Melanie Sanchez

Manager – Accounts & Social Media

BPsych (Hons)
Melanie is an honours graduate in psychology who is passionate about supporting those in the neurodiverse community to grow and thrive. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking with her family, painting, listening to music, and learning how to make ceramics. Melanie loves playing indoor soccer with her team, Sometimes Maybe Good – who certainly live up to their name!

Anthony O’Donohue

Manager – Chill Team & Facilitator

Having worked nationally & internationally as a performer, television host, voice over artist, writer, director, producer & tour manager, Anthony has joined Code Blue for Autism to continue his passion for working with & empowering youth. Anthony has worked for some of the world’s largest children’s brands including Warner Bros, Sesame Street, Hit Entertainment, Nickelodeon and The Henson Company. In his spare time, Anthony likes to get out on the water for some kayaking & scuba diving & also enjoys hockey & table tennis

Sophie Fell

Peer Mentor

Sophie loves to go for walks and just take it all in. You might find her following a brush turkey or picking up an interesting rock. Her favourite times are when she’s laughing with family and friends. Sophie has a fascination with nature, especially animals, but also with history and cultures.
Chill has given Sophie the confidence to embrace challenges and she delights in being able to help others.

Russ left a career in the federal public service in the 1980’s allegedly to become a drama teacher but really to become an actor.

He’s travelled the world with shows such as Spontaneous Broadway, Theatresports, Shakespeare Under the Stars and his solo cabaret Jest Like Danny Kaye.  Russ has also spent half his life facilitating for leadership and team building programs. His companies Troupe Du Jour and The Decent People have pioneered improvisation workshops for schools, business, community and health care professionals. He’s also famous for his pesto and spanakopita, loves his dog Tom, alpine skiing and his two teenage rangas.

Claire Hambling

Peer Mentor

Claire studies English Lit at Melbourne Uni and loves to read and write (especially while drinking tea!) When she’s not chilling with Patches the dog or Lizzie the cat, she loves to do yoga, cook and dance. Claire was very keen to join the Chill tribe in Melbourne because she was jealous of all the fun her big brother Patrick was having as a Chillie in Brisbane!

Temen Cilento

Peer Mentor

Temen is a Science (Osteopathy) graduate with a passion for all things health and people. She has lived in Melbourne for the last 4 years and loves nothing more than spending her weekends running around exploring new places and cooking delicious meals for her friends. Building and fostering friendships in a new city can be challenging but she has enjoyed every minute of it!

Hayden Spencer & Carita Farrer Spencer

Manager – Chill Melbourne Programs

Together the pair have a combined 50+ years of professional excellence within the Australian and International Arts Industries. Hayden has performed and toured extensively with international entertainment greats such as Cirque du Soleil and the world wide stage phenomenon Harry Potter & The Cursed Child and Carita’s own extensive body of work includes The Heartbreak Choir for Melbourne Theatre Company; both Australian touring seasons of the Tim Finn /  Simon Phillips box office hit musical Ladies In Black and her hilarious one-woman double-bill (with herself) Larry & The Dame that has appeared at festivals all around the country.
In addition to being an Actor/Singer/ Writer/ Director, Carita is also a collected & accomplished Visual Artist. And in addition to his career as a highly acclaimed Actor/ Clown/Writer/ Director, Hayden Spencer is also known as THE PERFORMOLOGiST’ – a leading performance coach working with professional performers and a plethora of corporate clients and organisations.

Trish Stewart

Manager – Chill Families & Enrolments

BFA (Visual Arts)
Trish has a background in project management in publishing and administration in the medical field. She studied fine art at university, graduating with honours and then spent some years living and travelling overseas. She loves cooking, growing food, art and animals.

Helen Whelan

CEO

BA (Drama), RN
Helen has a diverse background that includes being a registered nurse for 12 years and a marketing and business development Manager in healthcare for over 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in Drama and is the mother of a 26-year-old son on the autism spectrum. Helen is currently engaged in post-graduate studies at the Autism Centre of Excellence at Griffith University, Queensland. As an autism advocate, Helen is the founder of Code Blue for Autism and responsible for the design and development of the Chill programs. She is passionate about helping Chill participants to learn about themselves, their abilities and how to be the best they can be.

