I'm a wife, a Mum of 4 (ages 10 to 21), an Autism Parent Adviser, a Mental Health Youth Advisor, a Program Director, and CEO and Founder of Choose Thrive Inc.

MY PASSION IS HELPING PEOPLE THRIVE

I combine my 21 years of parenting, (including raising a son with autism) and overcoming my own mental health challenges with my professional experience and qualifications in the areas of mental health, parent support and youth work to help individuals and families become the best they can be.

At the age of 6, my son, Joshua, was diagnosed with Autism. Going against the recommendation to put him on antipsychotic medication, my husband and I choose instead, to him overcome his challenges . Now at the age of 18, Josh is thriving (Read more about Josh's story) 

In my 30’s I was diagnosed with a mental health disorder. I successfully overcame my diagnosis and now use my own success stories and life experience as motivation to help others.

I have mentored and coached youth and young adults to help them overcome obstacles in their lives, many of which have gone on to achieve much more than they'd ever imagined possible. I just love young people!

I have also volunteered in a range of varied roles over the years. 

• Team Leader  to cook and serve Sunday breakfast at Coast Shelter, every month for 4 years
• ‘Canteen Duty’, Classroom Support, School events at OLR Wyoming & St Edwards Christian College – 2005 to 2019
• OLR Wyoming P&F Committee (Fundraising Committee, Social Committee, Class Parent Rep C0-ordinator) 2016 & 2017
• Collecting for Salvo’s Red Shield Appeal
• Supporting our Catholic Church in whatever way I am able to serve them

I enjoy collaborating with other people whose values and vision of the future aligns with mine.

My Christian values of Faith, Family, Freedom, Community, Compassion & Truth are what drives me.

I love to see young people living a life of purpose, passion, and peace.

I honestly believe, that given the right support, everyone has the capacity to thrive.

• Parent Advisor - Autism & Youth
• Mental Health Advisor and Program Director - Youth
• Founder of Women on a Mission (an inititive which brings women together to support other women in crisis)
• Founder of Youth in Action (a Youth Community Outreach program I established at our local church)
• Youth Coach, Max Potential (multiple years, multiple year 11 students including two with additional needs)
• Youth Mentor, Youth Frontiers (multiple years, multiple year 9 students)
• Youth Minister, Our Lady of the Rosary, Wyoming
• Team Leader Sunday Breakfast, Coast Shelter
• P&F Committee Member 13 years (Fundraising, Social/Events, Class Parent School Co-ordinator), OLR Wyoming
• 21 years of parenting, including parenting a child with autism

• Work effectively with young people
• Self Awareness/Mindfulness
• Advocacy
• Cert IV Business Administration
• Current Working with Children Check
• Current NSW Police Check
• St John First Aid Certificate

• Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association
• Australian Christian Mentoring Network