I came to Australia in 2004 and started from scratch, knowing no-one. I successfully completed a Diploma in Community Services in 2014 and also have a Bachelor Degree in Education from overseas which has been recognised under the Australian Qualification Framework.
I am a skilled professional with 10 years of working experience with children, young people and families as a family referral worker, early intervention and placement prevention, residential-out-of-home care, foster care and Brighter Futures caseworker and with women and children escaping domestic and family violence and/or homelessness, and have developed strong advocacy skills, casework and am continuously motivated to make real difference and change in the lives of vulnerable children, young people, families and communities.
I am passionate about children’s welfare, wellbeing, trauma informed practice and working with individuals and/or communities from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds and have established a variety of networks ranging from both Federal and State members of Parliaments, Wollongong City Council, government and non-government organisations, schools, welfare services etc. in the Illawarra, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven areas.I have been an active member of the Council of Women since August 2019 and Community Member of the Illawarra/South East NSW Regional Advisory Council Multicultural NSW since February 2016. I am also an active member of the Neighbourhood Forum 7 and member of the Australian College of Community and Disability Practitioners since 2015.