Elissa Brinckman (Class of 1994) - passionate advocate in the field of Autism
Elissa Brinckman graduated from Somerville House in 1994. “I loved my time at Somerville and made life-long friends along the way. I was always the girl who needed a bit of extra support and reassurance from my teachers at school and I think that is why I went into education and advocacy.”
After graduating from Somerville, Elissa completed a Bachelor of Education during which time she became drawn to working with children with special needs. “I moved to London and lived there for six years. It was during this time I worked in a range of different educational setting but I was always working with children with special needs.”
After moving back to Australia, Elissa worked for Autism Queensland for almost thirteen years in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, outreach and transition teacher and in various leadership positions. “Working with children with Autism is my absolute passion. I was lucky enough to be approached by the founders of The Sycamore School (a school specifically established for children living with Autism), to assist with the establishment of the school.” Elissa was the Founding Deputy Principal and set up the pedagogy and frameworks of the schools Autism-Friendly practices. Elissa was honoured to be a finalist in the Queensland College of Teachers Excellence in Teaching Awards in October 2018 for Outstanding Contribution to School Community.
“Advocacy, support and care are crucial for our children living with Autism and in 2021 I set up my own business to help improve outcomes and support the independence of people living with a diagnosis of Autism, across all ages. Supporting people with additional needs, advocating for them and making sure everyone can reach their greatest potential is my passion. I think the care and support I got from teachers at Somerville (particularly Miss Bullock and Mrs Popenko) set me on the right career path but it was the friendships that last until today that matter to me the most. That’s what Somerville means to me.”
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