I was drawn to Social Work because of a strong commitment to Social Justice.  This has led me to many years of practice with Narrative Therapy and ideas of Michael White’s and other Narrative leaders, these ideas being a constant source of inspiration and sustenance. I also draw on many other modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).

I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) in 1994 and have worked extensively with in Hunter New England Health and the Community sector. I started my career as the first Sexual Assault Worker in the Central West of NSW. When returning to Newcastle I worked with Newcastle Community Health for 18 years working as a counsellor in areas such as grief, loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, bullying, family relationships and Domestic Violence. More recently I have worked in Mental Health with young people and Adolescence and their families, and the Drug and Alcohol sector. 

I held a Conjoint Lecturer position in the Social Work Department at the University of Newcastle for a period of 6 years and had an affiliation as a teacher for approximately 10 years. I love teaching and contributing to the development of emerging Social Workers as a supervisor and mentor. I Have a love of lifelong learning and commit myself to understanding current evidence-based practice and therapeutic interventions. 

Having moved into my own practice in 2014 with accreditation as a Mental Health Social Worker and Approved Victims Service Counsellor I enjoy the partnership with people who come with life experiences and problems stories.  I am committed to supporting people back to preferred ways of living and directions. I also delight working with colleagues in a mentoring and supervision capacity where wonderful ideas emerge and practice comes to life.