About

Co-creating trusted relationships are central to my work.

I build trust with diverse stakeholders using my strong interpersonal skills, courageous conversations, and deep listening. My aim is to co-create safer spaces where partners feel heard and respected. I build upon my social work values and practice when collaborating with industry-based co-design experts as a way to advance ethical and socially just practice. I hold deep connections to Indigenous communities to promote self-determination and support meaningful change, and advise the Ballarat Social Inclusion Action Group to uplift localised connection and belonging. I have previously served on the Board of Directors of Tiny Pride Incorporated to advance LGBTQIA+ safety in mainstream services. 

My teaching is collaborative and student-centred. I believe that students can serve our communities when they are equipped with knowledge, ideas, critical problem-solving skills, and can creatively respond to complex social issues. My teaching and curriculum design is informed by my research, practice background, personal and professional values, formal qualifications, continued professional development, and professional relationships.  

  

Curriculum Vitae

  • 2026 - Senior Lecturer, Social Work & Human Services, RMIT University 

    2022 - Lecturer/Early Career Development Fellow, Social Work & Human Services, RMIT University 

    2018 - Director, Design Insights & Research, StandUp Collaboration 

    2019 - Sessional teacher and research assistant, Social Work & Human Services, RMIT University 

    2016 - Sessional teacher and research assistant, Bachelor of Community Services, Master of Social Work, Federation University Australia 

    2014 - Social Worker, right@home, City of Ballarat 

    2012 - Counsellor, Private Practice 

    2009 - 2015 Sessional teacher and research assistant, School of Arts, Monash University 

  • 2022 - PhD, Federation University Australia 

    2014 - Master of Social Work (Qualifying), RMIT University 

    2012 - Master of Arts (Sociology), Monash University 

    2009 - Diploma of Professional Counselling, Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors  

    2006 - Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - English and History, Latrobe University

  • 2025 - RMIT School of Global, Urban & Social Studies ‘Excellence in Teamwork’ Award for advancing Indigenous knowledge-sharing and building staff and student confidence in Responsible Practice.

    2024 - RMIT College of Design and Social Context ‘Belonging’ Award for Outstanding Contributions to Social Work and Human Services LGBTQIA+ Student and Staff Belonging  

    2023 - RMIT School of Global, Urban & Social Studies ‘Academic Citizen’ Award for Outstanding Contributions to Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ Activities

  • 2024 - Interviewed (by Lance DeBoyle) about being a queer researcher on LanceTV, June 7, 2024