About us

OUR VALUES

Activated Concepts has adopted a set of values to guide our behaviour:

Understanding 2.2
Understanding

We understand beliefs, feelings, experiences and intentions to move flexibly between our own perspective and another.

Respect 1.2
Respect

We respect diverse views and opinions and act with integrity.

Wellbeing 2.2
Wellbeing

We develop and provide a safe and supportive environment for all.

Excellence 2.2
Excellence

We strive for quality and improvement in everything we do.

MISSION STATEMENT

Activated Concepts mission is to offer exceptional experiences for individuals, couples, families and organisations by providing trauma-informed and person-centred services including; therapeutic supports, comprehensive and holistic assessments, specialist clinical training, community engagement and more by partnering together.

VISION

Our vision is to be a leader in therapeutic supports, trauma-informed practice, holistic assessments, clinical training, and psychosocial education in the Newcastle, Maitland, and Central Coast regions.
Missing Statement Images
Missing Statement

Brad

Founder & Managing Director of Activated Concepts
Accredited Social Worker
Academy of Clinical Educator
National Disability Insurance Scheme

Brad is the founder of Activated Concepts, a venture he initiated in 2019 after years of amassing expertise and experience. His journey spans a broad array of managerial and senior positions within both community services and health sectors. His distinguished collaborations, notably with NSW Police and the Dept. of Communities and Justice (DCJ), underscore his prowess in bridging various facets of community health and safety.

For over a decade, Brad has consistently employed a trauma-informed approach, addressing systemic barriers with a nuanced understanding and deep compassion. His commitment to fostering a person-centred philosophy remains unwavering.

Brad’s credentials are both impressive and extensive. He is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, an approved EMDR Therapist with EMDRAA, an approved NDIS Behavioural Practitioner (Specialist Level), and a current Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle in the School of Medicine and Public Health. Brad is also a member of the Academy of Clinical Educators and a past member of the NSW Branch Management Committee of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Outside of his rigorous professional life, Brad finds solace and joy during weekends, often spending quality time with his family, enjoying the calming waves of the beach, or taking leisurely walks with his dogs.

At his core, Brad fervently believes in the power of genuine understanding, ensuring everyone is seen, heard, and facilitated towards recovery. 

Alisha Waters

Manager - NDIS Clinical Services

Since 2009, Alisha has been wholeheartedly committed to the disability and care sectors, embracing a variety of roles that range from direct support to delivering specialist therapeutic interventions. Her dedication to this specialisation remains as steadfast as ever. Her connection to the disability sector is both professional and personal, fueled by a desire for widespread inclusion and acceptance. 

Alisha’s passion for her work found an academic outlet when she completed her Bachelor of Behavioural Studies in 2020, with a focus on psychology and human development. Alisha’s approach is characterised by a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring that the strategies she develops are both individualised and compassionate, tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant. 

In her role, Alisha blends her academic knowledge, extensive professional experience, and personal passion to create effective, person-centred strategies that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their goal. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to creating a supportive environment where her team can thrive while making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Alisha’s weekends are often spent engaged in community-centric activities, where she enjoys the company of her close-knit friends and family. 

Alisha values genuine collaboration and connection with others, always prioritising an individualised approach all elements of clinical and relational practice. 

Maddison Morrow

Manager - Community & Living Services

Maddison is a dedicated Community & Living Services Manager with a multitude of years of experience in the disability and mental health sectors. Her extensive background includes working in Supported Independent Living (SIL), Short Term Accommodation (STA), Individual Living Options (ILO), emergency care, trauma-informed care, family violence, supported and supervised family contact, day programs, homelessness support, mental health unit administration and support, rehabilitation support for penitentiary release, and emergency out-of-home care. 

Maddison holds a Diploma of Community Services, a Certificate IV in Disability, and is currently studying for a Diploma of Mental Health. These qualifications underpin her commitment to providing trauma-informed, person-centred supports that empower participants to achieve their NDIS goals. Her approach to care is holistic, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs and strengths are recognised and addressed.

As a manager, Maddison is passionate about advancing the skills of her team and supporting them in identifying and leveraging their strengths and abilities. Her leadership style is centred on empowerment and professional development, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

When she’s not working, Maddison enjoys travelling overseas, spending time with family and friends and going on great outdoor adventures!

Maddison’s professional ethos revolves around forging holistic, empowering, and quality partnerships.

Freya Hugh

Manager - Mental Health Services

Freya, a distinguished Accredited Social Worker, has charted an impressive course over eight years. Her experience encompasses roles within Child Protection, Out of Home Care, therapeutic community involvement, and significant contributions to Alcohol and Drug Services. 

Freya is particularly passionate about supporting individuals facing domestic violence and is deeply committed to working with First Nations people, ensuring that her approach is culturally sensitive and respectful. Her work is guided by a strong belief in the power of trauma-informed care, and she strives to create safe, empowering spaces for her clients to heal and grow.

As the Manager of Mental Health Services at Activated Concepts, Freya leads a team of professionals dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centred counselling services. Her leadership is characterised by a focus on integrity, humour, and honesty, creating a supportive environment where both clients and staff can thrive. Freya is committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring that her team is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to deliver the best possible care.

During weekends, Freya’s penchant for soaking up the sun aligns perfectly with cherished family moments. 

Her professional mantra emphasises the importance of trauma-informed, person-centred, and empowering counselling, ensuring every individual feels valued and supported.

Jayde

Manager - Compliance and Corporate Services

Jayde’s expertise in business administration management spans over a commendable decade. Before joining Activated Concepts, Jayde was instrumental in shaping core business practices at various other local community and professional organisations.  

As the Manager of Compliance and Corporate Services, Jayde utilises her organisational and analytical skills to implement and maintain workplace practices that reflect Activated Concepts’ commitment to excellence. Her role is crucial in ensuring that all administrative procedures are compliant, and that clients and participants are supported in a welcoming environment.

Beyond her administrative acumen, Jayde is deeply involved in community services. Her current pursuit of Social Work studies mirrors her unwavering commitment to the community services sector and her commitment to professional development.

Off the professional grid, Jayde’s weekends are punctuated by creative escapades, time spent with friends, and a deep-seated passion for community welfare.

Jayde’s passion is to ensure that all participants and clients are supported by compliant administrative procedures and a welcoming environment. 

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