Meet Kate Louden, Support Coordinator in the Windermere NDIS team

“A huge component of Support Coordination is building capacity so that those we support are less reliant on us. Our role is to make ourselves redundant.”

Kate discovered her career calling early on, during a three-month stint as camp counsellor at Camp America. It included a two-week period of supporting adults living with disability, where Kate found her passion. She went on to study an Advanced Diploma of Disability and Community Sector Manager which sparked a 16-year career as a support worker, team leader case manager and now Support Coordinator.

From Case Management to Support Coordination

In 2016, Kate joined Windermere as a case manager, at a time when NDIS was being rolled out across Australia.

“Windermere’s reputation within the sector was incredible which gave me the courage to take the leap and apply for a case management role. Right from the start I knew the organisation’s values aligned with mine,” says Kate.

Soon she transitioned into a Support Coordinator role taking on the mammoth task of understanding the guidelines and procedures of the newly instated NDIS.

“At the time it felt like a foreign language, but we had ample supporting material to help us get started. NDIS continues to be a scheme that constantly evolves and keeps you on your toes and that keeps me interested,” says Kate.

Building capacity and independence

Working with individuals since the start of NDIS, Kate has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise as a Support Coordinator. She cherishes being able to work alongside individuals supporting their NDIS journey and seeing them develop skills and reaching their goals.

“My favourite moment is when a consumer ceases service with me because they no longer require my assistance,” says Kate.

Every milestone no matter how small, is a cause for celebration. When those she supports become comfortable navigating the NDIS and accessing services on their own, it’s a bittersweet moment for Kate

“It’s a proud moment. A huge component of Support Coordination is building capacity so that they are less reliant on us. Our role is to make ourselves redundant and we celebrate when they no longer need us,” says Kate.

Making a difference

One of the most impactful ways that Kate has provided support is in assisting individuals with their housing needs. As a Support Coordinator Kate ensures individuals receive sufficient support, so they can remain living independently for longer.

“I have assisted consumers to move out of their family home and into supported independent living. This is a very overwhelming time for my consumers and their parents or families. However, with the right supports and transition timeframes, these have been successful moves,” explains Kate.

Recently, Kate supported an individual who sustained an acquired brain injury due to a heart attack, to continue living independently.

“Without linking to the right services and adequate support, that would not have been possible. She would have had to move into a different kind of housing. Through the NDIS and Support Coordination, she was able to get supports in place to live at home and remain as independent as possible,” says Kate.

Kate continues to work closely with her consumer, to build her understanding of accessing services and gain more control of her life.

Another success story that Kate is proud of is Jonathan Thompson’s NDIS journey. Jonathan uses NDIS and Support Coordination to access supports like connecting with an art mentor to realise his dream of becoming an artist. These supports have helped Jonathan achieve many successes over the years.

Showcasing his works in exhibitions and public spaces, Jonathan is making a name for himself in the sphere of art and sculpture and raising the visibility of artists with disability. Recently he created public art installations along with artist Mark Cuthbertson for the City of Casey.

“We may be providing the positive supports they need, but in the end it’s the consumer who is achieving those goals. I’m glad that Support Coordination has helped Jonathan achieve those big things in life,” says Kate.

Working for Windermere

Since the beginning of her career at Windermere, Kate has been part of a growing and collaborative team of support coordinators working together to provide the best outcomes for those they support. She also values the flexible working arrangement that allows her to have a work life balance.

“I cherish those values and appreciate that Windermere trusts the work that I do and that hard work is rewarded. Communication with the team is easy and I know that at any given time I can reach out to my senior for any support I need. It is easy to be proud of Windermere,” says Kate.

Outside of work, Kate loves spending time with family and indulges in her sporting interests like going to footy games, and keeps active by walking her dog Kelly, going to the gym and playing basketball.