A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, sitting in a room with a bookshelf and a window in the background.

Hi, I’m Jody Thomas-Smith

Proficient PBS Practitioner

ABOUT JODY

Jody is a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming PBS Practitioner who approaches her work with deep humility, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning. Drawing on a rich professional background across primary, secondary, education support, and international learning settings - as well as extensive experience working within metropolitan, rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities - Jody brings a uniquely holistic, research-backed perspective to Positive Behaviour Support.

As a parent of neurodivergent children, Jody understands from the inside out what it means to be an advocate. She blends her clinical psychology studies, background in emergency services volunteering, and real-world parenting experience to enhance quality of life for participants while ensuring their families feel heard, respected, and genuinely supported.

MY APPROACH & FRAMEWORKS

“I believe every individual deserves to be met with kindness, clear communication, and absolute dignity. My focus is on understanding what someone is trying to tell us through their distress and changing the world around them so they can feel safe and free”.

  • Holistic & Research-Backed PBS: Combining evidence-based behavioral science with deep empathy and person-centered care.

  • Trauma-Informed & Brain-State Aware: Prioritizing regulation, physical health, pain awareness, and sensory safety above all else.

  • Plain Language & Easy Read Design: Making complex clinical plans accessible, clear, and usable for participants and support circles alike.

  • Reduction of Restrictive Practices: Actively replacing restrictive measures with choice, autonomy, and environmental adaptations.

  • Collaborative Support-Network Coaching: Working hand-in-hand with families, carers, and staff to build confidence and shared understanding.

  • Diverse Educational & Community Background: Primary, secondary, education support, and international settings across metro, rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities.

  • Lived Experience Advocacy: Neurodivergent parent navigating systems and fighting for genuine inclusion firsthand.

  • Emergency Services Volunteering: Real-world experience in high-stress, crisis environments bringing calm de-escalation skills.

  • Psychological & Literature Studies: Blending clinical psychology insights with clear, compassionate communication skills.

SPECIALTIES & EXPERIENCE

WHY FAMILIES & PARTICIPANTS LOVE WORKING WITH JODY

  • Jody is an exceptionally kind person who brings a gentle, grounding presence into every room she enters, instantly making participants and families feel at ease.

  • Jody has a remarkable ability to hold space for participants and carers experiencing deep burnout. She meets people in their lowest, most exhausted moments without expectation, judgment, or pressure.

  • With her background in emergency services and trauma-informed care, Jody is extraordinary at de-escalating moments of intense distress and crisis with radical calm, safety, and emotional warmth.

  • As a parent navigating the neurodivergent world, Jody’s advocacy is fiercely genuine. She knows what families are fighting for because she fights for it every day in her own life.

QUALIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS

  • Graduate Certificate in Psychological Sciences

  • Diploma in Education (Secondary)

  • Bachelor of Arts

    • Major: English & Comparative Literature

    • Major: English | Minor: Social Studies (History)

  • Emergency Services Volunteer Experience

  • Currently undertaking Kristy Forbes inTune With PDA course