Staff Profile: Neve James

Tell us a bit about you and what you hope to bring to AUA.

Hi, my name is Neve and I have been working at AUA since January this year. I am currently studying medical science at ANU. I love working at AUA and engaging (and having fun!) with the diverse range of children and their families. I bring a positive, inclusive, and enthusiastic approach to my work. At AUA there is fantastic work culture which I love being a part of. AUA has offered me fantastic professional development opportunities to improve my skills and I am grateful for such a supportive workplace.  

What is the best part of working with children at AUA?

I love seeing children accomplish their goals - no matter how big or small, and seeing smiles on the children and their families. The best part for me at AUA is seeing the children prepared to “have a go” and with that, see their confidence growing.

What do you find is the best way to bring out the best in the children you support?

Ensuring my participants feel safe and listened to provides an environment where they are comfortable to try new and challenging tasks. To achieve this, I like to involve their parents/carers, as well as making a positive and fun environment with constant positive feedback and achievable goals. I love to use all the amazing visual prompts that AUA has, as well as including as many games as possible to ensure maximum fun!

Describe one of your best AUA memories?

I have so many good memories from working with the children at AUA - it is very hard to pick just one. I do however particularly love seeing when children take their first pedals down the basketball court and seeing their smiles once they realise that have actually made it!

How would describe the feeling you get when you see a child pick up a new skill?

Seeing the kids happy makes me happy! I’m proud of all the children at AUA which I have had the pleasure to instruct.

What is one thing you have learned or shared with others in the AUA team?

I have learnt how to research and develop new programs as well as being involved in the final delivery of those programs.

If you had one superpower what would it be.

Teleportation (wouldn’t that save some travel time and petrol!)

What do you do when you aren't at AUA for fun?

Some of my favourite activities that I do for fun are hiking in summer and skiing in winter. 

Do you have any pets? What traits do you have that is like them?

I have my beautiful golden Labrador named Ruby who only has 1 eye. She loves to go on walks and play fetch.