Featured, Stories - September 9, 2025
Breaking the mould: Anastasia’s path to independence
Anastasia’s lifelong love of animals, combined with the right support, has unlocked her confidence, independence, and career goals.
Once painfully shy, withdrawn, and reliant on her mother to speak for her, the 19-year-old from Wallan is now caring for animals at a wildlife zoo, studying at TAFE, making new friends, and looking forward to a bright future.
“Before I got an NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plan, I felt lost. I had no friends or motivation to try things,” Anastasia said.
“It’s given me my life back, and I am excited for what lies ahead.”
Diagnosed with autism in 2019, Anastasia found school and employment opportunities extremely difficult to navigate.
“I’ve always struggled in life with things like texture, social interaction and other issues that impacted my health and ability to participate in school and find a job,” she said.
When Anastasia connected with NDIA partner Intereach in 2021, Intereach local area coordinator Kathy began supporting Anastasia through her NDIS funding for Social, Economic and Community Participation.
During their conversations, Anastasia shared her lifelong love of animals and her dream of working with them.
“I used to do a junior zookeeper program on the holidays when I was younger and absolutely loved it,” Anastasia recalled.
“When Kathy heard I wanted to work with animals, she found a program that sounded perfect for me.”
That program was Chris Humfrey’s Zoo Crew program, at Wild Action Zoo in Macedon, which Anastasia attends through her NDIS plan. It turned out to be life changing.
Zoologist Chris Humfrey said he was hugely impressed with Anastasia’s positive transformation and progress in working with wildlife.
“Not only has Anastasia’s confidence, aptitude and knowledge in caring for wildlife improved out of sight, but her sense of self-belief and communication skills have improved immensely,” he said.
“Our Zoo Crew program focuses on participants’ abilities, not disabilities, and Anastasia has definitely discovered her super-power, which is her love for wildlife.”
Encouraged by Chris, Anastasia has taken her passion further, enrolling in a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care through TAFE. She started the online course in October last year and is on track to finish early next year.
“I’m really enjoying it. It’s a challenge, but it’s making me more independent, and it’s sparked a passion for learning in me,” she said.
Anastasia said her journey hadn’t just been about skills and knowledge – it had helped her grow personally.
“I’ve come out of my shell, I participate more in classes, I talk to people, and I’ve made friends through the Zoo Crew Program with like-minded people,” she said.
“It’s given me motivation for the next part of my life. I feel I can be successful, have a job, and find something that makes me happy.
“Without the NDIS funding and the support of Kathy, I would have been really stuck and isolated.”
Anastasia’s goals now include further study, exploring vet-related training, and ultimately securing paid work in the animal care field.
To others with disability, Anastasia shared this advice: “You don’t have to fit into a mould or social norms. When I stopped thinking that way and created a life that supported me, I found it was possible. I stepped out of my comfort zone, and it’s shown me what’s possible.”
Find out how Intereach can support your NDIS journey by calling 1300 488 226 or go to www.intereach.com.au/service/people-with-disability/
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