In this episode of the HerStory Podcast, Kylie King welcomes back the incredible Athanasia (Sia) Tsambas, founder of Empowering Youth Support Services. Established in 2019 out of a personal mission to provide better care for her fiancé, Sia’s business has become a beacon of empathy and advocacy in the disability sector.
Sia shares the raw reality of the NDIS landscape, from the importance of being a “human” rather than just a provider, to the complexities of navigating government bureaucracy. Whether she’s acting as a support worker or a fierce support coordinator, Sia’s “Mother Hubbard” energy ensures her participants aren’t just numbers in a system – they are family. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the industry or families looking for a provider who isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with the government to secure the best possible outcomes.
What You’ll Learn in Episode 72
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The origin story: How personal experience as a carer led Sia to challenge the status quo in disability services.
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The “Empathy Gap”: Why showing emotion and building real friendships with participants is a professional asset, not a weakness.
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Navigating the NDIS: Crucial tips on why participants should never release their full funding amount to providers upfront.
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The role of a Support Coordinator: How Sia acts as the “voice” and advocate for her clients in complex NDIS meetings.
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Industry red flags: Identifying providers who are in the sector for a “quick buck” rather than participant outcomes.
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Understanding the new NDIA system: How quarter payments and rolling funding work to protect participant budgets.
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The “Grinch” and the “Fighter”: A heartwarming story of a long-term participant’s growth and the power of teaching clients to advocate for themselves.
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The reality of Group Homes: The mental and emotional toll of finding the right, safe environment for non-verbal participants.
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Future-proofing care: Sia’s take on the potential introduction of AI in NDIS planning and why human oversight remains irreplaceable.
Guest: Athanasia Tsambas
My name is Athanasia, but most people call me Sia. I am the eldest of two daughters, a proud sister, partner, and new auntie to my beautiful niece. I juggle many roles, including being a devoted carer for my fiancé, parents, and mother-in-law. I am always approaching each role with compassion and commitment. In my spare time, I enjoy Greek music, photography, family time, reading, and most of all cruising to all of which keep my life rich with love, culture, and connection.
At Empowering You Support Services, we provide personalised disability support in Western Sydney to help individuals live their best life possible. We proudly support participants and families across the region — offering personalised, flexible support that puts your goals, independence, and happiness first. We believe everyone deserves to live with dignity, choice, and confidence. That’s why we take the time to understand your unique needs, working alongside you to empower your everyday life and future dreams.
Find Athanasia:
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