Our Team
Our dedicated staff are here to work with you and give you quality support
About us
Welcome to Honeyhive. Tania and Phil have been involved with the disability sector since they met in
1992 in Ballarat. At the time Phil was completing a Fine Art degree in Painting, but after a few
direction changes, he ended up teaching stringed instruments for the next 30 years in and around
Geelong and Townsville. While Phil was doing music teaching as his main “gig” there was always
extra space to do other work, so, when not teaching and performing, he gravitated back to support
work.
Tania started off working in disabilities in 1990 for Community Services Victoria and as a volunteer
coach for RDA (Riding for the Disabled, Victoria). In 1997, Tania continued to work casually in the
disability sector while obtaining an arts degree at Deakin University and then moving to Queensland
and completing a PhD in English Literature and Philosophy. In 2017, Tania returned full time as a
support coordinator in the Geelong region.
Eventually the frustration of working for disability services that seemed stuck in just basic needs mode
and the disruption of the COVID pandemic, we decided to start Honeyhive. As a boutique business,
our aim is to provide consistent, dedicated support workers who really want to support YOU, not sit on
their phone or express reluctance in having to support you. Our staff are dedicated, compassionate
and consistent.
Our motto, “Go Where You Feel Most Alive” has been a guiding principle in both our own lives, as
well as in the support we provide to participants, staff, friends and family.
Our staff
Tania Honey (Director)
Hi, I’m Tania! I am passionate about supporting people to live their best lives. I absolutely love writing, books and films, animals, and gardening. I am also a keen music lover; I play guitar and love to sing. I was previously a support coordinator for NDIS participants but found being a support worker was where I could make a real difference for people, by standing right next to them! I am a mum of two beautiful neurodiverse kids who light up my life, and wife to a neurodiverse husband, so have had lived experiences in disability support alongside of the support I have provided others over the last 36 years. I have three beautiful cats and two very large, dopey dogs that provide my fuzz therapy. I welcome you to Honeyhive supports and look forward to helping you Go Where You Feel Most Alive!
Philip Honey (Director)
Hi, I’m Phil! I am a dedicated musician and artist who loves sharing my interests with others. I absolutely love surfing and the ocean. I play double base in the Geelong Symphony Orchestra and have played with many bands over the years. I find the skills and disposition developed assisting (mostly) young people to achieve their musical goals, worked perfectly when applied to supporting participants in their everyday journey for a fuller more engaged life. I love seeing people achieve their goals and strive for new experiences, while feeling valued and supported. In my downtime, I will be surfing, looking at the surf (When it’s not surfable), watching surfing videos or practicing/performing music. I have two very quirky dogs and three very individual cats that give me no end of amusement and love. I also have two adorable, neurodiverse kids.
Alexi Jacimovic
Hi, I’m Lexi! I’m proactive in deepening my understanding of mental health and disability, I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science and completing my Certificate IV in Mental Health. I have a strong passion for creativity, particularly painting and digital art. I love spending my downtime playing video games and solving puzzles. I’m also a huge animal lover with two beautiful cats, and in my spare time, you’ll often find me curled up with them watching true crime or anime. What I love most about working at Honey Hive is the supportive team who make me feel valued as I continue to grow. I enjoy meeting a diverse range of people and knowing that the work we do truly makes a difference in their lives. Seeing someone gain confidence or independence is incredibly rewarding.
Gentilla Rilen
Support worker
Grant Tompkins
Support worker
Isla Coppock
Hi! I’m Isla and I’ve been with Honey Hive since March 2023. I’m super passionate about assisting people who need a little extra support in their lives to be as independent as possible, and to reach their goals. I have my Cert III individual support, and before working in disability, I briefly worked as a PCA in aged care. I’m an absolute animal nut, and have two sooky labradors I’m obsessed with. I enjoy watching movies, especially horror, and reading classic fiction when I manage to find the time. I would love to have the opportunity to get to know and support you!
Luke Wright
Hi, I'm Luke! I joined Honey Hive in early 2025 and am currently completing a Bachelor's of Psychological Science. I'm passionate about helping people develop fullfilling and independent lives, as well as create a empowering environment where an individual feels valued and supported. Outside of work I very much enjoy playing video games, practicing guitar, going to the beach, carpentry, art, and especially spending time with our dog Tilly. I love incorporating shared interests with my clients, and very much look forward to being able to support you and your goals.
Natalie Hefferman
support worker
Suzanne Paton
support worker