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An Autistic peer support group where we support celebrations, provide
connections and create communities.

Who we are and
what we are about

Different Journeys - A brief history

Different Journeys started when two mums (Mel and Merrin) came together to do something about the loneliness and isolation they and their Autistic children were experiencing. In February 2016 the first Autistic Teen Peer Support Social Group event was held at Club Kilsyth. It was an overwhelming and immediate success. Different Journeys has continued to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our Autistic community from that day on. Our talented pool of volunteers, peer mentors, Board members, partners and professional supporters has also grown. We are proud of our collective achievements and of the many lives that have been positively changed forever because of Different Journeys. Why not join us? Everyone’s welcome.

“The journey for families for teens and adults is made that little bit easier by connecting with the world and not feeling so alone.”  Mel Spencer – Executive Officer and co-founder

Our peer support social events are for both Autistic teens, Autistic adults, the carer(s) and their families. It allows individuals to build transferrable skill sets such as communication skills, social skills, ability to maintain more meaningful relationships and skills to access the community. There are lots of ‘hidden rules’ when going out socially in public and Different Journeys aims to empower our Autistic community with the skills and knowledge by creating real events in a safe and supported environment to learn. Our holistic wraparound approach enables carers to also build their networks, learn different approaches and learning to navigate the maze. 

Events
Resources

Different Journeys specialises in helping teens and adults living with Autism, and their families, to come together and socialise. It is an opportunity in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. 

Meet the Team

Our Board

Mel Spencer

Executive Officer
Co-founder

Mel Spencer

Executive Officer | Co-founder

Mel Spencer is a fierce Autistic advocate. As a parent to 3 Autistic teenagers and identifying as Autistic herself (Mel realised as a result of her own children being diagnosed she too is on the Autism spectrum), she is committed to ensuring that the world is more accommodating and accepting of the Autism community, which includes supporting both the Autistic individual and their family, including parents and carers. She is very passionate about making a difference and finding creative ways to overcome the challenges and obstacles that present along the way.
Her background is 18 years with the Victoria Police Force, predominantly in the area of investigations and support of victims of sexual, physical and domestic violence. She has completed a Certificate IV in Disability and Small Business Management. She has, for the past two years been the proud recipient of the State Government Women In Boards Leadership program, which connected her with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2020 she was inducted into Victorian Women’sHonour roll that supports outstanding achievements by women.
Mel is the co-founder and current Executive Officer of Different Journeys which she started with Merrin Ayton to ensure that her children had the opportunity to connect with a wider world than their bedrooms. Her vision for Different Journeys is to provide opportunities for our Autistic community to find meaningful ways to connect and empower both themselves and their families, ensuring they have every opportunity that is afforded to them so they can lead a fulfilling life.

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Merrin Ayton

Co-Founder

Merrin Ayton

Co-Founder

Merrin Ayton has been a passionate advocate for the Autistic community over the last 19 years and has two young adults on the spectrum. Her Autism journey began when her eldest son was diagnosed in 2001. Merrin has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the needs of the Autistic teen and adult to the wider community. As Merrin navigated her way through the maze of early intervention programs, health professionals, therapists, both the public and private education systems she quickly realised how difficult the journey could be, the limitations of many of the programs on offer and the lack of supported social activities available for her boys to participate in. For seven years, Merrin held various positions on the Irabina Childhood Autism Services board of directors. Merrin has worked in secondary education for over twenty years, specialising in maths and science. Her teaching experience has enabled her to work with her fellow educators to share her knowledge and understanding of the Autistic student’s needs.

In 2016, the co-founders Merrin and Mel’s dream for an Autistic friendly event where teens could meet, share their ideas, find a tribe and hang out, like other teens was held. In her role as a director on the DJ board, Merrin’s vision is the continue to raise awareness of the needs of the Autistic individual, their families and carers. To work with service agencies and the government to provide pathways that will help our autistic community to be connected and empowered. To be part of the DJ conduit as it works to enable the members of our Autistic community to achieve success, provide opportunities to be connected and have fulfilling lives.

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Nick Pritchard

Chairperson

Nick Pritchard

Chairperson

Upon hearing some of the challenges faced by the autistic community, Nick decided to join Different Journeys as a board member and volunteer. This has since progressed into Nick taking up the position of Chairperson to our board and doing a wonderful job.

Nick concedes his understanding of autism was limited but also felt his strong business and other skills, could help make a valuable contribution.

Nick has nearly 20 years as a General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of both private and public companies.

He has a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and considerable international experience across sales, marketing, finance, manufacturing and HR functions.

He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of KINCROME Tools & Equipment.

Nick and his family live bayside in Melbourne.

