Derek Jordan
Director | Support Worker | Gamer | Community Builder
Hi, I’m Derek.
I’ve worked across the disability, education, and support sectors for more than 15 years, including as a Support Worker, Support Coordinator, and Education Support Officer within specialist school settings.
I care a lot about creating spaces where people feel comfortable, included, and genuinely happy to be there. I love seeing people connect naturally through shared interests, games, creativity, and community.
I grew up on a farm, so I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, building things, and keeping busy. These days my hobbies are a mix of practical projects, gaming, movies, music, and getting far too invested in board game strategy.
I’m also usually the first person singing around the space or encouraging a group singalong — even when nobody asked for one.
I enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, footy, gaming, movies, and a good bit of banter. If there’s a board game happening, there’s also a strong chance I’m trying very hard to win it.
Most importantly though, I want Forge & Quest to feel welcoming, relaxed, supportive, and somewhere people can genuinely feel part of a community.
Qualifications & Experience
Over 15 years in disability support and education
Support Coordination experience
Specialist school experience
Community mentoring and support
Favourite Games
Risk, Catan, Ticket to Ride, Diablo, Valheim, HeroQuest, Half-Life, Blood Bowl and honestly, almost anything if there’s snacks involved
Kitty Taylor
Director | Teacher | Creative | Community Builder
Hi, I'm Kitty.
I'm one of the founders of Forge & Quest, a teacher, a mum, and someone who genuinely loves helping people find a place where they feel like they belong.
I've spent more than 13 years working with children, teenagers, young adults and families in specialist education and disability settings. Over the years, I've learnt that the biggest difference isn't made by having the fanciest program or the newest resources—it's made by creating a space where people feel safe, accepted, included and excited to be there.
That's why we created Forge & Quest.
I wanted it to feel less like a service and more like somewhere you'd actually want to spend your day. A place where it's completely normal to get excited about your latest D&D character, spend hours painting miniatures, disappear into a board game, learn to use a 3D printer, or just sit and connect with people who get you.
If you come in, there's a good chance we'll end up talking about whatever you're passionate about. I love seeing people light up when they're sharing something they enjoy. Those moments are honestly my favourite part of what we do.
More than anything, I hope when people walk through our doors they feel comfortable. Like they don't have to pretend to be anyone else. They can laugh, make friends, try new things, and know they're welcome exactly as they are. That's the kind of community I always hoped Forge & Quest would be.
Outside of Forge & Quest, life is pretty full. My husband and I have two energetic boys who keep us busy, I coach an Under 12 girls football team, and I love running, cooking and tackling whatever project has caught my attention that week.
Qualifications & Experience
Qualified Teacher
Bachelor of Community & Outreach Education
Specialist school teaching and leadership experience
Trauma-informed practice training
Community coaching and mentoring experience
First Aid & CPR Training
Favourite Games
Mario Kart (unfortunately very competitively), Donkey Kong, Ticket to Ride, Left 4 Dead, and Settlers of Catan.