Why am I doing this research?
From a young age, I was always drawn to being of service to others. After experiencing childhood adversity and sexual violence, it became my personal mission to break the cycle of dysfunction and create a career that made a positive difference in how to work with and support people from all walks of life. I identify as an Indigenous Australian, coming from a long linage of Palawa people.
My family history consists of intergenerational trauma, which has resulted in incidences of family violence, imprisonment, mental health and problematic substance use issues. Becoming a Social Worker has allowed me to analyse and critically reflect on the connection between personal and societal influences. Being able to comprehend how and why trauma is transmitted through generations, has created a true sense of compassion towards myself and others. Through developing an in-depth understanding of notions surrounding critical thinking, human rights and post-traumatic growth, it became clear that no one could be immune to life tragedies. By acknowledging the power of deconstructing people’s trauma stories, it was not surprising to uncover the universal connection of suffering that makes us all simply human.
I have over 15 years’ experience in supporting people with disability both voluntarily and professionally. Starting as a peer support person at 14 years old, I worked alongside young men with Downs Syndrome, before facilitating an inclusive dance school with the assistance of my mother in our rural community based in Tasmania, Australia. During my senior secondary certificate, I majored in sociology and psychology, as well as in the performing arts. This allowed me to develop a career as a disability support worker whilst I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work, working within residential and learning and lifestyle centres.
After graduating from my Bachelors, I commenced a career within clinical and community based mental health services where I worked for several years before becoming an independent practitioner under the NDIS. I then decided to undertake a Masters in Advanced Social Work at the University of Melbourne where I expanded my knowledge in disability studies and advanced trauma informed care. My continuing professional development training and drive to excel in my chosen field, led to studying a Post Graduate course with Harvard Medical School in Global Mental Health and Trauma Recovery. I am continuing to pursue my passions as a social worker and advocate, whilst I complete a Doctorate of Philosophy, aiming to become a professor and global practice leader. Undertaking a PhD has allowed me to work towards improving the NDIS participant experience for people with psychosocial disability and trauma histories. It is my hope that this research project will be a reflection of my professional aspirations to work alongside people with lived experiences to create social change that will hopefully derive positive outcomes for future service delivery.