When Nick is not working, he likes to travel, go to watch his mighty Hawks AFL team, and spend time on the water.

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Daniel Munter

Deputy Chair

Daniel Munter

Deputy Chair

Daniel is an autistic and passionate person who adopts a ‘person-first’ approach to the development of Autistic youth. He strives every day to enrich the lives of the Autistic community, as well as create opportunities for individual personal development.  He is currently employed as a Youth Programs Manager at Children and Young People with Disability Australia. Daniel has worked for the I Can Network for over three years, producing stronger Autism advocacy and mental health outcomes for young Autistics. He is also a staunch advocate. Daniel has a Bachelor of Music from the Australian Institute of Music and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences from Monash University. 

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Matt Parker

Treasurer

Tina Valentine

Treasurer

Matthew Parker is the Senior Adviser of the VPS Enablers Network

An advocate for genuine inclusion and positive attitudes for people of all abilities Matt manages a 550 plus VPS Enablers Network for people with disabilities in the Victorian Public Service. In 2016 and 2017 Matt completed the Oxfam Trailwalker with some great mates - ‘If I am given the assistance to walk 100 kilometres I can work my hardest in my preferred job – Give people with disabilities a chance they need in Getting to Work because I don’t think we will let you down”

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Fred Brumhead

Special Consultant

Fred Brumhead

Special Consultant

Fred has been at IOE since 1989. For Fred, becoming the CEO of the organisation ‘sort of just happened’ over the years. It was nothing he planned or ever anticipated. Fred has a Bachelor Degree in Recreation and a Graduate Diploma in Business Management. IOE is a very successful organisation with Fred at the helm for over 30 years. Naturally at home playing in mud, water on the sporting field rather than the corporate boardroom, Fred is grateful that IOE has enabled him such variety and the opportunity to engage with families across a range of actives. Being hard to please, Fred is always focused on making IOE a better and effective service for families of children and young people with disabilities. Having previously worked for three other disability organisations prior to coming to IOE, Fred has, in his role as CEO, worked to ensure that IOE has not followed the direction of the other organisations but has maintained its own path and values – a commitment which has shaped the development of IOE over the years. 

So why do I support DJ’s

  • Comes from lived experience
  • Developed by people with passion, determination and a willingness to put in the work
  • Assumes competence
  • Builds confidence & resilience
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Jesse Baker

Secretary

Jesse Baker

Secretary

Jesse is a dedicated professional who has a passion for creating tailored opportunities for young people in the community. With an extensive history of work and volunteering experience behind him, Jesse will be able to help create more inclusive spaces which are accessible to all. Currently working for Interchange Outer East, Jesse has vast experiences and a detailed passion for both volunteer development and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. “I look forward to meeting, learning from, and providing support to the Different Journeys members as a board member ”.

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Ru Ying Cai

Non-Executive Position

Ru Ying Cai

Non-Executive Position

Ru is a postdoctoral researcher who is currently working at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) on various projects to better understand the experiences and support needs of Autistic youth, adults, and their parents. Ru first learnt about autism 10 years ago and now she hopes to spend her life supporting autistic individuals. She has recently completed her PhD at La Trobe University with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, examining emotion regulation and mental health in Autistic youth and adults. Ru has also conducted research in Autism on the topics of tertiary education, employment and financial wellbeing, presenting the findings from these research areas at national and international conferences and publishing in various international journals.

Most of my research work does not immediately improve Autistic people's lives, because translation of research to practice takes a long time. I wanted to be able to assist an organization that directly supports autistic individuals and I chose Different Journeys for the great work that's been done and Mel's passion. 

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Tina Valentine

Risk and Policy Advisor

Tina Valentine

Risk and Policy Advisor

My skills and experience are in risk management, compliance and business in both the corporate and tertiary sectors. 

I serve on two not-for-profit boards and enjoy working in this sector.  I am delighted to now join Different Journey’s in the capacity of advisor on the Risk and Policy committee and contribute in a small way to the work this organisation does within their community.

Different Journeys fills a need within our community, for both those with Autism and their families who are looking for social connection and services which are not available in the for profit sector.  I am happy to use my skills and experience in the risk and policy subcommittee to help this organisation thrive and survive well into the future. 

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Our Staff

Annette White

Executive Assistant

Annette White

Executive Assistant 

I am "Mum" to my autistic adult son, Bailey, and my teen daughter Holly. Previously I have been involved in organising weekends away with families with autistic children. Bailey and I have been attending Different Journey events for over four years which has allowed us both to extend our networks of friends at both teen and adult events. As attendees, we go to regular events and information evenings as well as making long-term, genuine friendships within the community of autistic young people and adults, and their carers. I am truly excited to join the team at Different Journeys with my administration skills to be able to give back to a group of dedicated volunteers who have given us, personally, so much in terms of networking, job opportunities and advocacy with the autism sector. Personally, I enjoy holidays with my family, gardening, cooking, herbs, drinking lots of tea, snuggling with my dogs Polly & Jasper and anything related to 80s music, Betty Boop, Baby Yoda or the Muppets.

