Maaike is a qualified social worker and registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Maaike has completed an undergraduate degree in Social Work in the Netherlands, her home country, and a Master of Social Work at Queensland University of Technology.
Maaike has worked within the disability sector as well as the special education sector, gaining valuable experience with people with various disabilities and complex diagnoses. This included various student placements and a volunteering position of 7 years with a local Special Olympics swimming team.
Maaike is also experienced in working with vulnerable children and families in Child Protection contexts. Maaike has a special interest in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and is considering further research around this topic. Maaike is passionate about advocacy and a person-centred approach to social work.
Outside of work Maaike enjoys swimming, travelling, shopping and hanging out with family and friends.