Speak My Language

Cassie is our Safeguarding Mentor and has been an assistant SML Concept designer and training content writer and presenter. She holds a Degree in Psychology and a Certificate 3 in Education Support. Cassie has over 20 years experience in the youth and disability services sector as a counsellor, case manager and family support worker. This includes 15 years’ experience as the Manager of a not-for-profit Youth Service in Sydney. She has served on Boards and working groups for several government and non-government organisations (child and youth focus) and for a non-government school. Concurrent with her role in SML Cassie is employed as a School Support Officer within the Department for Education, South Australia.

Cassie is also a trained facilitator in "What's the Buzz?" - a social and emotional literacy program for children and teens. She has a sound and current knowledge of Autism Spectrum Condition, Reactive Attachment Disorders, ADD/ADHD and Trauma Informed Practice. She also has extensive experience providing supervision and training to staff acting in various roles as well as experience writing policies and procedures, which she has done for SML throughout the codesign stages. Cassie has current Working with Children and Reporting Abuse and Neglect clearances which is verified by the SML National Program Manager and the CEO of the Ethnic Communities' Council of NSW.

Jude Borromeo is our Training, Development and Communications Officer.

Jude has excellent skills in social media marketing and in the creation and delivery of on-line learning.

Over the past several years, Jude has honed his skills in on-line marketing and effectively using social media platforms (traditional and emerging) to promote brands and to reach target audiences. He has inspired SML to creatively use LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and other platforms throughout the design and delivery of the SML Program.

Jude has also been instrumental to assist us to implement training for State/Territory Coordinators, Travellers and Mentors using on-line content delivery and web-conferencing via programs such as Zoom.
Jude has an interest in building inclusion with people with disability, and has volunteered his services throughout his adult life towards this shared goal.

Vanessa Papastavros is the Communications and Engagement Officer for Speak My Language, overseeing the national media and communications strategy for the program. Vanessa graduated with first class Honours from a Bachelor of Media and Communications (Media, Arts and Production). She received the university medal for her original research on cross-cultural representations of gender deviance in children's animated media. She has a particular interest in cross-cultural communication and transnational media. Vanessa has worked as a media and communications adviser for two Federal Members of Parliament in Australia's most multicultural electorate, Reid. During this time, she oversaw the digital media strategy for a successful Federal Government election campaign in a marginal seat. Vanessa assisted in the early development of Speak My Language (Ageing Well). She is looking forward to contributing to the Speak My Language (Disability) program to assist in delivering engaging content for people living with a disability from diverse backgrounds.