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Emily

Autism Family Swim Night Event Manager

Emily

Autism Family Swim Night Event Manager

Hi I’m Emily. Mum to a young man with autism. Initially having extensive experience in Customer Service, I am currently pursuing a career in becoming a para-legal. I also volunteer as an Independent Third Person, where I provide support to those with a disability or mental health condition that find themselves involved with police. My role is to ensure they understand what is occurring within police processes, to assist police in how to best engage with the individual and to ensure rights of the person I am supporting are upheld. I initially came to Different Journeys through the parent and carer info evenings where I was keen to learn more about how to best support my son. With the assistance of Different Journeys, my young man has now began attending social events. Now it’s time to pay it forward. For me to assist and provide support to Different Journeys families, just as we have received. 

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Megan Spencer

Peer Event Support

Megan Spencer

Peer Event Support

Megan is a mother and step mother of 4 children 3 of which are on the spectrum. Megan studied as a nurse and worked in many and varied areas in her profession.
Megan travelled extensively when she was younger and has developed many life skills from her travels.
Megan is very passionate about sharing these life skill with others, which has lead her to do her cert IV in disability. Giving her a platform to support people with disabilities to become the best version of themselves.
Megan loves to scrapbook and has her own craft room. (She can never have enough paper!!)
Megan loves going to football, (Go Pies) watching tennis and Cricket (Go Stars).

Megan not only supports people with disabilities but their families and carers with great care and understanding... If you need someone to listen.... she will be there.

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Laura Doan

Event Co-ordinator

Bailey White

Event Co-ordinator 

Laura is a bubbly, enthusiastic and passionate professional who has an extensive history working within the events industry. Laura completed her first events internship at the beginning of her second year of university working for Amaze Autism Victoria which saw her bring to life Autism Awareness Day for the Autistic Community in Victoria. With over eight years in the events field, Laura has worked across industries including not-for-profit, music, weddings, sports, experiential marketing, and government. Laura is excited to be part of Different Journeys after discovering the amazing work that the team already does for the community and the opportunities it continuously gives.

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Bailey White

Peer Event Support

Bailey White

Peer Event Support

I have participated in multiple events with Different Journeys since early 2017 and have subsequently found great comfort in the inclusiveness that the events, and the people behind them, constantly strive for. Having now volunteered with Different Journeys for multiple years, I am privileged to be able to serve in an extended role within this fantastic organisation. My skills are in statistical analysis, computer maintenance & technical support, and mathematics.

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Sam Rose

LGBTQIA Autistic Liaison Mentor

Sam Rose

LGBTQIA Autistic Liasison Mentor

Sam (they/them) is an Autistic, non-binary advocate and support worker. Sam engages in the Autistic and LGBTIQA+ community through social support, disability work, project management, and writing. Sam facilitates an LGBTIQA+ online mentoring program for young people with The I CAN Network, and is also currently co-authoring a book with Yenn Purkis for transgender and gender nonconforming Autistic teenagers. They recently completed their Arts/Psychology undergrad, and hopes to study occupational therapy in 2022. Sam recognises the importance of role models, and is passionate about developing accessible opportunities for young people to explore their identities and interests in safe environments. I” want to be part of different journeys because it is a grassroots community effort to connect up autistic individuals with each other, and with your broader social networks.

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Nathan

Supporter

Nathan

Supporter 

Greetings one and all. I've been with Different Journeys for a few years now, this organisation and the people within it have helped me to realise my full potential in life. Among help me, find some of my best friends and even to help me find work I can succeed in as well as help others thrive. Different Journeys has been a welcome step on the road I have now before me and I look forward to helping others find a way in this world of ours.

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Christina Penna

Project Co-ordinator

Christina Penna

Project Co-ordinator 

T.B.A

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Darren Ayton

Peer Support

Darren Ayton

Hi my name is Darren Ayton but most people call me Daz. I’m the husband of co-founder Merrin, who I have been married to for 35 years and very proud of her achievements with DJ. I am a father of two boys with Autism who I love and are very proud of their achievements. I have been traveling the Autism journey for over 20 years.

For the past 32 years, I have been employed by a major tool company as a Warehouse Manager and more recently the repair and Maintenance Officer. I currently work three days a week, which gives me more time to help out with DJ.

