Our Team
At Communication eXtra we pride ourselves on our diverse team of experts.
Our Founder, Director & Principal
Paul Bartlett is the person who set up Communication eXtra, which has seen rapid growth since its establishment in June 2020. Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from working in both Australia and the United Kingdom.
Here is what Paul brings to Communication eXtra:
- Over 35 years experience in supporting deaf people, deaf children, and their families, in Australia and the UK
- 20 years experience of designing, implementing and maintaining Quality Assurance systems
- 15 years experience of senior and executive service management and leadership in Australia and the United Kingdom of a number of charities and businesses
- Worked at the NDIS as a Planner
- Worked as a Support Coordinator for genU
- Intimate knowledge of the NDIS, inside and outside
- Intimate knowledge of Auslan, Deaf Culture, and the supports deaf people need
- And Paul also holds Management, Teaching, and Sign Language Translation qualifications.
Communication eXtra has no rivals or competitors. Everyone is a friend and an ally of Communication eXtra!
Our Team
At Communication eXtra, we have a team of high-quality trained professionals ready to help you get the support that you want and deserve.
Narelle Akers
operations manager
Narelle joined Communication Extra after 12 years of working in diverse roles within the Disability and Health Sectors. She has more than 20 years of experience in disability services and management consultation, with expertise to ensure NDIS provider standards are met and that clients receive the best possible service from our Support Coordinators.
Isobel Quinlan
social worker | support coordinator
Isobel is a qualified Social Worker with extensive experience and a deep commitment to exceptional support for those with complex and high needs. Empathy, patience, and excellent communication skills are crucial in understanding and addressing the needs of our participants.
Damon Lahtinen
senior support coordinator
Damon is a Support Coordinator in North Queensland. Damon has vast experience working in the disability sector and strives to empower participants to maximise the full value of their NDIS Plans.
Melissa Connor
senior support coordinator
Melissa is an experienced Senior Support Coordinator, who leads our Victorian based Support Coordinators. She has experience providing Deaf interpreting and has provided translation work for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing refugees.
Jo Michael
national cONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OFFICER
Jo is our Continuous Improvement Support Officer. Jo has worked as a Marketer, Employment Consultant, NDIS intake officer and in NDIS Claiming before joining Communication eXtra. Jo works alongside families with any referrals, enquiries, billing and funding.
Anna Fallah
National connections manager
Anna Fallah works in the National Connections team and is a dedicated and driven team member with extensive experience. Anna’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional communication and customer service.
Minnie MacDougall
social worker | support coordinator
Minnie MacDougall is an experienced counsellor and NAATI-accredited Auslan interpreter with over 20 years’ experience across health, disability and community services. Minnie provides trauma-informed counselling to Deaf, Hard of Hearing and hearing clients through her private practice, as well as Auslan interpreting services across a range of settings.
Lucy Neilson
Support Coordinator | Qualified Auslan NAATI Interpreter
Lucy has extensive experience in administrative support, education, and healthcare. More recently, Lucy was a popular Local Area Coordinator, supporting participants through their NDIS journeys. Lucy is fluent in New Zealand and Australian Sign Language, reflecting her commitment to effective communication and inclusivity.
Michelle Godfrey
sUPPORT COORDINATOR | Training Officer
Michelle Godfrey works alongside our Principal and Senior Support Coordinator to support in reaching our large National client base. Michelle has come from a corporate background where she prides herself on maintaining fast, friendly and efficient customer service.
Aleisha Clark
Support coordinator
Aleisha Clark is a highly experienced and passionate professional with almost 20 years of experience in education settings. She is enthusiastic and results-driven, striving to achieve the best outcomes for her clients and colleagues.
Mei Li
support coordinator
Mei Li is a Hard of Hearing Support Coordinator and Auslan Tutor. Mei has been involved with the Deaf community, volunteering in the Melbourne Deaflympics and playgroups – and worked as a support worker within the Deaf Community.
Andrew Young
support coordinator
Andrew brings valuable experience as a Support Coordinator and NDIS services in Sydney. Andrew has a Bachelor of Teaching (Adult Vocational Education) and is well-equipped to bring new insights and knowledge to any team.
Sacha Clark-Hunter
support coordinator
Sacha is a Deaf community services professional with lived experience and a strong commitment to person-centred, culturally responsive support. With experience across support coordination, employment consulting and Auslan language modelling in schools, Sacha brings deep cultural insight, strong advocacy skills and a practical understanding of systems navigation.
William Maggs
Administration Officer
William Maggs is a valued member of the Connections team, serving as an Administration Officer. As a Deaf artist, William brings a unique perspective and creative energy to his role, combining his administrative expertise with his passion for the arts. His work reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful connections and supporting the team’s goals with dedication and innovation.
Lilly Collins
bilingual Connections officer
Lilly is currently studying at Flinders University with the goal of becoming an Auslan-proficient psychologist. Lilly’s passion for the Deaf community began at Adelaide High School, where she first started learning Auslan. She particularly values the opportunity to connect with Deaf clients using Auslan and is deeply committed to continuing to develop her language skills to provide inclusive and respectful support.
D’Arcie Miller
bilingual connections officer
D’Arcie is currently studying Law and Business at Adelaide University and brings a strong interest in advocacy, communication and ethical practice. D’Arcie is passionate about working in inclusive environments and values opportunities to support diverse communities. With a developing professional focus and strong communication skills in both Auslan and English, D’Arcie is committed to learning, growth and contributing positively to client outcomes.
0475 434 517
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hello@communicationextra.com.au
Communication eXtra are NDIS-registered
Provider Registration ID: 4-G602XE4
ABN: 13 139 212 440
ACN: 672 939 801