Marilyn Garbin

Founder and CEO of Can Do Training

The Origin Story

When I was a teenager, the ACTIV Foundation had a headquarters close to where I lived and I was invited inside one day and shown around. I specifically remember being show a washing machine and I was told, "This is where we teach our students how to wash their clothes". It was my moment of realisation that people with disability have a lot of ability.

Around the same time, I was asked by my mother to make my brother's bed. I asked her “why?” Her response was "because he has a disability". I agreed and said "yes he does, he can make a bed however. There is nothing wrong with his arms and legs and he can learn."

My brother had ADHD (was very hyperactive) and he also had an intellectual disability, and so was behind his peers at school in relation to reading, writing, speech and learning. It was about that time that I also volunteered to work with the ACTIV Foundation as I wanted to have a better understanding of people with a disability.

My brother's education meant that he was sent from one school to another as they did not know how to best provide for him. My brother’s disability was further added to as he also had mental health issues. Unfortunately, he became diabetic as an adult and did not understand the implication that his nutrition had on his diabetes. He was found deceased at the age of 51 due to "Diabetic ketoacidosis".

Earlier Career

Having worked in business administration for a number of years, I decided in 1999 to accept a position as a Lecturer at a university in New Zealand. I was teaching bridging courses to international students and this was my introduction into the Vocational Education and Training sector where I have been working ever since.

My qualifications include:

  • Diploma in Business Administration

  • Certificate IV in Small Business Management

  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

  • Diploma in Vocational Education and Training

  • Diploma in VET Training Design and Development

  • Graduate Diploma in Management (Learning)

  • Post Graduate Certificate in Career Development

At Can Do Training, I wish to bring combine my considerable professional skills and experience with my personal experience to help our students strive to reach their potential.

Everyone learns differently.

At Can Do Training, we accommodate and accept our students’ learning styles. Time is spent to ensure skills are developed using a range of methodologies to ensure that practical application of knowledge is applied.

I can’t wait to meet your family and students, so that we can work together to change lives and futures.