Why did I become a DJ volunteer? As a father, attending the events I noticed that the Dads don’t tend to openly talk about their journey. In my volunteer role, I am able to provide support from a father's perspective.

I love volunteering with DJ, it is great helping out, meeting and chatting with other dad’s and being able to provide peer support. I am honoured to have the opportunity to co-ordinate the Knox Family Swim events

I am a passionate supporter of the AFL. I also love cricket, fishing, gardening, and restoring veteran cars. My pride and joy is my Red 1988 Falcon ute which I am slowly restoring. I recently sold my restored 1958 Morris Minor.

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Our Supporters

Raymond

Supporter

Raymond

Raymond is a dynamic executive consultant and coach, with proven experience in supporting organisations to better define and implement strategies that achieve success. For the past 30 years, Raymond has gained experience working across all levels of Government, the community services sector, private sector and academia. His experience includes sitting on National decision-making panels and senior evidence advisory bodies; leading major reforms in clinical and allied health services; managing state-wide implementation of client and service information systems; policy development; project management; organisational development; strategic plan facilitation and overseeing national and state-wide training initiatives.

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Razz

Graphic Design

Razz

I have lots of qualification across a range of different industries, including media, fashion, business. I always enjoy taking on new challenges and upgrading my skills. I have a huge passion for youth work, supporting people to achieve goals big and small. My aim is to run a community centre that will provide a safe and inclusive environment for people of all walks of life; fostering teenagers who need just a bit of understanding. Giving time to Different Journeys is vitally important because it is a welcoming environment. They support me and I support them back.

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Angus & Rhys

Multi Marketing Solutions

Angus & Rhys

Multi Marketing Solutions

This is Angus and Rhys, the team behind Multi Marketing Solutions. Since early 2020 they have been guiding our social media presence and digital marketing strategy. Their involvement with Different Journeys has been greatly beneficial, providing them with valuable insights into the digital operations of a non-profit organisation and has presented itself as an important learning experience, as neither had prior exposure to the autism community. They greatly enjoy their involvement with the Different Journeys community and are committed to Different Journeys goals of creating an accepting and inclusive atmosphere, aiming to produce content that reflects these values. 

 

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Annie Hayward

Supporter

Annie Hayward

With more than 25 years advising Boards and C-suites in ASX-listed and unlisted companies and the not-for-profit sector, Annie now focuses on public policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about programs and projects which increase awareness of Victoria’s 736,000 unpaid carers and the social and economic value they add. Annie has led statewide research and consultation with carers and service providers to develop Victoria’s first Carer Strategy and the appointment of the State’s first Minister for Carers. A former teacher, journalist, marketing communications director and general manager, she is the founder of IRS, a strategic communications consultancy based in Melbourne. Annie holds an MBA from RMIT University, a Bachelor of Education from University of South Australia and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has held senior executive positions with leading not-for-profits, including; Carers Victoria, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, the National Heart Foundation and Melbourne Grammar School. She is Victorian President of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and an independent director of the National Allied Health Professions Australia.,

Annie likes working with Different Journeys because it is a cause-related not for profit organisation which is making great inroads to improve the lives of carers working tirelessly to support Autistic people. These often hidden carers don’t know what they don’t know and they deserve advice and guidance to navigate complex systems and gain access to essential carer supports and services

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Different Journeys recognises and embraces the richness, strengths and opportunities that diversity brings and encourages and respects a diverse range of individuals and views.

Different Journeys acknowledge that we live, work, and meet together on the lands of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge the continuing connection to this land that members of the Kulin nation have, and we thank them for caring for the land and waters since time immemorial. We acknowledge Elders past and present. We recognise and respect that sovereignty was never ceded, and a treaty has yet to be signed. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

Different Journeys collects personal information where it is reasonably necessary for, or directly related to, one or more of its functions or activities. Different Journeys handles personal information in accordance with the obligations in the Privacy Act 1988.

Copyright © 2020 Different Journey All Rights Reserved.

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PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR CARERS

The primary aim of the Peer Support Program for Carers is to empower carers of
Autistic individuals to have more choice and control over supports and services both for themselves and the person they care for.

Carers innately trust carers, those people who have walked a path similar to their
own. At Different Journeys we use a peer support approach to walk alongside carers to enable them to navigate a complicated support system, empower them to take up opportunities and engage with other carer families in similar situations.

Unfortunately, many carers of Autistic people lack the confidence, emotional strength or time to identify and access carer supports and services.
A secondary aim of this Program is to follow up with carers to help link them into
existing supports and services. This person-centred approach provides warm
handovers and helps carers constructively express their needs.
This project is limited to our scope of funding.

Interested? Contact us for more information