Your Wellbeing Team
Abbie Ford - Support Coordinator/Social Worker (Director)
Abbie is a Social Worker with over 20 years experience in the mental health and family support fields. As a founder and company Director, Abbie has her finger in all of our pies. On any given day she might be seeing a client, balancing the books or supporting staff to learn new skills.
Her social work background enables her to help clients overcome life challenges and barriers they face in achieving their goals. Her ‘can do’ nature and diverse skill set enable her to problem solve any challenge that may pop up.
When Abbie is not at work, you’ll find her exploring the Op Shops for a new piece to add to her stylish wardrobe. We always look forward to checking out Abbie’s stylish outfits and her new op shop finds!
Tammy Fidler – Psychologist (Director)
Tammy is our Psychologist and in partnership with Abbie, founded Fidler and Ford. She is based in St Helens on the North East Coast. Tammy works with adults, children and families. Her experience includes both Assessment and Therapy for a range of presentations. She has a particular interest in Autism and ADHD assessments and support. For Tammy, the right support comes from a client-focused and person-centred framework.
Tammy integrates a variety of therapy solutions to help her clients and believes in providing them with psychoeducation and strategies they can use throughout their daily life. These strategies enable Tammy’s clients to face everyday challenges and live the best life they can.
In her spare time, Tammy enjoys keeping active by spending time with her friends and family and enjoying the Coastal lifestyle. You’ll often find her swimming at some crazy hour in the morning or on an evening run with her friends.
Tammy is continuously building on her knowledge and skill base so she can provide the best solutions to our clients.
Tania Smelter – Support Coordinator
Tania is our Support Coordinator, helping NDIS participants understand their plans, connect with the right services, and achieve their goals. She also plays a vital role in the office, supporting our psychologists and assisting with client needs being based at the Fidler and Ford hub and office. With over 30 years of experience in the dental and medical industries, she has completed a Cert IV in dental and Cert IV in business. Tania brings extensive knowledge, strong organisational skills, and a natural problem-solving mindset to every challenge.
Outside of work, Tania loves exploring new places with her daughters and friends. Creative and caring by nature, she has a passion for animals, the arts, cooking, gardening, and beach life. She has also completed studies in Business and is always on the go.
Originally from Perth, WA, Tania is well-travelled and has called Australia’s east coast home for just over a decade. These days, she’s fully embracing the relaxed Tassie lifestyle. You’ll often find her tending to our garden or enjoying local adventures.
Annie Morton – Psychologist
Annie is our part-time Psychologist, based in Tasmania but regularly travels to the east coast to see her clients. She provides support to adults, children, and families, with expertise in both assessment and therapy for a variety of issues. Annie has a particular interest in Trauma, EMDR, eating disorders, learning disorders, and ADHD assessments and support. She is dedicated to continually expanding her knowledge and skills to offer the best solutions to her clients.
Known for being a supportive and empathetic presence, Annie is often described as a best friend to those navigating troubled times.
In her spare time, Annie enjoys family life and socialising with friends.
Courtney Alomes - Office Administrator
Courtney is our exceptional administrator, bringing a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to her role at Fidler and Ford. With a completed degree in Psychology and a Certificate III in Individual Support, she is perfectly equipped to enhance our team’s efficiency and client experience.
Courtney has grown her skills in rostering since joining Fidler and Ford, developing into a highly proficient team member who excels in managing and problem-solving roster conflicts with efficiency and professionalism.
A proud local from St Helens, Courtney loves hooking up the van for weekend camping adventures, is an avid sea shell and treasure hunter, and is a passionate speedway fan, often travelling to the mainland for major events. She also loves trying out new recipes and altering them for camp/van life.
Courtney brings energy, dedication, and a personal touch that makes her an invaluable member of the team.
Laura Worby – Support Worker
Laura is one of the original team members at Fidler and Ford, having been with us since day one. Her extensive experience in providing exceptional support to our longest-standing participants is complemented by her background in hospitality management, which has honed her interpersonal skills and ability to understand and address the needs of others.
Laura has also pursued further studies in Individual Support and other relevant courses to continuously enhance her knowledge and skills in participant care.
As a devoted mother to two teenage daughters, Laura cherishes all that motherhood brings to her life. She is a keen photographer and an outdoor enthusiast, often found at the beach at dawn capturing stunning photos or working on garden projects. Known for her creativity and hands-on approach, Laura loves to encourage these traits in others. She’s our go-to person for tackling various tasks with enthusiasm and resourcefulness.
Ruth O’Dowd - Allied Health Assistant
Ruth is our Allied Health Assistant and has a decade of teaching under her belt, including five years specialising in working with autistic students. Her passion lies in understanding each person individually and crafting tailored programs that engage and motivate clients to achieve their goals. Ruth has undertaken advanced training in the Orton-Gillingham Approach program. She can provide one-on-one personalised support for you or your child to build strategies to build confidence and foundational literacy skills, including those with dyslexia and other learning challenges.
Ruth excels at thinking outside the box to design fun, cross-curricular activities that seamlessly blend learning with enjoyment. Her background includes a BA in archaeology, which she has creatively applied by organising simulated digs for kids and teens.