David Cheney

Peer Mentor

David is a 4th year psychology (Honours) student studying at UQ. Highly enthusiastic and an avid learner, he is involved in various hobbies and endeavours including music, art, martial arts and woodworking. He loves a good comedy open mic, cooking, and is looking forward to sharing his insight and experience with managing neurodiversity and thriving in a neurotypical world.

Zaide Harker

Peer Mentor

Zaide is a local visual artist who specialises in large-scale textural oil paintings. He is keen on community engagement and hosts art events that feature emerging artists around Brisbane. In his spare time, Zaide enjoys reading, drawing and listening to rock n’ roll. He’s stoked to join the Chill team and is looking forward to bonding with the Chillies over all things art and more.

Mikey Bowdler

Peer Mentor

After returning home to Australia, Mikey has found enjoyment in discovering fun things to do in and around Brisbane. Some things he enjoys is visiting cool cafes, going to the beach, riding his bike and watching scary movies. Mikey’s passions include travelling, music, coffee and art. Mikey really loves it when he sees someone step out of their comfort zone and try something new!

Georgia Fullerton

Faciliator

BA (Music & Psych) / BEd (Sec)

Georgia has recently graduated from UQ with a Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Arts majoring in music and psychology. She is a bubbly, beachy, creative person who values people who think outside the box. She grew up alongside, and is still learning from, her brother who is on the autism spectrum. Georgia loves jam and cream, jamming with friends, and listening to new perspectives. Known as the human amplifier, Georgia struggles to talk about herself because she’d rather listen to the stories of others and dial up the excitement.

Annie O’Connell

Peer Mentor

Annie is a primary education student at ACU with a passion for helping people. She is an energetic morning person who loves to cook for and host the people she loves. When she’s not cooking, you can find her outside doing just about any sport or recreational activity in the company of her family and friends. She hopes to be a teacher and explore what this looks like in different states in Australia and overseas in the future.

Grace Eadie

Peer Mentor

Grace is a QUT student currently studying justice and psychology. She gets joy out of spending time with friends, cooking for the people she loves and taking long walks outside. Known for living life at her own pace (reminiscent of a sloth), music, dance and laughter are always around her. She’s very inquisitive, so is always trying to learn something new from people with different experiences and cultures. She hopes to work with disadvantaged youth overseas and is thrilled to be apart of the Chill team.

Anastasia Notaras

Peer Mentor

BFA (Drama)

Anastasia is a QUT graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama and is a hardworking individual with a keen eye for detail. Her friends will tell you she is very personable, positive, and bubbly. If she is not at Chill you will find her painting, reading, collaging and she is a big photography fan! She also volunteers at the Greek Orthodox Youth of Australia (GOYA).

Caleb Stoddart

Peer Mentor

Caleb is a skilled musician who is studying a Certificate III in Individual Disability Support at TAFE. He has a passion for connecting with people, listening and watching them grow. Caleb loves playing his guitar, making art, riding his bike and socialising with friends. He is excited to join the Chill team and learn and grow with our Chillies.

Connor Whelan

Administration Assistant

Connor is an avid Rugby Union fan and has played for the University of Queensland Rugby Club for many years now. Connor has also previously worked at the Broncos Club and at St Andrew’s Hospital as an administrative assistant for over 3 years. Around the office he brings such joy and is always up for a friendly chat. When he isn’t at work you will find him doing some volunteering for political campaigns or catching up with some mates at the local pub. Being a young adult on the autism spectrum, Connor also brings a unique perspective and lived experience to his work at Code Blue for Autism.

Tori Carroll

Faciliator

BFA (Visual Arts & Drama)

Tori is an artist who graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and Drama. She loves all things that allow artistic and creative expression. When she’s not making art, Tori loves adventuring, travelling, laughing and making memories with her loved ones.

Aniway Aquilizan

Faciliator

BA (Art History) / BSocSc (Community Development)

Aniway is an Arts and Social Science graduate from UQ, majoring in Art History and Community Development. Her experience migrating from the Philippines with her family has shaped much of her passion in finding ways that art can connect people across borders. When she’s not writing essays, reading, or at work, you’ll find her either spending time with her family, making art or enjoying food. She enjoys learning and growing alongside new people!

