jade
Jade-Elise Newell
she/her
What’s your role at Just Support?
I am the Director, founder, owner and operator of Just Support. My role is a mix of leadership, advocacy, problem-solving, program development, and creative chaos-wrangling. I guide the overall direction of the business, support our team, and help create services and spaces where young people can feel safe, included and understood.
I also help shape connected projects like the Regulation Station and Dragon’s Gate Gaming, which were created to make support feel more natural, community-based and human. For me, Just Support is not just about providing shifts. It is about building places where people can grow, connect, regulate, explore their interests and feel like they truly belong.
What inspired you to work in disability support?
My inspiration came from lived experience. As a parent of two neurodivergent teenagers, I saw how difficult it can be for young people and families to find support that feels safe, respectful, creative and genuinely understanding. I also saw how many young people were being asked to fit into systems that were never really designed with them in mind.
I wanted to build something different. Just Support was created to be a place where young people are accepted as they are, families feel heard, and support is shaped around real connection, confidence and belonging. My own family’s journey has deeply shaped the way I lead, and it continues to remind me why this work matters.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love seeing young people find their spark. Sometimes that looks like making a new friend, joining a group, trying something new, speaking up for themselves, or simply feeling comfortable enough to be themselves.
I also love building new ideas that make support feel less clinical and more connected to real life. Whether it is through community access, gaming, creativity, regulation tools, or safe social spaces, I enjoy finding ways to help young people build confidence in ways that feel meaningful to them.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?
I am a proud geek, gamer and tabletop roleplay nerd. I love Magic: The Gathering, Vampire: The Masquerade, Final Fantasy XIV, anime, Japan, board games, video games and creative projects.
A lot of my hobbies have also shaped the way I think about support, because games and shared interests can be powerful ways to build confidence, friendships and social connection.
Do you have a hidden talent or fun fact?
I have a mini Pomeranian named Harley Quinn, who has become a tiny fluffy mascot around Dragon’s Gate Gaming.
I also have a deep love for strong fictional women like Sailor Moon, Korra and Harley Quinn, which probably explains a lot about my leadership style: compassionate, determined, a little chaotic, and always ready for the next quest.
Ability Scores
0
Quest Planner
0
Crafting Guru
0
Game Master
0
Fitness Coach
Discover More NPCs
I’m the Chief Quest Master around here, which means I get the awesome job of guiding our team and participants through incredible adventures in support and personal growth. I plot the course, steer the ship, and sometimes fight off dragons (metaphorically speaking).
Hi there! I’m Vanessa, and I’ve been enriching lives here as a support worker for over a year now. I specialize in supporting children and young people, focusing on academic studies, social skills, and active community participation. The best part? Our team’s wonderfully queer-friendly and nerdy vibe—it really makes Just Support feel like home.
Hey there! I’m Riley, and I’m thrilled to be the Operations Assistant here at Just Support. My job involves keeping everything organised and helping the team deliver the best support possible to our clients. From scheduling to behind-the-scenes logistics, I’m here to make sure things run smoothly.