About us, Alvarra Health and Wellbeing | Behaviour Support & wellbeing Specialists in Australia
Alvarra Health & Wellbeing is a family-run NDIS Behaviour Support provider based in the Brisbane Valley. We offer personalised, ethical and evidence-based support for children, young people and adults. Our Behaviour Support Practitioners specialise in Positive Behaviour Support, Therapeutic Wellbeing Services and the development of high-quality Behaviour Support Plans grounded in respect, understanding and genuine connection.
At Alvarra, we take the time to understand each person’s story, strengths and needs. Every Behaviour Support Plan is thoughtfully tailored and created through meaningful collaboration with participants, families and support teams.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all support. Our Behaviour Support Practitioners and therapists are experienced, qualified and NDIS-registered, ensuring you receive safe, person-centred support from professionals who care deeply about what they do. Our work is guided by a simple belief: when support is personal, respectful and responsive, real change becomes possible, and that’s what our about us story represents.
At Alvarra Health and Wellbeing, we understand that behaviour is a form of communication, every action has meaning, and every person deserves support grounded in respect, insight, and purpose. We work to uncover the ‘why’ behind behaviour, reduce behaviours of concern, and support safer, more effective ways to meet individual needs. By partnering with individuals, families, and support teams, we deliver thoughtful, ethical, person-centred support that ensures individual’s meet their goals and improve their quality of life.
To lead change and set the benchmark for ethical, person-centred support by uncovering the why so every person is heard, supported, and empowered to live with greater independence, connection, and choice.
Our values guide every interaction, every plan and every decision. They represent how we show up, how we practice, and how we honour the people we support.
Respect – We uphold dignity, autonomy and the right to be heard.
Integrity & Inclusion – We lead with honesty, fairness and a commitment to inclusive practice.
Strength-Based Support – We focus on strengths, abilities and potential; not limitations.
Empowerment & Ethical Practice – We support people to make choices, build capacity and receive rights-based, ethical support.
Understanding – We listen, value lived experience and recognise behaviour as communication.
Person-Centred – Every approach is tailored to the individual; their goals, needs, culture and identity.
We RISE UP
We RISE UP to meet each person with respect, integrity, inclusion, empowerment and understanding, providing ethical, strength-based, person-centred support every step of the way.
The Story Behind Alvarra
Alvarra was created from a desire to do support differently; with more humanity, greater clarity, and genuine understanding. After years working within the disability, mental health and behaviour support fields, we saw how often families and participants felt overwhelmed, unheard, or let down by systems that were meant to help them. Plans were written but not always useful. Support existed but not always accessible, ethical or compassionate.
We also witnessed practices in the sector that did not reflect human rights, best practice, or the level of care people deserve. Far too many providers said the right things, but did not follow through. We wanted to be different; and we genuinely mean it.
We founded Alvarra to create a service grounded in integrity, where people feel safe, valued, and truly understood. A service that listens, values lived experience, and brings together clinical insight with warmth and authenticity. A service that focuses on the “why” behind behaviour, not just the behaviour itself.
This commitment is not only professional; it’s personal. We know firsthand the complexities, pressures and emotional toll that come with caring for a loved one with a disability and behaviours of concern. We understand the exhaustion, the uncertainty, and the deep desire to find support that actually helps.
Alvarra is our promise to do support the way it should be: grounded, thoughtful, human and meaningful.
Not just different in words but different in practice, every day.
Behind The Name
Alvarra is more than a brand; it is a reflection of our values. Quietly inspired by the Old Norse word Alvar, meaning “truth-speaker,” our name represents the idea that behaviour is communication. Every action holds meaning, and our role is to listen deeply, respond ethically and support individuals in ways that honour their lived experience.
Alvarra also symbolises balance, calm strength and grounded guidance; qualities we aim to embody in all we do. In a sector that can often feel clinical or overwhelming, we strive to bring a gentle, steady and compassionate presence.
Meet Our Team
Michelle Renes
Founder - Clinical Director
Michelle is our Clinical Director, Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner and an experienced Emergency Department Registered Nurse, fully registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). With over 15 years working across healthcare, disability and community sectors, she brings a unique blend of clinical insight and behavioural expertise to her work.
Holding a Bachelor of Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate in Emergency Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Michelle is especially passionate about supporting individuals with complex needs including those with forensic histories and youth justice involvement, through a strengths-based, compassionate approach that honours dignity and choice.
When she’s not working, Michelle is a busy mum of three neurodiverse children, a true crime enthusiast, a podcast addict and a Cluedo champion. She can often be found in her backyard trying to recreate Belle’s iconic Beauty and the Beast moment; of singing to her flock of chickens with a book in hand and a coffee close by, although she definitely won’t be cast as Belle in any rendition of Beauty and the Beast any time soon.
Ben Renes
Founder - Operations Director
Ben is our Operations Director and the backbone of Alvarra’s back-end operations. He brings over 15 years of leadership experience across systems engineering, healthcare, infrastructure and complex production environments. His expertise spans compliance, technology integration and strategic planning; making him the quiet engine behind our efficiency.
Ben has a keen eye for detail and a drive for continuous improvement. He is passionate about building efficient, reliable and compliant service systems that allow our practitioners to focus on what matters most: the people we support.
Outside of Alvarra, Ben runs another business in specialist vehicle parts, juggles an ever-growing list of home projects (lovingly assigned by Michelle), is kept busy by his three children and tries his best to sneak in a few episodes of his favourite TV shows when he can.
What Makes Alvarra Different?
Choosing the right provider matters! We understand that, so to help you decide if we are a right fit for you, here is a little overview of what sets us apart:
Practitioner-Led Expert Support
Services are delivered by an experienced Behaviour Support Practitioner with foundations in psychology, nursing (AHPRA registered) and Positive Behaviour Support.
Practical, Readable Behaviour Support Plans
Our plans are designed for real life, not just compliance. Clear language, meaningful strategies and guidance that families, support workers and schools can actually use day-to-day.
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Support Beyond the Plan
We don’t just write plans; we implement them with you. This includes coaching, training, collaboration, plan reviews and continuous improvement to ensure strategies make a real difference. We don’t just write a plan and disappear.
Warm, Modern, Family-Centred Approach
We offer support that feels human, calm and compassionate. We aim to reduce overwhelm, not add to it; creating a space where families feel safe, respected and understood.
Fast, Reliable Communication
We believe in staying connected. You can expect timely responses, open collaboration and ongoing updates, because consistent communication creates better outcomes.
Local, Community-Focused
Proudly supporting Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim, we understand the strengths and challenges of local communities and the importance of accessible, responsive support. For those outside these areas, we also provide Telehealth, making quality support accessible wherever you are.
Get in Touch Today
We’re here to support you at any time.
If you’d like to learn more or make a referral, our team is ready to help.