Ilda Fetahagic

Facilitator

Ilda is 21 years old and is a business student at QUT. She comes from a big Bosnian family so food and football is always on her mind. Ilda loves having a good laugh and being surrounded by positive, coffee-drinking people. If she isn’t talking about cats she’ll happily tell you how much she loves Chill!

Thomas Ford

Peer Mentor

Tom is a film student crossed with a musician studying at QUT. He spends most of his time rock climbing, jamming out with his band, and getting out and about with his friends. But he also loves staying indoors, eating pizza, and playing video games! He hopes to be either become a filmmaker for National Geographic or a semi-successful musician.

Jerry McGiffin

Peer Mentor

Jerry is the 3rd biggest Judy Garland fan (South of the Brisbane River), who’s always keen for Nandos. In his spare time he enjoys watching sad movies, reading, drawing, and listening to Oasis. In the future, Jerry hopes to achieve ultimate enlightenment or learn how to juggle. Jerry loves being part of the Chill team.

Eve Carroll

Facilitator

BFA (Dance & Drama)
Eve graduated from QUT with a Bachelor Fine Arts in Dance and Drama. She brings experience from her work in a broad range of community arts development projects; including within developing countries and local community ventures. Eve is passionate about creatively engaging and bringing people from a variety of backgrounds and experience to the arts. Another of Eve’s passions is to explore new places, particularly sampling their food and meeting new people.

Lucy McDougall-Sagner

Peer Mentor

Lucy is studying a Bachelor of Social Work and has been with Code Blue for over 4 years. She lives with her puppy Lamar and loves cooking, gardening, and spending time with her friends and family. She loves getting outdoors and trying new things. She loves to chill and of course she loves Chill!

Andrew Schaffer

Peer Mentor

Andrew is 22 years old and is studying a Bachelor of Music online part-time at the University of New England. He loves all things technology-related, enjoys building PCs and playing video games. He also enjoys hanging out with friends, whether that be in person or virtually. Andrew enjoys going on camping trips and spending time listening to music.

Bella Abraham

Peer Mentor

Dip (Theatre & Visual Arts)
Bella is an artist and slam poet with a Diploma in Theatre and Visual Arts. She has a roaring passion for helping people through art therapy and spoken word poetry. Bella enjoys road trips in her hippy van, salt lamps, eating cheeky vegan takeout, daydreaming about travelling, and watching comedy shows.

Tom Meggitt

Peer Mentor

Tom is a UQ student studying a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours). Born and raised in Brisbane, Tom’s favourite activity has got to be getting outdoors, whether it be climbing some crazy cliffs or a lazy day surfing in the heat. Above all things though Tom values his friends and family the most. Tom is keen to be part of the Chill team!

Alana Nowakowski

Peer Mentor

Alana lives the student life studying Occupational Therapy which she loves. She is a restless and inquisitive soul so she loves adventures with friends and constantly learning (documentaries are her fave!). She believes there’s nothing a good song or walk in nature can’t fix. She is super social and loves connecting with people so is eager to learn all the things you’re passionate about!

Boudiccea Norris

Peer Mentor

Boudiccea is an avid digital artist and painter. She loves to paint and create images as a way of self-expression. You will also often find her wearing clothes she has made herself, as she loves to sew and create new things. She studied singing briefly abroad and is passionate about music, helping people to express themselves, and connecting through song. She is thrilled to be a new addition to the Chill team.

Emma Ford

Peer Mentor

Emma is studying a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) and is a big lover of cats! She has two fur babies of her own, Gigi and Holly. She enjoys hiking, yoga, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends. One of her passions is travelling and her biggest adventure is when she spent a year abroad in Italy. This is where she learned to appreciate and develop a love for exploring new cultures.

Hamish McDonald

Facilitator

Hamish is a cat lover and feels a kinship with cats in their shared love of sleeping all day and fear of loud noises. He is the type of person to fall face first into a book and not be seen for a week afterwards. He constantly finds songs he loves, listens to it nonstop for about a fortnight, then never wants to hear it again.

Clara Grossman

Peer Mentor

Clara is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology at QUT. She was born and raised in Germany and has developed an inexhaustible curiosity for learning about other cultures and people. She enjoys yoga, being outdoors and exploring new places. Apart from that she loves being part of the Chill family. Facilitating growth and confidence in Chillies makes Clara feel passionate like nothing else.

