What are your hobbies outside of working?

I play netball, hang out with my boyfriend and friends, and I love watching Anime

What inspired you to become a Support Worker?

Growing up, I found it difficult to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. It took me a long time to figure out that helping people may be the course I go down. Through my studies, it all sounded good to be a youth worker or something in that realm but I had a lot of doubt as I wasn't confident enough to pursue it. But as I started in the support work industry, I knew working with children and young people was something I was passionate to do. I have a combination of empathy, bubbly, respectful and overall silliness that really helps me connect with children and young people, and I pride myself on those traits. What I've grown up noticing I needed to do was providing a safe space for my loved ones to be themselves. And I learned those traits really help me with building connections with families, as well as children and young people as I have a fully transparent outlook on life. If I don't know something, I ask how to best support the person/people. If I am scared to do it, I admit that and build trust in knowing that we can learn together. And I think that is something truly valuable to use in a lot of aspects in my life not just in my professional relationships.

What were you like growing up?

I was very shy, bit of a brainiac and found my voice in sports and music especially!

What qualifications do you have?

• Bachelor of Youth Work

• Graduate Certificate in Child & Adolescent Mental Health

• Studying Masters in Child & Adolescent Mental Health

• First Aid & CPR

• NDIS Worker Screening Clearance

• Working with Children's Check

• Kristy Forbes PDA Masterclasses