I was born and raised in Lithgow, where I enjoyed a wonderful childhood surrounded by family and friends. After marrying my husband, we spent several years traveling during his time in the army, and together we built a life enriched by new experiences and the joy of raising our two children. When he retired from military service, we returned to Lithgow — a place we have always considered home.

Life has brought its share of challenges, including supporting a loved one through mental health struggles. These personal experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the power of empathy and the importance of compassionate support, both in our personal lives and within the community.

Caring for my parents, and later coping with the loss of my mother, inspired me to follow my passion for helping others. I pursued a Diploma in Counselling, and during the COVID pandemic, my husband and I cared for my father. It was a time of reflection and growth, and I felt a strong desire to give back to my community. I reconnected with a school friend who ran the local Second Bite program and began volunteering alongside her. Throughout the pandemic, I found myself offering informal counselling to those facing significant hardships, which further fueled my commitment to supporting others.

After the pandemic, we experienced the heartbreaking loss of my father, another profound moment that shaped my path. I went on to join the disability team at the Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre, working first as a support worker and later as a recovery coach, assisting NDIS clients. My journey then led me to aged care, where I now work with the CHSP team, running social groups that foster connection and belonging.

My mission is simple yet powerful — to provide counselling that empowers people to believe in themselves and navigate life’s challenges with strength and confidence. I am also dedicated to furthering my expertise by pursuing studies in loss and grief counselling while continuing my work with NDIS clients.

In recent years, I have faced my own health challenges, including a stroke and a heart attack. These experiences have only strengthened my resolve, reminding me that life is precious and now is the time to devote myself to what I truly love — helping others heal, grow, and find hope.