Our commitment to you at Awen
- Working with and enabling people to achieve the best possible levels of personal and social wellbeing.
- Working to achieve social justice through social development and social change.
Social Workers
- We are regulated by the Australian Association of Social Workers and our profession is recognised by Allied Health Professions of Australia.
- Awen Case Management & Advocacy specialise in working with those living with a disability and in aged care.
- We aim to put the individual first, not the diagnosis.
- Our Allied Health Social Workers have specialist knowledge and skills in working with complex and multi-faceted cases.
- Our team have expertise in disability, education, OOHC, drugs & alcohol, hospitals, aged care and governance.
- We aim to address personal difficulties and structural barriers.
- Our team works with our Allied Health colleagues in a multidisciplinary approach.
Meet our Awen Team
Our dedicated team of allied health Social Workers and advocates are passionate about empowering individuals and families. Each Social Worker brings expertise, compassion, expertise, and a commitment to upholding social justice and human rights. You have a team at AWEN who have the expertise to navigate any situation with you.
Life throws many surprises at us, and while we cannot predict the outcome of any situation, we can take control of how we respond to certain situations. We promise we will listen intently, never judge you and always be a safe place for you to talk and to be yourself.
Adam Hicks
Director
Awen Case Management & Advocacy
I have worked in the animation industry for over 30 years, being part of some of the most amazing cartoons and projects for children on TV. Yes, I am Amanda’s husband and I love being part of her vision to support families on the NDIS with qualified Social Workers. As the administration arm, I work behind the scenes, making sure that we check all boxes and uphold the ethics and values of not only Social Work but human rights and the CRPD. I am constantly in awe of the team we are building and the positive change we get to be a part of on a daily basis.
Amanda Hicks
AASW Accredited Senior Social Worker
Master Social Work
Master Human Rights (current)
Master Philosophy Education (research)
Master Educational Studies
GradCert Mental Health,
Bachelor of Arts, GradDipEd, GradCertTESOL
I am an AASW Social Worker, Educator, Lecturer and Advocate. My passion is in working with children, adolescents and young adults who are experiencing the challenges of life, be it due to learning difficulties, trauma, anxiety or behaviour. As an extension, I am passionate about family relationships across the lifespan. Central to the work I conduct with children and adolescents is the relationship within the family unit and how this impacts their functioning. I have worked in education and disability for over 30 years and am honoured to be a Social Worker. As a mum of 4 adults, I understand the difficulties and joys of raising children and all of the complexities that brings to life and relationships. I like to think I have experienced a lot in my life, ups and downs and everything in between.
I am also a passionate advocate for human rights, driven to step in when systems fail to uphold a person’s right to self-determination. Older Australians are especially vulnerable to this, and it is a privilege to support them in being heard. Watching how life changes through its many seasons, I am constantly inspired by the older adults I walk alongside. They offer incredible wisdom and teach us how to be brave, resilient, and thankful. They deserve nothing less than to be heard and valued.
Aimee Pope
AASW Accredited Social Worker
Bachelor of Social Work
I am a qualified Social Worker passionate about supporting young people and their families in feeling heard, empowered, and connected. My experience in community and clinical settings, primarily in mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD), has shaped my compassionate, non-judgmental approach to care. I believe in the power of safe, trusting relationships and take pride in creating spaces where people feel respected and understood. As a mother of two young boys, I am no stranger to the challenges of balancing parenting with life’s ups and downs and its many demands. I value supporting families through connection, collaboration, and person-centred care.
Alicia Clarke
AASW Accredited Social Worker
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
I worked in the OOHC space for several years and placed a high importance on working towards optimal family functioning. This involved strengthening the young persons connections to people and services to ensure they had a strong foundation of support. I enjoy investing in people’s lives, connecting with them and learning their stories of overcoming hurdles. I consider myself to be a creative, passionate, and driven individual who will advocate for the needs of those close to me and out in the community. My colleagues have described me as an insightful, integrous, and emotionally attuned practitioner who is dedicated to her families, planning, organisation and professional development. As a mum of 2 little ones, I understand the pressures of motherhood in these early stages and can empathise with parents in the same situation.
Bridey Young
AASW Accredited Social Worker
Bachelor of Social Work
I am Bridey, a dedicated, compassionate and accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers. With a strong background in child protection, I previously worked as a case worker, supporting vulnerable families and advocating for the well-being of children. My experience has only strengthened my passion for empowering children and families to reach their full potential. I am committed to fostering respectful, strength-based relationships and take pride in empowering individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential
Jordan Yamak
AASW Accredited Social Worker
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Certificate III Training and Assessment
I am an AASW accredited Social Worker with more than 10 years of experience across community services and the public health sector. Throughout my career, I have been committed to providing person-centred, compassionate, and evidence informed support to individuals, families, and communities.
I am passionate about Social Work and strive to build trusting, respectful relationships with the people I support. My practice is grounded in empathy, integrity, and a strong commitment to advocacy, empowering individuals to navigate challenges and achieve meaningful outcomes. I value collaboration and work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, holistic support.
Samantha Tama
Support Coordinator
With extensive experience in project management and administration in the non-profit sector, I aim to bring a composed approach to any situation. Many of our close circle seek my logical and calm guidance. Recently, I have gained valuable experience working in the NDIS sector, supporting individuals in managing their budgets as they navigate the complex and ever-evolving NDIS environment. This extensive experience has led me to discover my calling in sharing the administrative burden associated with significant life events, such as navigating the NDIS.
I am passionate about supporting those who require guidance and assistance in any way I can. I establish strong relationships that enable me to help individuals achieve their full potential & I derive immense satisfaction from celebrating the individual accomplishments of those around me, whether on the soccer field with my 4 children or in the workplace. Our Family motto is “one in, all in,” which confirms my belief that everyone can succeed in life if they are supported and cared for by those around them.
