Our Core team

Leslie Clements -  General Manager

I am the General Manager at Autism Valued (AV), where I lead the organisation’s operations and support our team to deliver programs, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives. My work includes developing and supporting our team to host peer and interest groups, employment programs, and advocacy efforts. My connection to the Autistic community is both personal and professional, with my two adult sons being Autistic and having ADHD, and my partner being late-diagnosed. I am currently undertaking postgraduate studies in mental health and neuroscience to support evidence-based approaches in service delivery. I value working at AV and seeing the confidence and self-belief that autistic people gain through our programs, as well as working with a committed team and broader community. Read more here.

Jacob Alan Kness - Employment Projects Manager

I am a social entrepreneur, employment innovator, and community advocate working across neurodiversity, enterprise, and systems reform. My work focuses on building employment pathways for Autistic and neurodivergent people, and I have a background in hospitality and baking, where I managed high-volume bakery teams. I am autistic, and my lived experience informs my understanding of both barriers and strengths in employment systems. At Autism Valued (AV), I work across employment programs, including career exploration, employer engagement, and work experience opportunities. I value working to connect community organisations, schools, employers, and social enterprise to create employment pathways. Read more here.

      

Zarah Aumeerally - Employment Coordinator

I am the Employment Coordinator at Autism Valued (AV). I have a background in psychology and am currently completing a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Melbourne. I am part of a neurodiverse family. My work at AV involves assisting with employment programs, supporting program delivery with the Employment Program Manager and Teens Program lead, and working on job coaching. I am passionate about social justice, equal opportunity, and reducing discrimination, and I chose to join AV because of my connection to neurodiverse communities. I value seeing young people gain confidence through work experience programs and the positive impact this has on families. Read more here.

      

Jack Palit - Community Administration Manager

I am Jack, the Community Administration Manager at Autism Valued (AV), and I have been at AV since August 2023. My role includes being a main contact for the organisation, managing interest groups such as D&D and Book Club, doing IT support, social media content, contributing to and proofreading grant applications, and supporting volunteer recruitment. I am Autistic and was diagnosed in early childhood. I have family members who are also suspected of being autistic. I value working with the team at AV and supporting volunteers to develop their skills, as well as hearing about the impact of programs such as D&D on autistic people and their communities. Read more here.