Co-Founder and Director
Lou brings exceptional leadership, vision, and a passion for empowering young people living with disability. With a wealth of business expertise, he drives our mission to create innovative programs that build real-world skills, foster independence, and open pathways to meaningful employment. His collaborative approach and belief in every individual’s potential inspire our team, participants, and community alike.
Co-Founder and Director
With over 23 years of experience managing commercial operations and driving technology start-ups, Neil has also re-imagined the businesses of two Australian Disability Enterprises. A passionate advocate for innovation in disability employment, he champions supported microbusiness initiatives and believes in empowering people with disability to become entrepreneurs. Neil’s blend of commercial flair and fresh thinking continues to open new, participant-focused pathways to meaningful work.
Creative Arts Educator & Program Lead
With over three decades of inspiring creativity, Carmela transforms art into a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence, and connection. A registered teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching, she creates vibrant, inclusive spaces where individuality is celebrated, and every brushstroke tells a story. At S4E, Carmela’s classes empower participants to explore their unique artistic voices, build skills, and discover the joy of creating — no matter their ability or experience.
Finance & Business Services
With over 20 years of experience in small business and six years specialising in finance and accounting for NDIS providers, Sandra brings precision, integrity, and expertise to her role at S4E. She ensures financial systems run smoothly, supports compliance, and provides a strong foundation that enables the team to focus on empowering participants. Sandra’s commitment to ethical practice and her passion for the disability sector drive her work behind the scenes, helping S4E deliver sustainable, high-quality support.
Program Coordinator
With over a decade in corporate leadership and formal education in Engineering and Management, Raj now designs and delivers tailored programs that help young people living with disability step confidently into the workforce. Combining strategic thinking, technical expertise, and a passion for inclusion, she empowers participants to build skills, explore career paths, and thrive in meaningful employment.
Independent Living Trainer
With a rich and varied career spanning India, the UK, and Australia, Tajinder brings a global perspective to her work. Her diverse background across the legal, retail, nursing, and community services sectors reflects her adaptability, compassion, and deep commitment to making a meaningful impact. Passionate about community empowerment, Tajinder helps participants improve their quality of life by fostering independence and confidence through independent living training at S4E. Tajinder’s legal background has sparked a genuine interest in compliance and audits. She enjoys diving into the details and ensuring everything aligns with the highest standards. Her personal values align closely with those of S4E, and she brings them to life in her everyday approach. Integrity, inclusivity, and community are not just ideals for Tajinder—they are principles she lives by. Outside of work, Tajinder enjoys spending quality time with her family and finds joy and relaxation in listening to music.
Disability Support Worker & Participant Transport
Scott has been with S4E since January 2025, after achieving a Cert IV in Mental Health and completing his placement hours with S4E in 2024. Since then, he has brought that qualification and his experience as a barista, podcast producer and musician to the team. His role in the team includes building our participants’ confidence behind the espresso machine, guiding them through the complex world of music production, having meaningful conversations on the S4E Podcast and much more. Scott’s occupational experience spans multiple industries, as well as small business ownership, and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with our participants, guiding and preparing them for the rewards and challenges of their employment journey. With values that align with our own, Scott believes in helping others seek out productive discomfort; that doing hard things increases self-esteem and autonomy, empowering someone to face life, and all it has to offer.
Participant Support & Wellbeing Specialist
After a career in accounting and business, Melissa followed her passion for helping people and transitioned into disability support. She brings warmth, patience, and cultural understanding to her role at S4E, drawing on her Certificate IV in Mental Health and her lived experience as a migrant mother of two. Currently studying a Master of Social Work, Melissa is committed to empowering young adults as they move from school into community life, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and connected.
Woodworking Instructor & Furniture Designer
With over 30 years of experience in furniture-making and restoration, Bernie brings craftsmanship, creativity, and care to his role at S4E. For the past three years, he has shared his expertise through hands-on woodworking classes, where participants create unique pieces that often find new homes through online sales. Before joining S4E, Bernie ran his own successful furniture business — even earning a feature in Home Beautiful magazine — and has spent the last decade teaching his skills to disadvantaged youth and community groups. Known for his generosity and down-to-earth nature, Bernie is passionate about helping others discover confidence, independence, and purpose through the joy of making.
