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About Tess Yvanovich

I'm a Canberra local with a global mindset. Diversity and inclusion is my idea of a fun time! 

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I've worked with Year 7-12 students in Canberra mainstream and specialist school settings for over seven years. During this time, I became super passionate about working with young Autistic people and young people with intellectual disability - you folk have the coolest brains in the world, you know that?! I celebrate neurodiversity and want to support you to reach your goals in a way that is true to your authentic self.

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As a Community Development Practitioner, I am trained in strengths-based, tailored approaches that are just right4you. Prior to teaching, I worked with the local Canberra community in both local government and community sector roles, with a particular focus on refugees and asylum seekers, our multicultural community, people with disability, and workplace diversity and inclusion.

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In 2023 I was appointed to the ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG), the body that advises the Minister for Disability and the ACT Government on disability inclusion issues. I also sit on the ACT Disability Education Reference Group as the DRG's representative.

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Coaching teachers and disability specialists in Rwanda has been an absolute highlight of the last couple of years. You can check out what I got up to on my @tessrwanda Instagram or Facebook!

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I love learning about different cultures and languages, have an extremely eclectic music taste with a long-standing passion for K-Pop, taught myself to crochet, co-parent a rescue greyhound called Trouble, and firmly believe that Autumn is the best time of year in Canberra.

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I hold a Graduate Diploma of Community and Health Development, a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), a Bachelor of Arts, and a Diploma of Government.

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I am a Professional Member of the Australian Institute of Training and Development, and am continuously upgrading my skills and knowledge, and have completed a range of training and professional development. Highlights include:

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  • Sexuality Matters A: Providing Rights-Based Sexuality Supports

  • Teaching Respectful Relationships: Why It Matters For People With Disability

  • Healthy Relationships and Sex Education for Secondary Students with Disability

  • Gender Diversity in Adolescents

  • Touching Base SPAT (Service Provider Awareness Training) - Sex Workers for People with Disability

  • SoSAFE! Social Safety for People with Disability – Facilitator training

  • Affirming LGBTQIA+ People with Disability

  • Sexuality Matters B: Design & Deliver a Sexuality Education Program

  • Disability Education: Building Systems of Support

  • Counselling Skills and Models

  • Instructional Coaching and the GROWTH Coaching Model

  • NeuED Perspectives on Trauma Informed Practice

  • Teaching Students Who Have Suffered Complex Trauma

  • Supported Decision Making

  • Exploring Hyper-Empathy in Autistic People

  • Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviour

  • Sexualised Behaviours of Concern

  • Eight Aboriginal Ways of Learning

  • Restorative Practices and Justice

  • Customised Employment for People with Disability

  • 'Quality, Safety and You' - NDIS Worker Orientation Module

  • TeamTeach - Reduction of Risk, Restraint and Restriction

  • Commonwealth Disability Standards for Education Online Teacher Training

  • STORM (Skills-based Training on Suicide Risk Management)

  • Cultural Competencies in Limited Resource Contexts

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Current Checks and Registrations:

  • ACT Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) Card (valid to Feb 2025)

  • National Police Check (updated Nov 2022)

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(And yes, I'm fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza!)

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I look forward to working together on a life that is right for YOU!

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