Jarryd
Jarryd Stonham
Support Worker | Prolific Storyteller | Family Man
he/him
What’s your role at Just Support?
I am a Support Worker here at Just Support. I take a collaborative approach that prioritises guiding rather than doing, rooted in my belief that every person matters and is navigating their own unique journey.
What inspired you to become a support worker?
After a decade in leadership roles, my late-life ADHD diagnosis was a turning point that shifted my focus from managing systems to empowering individuals through collaborative scaffolding. My personal journey, combined with my role as a father and my belief that every person is the author of a story that matters, has shown me that the most impactful work is guiding others to navigate their own paths with dignity. I’m transitioning into support work because I want to move from being a director of tasks to a facilitator of independence, ensuring every individual’s unique journey is respected and supported.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most is the collaborative lightbulb moment where a person realises their own capacity for independence through the scaffolding I provide. I find deep fulfilment in honouring each individual’s unique story and seeing the tangible progress that happens when we shift from doing for to guiding through together. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than witnessing someone take ownership of their own journey and hit milestones that truly matter to them.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?
In my spare time, I enjoy a mix of storytelling through TTRPG’s, Video and Board games, staying active with sport, and finding quiet moments in nature to recharge. As a father of four, I value genuine connection and love finding fun, creative ways to engage with the community.
Do you have a hidden talent or fun fact?
As a father of four including a toddler and a baby, my hidden talent is high-stakes negotiation; I’ve learned that if you can convince a two-year-old that socks are cool, you can handle almost any challenge with a smile.
Core Strengths & Experience
- Neurodivergent / Autistic Insight
- Mental Health Lived Experience
- Parent/Carer Experience
- Motivational Mentor
- Empathy & Emotional Insight
- Calm in a Crisis
- High Emotional Resilience
- Kind & Patient
- Great Listener
- High-Energy and Fun
- Excellent Communicator
Professional Skills & Background
- NDIS Worker Screening Check
- Mandatory Reporting & Child Safety
- Crisis De-escalation
- Strong Problem Solver
- Flexible and Creative Thinker
- Experience Supporting Young Children
- Experience Supporting Teens & Young Adults
- Experience Supporting Adults
Participant Support & Session Skills
- Autism-Informed Support
- PDA-Aware Support Style
- Sensory Regulation Support
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Community Access Coaching
- Active/Outdoor Lifestyle
- Domestic Skills & Organisation
- Tabletop Roleplay (D&D, etc.)
- Gaming Enthusiast / FPS Pro
- Minecraft Supporter
- Performance / Public Speaking Coaching
- Storytelling & Creative Writing
- Social Skills Modelling
- Sport & Movement Sessions
Ability Scores
Ability Scores are a fun way we showcase our team’s strengths and what skills they're still working on!
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Frontline Tank
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Backstory Archaeologist
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Side-Quest Specialist
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Chronic Tutorial Skipper
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