How does your role help foster carers and the children in their lives?
My role involves actively recruiting, screening, onboarding, preparing and supporting people who possess the right motivations and qualities to care for children who cannot safely live with their birth families.
Foster families give children a sense of belonging and a safe place to land, heal and thrive. However, if potential carers aren't thoroughly prepared or trauma-informed, the consequences can be devastating for them and the child. We ask people to love these children like their own while being mindful that they are not. Fostering is not adoption, and restoration is always the end goal when in the child's best interest. Managing grief and loss and working with frightened children who may express this through behaviours can be a tough gig. Finding the right people with that 'special chip' is crucial, as we cannot afford to get it wrong when so much has already gone wrong for these vulnerable children. My remit is to keep the child as central to all that I do, which is the core of what the Foundation stands for.

Tell us about yourself
I was born in South Africa and found my way home to Perth 14 years ago. I started my career in executive personnel recruitment, marketing, and development. I always felt something was missing that couldn't be found in a boardroom. So, I returned to university as a mature student and completed an Applied Mental Health and a Postgraduate qualification in Violence and Trauma degree, starting work in Foster Care Engagement 13 years ago. As an avid thrill seeker, I have many bungy jumps, skydives, and hang gliding experiences under my belt. I regularly ice skate and am a short-break foster carer, which I find extremely rewarding yet sometimes exhausting. I have a saying: "Fostering is the hardest job you'll ever love."

What's a memorable moment from your time working at the Foundation?
Last year, while developing Foster Care content, I was at my desk brainstorming a tagline that embodies this service. I heard a clear voice in my head saying, "Children are at the heart of what we do" I was really moved, and my eyes welled up with tears. This was a few days before Dr Joe Tucci's passing. I never had the honour of meeting Joe in person, but I believe these were his words.