Our Communityof Practice
A growing network of professionals committed to connection-first, relationship-based practice. At ConnectFirst™, we believe that behaviour is communication and that meaningful support begins with safety, trust, and connection.
ConnectFirst™ practitioner
Connection-first practice
A shared professional standard grounded in safety, trust, regulation, and relationship.
Meet Our People
Founding practitioners shaping the ConnectFirst™ vision
Our people bring together experience across behaviour support, education, operations, partnerships, and family-centred practice.
Meg Hughes
Founder & Director of Practice
Meg is the founder of ConnectFirst™ and brings over 20 years of experience in education, behaviour support, and child-centred practice. With qualifications in teaching, play therapy, and trauma-informed practice, Meg is known for her warm, relational approach and her ability to support both children and the adults around them.
Lindy Steyn
Director, Bridge to Understanding
Lindy leads Bridge to Understanding and is a registered Behaviour Support Practitioner. She brings extensive experience supporting children and families and is deeply committed to building environments where individuals feel safe, understood, and empowered.
Ryan Hughes
Sales & Strategic Partnerships
Ryan brings extensive experience in business development and strategic partnerships. He plays a key role in expanding ConnectFirst™’s reach, building relationships with schools, organisations, and communities.
Thomas Johns
Chief Operations Officer
Thomas supports the operational systems that enable ConnectFirst™ to grow and scale. His work helps ensure that practitioners, families, and organisations experience a seamless and high-quality service.
Certification
What it means to be a Certified ConnectFirst™ Practitioner
Certification is not just about completing a course. It reflects a commitment to a way of working that is relational, reflective, and grounded in connection before correction.
Community of Practice
A professional home for people who want to work differently
The ConnectFirst™ Community of Practice is a space for ongoing learning, reflection, and connection. It is designed for practitioners who want their work to be both clinically informed and deeply human.
Our practitioners
- Share a common language and approach
- Engage in ongoing professional development
- Reflect on practice in a supportive environment
- Contribute to a growing movement in education and behaviour support
- Strengthen their identity as connection-first practitioners
Join the community
Become a Certified ConnectFirst™ Practitioner
We welcome educators, therapists, and support professionals who are seeking a more relational and human-centred approach. The pathway begins with the ConnectFirst™ Clinical Course.
Develop a deep understanding of behaviour through a connection-first lens
Learn practical, real-world strategies for supporting children and families
Build confidence in responding with clarity, calm, and compassion
Join a growing professional network aligned to the ConnectFirst™ philosophy
Why Join
Recognition, belonging, and ongoing growth
This is more than a directory. It is an invitation into a credible, values-led network of professionals who want to be part of something meaningful.
Ready to join?
Step into a way of working that prioritises connection, understanding, and meaningful change.
Begin with the ConnectFirst™ Clinical Course and become part of a growing community of practice.