Advocacy grounded in experience.
I’m Katherine Nixon (BA, GDipEd, MEd (SpecEd)) and I’m the owner of SupportEd Advocacy. After 15 years teaching in primary schools in Western Australia and New South Wales, I wanted to use my skills to embark on a new path within the disability sector, having been influenced by many factors. I have always had a passion for working with students with additional needs, completing a Master of Special Education from the University of Wollongong in 2017.
I also have lived experience as my daughter, the eldest of three, has a disability. I have been working with many specialists, therapists and educators since 2019 to support her needs. In 2022, it was time to start the advocacy journey on an educational front and I realised what a complicated (and lonely) path it was. Using my teaching experience, special education qualifications and knowledge of the education system, I was able to get my daughter the support that she needed and deserved.
This path has led me to establishing SupportEd Advocacy, where I hope to support and guide parents in their educational advocacy journeys as all our precious children with disabilities and additional needs deserve equity within our education system. In doing so, I hope to make this journey less lonely as you don’t have to navigate it alone.
My Approach.
My approach to advocacy is calm, collaborative and child-centred. I believe that meaningful change is most sustainable when families and schools are supported to work together, with a shared understanding of a child’s needs.
I work alongside parents to reduce overwhelm, clarify options and build confidence. Many families come to advocacy feeling unsure, emotionally drained or worried about being seen as “difficult”. My role is to help you feel informed, supported and steady, even in challenging conversations.
SupportEd Advocacy is grounded in:
A deep understanding of NSW education systems, policies and processes
Respectful, solution-focused communication
Recognition that behaviour is communication and wellbeing comes first
A strengths-based, neuro-affirming perspective
Awareness of the emotional toll advocacy can take on families
I aim to support parents to advocate in ways that feel aligned with their values, while ensuring children receive equitable, lawful and appropriate support.
Advocacy is not about conflict or blame. It is about clarity, accountability and creating environments where children with disabilities and additional needs can feel safe, supported and able to learn.