Harrison Paroz

Facilitator

Harrison is a musical larrikin. Born and raised in Toowoomba, he’s a big fan of rainbow lorikeets, Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki, and telling stories through song. Although he works as an acoustic musician, Harry has many strings to his bow, including theatre-making, writing poetry, stage management, magic, juggling, clowning, and about a dozen other things. He loves cups of tea, good conversations, and is thrilled to be a part of the Code Blue team.

Daniel Simpson

Facilitator

BA (Creative Arts)
Daniel graduated from USQ with a Bachelor of Creative Arts majoring in theatre and acting. Born and raised in Brisbane, Daniel has a passion for art that is based and created in this amazing city. He also loves to play soccer, also known as football, as well as many other sports that keep him active and healthy. Daniel is so excited to be a part of the amazing Chill Team.

Sarah Stanke

Facilitator

BFA (Dance & Drama)
Sarah is a dancer and actor recently graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Drama and is currently studying for her Masters of Teaching degree at QUT. Sarah has a wealth of experience in creative workshop delivery working with young people from developing countries and refugee communities. She is also a horse lover and enjoys trail rides on the weekend.

Dana Gehrman

Facilitator

BMus
A Brisbane-based guitar slinger & singer, Dana has joined us a Facilitator for Chill Tunes. Dana has an impressive background including being a Qld Music Award Finalist, a finalist for the prestigious Carrol Lloyd Award & spending time on the road with Tim Rogers, Mick Thomas and Phil Jamieson from Grinspoon. She’s opened for acts such as The Teskey Brothers, Russell Morris, Sarah McLeod (The Super Jesus) and has graced the stages of many festivals.

Lachlan Whelan

Facilitator

BFA (Film, Screen & New Media)
Having grown up with an older brother on the spectrum, Lachie in his element working as a peer mentor at Chill and absolutely loves his job! Lachie has a Bachelor degree in Film and TV and loves making documentaries and music videos. As a side job, Lachie loves working as a bartender in West End and makes a hell of a cocktail. In his spare time you’ll find him either writing and playing music with his band or rock climbing at his local bouldering gym.

Lisa Aitken

Manager – Chill Programs

BAM, JP (Qual)
Lisa has more than 20 years of management and administrative experience in the health care sector and holds a Bachelor of Applied Management, an Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management and a Diploma of Business. Travel and reading are at the top of Lisa’s list when time allows, as well as spending time with family and friends. Lisa is passionate about working for organisations that make a real and positive difference to people’s lives and is proud to be a part of the Code Blue for Autism team.

Nick Cilento

Lead Facilitator

BA, BSc (Hons)
Nick is an expert in physical theatre, circus and drama workshop facilitation. He specialises in drama facilitation and has extensive experience in supporting young people on the spectrum. Nick loves dumplings and paw paw milk! His favourite TV show is Taboo and he is really good at making things with wood. He loves to make art with his 3D pen and is a keen gardener. The most important thing in his life is his family and being healthy.

Michael Whelan

Director

PhD

Michael is an academic, writer, musician and autism advocate. In addition to his memoir, The Other Country: A Father’s Journey with Autism which was published by Pan Macmillan in 2008, Michael also wrote the documentary film What are you doing? This educational film for school audiences on the topic of social inclusion and autism was screened at the United Nations in New York as part of World Autism Day activities in April 2013. In 2014 Michael joined Autism Queensland where he developed Studio G, a post-school transition program for young people with autism. Michael is also an Associate Professor in Music and Sound in the Creative Industries Faculty at Queensland University of Technology where he continues his work supporting young people on the autism spectrum. Michael is currently lead researcher on the Autism CRC’s inclusionED Project.

Brian Cavanagh

Facilitator

Brian is a musician, song writer and singer with over thirty years’ experience performing and writing jazz, contemporary pop and musical theatre repertoire. Brian started his creative career working in theatre in education with La Boite Theatre and Queensland Arts Council performing to school audiences. Brian currently writes and produces his own music and collaborates with artists from a range of styles and backgrounds.

Alice Thacker

Peer Mentor

BFA (Visual Arts)

Alice is a graduate from QUT who majored in Visual Arts. She loves sketching portraits and doing embroidery. In her free time she swims, listens to music and watches lot of films. She hopes to pursue a creative career by using her artistic skills.