MEET JENNY
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After graduating in 2003, Occupational Therapist, Jenny has worked for the Play Project for two years. Jenny loves her job as it gives her the opportunity to meet new people and make a difference in their lives. She is known for her approachable and caring nature.
Jenny is an active member of her local community in many ways. She plays and coaches both senior and junior netball teams, and is the secretary for and plays for the local tennis club. Jenny is involved with the local kindergarten and schools. She loves to bake with her children who then love dropping off their home-baked goodies to residents of aged care facilities or friends at school.
When not in the clinic working with her valued clients, Jenny can be found playing with her young family and enjoying all things sport. She also loves reading, yoga and of course a good massage.
Jenny’s favourite quote is “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.” as it sums up the ‘busy-ness’ that everyone feels, however making a start means we are moving in the right direction.
MEET JACQUI
SOCIAL WORKER
Starting with the Play Project in January 2020, Jacqui is relatively new to the team, but certainly not lacking in qualifications! She holds a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, Diploma of Outdoor Recreation and Sports, Diploma of Early Childhood Education, Diploma of Yoga and is now studying a Masters of Social Work.
Along with her impressive qualifications, Jacqui also has extensive experience in her field. Jacqui initially worked in schools as a teacher and welfare co-ordinator. Her career has focused on working with high-risk adolescents and then moved into statutory work with Victoria’s most at-risk children and families. She moved abroad and focussed on strengths-based practice in family violence and used therapeutic interventions to help young children who witnessed violence in the home. Back on Aussie soil, Jacqui then moved into the field of adult mental health and disability work, helping the Play Project team make the change into the NDIS space. Alongside this, Jacqui has taught yoga and used yoga for wellbeing and overall health for over 12 years.
Jacqui loves her current role with the Play Project because she enjoys the different experiences and stories people bring to the practice setting. She feels that everyone’s journey has strengths and presents opportunities to help move toward their goals and dreams.
As an analytical person, Jacqui is always interested in the research and inquiry into what is happening under the surface of human behaviour. She loves using this skill and knowledge to help children and families get more out of their everyday lives.
When working with Jacqui, you can expect professionalism and strong ethics. She can be trusted to maintain clear boundaries, confidentiality and quality care. Her background in holistic health ensures Jacqui can weave her own wisdom and skills into the therapeutic setting to help others grow.
After living many different locations, Jacqui happily calls the Yarrawonga area home, as she loves living near the water. As an indigenous person, a place of "home" and "belonging" is core to how she relates to the world and the way she interacts with what's around her. The size of this community means that meaningful friendships and connections with others can be developed. Jacqui says a really a big impact can be made through what you do, what you say and how you show up for others or yourself.
Jacqui is excited to get back to her roots and spend more time at local events and support more local businesses. Jacqui loves being active, but not in traditional ‘sporty’ ways. Moving her body, being in nature, doing yoga, meditation or other “woo woo” practices are Jacqui’s favourite ways to spend free time.
When not in the clinic, Jacqui finds joy in being at home, in her garden or with her pets. She also loves food and is often found seeking out good coffee, vegan treats or new and different food experiences.
Jacqui’s favourite quote in regard to her career is one from Brene` Brown;
"Integrity: choosing courage over comfort, choosing what is right over what is fun, fast or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them."
MEET CASEY
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Casey has worked with the Play Project for 2 years now. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy. Casey has over 17 years’ experience working in various fields including acute, rehabilitation and community based occupational therapy practises across the Northeast Region.
Casey is passionate about her profession and about making a difference.
Casey loves her job due to it providing the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. She says that every client is unique and has different values and priorities so every day at work is different too.
Having her own ongoing health issues which limit her capacity to work means that Casey understands the experience of being a client in the health sector as well as dealing with the stresses, worries and hurdles that complex care needs can bring.
Casey loves her local community due to the way individuals, couples and families can engage in various lifestyles in this area. She considers locals to the area very lucky to have so many great opportunities literally on their doorstep.
When not in the clinic, Casey can be found coaching netball and being involved in her own sporting and schooling communities. She also oversees the ‘What’s on for kids’ Yarrawonga Mulwala Facebook page. Casey and her family enjoy keeping fit and active by participating in a range of sport, including: football, soccer, netball, dance, basketball and swimming. Casey and her family also love connecting with friends and family. Of key importance to Casey is making memories with her children.
In reflection of her own health journey, Casey finds the following saying apt; “Adversity creates opportunity.” Casey believes that though a negative experience, a positive outcome can be found.
MEET MARIAH
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Working with the Play Project team for the past 2 months, Mariah has made an immeasurable contribution so far. Mariah loves being able to make a difference in our clients’ lives by teaching them basic life skills to enable them to be more independent.
