About Us
About Us
The EFA Vision
Our vision is to create a world where all workplaces are inclusive of neurodiversity, and where neurodivergent individuals are valued and appreciated for the strengths, perspectives and skills they bring.
To achieve our vision, we support both sides of the relationship:
- Neurodivergent individuals need the skills, confidence and support to succeed across all levels of the workforce; and
- Employers need the recruitment processes, management capability and workplace support mechanisms required for neurodiverse teams to thrive.
Founded in Canberra and operating nationally, we take a neuro-affirming approach in everything we do, because more than half of our team is neurodivergent too. We combine lived experience, professional expertise, and evidence-based practice into all our service offerings.
EFA is proud to be a member of Neuroinclusive Network.
The Neurodiversity Advantage
As much as 20% of the population as a neurodivergence. And yet, most workforce recruitment and management practices have not been designed to recognise and support the way neurodivergent people think, work and communicate.
Neurodivergent individuals are too often left to adapt, mask and navigate a world not designed with them in mind.
As a result, one in three Australians with autism are unemployed or under-employed, almost four times the general population, while those with ADHD and other neurodivergences face similar barriers.
In our work with neurodivergent individuals, we focus on unlocking strengths and turning unique skills into careers.
In our work with organisations, we seek to build the confidence, awareness, and structures required to reduce unconscious bias and foster genuinely inclusive workplaces – workplaces that celebrate diverse ways of thinking, working, and contributing.
We firmly believe employers that recognise and embrace neuroinclusion as a strategic opportunity are better positioned to build stronger, more capable and more successful organisations.
That is the neurodiversity advantage.
Our Team
Carl Maissan
Chief Executive Officer
Carl is an impact CEO with executive experience across professional & health services, higher education and leaadership training & development. A former director at PwC and experienced CFO, Carl brings an empowering, structured, adaptive and commercially disciplined leadership style.
John Craven
Non-executive Director
John was the founding Chair of Specialisterne Australia, the Australian subsidiary of Europe’s leading workplace-focused neurodiversity organisation. An ASX director and former Accenture partner, John brings deep sector expertise, governance experience and strategic insight.
Damien Farrell
Non-executive Director
Damien is a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years’ experience in the inclusive education sector as a founder, investor, CEO and NFP director. He brings a long-standing commitment to social impact, commercial growth and scalable education businesses.
David Smith
Co-founder, Lead Developmental Educator
David is a Developmental Educator and recognised specialist in autism, neurodiversity, inclusive recruitment and workplace accessibility. He ensures our programs are neuro-affirming, evidence-informed and grounded in real-world practice. David holds Master Degrees in Autism Studies and Organisational Development.
Anne Smith
Co-founder
Anne co-founded Employ for Ability and brings more than 30 years’ experience in training, program design, business analysis and organisational leadership. She develops practical neuroinclusion programs and workplace resources that support accessible services and sustainable employment outcomes.
Jay White
GM, Inclusion Programs & Education
Jay has extensive experience designing and delivering neuroinclusive workforce programs across government and corporate sectors. He brings strategic and practical expertise leading inclusive recruitment, workplace assessments, and embedding sustainable workforce solutions within large organisations.
Neil Gordon
Program Manager
Neil oversees our training delivery and supports the design and implementation of major public sector neuroinclusion programs. He combines a strong education background with practical expertise in neurodiversity training, employee coaching, manager support, workplace reporting and the development of Neurodiversity Passports. Neil holds a PhD in History.
Bec Droop
Neurodiversity Consultant
Bec leads major government neurodiversity initiatives and brings extensive experience in workplace training, individual coaching and environmental audits. They support employees and managers with reasonable adjustments and the resolution of complex workplace challenges.
Tom Langley
Neurodiversity Consultant
Tom combines professional expertise and lived experience to support neurodivergent employees and their managers. He provides individual coaching, leadership training, recruitment support and neuroaffirming strategies that promote wellbeing and sustainable workplace performance. Tom is currently finalising his Developmental Educator and Master in Autism Studies in addition to this Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies.
Angus Gibson
Neurodiversity Consultant
Angus specialises in inclusive employment, workforce training and psychosocial risk management. He supports employees and managers through coaching, practical workplace adjustments, executive functioning strategies, dispute resolution and the delivery of tailored recruitment programs. In addition to his business degree, Angus holds a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
David Cottam
ACT Service Manager
David oversees the staff delivering NDIS supports in the ACT and helps ensure participants receive consistent, high-quality services. He also provides individual coaching and facilitates training to support neurodivergent adults to develop skills and work towards their goals. David hold qualifications in training & assessment and is currently working torwards a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies.
Millie Hayes
Senior Neurodiversity Coach
Millie draws on experience across public service, advertising and community health promotion to provide person-led coaching and training. They tailor communication and problem-solving strategies to help individuals and organisations build inclusive and supportive workplaces. Their Master of Teaching is currently being supplemented with a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies.
Juan Torrado
Senior Neurodiversity Coach
Juan supports neurodivergent adults to build confidence, develop practical workplace skills and work towards employment goals. Juan provides individual coaching and facilitates NDIS training programs tailored to each participant’s strengths, support needs and aspirations. He also brings previous experience in supporting people with barriers to employment.
Mik Farrance
Senior Neurodiversity Coach
Mik supports neurodivergent adults to build confidence, develop practical workplace skills and work towards employment goals. Mik provides individual coaching and facilitates NDIS training programs tailored to each participant’s strengths, support needs and aspirations.