasmine is the perfect match for your child.
Meet Kaiya, a hardworking highflyer whose heart is truly set aglow by a passion for nurturing young minds throughout their learning adventures.
Currently pursuing her studies in Occupational Therapy, with a specific interest in the workings of the mind, Kaiya is all about providing a safe space for your unique strengths and dreams to thrive.
Kaiya is also involved in the realm of support work where she loves to establish meaningful relationships and ensure the wellbeing of those she works with.
But that’s not all! When she is not lending a helping hand or fine-tuning her OT skills, Kaiya is getting her coaching groove on in the world of calisthenics, a unique type of sport that blends all the best dance forms into one big rhythmic experience. With a few years of coaching under her belt, Kaiya is experienced in fostering fun environments that empower others to let their awesomeness shine!
Kaiya is on a mission to enrich the lives of young minds by radiating kindness, compassion, and cheerful energy. She hopes to make each session the highlight of your child’s week, so be prepared for a bunch of laughter and growth with Kaiya as your therapy assistant!
Matthew is a super energetic adventurer. If he is not on his snowboard, playing sports, or camping you can find him curled up with his dog, reading books and playing games.
He is always watching out for his friends, and patiently coaches them to new heights. Matthew is a great listener and storyteller, and he is the first person his friends come to talk to when they want to solve their problems. It is no surprise that he is loving his Occupational Therapy studies at university as his life’s calling is helping people from all walks of life.
Matthew has lived experience in growing up with a neurodiverse family member, and knows how important it is to extend care to everyone, everyday. He knows that everyone can have difficult days, and that what is needed is patience, care and fresh starts so everyone can grow. Whether it is Lego, Minecraft, board games or exploring Virtual Reality worlds, Matthew helps people feel included and proud of what they can do. His calm and curious personality puts everyone at ease, as he finds out what will help bring out the best of those he works with.
Matthew is equally at home with shy introverts, and the energised adventurers, with his great imagination, patience and team building skills.
Georgia's passion and empathy shine through in her commitment to studying for a degree in occupational therapy. Her journey is marked by a wealth of experience in nurturing and guiding young minds, a testament to her years as a nanny and a piano teacher. This hands-on experience has endowed Georgia with a profound understanding of children's unique needs and the creativity required to engage with them effectively.
Georgia's background in support work for clients with complex needs has not only honed her technical skills and knowledge but has also fostered an abundance of patience and empathy, qualities that she possesses in great measure. Her fun, bubbly personality, combined with a calm demeanor, makes her a beacon of positivity in any setting.
Georgia's true gift lies in her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She has an innate capability to light up a room and make those around her feel invigorated and valued. Her presence not only brings joy but also inspires confidence and a sense of well-being in her clients. Her approach is client-centered, focusing on enhancing their abilities and fostering independence.
As she continues to grow in her field, Georgia remains committed to making a significant impact in the lives of those she works with. Her blend of experience, knowledge, and vibrant personality makes her an invaluable asset as a therapy assistant.
Chloe brings a unique blend of experience and enthusiasm to her work with children and families. With a strong background in babysitting neurodivergent children, she has developed a deep understanding of their unique needs, along with the patience and creativity required to engage with them effectively.
Her time spent as one of Santa’s helpers has further enhanced her ability to connect with children and create joyful, memorable experiences. As a lover of music, Chloe finds that it opens up avenues for creativity, allowing her to engage with others in fun and innovative ways. Her bubbly and mature personality creates an inviting atmosphere, making those around her feel valued and understood.
With a strong passion for the environment, Chloe weaves her love for nature into her approach, encouraging creativity and ingenuity in all her interactions. Her genuine commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment shines through in her work, as she strives to support others in achieving their goals and cultivating independence.
Excited about making a meaningful impact in her community, Chloe leverages her skills and vibrant spirit to inspire confidence and well-being in everyone she meets.