The people behind FS Academy
Our facilitators and counsellors are qualified, experienced professionals who are passionate about delivering safe, affirming education to every participant.
Leadership
Founder & Director · Adelaide, SA
Cheryl founded FS Academy Australia on a simple but powerful belief: that safe, healthy relationships are a human right — not a privilege. With a background in business and a deep personal commitment to disability inclusion, Cheryl built FS Academy to fill a critical gap in the sector: structured, evidence-informed relationship and life skills education delivered with dignity and respect.
As Director, Cheryl leads the strategic direction of FS Academy across Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. She is the driving force behind Date-Ability, Australia's leading relationship education program for adults with disability, and is passionate about ensuring every participant has access to safe, affirming education that supports their independence and wellbeing.
Cheryl is also the founder of Cliq Connection — a friendship and dating app built specifically for Australians with disability.
Operations
Admin Manager · FS Academy
Tayla is the engine room of FS Academy — the person who makes sure every participant, support coordinator, and team member has what they need, exactly when they need it. As Admin Manager, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the organisation, keeping enrolments running smoothly, onboarding new participants with care, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
With a warm, efficient, and solutions-focused approach, Tayla is often the first point of contact for families, support coordinators, and referral partners. Her attention to detail and commitment to a positive experience means that from first enquiry to program completion, every interaction with FS Academy feels supported and seamless.
Counsellors & Facilitators
Educator & Counsellor · Victoria
Deb brings a rich and wide-ranging background to her work at FS Academy — spanning music, professional writing, theatre, and sex education across secondary, TAFE, and community settings. Having lived on three continents and travelled extensively, she brings genuine warmth and curiosity to every room she enters.
Deb is deeply passionate about creating safe spaces to talk about sexuality and relationships. She has presented on Date-Ability at conferences across the Eastern states, including the 2025 World Association for Sexual Health Conference in Brisbane, and recently served as President of the Victorian/Tasmanian branch of the Society of Australian Sexologists.
Victoria
Counsellor & Program Developer · Western Australia
Winne is an experienced counsellor and facilitator who has been supporting NDIS participants across WA since 2022. She holds a double undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters in Counselling, and is also part of the FS Academy program development team.
Warm and collaborative by nature, Winnie takes a strengths-based approach that helps participants feel heard, respected, and supported. Her practice draws on CBT, solution-focused therapy, ACT, and somatic therapy to support emotional regulation, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
Western Australia
Counsellor, Sexologist & Workshop Facilitator · South Australia
Emma is a counsellor, sexologist, and workshop facilitator with qualifications in counselling and psychotherapy, sexology, and behavioural sciences. She is passionate about supporting people to feel more connected and empowered in their relationships and sexuality.
Emma has extensive experience working with people with physical, intellectual, and psychosocial disabilities — supporting relationship development, identity exploration, and sexual wellbeing. Her programs are engaging, strengths-based, and trauma-informed.
South Australia
Counsellor · CPC (PACFA) · Brisbane, QLD
Kathy is a Certified Practising Counsellor (PACFA) with a Bachelor of Counselling (Distinction) and a Certificate in Financial Literacy Education. With five years of experience across community and disability services, she specialises in relationships, financial wellbeing, and supporting NDIS participants to build confidence and independence.
Kathy has a particular interest in the psychology of money — helping clients understand the emotional patterns and beliefs that shape their financial decisions, alongside building practical skills in budgeting, financial confidence, and scam prevention.
Brisbane, Queensland
