Meet the Team
What started as me sharing my story has now grown into a registered not-for-profit that works hard to raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma. I have now spoken at over 600 events, including school groups, workplaces and sporting clubs, and I am dedicated to spreading the message that nothing is so bad that you can’t talk about it.
I believe my story resonates with many people. People who, like my family at the time, might not think mental health is a priority or that they will ever be affected by it.
My vision is that SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY will become a national charity, with a focus on delivering programs in schools and sporting to increase awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health.”
At the end of 2016 I lost my best friend, my Dad to suicide. Amongst the devastation I recognised wearing “armour” had become my ongoing coping mechanism in “protecting” myself from emotional exposure. In reality it was keeping me isolated from connection and support. It became my highest priority to find a different way of thinking … and living!
My mission as part of the Stay ChatTY Team is to share my experiences and learnings as well as lead through connection and kindness – these two simple yet significant tools are game changers!
I love making someone smile, helping others to see we are never alone or assisting with the slightest shift in a perspective that opens someone up to feeling like things can get better.”
Since then I’ve worked in community development, construction, marketing and most recently ran several hospitality businesses.
In 2024 a close friend who I had always admired, took his own life. This was devastating for me and a massive wake up call.
My priorities changed, I sold businesses, got some time back. It was a realignment. A reordering of priorities.
I am so happy, motivated and excited to be back in the mental health field, and combining psychology with sport – my two biggest passions.
Mental health is for everyone. I remember being in primary school, we had a wonderful teacher, she said “nothing is ever that bad you can’t talk to someone about it,” so true.
Let’s talk.
Stay ChatTY.
I am excited about the changes that are happening in the space of mental health and the movement from what was predominantly ‘Medical Modelling,’ towards a bigger focus on the social aspects and approaching people in a holistic way.
My desire to work alongside and support others has led me to undertake a Diploma of Community Services, and ultimately to become part of the Stay ChatTY Team.
Supporting others and their wellbeing does not have to be structured, conversations can be lighthearted, and meditation itself doesn’t actually have to involve crossed legs and sandalwood, if that’s not your thing.
I am passionate about achieving an increased understanding of what mental health is for everyone. Let’s remove the stigma that it has to be a heavy subject or that poor mental health always requires professional help. Sometimes the answer can be as simple as an ear to listen.”
This all changed for me in 2017 when I lost my Mum to suicide, who had been struggling with her mental health for as long as I could remember.
The heartbreaking loss fuelled the desire to be part of the solution, by using my experience to help spark more conversations and bring the community together.
One of my favourite quotes comes from British-Indian sculptor, Anish Kapoor, who said: “All ideas grow out of other ideas”. Sure, we’re ok on our own, but it’s when we come together that things can become truly brilliant.
I’m over the moon to be part of the team, and to have the opportunity to connect with Tasmanians on a daily basis. What a privilege!”
After studying politics for a few years in Melbourne and then going on a lengthy travelling stint, I am thrilled to have found my way back to doing what I love, where I love – working in the mental health space here in beautiful Tasmania.
The conversations that SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY aims to spark are ones that I know could have really opened some doors when I was at school and uni.
Seeing a psychologist and other help-seeking behaviours were very ‘hush hush’ topics – I am so happy that vulnerability and open conversations are becoming the norm. Having witnessed some tough experiences of close friends, family, my own and others in my close communities, I truly believe education about mental health is for everyone – no exceptions.
Being equipped with the tools to have those conversations is so powerful! I’m stoked to be a part of the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY team and support the crew with all the great programs and initiatives happening.
