Sarah Costello
Founder and CEO
Driven by personal experience and a deep passion for inclusivity, Sarah Costello has dedicated her life to creating a community where every child can thrive.
With firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by families navigating disability and early diagnosis, Sarah has become a powerful advocate and change maker. Her unwavering commitment is to ensure that no parent feels alone – empowering families with practical support,shared experience, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond programs and services.
Sarah is passionate about breaking down barriers, reducing isolation, and supporting families through everystage of their journey. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience, she leads Skillz4me with empathy, insight, and authenticity.
A former athlete who received a basketball scholarship in the USA, Sarah went on to earn her Bachelor of Social Work from the Australian Catholic University in 2011.
That same determination and teamwork that drove her on the court now fuel her mission to build a stronger, more inclusive future for children and families everywhere.
Sarah Diener
Program Director/Social Worker
Sarah D brings over a decade of experience in the disability sector and a deep commitment to supporting children and families. A passionate and dedicated Social Worker, she has worked across a variety of settings, building strong relationships and helping families navigate the challenges and triumphs that come with raising a child with additional needs.
Her gentle nature, compassion, and genuine care help create a safe and supportive environment where every child can grow in confidence and reach their potential. Sarah’s empathy and professionalism make her an invaluable part of the Skillz4me team, contributing every day to our mission of inclusion, connection, and empowerment.
Sarah received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Wollongong in 2020, bringing together her professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Yvonne Balakian
Operations Manager
Yvonne Balakian is passionate about people, inclusion, and making a difference in her community. With more than three decades of experience leading teams and driving positive change, she has built her career around supporting individuals to reach their goals and feel empowered.
Joining Skillz4me Inc. is a natural fit for Yvonne. She brings her leadership skills, strategic insight, and commitment to inclusivity to support children, young adults, and families living with disability. Her focus is on strengthening Skillz4me’s business model, enhancing collaboration, and building strong community connections to ensure every participant feels valued, supported, and celebrated. For Yvonne, every opportunity and achievement — big or small — deserves recognition. Inspired by the warmth and resilience of the Skillz4me community, she is dedicated to contributing to a centre that not only supports individuals but also builds confidence, connection, and joy.
Beyond her professional career, Yvonne is also a theatre director and emerging playwright at the Arts Theatre Cronulla. This creative side of her life reflects her belief in the power of stories, connection, and community — values that echo throughout her work at Skillz4me.
Maureen Diener
Young Adult Day Program Manager
Barbara Roberts
Finance and Administration
Alyza Westman
Disability Coordinator/Social Worker
Sarah Costello
Founder and CEO
Driven by personal experience and a deep passion for inclusivity, Sarah Costello has dedicated her life to creating a community where every child can thrive.
With firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by families navigating disability and early diagnosis, Sarah has become a powerful advocate and change maker. Her unwavering commitment is to ensure that no parent feels alone – empowering families with practical support,shared experience, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond programs and services.
Sarah is passionate about breaking down barriers, reducing isolation, and supporting families through everystage of their journey. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience, she leads Skillz4me with empathy, insight, and authenticity.
A former athlete who received a basketball scholarship in the USA, Sarah went on to earn her Bachelor of Social Work from the Australian Catholic University in 2011.
That same determination and teamwork that drove her on the court now fuel her mission to build a stronger, more inclusive future for children and families everywhere.
Sarah Diener
Program Director/Social Worker
Sarah D brings over a decade of experience in the disability sector and a deep commitment to supporting children and families. A passionate and dedicated Social Worker, she has worked across a variety of settings, building strong relationships and helping families navigate the challenges and triumphs that come with raising a child with additional needs.
Her gentle nature, compassion, and genuine care help create a safe and supportive environment where every child can grow in confidence and reach their potential. Sarah’s empathy and professionalism make her an invaluable part of the Skillz4me team, contributing every day to our mission of inclusion, connection, and empowerment.
Sarah received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Wollongong in 2020, bringing together her professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Yvonne Balakian
Operations Manager
Yvonne Balakian is passionate about people, inclusion, and making a difference in her community. With more than three decades of experience leading teams and driving positive change, she has built her career around supporting individuals to reach their goals and feel empowered.
Joining Skillz4me Inc. is a natural fit for Yvonne. She brings her leadership skills, strategic insight, and commitment to inclusivity to support children, young adults, and families living with disability. Her focus is on strengthening Skillz4me’s business model, enhancing collaboration, and building strong community connections to ensure every participant feels valued, supported, and celebrated. For Yvonne, every opportunity and achievement — big or small — deserves recognition. Inspired by the warmth and resilience of the Skillz4me community, she is dedicated to contributing to a centre that not only supports individuals but also builds confidence, connection, and joy.
Beyond her professional career, Yvonne is also a theatre director and emerging playwright at the Arts Theatre Cronulla. This creative side of her life reflects her belief in the power of stories, connection, and community — values that echo throughout her work at Skillz4me.
Maureen Diener
Young Adult Day Program Manager
Barbara Roberts
Finance and Administration
Alyza Westman
Disability Coordinator/Social Worker
Join Our Team!
If you have a passion for
working with children of
all abilities please contact
us for more information on how to join our team.