About Rachel

Social Worker and Youth Specialist

Raised in Geelong, I have been involved in the local community for as long as I can remember. Being involved in church youth ministries from my early teenage years, I grew a passion for working with young people as they faced life’s transitions. Once I graduated from high school, I took part in an internship in youth ministry and studied theology, acquiring a diploma in Christian Ministry and Theology through Harvest Bible College.

During this time, I began to reflect on my desire to partner with people on life’s journey and subsequently chose to undertake a Bachelor of Social Work at Deakin University. Throughout my studies I had the privilege of working with a diverse range of people all across Australia, including children and youth, asylum seekers, refugees and First Nations people.

I learned about the resilience and creativity of individuals to reach their potential through the most trying of circumstances. As a result, a love for social justice, cultural sensitivity, and human rights became ingrained within me, and I incorporated that into my practice, with the desire to give people space to tell their story and find meaning within it.

I believe that when individuals are able to identify their strengths and have the skills to navigate life’s ups and downs, they impact the wider community for the better. With this in mind, I completed a Masters in International and Community Development, focusing on the way stigma keeps young people from accessing support and the impact of spirituality within community contexts.

Following this, I completed a Graduate certificate in Therapeutic Play for Children and Adolescents at Deakin University. This has allowed me to incorporate trauma sensitive techniques into my work that allow people to use play to process what they have experienced.

I am able to assist children, youth and young adults with a variety of issues using: Creative play techniques, Narrative therapy, Emotional regulation work, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Life Education skills and Community Engagement work.

Using a 1 hour slot per session, I create a safe space for an individual to share their story and explore ways to heal and grow. With children, there is an option for caregivers to be present within sessions should the child be needing it.