Instructor Profile

I have over 25 years experience in the disability sector, as a speech pathologist supporting the communication needs of children and adults with intellectual disability. I have worked with a number of young people and adults who have a dual diagnosis i.e. intellectual disability and mental illness. I am very committed to raising awareness of the mental health needs of people with intellectual disability so that it is better understood and acknowledged in the mainstream sector. My other area of interest is in suicide prevention.

I completed a Graduate Certificate in Suicide Prevention Studies in 2010, a Masters in Suicidology in 2012 and have a Graduate Diploma in Vocational Education and Training.

In 2019 I started in a new role. I am now working as a Justice Advocate supporting people with a cognitve impairment who are going through the criminal justice system as either;- defendants, suspects, witnesses or victims. The role supports a person with a cognitive impairment to know and understand their rights and to be able to exercise those rights.

My training style is to make it as interactive as possible and to include some theatrical elements in my training, to help break up some of the intensity around learning about mental health and mental illness. I would very much like to see Mental Health First Aid officers on hand in every workplace to support the mental health well-being of all employees without stigma.