Paul Willesden – Managing Director

Paul Willesden serves as the Managing Director for RSA Disability Support Services. He brings a wealth of experience in Business Development across various industries and has a deep-rooted commitment to the disability sector. Since founding Respite Services Australia (now RSA Disability Support Services) in 2019, Paul has been instrumental in steering the company towards significant growth. Under his leadership, RSA has expanded its housing facilities and enhanced its range of specialized services, ensuring high-quality support for individuals with disabilities. His visionary approach and dedication have been key drivers in RSA’s success, making it a trusted name in disability support services.

Jason Burns – General Manager

Jason was appointed General Manager of RSA in 2021 to drive the growth and expansion of RSA’s services while maintaining our adherence to quality standards. He has a Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Disabilities and has over 20 years’ experience in all aspects of business. Having worked in public practice, private organisations and Disability enterprise, he has a wide breadth of knowledge ready to share and grow with RSA. Jason has also been involved with NDIS on a personal level since 2013 caring for his son who has Cerebral Palsy.

Jessica Weston – Quality Assurance and Client Relations Officer

With over two decades of service in the disability sector, Jess began her journey in 1997 while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science with a major in Autism and following this up with a Post Graduate qualification in Special Education and Human Services.

Throughout her career, she has worked across diverse sectors including mental health, acquired brain injury, and autism-specific education. She also ran a successful consulting business specializing in autism intervention and case management. She has experience with the NDIA, overseeing teams of local area coordinators across 5 LGAs.

She began working with RSA in 2019, helping to set up the first site. After a brief break, she returned in 2023 and is currently serving as the Quality and Client Relations Officer. Her passion lies in empowering teams to achieve excellence and ensuring clients lead fulfilling lives.

Julie Larsen – Administration Manager

Julie Larsen is the Administration Manager at RSA Disability Support Services. With a background in managing administrative processes and supporting individuals with disabilities, Julie brings a compassionate approach to her role. She focuses on understanding each client’s unique goals and needs, ensuring that administrative processes are smooth and tailored to facilitate their journey towards greater well-being and independence. Her dedication to personalized care and efficient administration plays a key role in enhancing the quality of services provided by RSA Disability Support Services.

Raewyn Tuhiwai – Moone Ponds Site Manager

Raewyn has worked in the Mental Health & Disability sectors for over 12 years, starting as a front-line worker, building experience and skill that she has taken into her leadership roles. She is passionate about building teams that are capable, adaptable and confident in providing person-centered supports to residents. 

Awards & Achievements: 

• Karslake Award – For those who demonstrate exceptional integrity, excellence, dedication, teamwork, professionalism, advocacy and a commitment to recovery, independence and inclusion for clients families and carers.
• Finalist – Victorian Disability Awards, Excellence in promoting rights, fairness, and safety.

Destiny Nichols – Thornbury Site Manager

Destiny started to work in the disability sector in 2022, after completing a double degree in Social work and Human Services. She strongly believes in a holistic and person-centered approach to support, she is always considerate of the individual’s needs, wants, and preferences first. She firmly believe that everyone has the right to be supported in a way that meets their individual needs.

Awards & Achievements: 

• Combined Bachelor of Human Services and Master of social work (2022) 

Mary Joy Gumobao – Chadstone Site Coordinator

Mary has 2 years and 8 months experience working as a disability support worker at RSA and within those years she has been a team leader in making sure the shift and staff are well coordinated, along with supporting them. 

She is very passionate about her work and providing person- centered supports to residents. She has been involved with NDIS on a personal level just this year (2023) caring for my daughter who has ASD. 

Awards & Achievements: 

• Accomplished background in Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management.(2019)
• Certificate III in Individual Support (Home, Care, & Community) (2021)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing- 2nd year (Present) 
• Behaviour Support Training (2021)