Mandy Drain
Director / Specialist Support Coordination
2023 IWIB Business Woman of the Year
2021 Business Person of Year – Illawarra and South Coast Business Awards
After spending 25 years working for large providers of disability supports, Owner/Director Mandy Drain started Taylor Made Outcomes, with a focus on delivering quality, trauma informed and person-centered supports, without the constraints of high overheads and back office expenses.
At the age of 17, Mandy began working at The Cram Foundation, supporting children and adults living with complex disability and health needs.
During her 10 years of employment with The Cram Foundation Mandy gained extensive experience in disability support and service.
In 2002
During 2002 and 2003. Mandy was heavily involved in the transition of the residents from the Wollongong Institution into community based supported accommodation. She was successful in managing one of the supported accommodation sites until she began her own family in 2006.
Returning to work after her maternity leave, Mandy held contractual positions with large organisations including St George and Sutherland Community College and Greenacres, during this time she provided training and practice guidance, including the implementation of Person-Centered Supports and Practices.
These employment opportunities allowed her flexibility in work / family life, while her children were preparing for their school years.
NDIS Journey Begins
Mandy chose to return to full-time work in 2014, and accepted the position of Practice and Programs Specialist with Life Without Barriers.
During her contract, Mandy advised disability services teams across Illawarra, Shoalhaven and ACT on business practices required for the impending transition into the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
During her final year with Life Without Barriers, Mandy led the transition of 5 young adults into a purpose built supported accommodation site in Nowra. The transition included development of all operational systems and the recruitment of a qualified team of support workers as a result was a sucess.
In 2017
Mandy accepted the position of NDIS Development Project Specialist with CatholicCare, drawing on her experience and knowledge, as a result was able to successfully led the business into the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
At the time of her decision to leave CatholicCare and commence Taylor Made Outcomes. Mandy was managing a team of 8 staff members and CatholicCare was providing NDIS supports to over 200 participants across Wollongong, Nowra and Campbelltown.
Qualifications
Mandy Drain holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Social Welfare) and a Diploma of Disability. In addition to this, Mandy also holds Certificate IV qualifications in Mental Health, Frontline Management, Disability and Training and Assessment.
Mandy is the mother and step-mother of 4 children, the oldest whom is living with complex disability and also the inspiration behind the name ‘Taylor Made Outcomes’
Mandy was presented with the 2021 Business Person of Year at the Illawarra and South Coast Business Awards on the 23rd February 2022, as an acknowledgement of the passion and dedication she has to Taylor Made Outcomes and the greater disability support sector.
Services and Supports
Mandy provides Support Coordination and Specialist Support Coordination to a small number of participants, ensuring she remains current in practice as well as knowledge. Mandy also provides paid mentoring to individuals and organsiations, who are seeking to increase their expertise in NDIS and improve service delivery.
