I have an extensive background in welfare work within residantial care. I began as a residential care worker, working within various long and short term units. I then progressed to Case Management, High risk adolescent Program Co-ordinator then Team Leader. Finally I advanced to a temporary position of Residential Services Manager. I completed all of these positions at Berry Street, based on performance and knowledge. As part of the process I became involved in many aspects of program development and restructuring. The roles encompassed working with primarily non voluntary clients but did also include some voluntary placed clients. Varying levels of staff including employed staff and volunteers. 

I resigned from my position due to pregnancy and an opportunity to live in London. Whilst not working I completed a BA in Psychology and a BA in Social Welfare. I am almost complete in my studies for a Diploma in Hypnotherapy. I am very interested in ongoing development and achieving the best outcomes for clients and staff. 

 During my time at Berry Street I gained an extraordinary amount of knowledge with hands on work with children and families on statutory orders.

Ongoing training also provide a wealth of information in councelling, family dynamics and importantly the effects of childhood trauma.

I participated extensively in the redevelopment of the High Risk Adolescent Program, from inception to implementation. This included employment of voluntary and paid staff and in assisting clients and families smoothly and happily into a new program stucture.

The redevelopment of the residantial care program as manager allowe a great insight into union action and associated issues and strategies.

Completeion of my courses including hypnotherapy has developed my councelling skills and increased my abiliites in assessment and planning along with implementation. These skills are also greatly beneficial in staff supervision.