My work has always centred on people. With a background in Arts and Education, along with postgraduate studies in Dance, training in yoga and trauma-informed practices, I’ve spent over 20 years in education, both in Australia and internationally.
Teaching has taken me into high schools, universities, and alternative education spaces, from Victoria to the Northern Territory, and around the world. Much of my focus has been on working with Indigenous youth, LGBTQI+ students, and young people who have disengaged from mainstream education, each carrying their own complex stories. Leadership roles have given me the chance to design programs, coordinate teams, and implement trauma-informed approaches, always with the goal of creating learning environments that feel both supportive and empowering.
My approach to supporting young people involves fostering open discussions, building emotional resilience, and equipping students with the tools to process complex emotions. Encouraging meaningful conversations helps reduce stigma, fosters emotional intelligence, and strengthens community connections, enabling students to feel supported through life’s more challenging moments.
In addition to education, I work as a funeral celebrant and end-of-life doula. These roles, though seemingly different, are deeply connected, as both involve guiding people through moments of transition with honesty, presence, and compassion. I aim to create environments where growth, understanding, and connection can flourish, no matter the journey.
SHIfT HAPPENS:
Empowering Young People to Navigate Life's Transitions
Life is full of change, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. For young people, change can bring uncertainty, loss, and upheaval. Whether it’s grieving a loved one, adjusting to a new school, coping with family separation, or dealing with shifting friendships, academic pressure, or a loved one’s illness, these experiences can feel overwhelming. SHIfT HAPPENS is a small-group program designed to help young people make sense of these changes in a supportive and understanding space.
Through guided conversations, interactive activities, and creative exploration, participants have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, express their emotions, and discover ways to move forward. The program encourages self-awareness and emotional understanding while also fostering a sense of connection—reminding young people that they are not alone in what they’re going through. Just as importantly, it teaches them how to hold space for others, creating a culture of care and shared experience.
Learning Outcomes
Through participation in SHIfT HAPPENS, young people will:
Recognise their personal journeys and understand they are part of a larger community with shared experiences.
Validate their emotional responses as natural and understandable reactions to change.
Develop practical strategies for managing emotions, making healthy choices, and setting meaningful goals.
Build a supportive peer network, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
Learn how to “hold space” for others, offering empathy and support during times of transition.
Strengthen their communication skills, enabling clear self-expression and active listening.
