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.”
Life is full of mountains and valleys and so often we make choices when we are in a valley that impact our lives negatively. We can’t see the broader view, or whole picture when we’re in a valley, but engaging in conversations about mental health will enable us to push through the valleys and onto the mountains where the view is broad and filled with hope.
Mental health is for everyone, and the more we understand our bodies, our experiences and our brains, the healthier we will be. Being strong mentally requires a community and I love that SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY is providing the opportunity for communities to form and develop language and understanding around mental health and how we can be proactive rather than reactive.”
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!”
Since then, I have worked in community development, construction, sales and marketing, and most recently owned and ran several hospitality businesses.
During 2024 a close friend who I had always admired, took his own life. This was devastating, and a massive wake up call. My priorities changed: I sold businesses and 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.
I look forward to sharing the importance of being mentally healthy and the tips and tricks to become even healthier. I remember a wonderful primary school teacher, who said “nothing is ever that bad you can’t talk to someone about it,” so true.
Let’s talk.
Stay ChatTY.”
I recently graduated from studying politics and criminology at University in Melbourne and have returned to my beautiful hometown Hobart.
During my last year of University I worked for a not-for-profit focused on involving family and community in mental health care to create a more holistic and person-centred approach to recovery. This strengthened my already existing drive to work in a space that I really care about, and that really matters to me.
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. 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 important and powerful!! I’m thrilled to be a part of the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY team and support the crew with all the great programs and initiatives happening.”
