I’ve been counselling for more than 10 years and educating 8 – 15 year-olds and their parents, in sexual health and respectful relationships for the past 13 years. My training and ongoing professional development in these areas includes childhood development, the adolescent brain, narrative therapy, voice dialogue, effective communication, ASD and adolescence and complex trauma.
I joined the Life Ed team five years ago, and I still think I have one of the best jobs in the world. I am passionate about children receiving essential, age-appropriate information in a relaxed, safe environment.
I’m part of a small team that delivers Talk About It, teaching children from Years 5 through to Year 9 about puberty, sexual health, respectful relationships and valuing diversity.
One of the reasons I wanted to join Life Ed, is to help young people navigate the changes in puberty: the mood swings, the physical changes, and how to form healthy relationships.
My own experience being bullied as a teenager shaped me into the person I am now and is another factor that drives my work with young people.
It’s made me extremely aware of social dynamics in a classroom. I’m incredibly conscious of being inclusive of all children and engaging teachers and the school counsellor if I see anything that needs addressing in class or the playground.
Personally, over the years I have measured my impact by the hugs, letters and parent calls that have followed the programs I have delivered.
