MS PAULINE AQUILINA
Autism Goals' Founder
Pauline Aquilina is a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience in the Education Field. Her journey began with the attainment of a P-12 bachelor’s degree in education with Honours, laying the foundation for a diverse career trajectory.
Over the years, Pauline has assumed various leadership roles including Principal, Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing Leader, and Adult Educator, each role shaping her expertise and commitment to educational excellence. However, it was during her tenure in the Education Sector that Pauline's passion for advocating for students with disabilities was ignited.
This fervour intensified when her first grandson was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder during her master’s degree studies. Witnessing the challenges her grandson's mother faced in navigating educational systems propelled Pauline to champion the rights of individuals with disabilities in the learning environment. Consequently, Pauline founded Autism Goals, a testament to her unwavering dedication and advocacy.
Her expertise has not gone unnoticed, as she has been invited to share her knowledge on navigating the educational landscape for students with disabilities, presenting to a wide array of audiences including Paediatricians, Allied Health Professionals, Social Workers, Parent Groups, and schools. Under Pauline's guidance, Autism Goals has flourished into an expansive team operating across Australia and networking internationally. Pauline's recent acceptance of the prestigious disability inclusion business excellence award underscores her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive environments where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute their best.
Her speech reflects the ethos of Autism Goals, emphasising the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and collective effort in creating a more equitable and diverse business environment. Through her leadership and advocacy, Pauline continues to inspire positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. Pauline is nearing the completion of her qualifications as a Mental Health Therapist.