Kellie Hugo

DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATOR & INCLUSIVE EDUCATION TEACHER

Kellie graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Education and Special Education, and a
Bachelor of Disability Studies. She is a registered Developmental Educator (DE) and
Teacher, with over 9 years of professional experience working with children, teenagers
and adults with disabilities. Kellie is a mum of two young children, and works part time.

Kellie has spent most of her career as the lead teacher of special classes, in primary and secondary schools. She adapted curriculum to focus on the development of functional literacy and numeracy, emotional regulation, social skills, resilience and positive wellbeing. Kellie supported mainstream teachers and other special class teachers to improve inclusive practices and has also had experience in special schools and day options programs.

In a high school setting, Kellie enjoyed initiating and leading Stage 1 and 2 Modified SACE, teaching independent living skills (including cooking), developing community-based learning experiences, supporting students to gain their learners permit, improving workplace readiness, facilitating work experience, and connecting with employment agencies.

Kellie has been practicing as a Developmental Educator since the beginning of 2022 and has thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful relationships she has built, the opportunity to completely individualise support and working across a variety of settings. She is committed to ongoing professional development to provide current and evidence-based practice. In 2025, Kellie moved from McLaren Vale to Mildura, and is excited to use her skills and experience to support new participants in the Sunraysia area.

Kellie's Approach

Kellie's first priority is relationship building and creating an environment where the person feels safe and supported. She collaborates with the individual and their family (when relevant) to create meaningful goals, and incorporates as many practical, interest-based and real-life opportunities as possible.

While sessions are planned, Kellie often adapts to meet the needs of the individual on that day– whether that be helping co-regulate, working through a current challenge or incorporating in-the-moment scenarios. Kellie strives to be neuro-affirming in her approach and is passionate about helping children and adults develop a positive neurodivergent identity.

Professional Training and Courses

Bachelor of Education and Special Education, and a Bachelor of Disability Studies
Certificate 2 in Community Services Work
Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (advanced course) - Dr Ross Greene
Fundamentals of Neurodiversity Affirming Practice - Sonny Jane Wise
Zones of Regulation
Social Thinking curriculum
Supporting Student's Development of Regulation - Department for Education Occupational Therapists
Play is the Way
Savvy ways to understand and work with tricky student behaviour; through positive behaviour support lenses - Mark Messurier
MAPA (Management of Actual or Potential Aggression) programme
Creating Calmer Classrooms for Vulnerable Students - Leigh Burrows
Neuroscience and the Student Brain - Dr Donna Nitschke
Relationships and Sexual Health Education - Shine SA
Sexual Health in Students with Disability - Special Options Teachers' Network
Supporting Gender Diverse, Intersex and Sexually Diverse Children and Young People
Cultural Competency - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Best Practice in Disability Advocacy – Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU)
Talking Hands 1 and 2 (AUSLAN) - Deaf Can:Do
Social Inclusion and Wellbeing for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
IM ALERT Food Safety Training
Free to Be - Body Esteem - Butterfly Foundation
Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect (RRHAN - EC)
Senior First Aid