The Team
Who We Are
Manika Meshram
Managing Director I Behaviour Support Practitioner
With over 15 years of experience as a qualified Social Worker and a registered Advanced level Behaviour Support Practitioner, Manika is dedicated to empower individuals of all ages and abilities to enhance their quality of life. Her expertise encompasses mental health, trauma-informed care, and support for those in residential, hospital, and community settings. Committed to delivering high quality Behaviour Support services, clinical supervision, and ongoing professional development, Manika strives to achieve the best outcomes for her clients.
Tayla De Valle
Behaviour Support Practitioner I Senior Occupational Therapist
As an Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner and Senior Occupational Therapist with extensive years experience working in the disability sector, Tayla is passionate about supporting emotional and behavioural challenges through a person centred, strengths based, trauma informed and neurodiversity affirming approach. Tayla has also completed a post graduate certificate in Positive Behaviour Support from Flinders University.
Through collaboration with the individual and their stakeholders, Tayla utilises a curious and empathetic approach to assessing and understanding their unmet needs, developing a meaningful behaviour support plan, managing risk, building skills and improving quality of life.
Tayla brings extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals, individuals impacted by trauma, Pathological Demand Avoidance (or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) and complex sensory processing needs across all age groups. Tayla is also passionate about enhancing the individual's environment to be supportive of their individual needs and creating environments that celebrate diversity, nurture potential and prioritise wellbeing above all.
Tanja Kettle
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Tanja Kettle is an experienced Behaviour Support Practitioner and a registered therapist with ABA Australia, supporting both children and adults with diverse and complex support needs. She holds a Certificate III in Autism Studies and is a Certified Advanced Protective Behaviour Practitioner, with a strong commitment to evidence-based, person-centred, and neuroaffirming practice.
Tanja has extensive experience working across the lifespan, including early intervention, school-aged support, and adult services. She gained valuable international experience as a Behaviour Analyst in Abu Dhabi before returning to Perth in 2011. Since then, she has worked across a range of settings and joined Affirm Ability in 2024 providing neuroaffirming Positive Behaviour Support services to children, adolescents and adults.
Her practice focuses on improving quality of life, building skills, enhancing independence, and reducing behaviours of concern through proactive, collaborative, and strengths-based approaches. Tanja works closely with families, support workers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistent, ethical, and meaningful support outcomes.
Tanja is a proud mother of two adult children. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys singing, dancing, camping, and spending time caring for her pets.
Neha Shukla
Behaviour Support Practitioner I Certified Behaviour Analyst
As a dedicated Behaviour Support Practitioner and Certified Behaviour Analyst, I bring over 5 years of expertise in developing individualised plans and providing tailored behavioural support to individuals with diverse needs. With a combined experience of 16 years in the teaching and behaviour support industries, my work is grounded in evidence-based practices and a deep commitment to fostering positive outcomes.
My extensive experience includes creating person-centred strategies, collaborating with families and stakeholders, and delivering effective interventions to help individuals achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
I am actively involved in research focusing on the mental health and well-being of individuals aged 18 to 30. Driven by a deep passion for making a meaningful impact, I aim to explore holistic strategies that promote resilience, emotional regulation, and comprehensive support within home and community settings.
Laura Martin
Behaviour Support Practitioner I Social Worker
​With 18 years of diverse experience in Social Work and Behaviour Support services, Laura has developed a profound expertise in providing high-quality support across a wide range of fields, including Disability Services, Child Protection, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) families, Out of Home Care, and in-home Family Support.
Laura is passionate about empowering individuals and families through holistic, client-centered interventions.Throughout her career, Laura has worked across a variety of settings, including in-home visits, community outreach, and more recently, has honed her skills in delivering services via telehealth, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in response to changing client needs. Laura excels in complex problem-solving, with a demonstrated ability to assess and navigate complex family dynamics, identify key needs, and implement effective, evidence-based strategies.
Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to professional growth, fostering a positive and productive team environment, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services that are both compassionate and effective.A motivated and positive team contributor, Laura is dedicated to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she supports, and continues to bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and professionalism to her work.