Being young and independent herself allows the clients to see Mariah as a role model. Being close in age, the clients are able to share the same interests and feel comfortable sharing any issues or emotions with her.
Mariah is looking forward to studying the Allied health course throughout the year.
When not at the clinic, Mariah can be found out in our local community volunteering for fun run events, working with meals on wheels and participating in fundraisers such as ‘Winter Sleep Out’ and ‘Relay for Life’.
She danced for many years and taught dance for 3 years. Teaching dancing has had a direct effect on Mariah’s choice to pursue a profession in the Allied Health field. Both require patience and understanding of people’s different abilities and involve working with each individual to improve.
"Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end." Is one of Mariah’s favourite sayings.
MEET CHRISSY
ADMIN/ACCOUNTS
Chrissy has been a valued member of the Play Project team for nearly 2 years, bringing with her valuable experience. She is known for always going the extra mile and wanting to help others in whatever way she can.
She loves her job due to it involving seeing people achieve outcomes, helping others and meeting new people.
When not in the clinic, Chrissy can be found playing netball and tennis as well as umpiring netball. She is actively involved in the community through sport and assisting at school.
MEET KATIE
BUSINESS DEVELOPER MANAGER
Katie has been involved with the Play Project in various roles over the past 12 months. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing/Business Management, a Post Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion. Katie trained in child development and Worked in Community Health with children, youth and families for 10 years during which she ran groups, delivered school programs and worked with families. Before this, She worked in the acute health setting. All this in addition to raising her 4 lovely children!!
Katie believes that the integrity and reputation of the Play Project is what makes being part of the team so great. Working with like-minded people, watching people develop their skills and build confidence and helping families flourish is what makes Katie’s job so rewarding.
She particularly enjoys witnessing the clients’ excitement when they achieve a goal.
Katie is interested in people and human relationships. She loves to talk to clients, building trusting relationships. Katie has a great sense of humour and is willing to have a go at anything. A positive member of the Play Project team, Katie always says ‘yes’, then works out how to get it done. She will have a go at anything!
Katie loves being silly and having a joke with the Skills Development Program clients, and loves it even more if they have a joke back.
When not in the clinic, Katie can be found spending time with her children. She loves getting out and about, heading to Melbourne when she can. Katie spends her weekends in the BBQ boat, water skiing, camping or travelling. She is always planning their next family holiday, after recently having travelled for 4 months around WA, NT and SA.
Katie loves the outdoor lifestyle, the supportive nature and the sense of community that Yarrawonga possesses. Prioritising spending time with her family, she says there is nothing better than getting out in nature, which is fortunate since the lake and river are right there on the doorstep.
Katie enjoys participating in Mother’s Gym Classes for the physical and mental benefits.
A quote which Katie likes to live by is; “Accept your past without regrets, handle your present with confidence and face your future without fear. ”
As the mother of a child who has major medical issues, and who has been left with multiple deficiencies/medical conditions as a result, Katie tries to live out this mantra.
Katie believes we need to be happy in the now and be thankful for our present. Making the most of our time on earth and having no regrets, especially for the things we didn’t get to do. She wants everyone to have fun and experience as much as they can.
MEET SHARELLE
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
Holding an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy, a Certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness, a qualified Aerial Instructor, a 3rd Degree Muay Thai Instructor & surviving 46 years of life, Sharelle brings a wealth of skills and experience to the Play Project team.
She loves her job for the opportunities it affords her to teach young people skills to assist them improve their everyday life. She loves all their differences as well as learning how to motivate them. Sharelle is known for being fair, understanding, hard-working, trustworthy & happy.
When not in the clinic, Sharelle can be found gardening, maintaining her current flexibility & strength, studying and working on her personal development in Myotherapy. She also enjoys live entertainment and relishes family time.
Sharelle loves her local community for the networks she has made over time and in the future, she hopes to be able to volunteer her time & knowledge at a local sporting club as a massage/movement trainer for injury prevention.
Sharelle has some important mantras which drive her life:
“Your Health is your Best Friend.”
“The Oldest, Strongest & Largest Entities Thrive on Plants.”
“Tidy Space = Tidy Mind.”
“Never take things Personally.”
and
“Play Hard, Rest Harder.”
MEET TAHNEE
ADMIN ASSISTANT
Tahnee holds a Diploma in Early Education and has previously managed a childcare centre. She brings to the team a thirst for learning and an enjoyment for extending her knowledge in this new field. Tahnee is friendly and welcoming. If you’ve ever come through the doors of our clinic, you will have experienced Tahnee acknowledging you and making you feel welcome.
When not in the clinic, Tahnee can be found helping out at her daughter’s school and being involved in the netball club. She loves playing netball and enjoying the end results of doing DIY projects around the house.