Team Lou’s
Nicole Yade, General Manager
Nicole took up the role of General Manager at Lou's Place in September 2017.
Nicole has over 20 years experience managing and delivering case work and counselling services and community development initiatives for highly vulnerable people in the NGO sector. Much of this work has involved working across cultures with traumatised populations, including extensive work with refugees, asylum seekers and Aboriginal communities.
Nicole has highly developed leadership skills in community services including crisis intervention, debriefing and supporting people in emergency situations, including extensive work experience in homelessness, domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse. With a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) majoring in psycho-social Anthropology, a Diploma of Management, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and studies in Forced Migration at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Nicole values the strengths, resilience and expertise of all people and communities she works with.
Brianna Attard, CASE MANAGER
Brianna started as a case manager at Lou’s Place in November 2018. She has previously gained valuable volunteer experience in community legal centres, a centre for sexual violence and a feminist education organisation.
Brianna studied a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, before becoming a solicitor. She also has a Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) and a Diploma of Counselling.
Brianna has experience supporting women living with and escaping from domestic violence. She has also facilitated education sessions with men and boys on the topics of domestic violence, masculinity and respectful relationships.
Mahasti Askari, Case Manager
Mahasti started at Lou’s Place in June 2019 as a Case Manager, after extensive experience working in complex case management roles. Mahasti has worked for over ten years supporting women who have experienced trauma in particular domestic violence and homelessness in organisations including the Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, and Alice Springs Women’s Shelter.
Mahasti holds a Bachelor of Nursing and is passionate about health and wellbeing. In particular, Mahasti is committed to assisting women from diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal women to engage in culturally appropriate services. Mahasti is also fluent in Farsi and Arabic.
Mahasti is also a Money Minded facilitator, and has a depth of experience in family safety meetings and supporting suicidal clients with safety planning.
Jennifer Smith, Case Manager
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Social Science and joined the Lou’s Place team in June 2019. With over 20 years’ experience in case management Jennifer has worked in Youth Services, Homelessness, Justice and Corrections and Child Protection.
Jennifer is committed to supporting women who have experienced complex trauma and has specialised skills in working with personality disorders including narcissism, sociopathy, and borderline personalities. She also has extensive practice supporting women who have experienced domestic and family violence, mental health issues, and issues related to Alcohol and Drug use.
Jennifer is a strong advocate for her clients and uses her extensive knowledge of the law and legal systems to achieve outcomes for all the people she works with.
Lavender BateS, Community Services Coordinator
Lavender began volunteering at Lou's Place in May 2018 and transitioned into the Community Services Coordinator role in February 2019.
Lavender has a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Counselling, and is currently completing her Masters in Social Work. Lavender has excellent experience supporting people with complex needs including at Odyssey House, Jarrah House and the O'Brien Centre at St Vincent's Hospital. Lavender has also been a Practice Manager at Peak Health Services, and has assisted co-ordinating forums such as “Crossing Borders – Mental Health + The Experience of Seeking Asylum” Symposium at the University of Notre Dame in 2014.
Lavender has gained significant experience in the areas of homelessness, allied health and international development. She has also volunteered as a youth mentor, and volunteered internationally with Tibetan refugees in India. Lavender has recently completed further studies in Open Dialogue and aligns herself with values grounded in intersectional feminism.