Lauren Mandel | Managing Director
Lauren is the Founder and Managing Director of the LMC Group, since its establishment in mid 2018. Lauren has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), and Masters of Social Work Degree, with strong interest in the Social Role Valorization (SRV) Framework, Customised Employment, Homeshare and Microenterprises, which underpins the work of The LMC Group.
For over 15 years, Lauren has worked in the disability space with a particular passion for cutting edge supports. Some career highlights include being a Circles of Support Facilitator; Chairperson of Local Council’s Disability Reference Committee; Research Assistant for Independent Supported Living Project; NDIS Transition Coordinator in Local Government; Support Coordinator; Teaching Associate and Supervisor at Monash University; and the inaugural Inclusion Coordinator for a grassroots sports club.
Lauren is an avid SRV student, as well as applying and sharing broad learnings through webinars and presentations. The hope is to create a movement of dreamers who can see the true possibilities open to people with disability, and work towards these.
Outside of work and study committments, she’s finding ways to explore her own passions as a aspiring piano player, book lover, runner, vegetarian homecook and gym junkie! Lauren is the proud Mum of gorgeous toddler Georgia, Baby Walter and furbaby Winston (a golden retriever)
[email protected] 0412 605 480
Casey Townsend | Consultant
My name is Casey and I have worked in the disability sector for the last 2 and a half years, starting as a support worker and then into a case manager role. During COVID I was looking for a career change from fine dining and hospitality into more meaningful work and found my passion in this industry. I love connecting with my community and creating positive change in people’s lives!
Outside of work you can find me cooking up a storm, reading in the sun with my two cats Greg and Mia, and attending as many runs of Hamilton/any musical as physically possible. I am so excited to be joining and working alongside the amazing LMC team
[email protected] 0402 929 926
Eliza Roberts | Consultant
My name is Eliza and I have worked in the disability sector for some time as a support worker, whilst completing my Masters in Art Therapy. Through my work and studies I have developed an even stronger passion for supporting and working with families and communities to create generative and open spaces for individuals to thrive. I have also been co-facilitating therapeutic art making spaces for youth in
drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
My passion lies in working with individuals and their broader community, to cultivate safe, non-judgemental, curious and attentive environments, with hope of opening up space and possibilities for the individuals to recognise and achieve their dreams and goals.
Outside of work you can find me engaging in all of my creative pursuits; painting, ceramics, drawing, writing, photography, as well as cooking with friends, hiking and enjoying nature with my dog, and gardening. I am so excited to be embarking on this new chapter with The LMC Group.
[email protected] 0423 802 253
Nehama Pilcer | Consultant
Nehama has a background in Law and spent over five years working in the Victorian Government on social policy and reform issues relating to housing and homelessness, youth justice, crime prevention, and corrections. She is incredibly socially and community minded and is passionate about using her skillset to achieve tangible, meaningful outcomes on an individual and community level.
Nehama joined the disability sector as a disability support worker and is excited to continue connecting with people from all walks of life as a Consultant at the LMC Group. She is a strong believer in the importance and value of social and community participation, advocacy and allyship, and supported decision making.
Nehama is chatty, approachable and patient. She enjoys the simple things in life like salt and vinegar chips and fresh mint tea and loves the outdoors, solo traveling, and trying out adventurous things like paragliding and canyoning. Nehama also enjoys writing, all things interior and design, and cooking and entertaining for friends and family.
[email protected] 0435 213 073
Nellie Godwin-Welch | Consultant
Nellie has spent the last decade working within the disability sector across many different roles, including as a direct support worker, case manager, and helping build a disability supports provider. Nellie was drawn to LMC by its ethos and way that it brings to life the framework of Social Role Valorisation (SRV) into real outcomes for individuals in the community. She is the proud sister of a young man who lives with multiple disabilities, who has been a role model to her in how to live with joy, humour and resilience.
Nellie completed a Master of Health Care Management at Erasmus University in the Netherlands and wrote her thesis on ‘Building Partnerships between participants, families, and service providers within the NDIS in Australia.’ Nellie has also completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), majoring in history and international studies.
Nellie has travelled to 26 countries, a highlight being hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. She loves yoga, hiking, reading, listening to podcasts, and learning languages. Her future goals are to become a yoga teacher and write a book.
[email protected] 0434 541 182
Annabel Caddy| Student Intern
My name is Annabel, and I am currently a third year Social Work Student at Deakin University. I am commencing my first placement at The LMC Group to gain foundational knowledge to begin the journey of my career in the health sector. Throughout my many years working in the public sector and collaborating with a diverse range of people, I have obtained many skills, such as problem solving, efficiently finding solutions, leading and working in teams, as well as the ability to adapt quickly and critically analyse situations.
In my down time, I love to socialise with my friends and family by going out and enjoying beautiful sites, restaurants, cafes, and local entrainment together. I like to winding down by binging my current favourite TV series or playing games with my partner. Additionally, I’ve just recently been motivating myself to begin my fitness journey, and have been enjoying reformer pilates and HIIT cardio workouts.
I greatly look forward to this new experience, and highly appreciate the multitude of support and opportunities The LMC Group has given me.
Maria Nguyen | Student Intern
I have a background in youth work and had actively involved in various charitable activities in Vietnam to assist children and young people living in poverty. My passion is making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals, especially children.
As of now, I am working in the field of child protection, where I ensure the safety and well-being of children, provide support to parents and families, and assist them in overcoming various challenges they may face.I am incredibly happy and excited about the opportunities to be a part of the LMC group for my student placement this year. I feel valued and supported since joining the team.
Shyama Mudalige | Student Intern
I am Shyama, a third year Social Worker Student at Deakin University. I have been working in the public sector since 2016 and had opportunities to work with diverse group of people. My experience in the public sector motivated me to undertake studies in social work. As I proceeded through my studies, I became more passionate and enthusiastic about new learning to contribute as a social worker. I felt a warm welcome and belongingness since my first interaction with the LMC group.
I spend my free time reading nonfiction books and listening to Spiritual Enrichment: I find solace and personal growth in listening to spiritual speeches, which enrich my values and contribute to my overall well-being. Also, I am passionate about traveling with my family.
As a Social Worker, my journey begins at LMC Group, which is a great place to commence my career change; I am very much looking forward to it.