After 25 years in the field as a front line Social Worker and Senior Manager, I am a Mid Career Researcher and Professor. My skills in communication and facilitation, creative and innovative practice and problem-solving make me a sought after team member, presenter and research collaborator.

My main research interests are in the out-of-home care field, particularly exploring issues for foster and kinship carers and innovation in the care sector. I also have a strong interest in the trauma-informed practice, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, improving teaching methods and a strong focus on student mental health and wellbeing. 

I strive to be an enthusiastic, collaborative and accessible teaching academic. I am open and transparent in my approach, flipping the classroom to ensure that students are empowered to take responsibility for their own learning outcomes. My approach is strengths-based and creative and I implement differentiated instruction in my courses to ensure that learners of all abilities have the opportunity to thrive. I am open to feedback and strongly encourage participation and innovation in all classes. 

• Former Chair of School of Allied Health Learning and Teaching Committee
• MSW and BSW Course Coordinator
• SWSP 5301 Foundations of Social Work Thinking and Identity
• SWSP 2004 Foundations of Social Work Thinking and Identity
• SWSP 5409 Applied Social Work Practices
• Graduate Certificate in Child Protection Practice

Current projects

• Evaluating a novel online interactive simulation platform for Western Australian healthcare training
• Children's Voice in Thoughtful Schools
• The Thoughtful Schools Project (inc. Mid-West implementation)
• Valuing Children Initiative- Australian adults' attitudes towards children
• Evaluation of the Palmerston Child Support Service

Industry relevance

Project industry partners:

• Department of Communities, Government of Western Australia
• Palmerston Association
• Valuing Children Initiative (Centrecare WA)
• Iluka Resources Ltd.