Alana (Lana) Mitchell, Director of i AM Support, brings over 15 years of experience in the disability and mental health sectors across Australia and New Zealand. As the founder of i AM Support, her first "baby," Lana's passion shines through in everything she does. She is driven by her lived experience as a person born with a hand difference and as a mother to a son with unique needs, which has shaped her deep commitment to advocating for people with disabilities.

In addition to leading i AM Support, Lana holds volunteer governance roles with two not-for-profit organisations supporting people with limb differences. Lana is passionate about helping children, young people, and families with complex support needs and is also dedicated to supporting individuals transitioning from custodial settings back to their community.

Lana was recently recognised with the 2024 Enablement Award for Most Outstanding Specialist Support Coordination Services Provider, celebrating her leadership and dedication within the sector.

Lana’s favourite thing about being a support coordinator is seeing the difference good support can make to quality of life, while building strong, supportive relationships. If Lana wasn't a support coordinator, she would be a hand surgeon, or giving back to the limb difference community.

Outside of work, Lana enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, and indulging in her favourite foods— seafood and Vietnamese. Originally from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, she finds peace in nature and loves spending time with her family and her pomeranian dog, Ana.

Values: Connection, Inclusion, Love, Relationships

Brayden is the driving force behind the operations of i AM Support and the biggest supporter of Alana’s vision and lived experience within the disability sector. He plays a vital role in managing the behind-the-scenes functions, always encouraging the growth and direction of the business.

A true outdoorsman, Brayden loves boating and diving and holds commercial diving qualifications. On a sunny summer day, you'll most likely find him out on the water. As a dedicated foodie, Brayden enjoys seafood of all kinds. With a kind heart and a personal connection to disability, Brayden is committed to advocacy and ensuring i AM Support makes a difference.

Values: Growth, Innovation, Integrity

Dave’s favourite aspect of being a Support Coordinator is witnessing the positive changes in the lives of the people we support. For Dave, the true reward comes from knowing his efforts are making a real difference. At i AM Support, Dave appreciates how much the organisation values both its staff and the people it supports, prioritising their needs over anything else.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his family, catching up on sleep, indulging in good food, and going on relaxing drives. His go-to meal is a classic Chicken Parmigiana and Chips, and his favourite song is The Remedy by Jason Mraz. If he weren’t a Support Coordinator, Dave would pursue his passion for becoming a specialised driving instructor.

With extensive experience in sales, customer service, and the car industry, including roles at Toyota and Lexus, as well as being a former state sales manager for a disability mobility provider, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge. His strengths include empathy, problem-solving, and building trust with those around him.

Values: Love, Honesty, Ethics, Compassion, Integrity, Freedom

Marnie’s favourite part of being a Support Coordinator is helping those who don’t have a voice, making sure they feel heard and supported. At i AM Support, Marnie loves the family-like environment, surrounded by like-minded people who genuinely care.

When she's not at work, Marnie enjoys anything related to the ocean, her happy place, and loves spending time with her daughter and exploring new travel destinations. As a true foodie, she enjoys all things culinary, and one of her best memories is hearing Coldplay's "A Sky Full of Stars" live. If not a Support Coordinator, Marnie could see herself as either an archaeologist discovering ancient ruins or a marine biologist.

Marnie’s qualifications include the AICD - NFP Governance Course, a Postgraduate in Communications, and several specialised trainings, including the Microboards Behaviour Support Intensive and Inspired Conscious Leadership Course. She considers her life experience one of her most important qualifications.

Marnie’s strengths lie in leadership, social ethics, holistic thinking, and collaboration, while her core values are authentic empathy, integrity, resilience, and compassion.

Values: Authentic Empathy, Integrity, Resilience, Compassion

Luke’s favourite part of being a Support Coordinator is knowing that he’s helping people achieve great results to live their best lives. At i AM Support, Luke appreciates the sense of being part of a family, surrounded by supportive colleagues who share a common goal.

When he’s not working, you’ll likely find Luke snorkelling at the beach during summer, enjoying time in nature. He’s a big fan of a good, fresh wood-fired pizza, and his favourite song is "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. If he weren’t a Support Coordinator, Luke would pursue a career as a teacher or social worker.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Criminology, and Justice, Luke’s expertise lies in working with people who have mental health concerns and youth. His strengths include his willingness to learn, his hard work, and his ability to think quickly in any situation.

Values: Fairness, Equality, Loyalty to Family and Friends

Bek’s favourite part of being a Support Coordinator is the connections she makes within the community and the sense of making a real difference. At i AM Support, she feels like part of a family that shares her values and ideals. Outside of work, Bek enjoys spending time with her kids (and her husband when he's home) and loves to read. She’s a big fan of sushi and, when it comes to music, has too many favourite songs to choose just one. If she weren’t a Support Coordinator, Bek would either be a Clinical Psychologist or an astronaut (if only maths weren’t involved!).

With a BSc in Psychology and a Cert IV in Disability, Bek brings over 18 years of experience in the sector, along with lived experience of psychosocial disability. Her strengths include compassion, commitment, and a talent for working through complex situations to find solutions.

Values: Integrity, Honesty, Fairness