Jodie Andrews - Support Worker
Jodie has brought a wealth of experience to the Fidler and Ford family, having worked with individuals requiring highly intensive care. Jodies background makes her a valuable asset to our team, and she also dedicates time to volunteering at a local community-run organisation.
Jodie is a proud mother of three wonderful sons and is newly married. A passionate cat lover, and often brings her culinary skills to the table by cooking up a storm with participants at our respite house.
With a can-do attitude and a love for the diverse nature of her role, Jodie embraces every challenge with enthusiasm and is thriving in her role with Fidler and Ford.
Emma Harris- Support Worker
Emma Harris brings over 8 years of compassionate, person-centered experience in the healthcare and disability support sector. With a soulful and intuitive approach, Emma has supported individuals with a wide range of intellectual and physical disabilities, including acquired brain injuries, autism, Asperger’s, Down syndrome, mobility impairments, diabetes, and dementia.
A deeply creative soul, Emma integrates her background in the arts to enrich the lives of those she supports. She has facilitated both one-on-one and group art therapy workshops, offering meaningful outlets for expression, connection, and personal growth. Her calm presence, empathetic nature, and dedication to dignity and inclusion make her a beloved member of our team.
Emma is passionate about nurturing the whole person and creating supportive environments where every individual feels seen, heard, and empowered.
Jeremy Kuipers – Support Worker
Jeremy “Jez” is one of the most energetic and enthusiastic members of the Fidler and Ford team. His passion for working with participants shines through in his spontaneous and adventurous approach to every challenge.
As a father, Jez naturally connects well with kids, often seen fishing at the jetty, bike riding, or embarking on new adventures with them. His love for gaming also adds an extra layer of rapport, as the kids enjoy discussing game worlds with him.
In his spare time, Jez treasures homelife with his partner and puppy. With extensive experience in supporting individuals with complex mental health needs and physical disabilities, Jez is dedicated to helping each participant achieve their goals.
Joey Short – Support Worker
Joey is one of the youngest and most energetic members of our support team. A proud local from the east coast, he’ll be the first to tell you he lives in the best place in the world. In his free time, Joey can usually be found at the beach, surfing, skateboarding, or strumming his guitar.
Joey brings genuine passion and enthusiasm to his role, especially when working with younger participants. He thrives on building connections through shared outdoor adventures and loves helping others make the most of their time in nature. His musical talents are a real bonus—Joey often takes his guitar outside, teaching participants how to play and even co-creating songs with them. His ability to blend fun, creativity, and support makes him a valued and inspiring part of our team. He is currently studying his Certificate III in Individual Support.
Bianca Radford - Support Worker
Bianca is a breath of fresh air at Fidler and Ford, infusing the team with her enthusiasm for cooking, dancing, and having fun. Her cheerful attitude and sense of humor make her a natural fit as a support worker, and she's always eager to take on any task, including overnight weekend shifts.
Balancing her busy life, Bianca enjoys going on adventures with her young family. Growing up in St Helens, she is well-known and well-liked in the community, which adds a personal touch to her role.
Bianca has now completed her Certificate III in Individual Support, further strengthening her skills and commitment to providing high-quality care. With her qualifications, energy, and dedication, Bianca is set to remain a valuable long-term asset to the company.
Ashley Roberts - Support Worker
Ashley has been a dedicated support worker for some time, drawing on her deep familiarity with St Helens and its east coast community, where she grew up. Balancing a young family, she appreciates the flexibility of her part-time role with Fidler and Ford.
Ashley’s enthusiasm for her work is evident in her willingness to embrace a wide range of activities, from fishing and pottery to cooking. She especially enjoys connecting with younger participants and exploring nature with them, adding a vibrant and adventurous element to her role.
Sally Graham - Support Worker
Sally is a born and bred Tasmanian, affectionately known as "Sall," and brings a positive attitude and enthusiasm to her new career in individual support. She has completed her Certificate III in Individual Support, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to provide compassionate, high-quality care and support to participants.
A proactive and dedicated team member, Sally embraces every challenge that comes her way. She balances her professional role with her personal interests, including playing netball, running, and arts and crafts. Her passion for the outdoors complements her approach to support, and she frequently travels on weekends with her daughter to visit family, attend netball carnivals, go hiking, or participate in triathlons.
Sally thrives on making a meaningful difference in the lives of participants and brings energy, enthusiasm, and a caring touch to every interaction.
Melanie Tetlow - Support worker
Mel brings with her a wealth of experience from many years in the employment services industry. Excited by a meaningful career change, Mel has embraced her new role in support work with enthusiasm and warmth.
A keen photographer in her spare time, Mel finds joy in capturing the beauty of the beach and nature—two of her favourite places to unwind. Her love for the outdoors and eye for detail make her a great companion for participants who enjoy nature walks, coastal visits, and creative activities.
Mel’s vibrant energy and positive outlook have already made a big impact. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and participants have been excited and engaged by her presence. We’re thrilled to have her on board as she brings a fresh perspective and a genuine passion for helping others thrive.
Dolly - Office Dog
Dolly was lucky enough to start spending time at the office right from the very beginning. She has a wealth of experience with people of all shapes and sizes. Dogs are well known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and decrease anxiety amongst the clients and staff.
Studies show that dogs often act as icebreaker, facilitate communication and social cohesion.
Dolly makes the workplace a much more relaxed environment. Boosting the team one wag at a time!
