Chill News

Jordon Riley

BCreatArts (Theatre)
Peer Mentor

Jordon has a Bachelor in Creative Arts (Theatre) from the University of Southern Queensland, and is a theatre nerd through and through. She loves watching and creating theatre, reading and looking after her growing jungle of plants. Jordon loves chatting about the newest movies and TV shows, having a good giggle and meeting new people. Jordon is so excited to be a part of the Chill community!

Yasmine Thacker

BArch
Peer Mentor

Yasmine loves being creative. Whether it be doing art, crafts, playing music or gardening – she is always keen to use her imagination and creativity. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and loves to spend time bushwalking, swimming or bike riding. She is always keen for a laugh, to listen to a story and to learn something new. Yasmine is excited and grateful to be a part of the Chill community.

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.

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.

Jodie Usher

Peer Mentor

Jodie is studying mechanical engineering at QUT. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Jodie spends every Monday night with her friends playing board games. When Jodie isn’t at work or studying , she is listening to books and playing or watching sports. Jodie is super excited to be a part of the Chill team and wants to make a connection with all the Chillies she meets.

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

BFA (Dance)
Peer Mentor

Eve graduated from QUT with Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance). She enjoys spending time with friends and always down to try new foods. Anytime there is a chance to add dance, music and laughter to the day she will take it. Eve has experience from her work in a broad range of community arts development projects; including within developing countries and local community ventures. She is passionate about creatively engaging and bringing people from a variety of backgrounds to the arts. Another of Eve’s passions is to explore new places, particularly sampling their food and meeting new people.

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.

Lucy McDougall-Sagner

Facilitator

Lucy is studying a bachelor of Behavioural Science at QUT.  Lucy loves working at Chill because it inspires her to get out of her comfort zone. She is passionate about listening to music and podcasts, learning Spanish, true crime and decorating her home with midcentury modern furniture & plants. She also loves to end the week with an ice-cold spicy marg with the company of good friends.

Emma Ford

BBehavSc(Psych) (Hons)
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.

Grace Eadie

BPsych / BJus
Facilitator

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.

Ilda Fetahagic

BBus
Facilitator

As a new Melbourne resident, Ilda has loved everything from the coffee to the culture. She is currently finishing her Business degree so in her spare time she is probably exploring anything food, football or thrifting related. She comes from a big Bosnian family so loves being surrounded by all different types of people, and trying to make at least one laugh.

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.

Tom Meggitt

BPsychSc (Hons)
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!

Daniel Simpson

BA (Creative Arts)
Facilitator

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.

Mikey Bowdler

Facilitator

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!

Lachlan Whelan

BFA (Film, Screen & New Media)
Facilitator

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.

Helen Whelan

BA (Drama), RN
Founding CEO / Director

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 27-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.

Georgia Fullerton

BA (Music & Psych) / BEd (Sec)
Facilitator

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.

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.

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.

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.

Melanie Sanchez

BPsych (Hons)
Manager – Website/Social Media

Melanie is an honours graduate in psychology who is passionate about supporting those in the neurodiverse community to grow and thrive. She is currently studying a Master of Speech Pathology. 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!

Roslyn O’Connor

Manager – Administration

Roslyn has had a diverse career that spans both the corporate and private sector, with senior corporate management roles as well as business ownership in the retail and digital space. An example of that experience has been in the banking sector as a corporate money market dealer as well as building, owning and operating several businesses including award winning retail enterprises and a digital marketing agency. Her Behavioural Studies degree has given her the knowledge to apply these learnings into the psychology of business and people behaviour, to understand the best path for any business and its people to better success in their respective fields of endeavour.

Anthony O’Donohue

Manager – Creative Programs

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

Trish Stewart

BFA (Visual Arts)
Manager – Enrolments / Chill Families

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.

Lisa Aitken

BAM, JP (Qual)
Manager – Operations

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

BA, BSc (Hons)
Director / Creative

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.

Associate Professor Michael Whelan

(1962 – 2022)
Founder

Michael was 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 was an Associate Professor in Music and Sound in the Creative Industries Faculty at Queensland University of Technology where he continued his work supporting young people on the autism spectrum. Michael was currently lead researcher on the Autism CRC’s inclusionED Project.

Michael was and still is a cornerstone of Chill in all it’s aspects. He will always be a part of our Chill family.

Aniway Aquilizan

BA (Art History) / BSocSc (Community Development)
Facilitator

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!

Zaide Harker

LLB (Hons)

Facilitator

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.

Alice Thacker

Facilitator

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.

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).

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.

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.