About Us

Built for, by and with neurodivergent people.

Shift & Co is a Canberra-based organisation, founded in 2020.

We are an innovative, purpose-driven, community focused organisation. Invested in helping people to thrive through mentoring, social groups and allied health.

SUPPORTED & FUNDED PLACEMENTS

We are committed to ensuring that financial hardship not be a barrier to accessing the support we offer.

Our ‘Supported and Funded Placements’ program reflects this commitment. Supported placements offer positions in our programs at a reduced rate, while funded placements are completely free.

The primary goal of this initiative is to make our programs accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation, thereby fostering genuine inclusion. Since our inception, we have proudly funded these placements ourselves, never once having to turn anyone away due to financial difficulties.

The people we support through this program include those in financially challenging circumstances, individuals with disabilities who may not have an NDIS plan, and those whose NDIS funds have been exhausted. This program has been a lifeline, especially for individuals who have no access to other services or who have been dropped by other providers due to ceased funding.

Our commitment to this initiative speaks to the core values of Shift & Co.

—inclusion, accessibility, and unwavering support.

OUR TEAM

Our team are passionate about the support and mentoring that they provide. With a range of varying backgrounds and focus areas, we are able to offer versatile and personalised support.

Director &
Personal Development Mentor

Jacob Cowling

How I work:

Curious, collaborative, and big-picture-minded. I enjoy exploring ideas and patterns, while keeping things grounded in what actually helps day to day. Support often looks like unpacking complexity, turning overwhelm into something workable and backing people to trust their strengths rather than fight them.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

Out in nature or down a rabbit hole — usually both. That might mean exploring a creek with my kids, planning a road trip, listening to music (on repeat), tinkering with a new idea for Shift & Co or halfway through a long conversation about purpose, meaning, or how things could be done better.

Operations Leader &

Personal Development Mentor

Benjamin Cowling

How I work:

I’m calm, warm, and easy-going, and I’m big on listening and clear communication. I like working alongside people and keeping things flexible. I’m naturally drawn to organising and planning, and support often looks like making plans together or simply being there while things get done.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

With a coffee in hand, travelling when I can, playing Nintendo, or spending time in the garden. I enjoy simple things, good company, and taking things as they come.

Operatios Leader &

Studio& Lead Mentor

Kristie Watts

How I work:

Calm, light-hearted, flexible, and collaborative. As a neurodivergent mentor, I bring lived experience and an understanding that support isn’t one-size-fits-all. I value co-design, working alongside you to shape support in a way that actually fits. Whether that looks like creative problem-solving, body doubling, advocating, or simply being a steady, listening ear. I’m passionate about making spaces, especially creative ones, more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to each person’s needs.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

Creating something! It might be an artwork or it might be a mess, either way there’ll be music playing and dog hair close by. I’m currently studying Auslan and love exploring ways to make communication, connection and creativity more accessible for everyone.

Administration Support

Kaitlin Newman

How I work:

I operate at a fast pace, not only in my activities, but in my head too. Using my experience in administration and client management I like to think I have a knack for being able to understand and help others. I like to think outside the box and am always thinking of ways to make processes better for everyone.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

Juggling the millions of after school activities for my two kiddies. And when I find a minute free I am usually deep into a true crime book, embroidering something, planning a trip or trying to learn something new.

Occupational Therapist

Erin Kim

How I work:

I work best through listening, learning, and collaborating. I really value good, deep conversations as I believe clients can teach me a lot about their lives. I also like to bring playfulness into my practice. Sometimes that means turning a board game into a fun, therapeutic activity! Advocacy is also a key part of how I work, making sure the people I support feel seen, heard, and empowered.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

You’ll probably find me moving around - running, lifting weights, or dancing. When I’m feeling a bit calmer, I might be throwing clay on the pottery wheel, reading, or exploring different music genres!

Personal Development Mentor

Ross Docherty

How I work:

Straightforward and practical, but with a strong inclination to explore the nuance within clients’ goals. I like to help clients explore their needs through open and friendly discussions, practical problem-solving, and encouragement towards self-reliance.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

Drinking coffee, explaining why music was “better in my day” (it really was😀), and trying to think of new and exciting adventures to undertake.

Dungeon Master

Shania Bruggemann

How I work:

I am a calm, light hearted person. My support looks like creative problem solving and being a listening ear.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

Spending time with my partner and daughter, watching anime and drawing!

Dungeon Master

Damian Ashcroft

How I work:

By encouraging individual expression through the creation of your own character, and encouraging cooperation by creating challenging narratives for your heroes to play out. The stories and worlds I build are uniquely inspired by the choices of my players, and may also offer insight into your personal identity.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

At home, playing guitar and StarCraft, listening to music, watching improv and developing D&D lore.

Damian runs his own D&D podcast, has hosted games at conventions, and has over 23 years of experience in the world of Dungeons & Dragons! Damian is also an experienced Improvisation facilitator, meaning that all his quests give people the opportunity to learn to adapt!

Dungeon Master

Michael Cheeseman

How I work:

I am creative and thoughtful, with a strong focus on helping others grow through connection, structure, and imagination. I bring discipline and empathy to my work, shaped by over twelve years of karate experience, including earning a black belt and teaching others with an emphasis on confidence, respect, and consistency. As a Dungeon Master, I design original adventures and game mechanics that encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and meaningful decision-making. I focus on creating environments where people feel invested, capable, and engaged, whether through collaborative storytelling or well-paced, cinematic moments.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

In the wild, you will often find me playing primarily action- and story-based video games with my friends. I love watching or reading anything involving Marvel or Lord of the Rings, and I often spend time working on my Dungeons & Dragons mechanics as a fun side project. I also like to stay active by training in karate and boxing.

Mentor

Lachlan McLennan

How I work:

I am patient and reasonable person, who tries to to use my own lived experiences with neuro-divergence to try and understand other people. I like listening to people and offering them help.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

Usually on the computer playing video games or looking for new things to learn about. I also enjoy painting miniatures and ancient history, these things often overlap.

Mentor

Patrick O'Toole

How I work:

Relaxed, non-intrusive approach. Supporting through a consistent presence, always willing to have a chat in a non-judgmental space.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

Gaming! PC gaming in particular. Reading is a close second, tied with any series that I’ve yet to watch.

Mentor

Evan Buckley

How I work:

A listening ear and a warm conversationalist, I’m interested in hearing what makes people tick. Through spending time together we build trust, discuss our goals and break down the steps to get there, investigating the ingredients of life to see what wonders we can create.

In the wild you’ll usually find me:

Training boxing and muay thai kickboxing at the gym, playing guitar and singing songs with my band, throwing a frisbee on a still day or roller blading by the lake.

Meet the Team

CLIENT PROTECTION AND SAFETY

The safety of all our clients is an upmost priority for Shift and Co.

You are able to view our complete Client Protection Policy through the below button.

Client Protection Policy