Grace joined Connecting Families in 2021. Grace holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of Adelaide and a Graduate Certificate in Loss, Grief and Trauma counselling from Flinders University. Grace is currently undertaking a Master of Social Work. She is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Before entering the reunification space, Grace spent over 5 years working as a nanny. A nannying experience in 2013 led Grace to develop an interest in developmental trauma and the work of Bruce Perry. When Grace finished her undergraduate degree at the University of Adelaide, she began working with young children with diagnosed Autism.
Grace joined Centacare’s reunification program in 2018. During this time, Grace travelled to Melbourne where she completed the Circle of Security Parenting Program training. Grace can deliver the Circle of Security Parenting Program in a group setting or individually, depending on need and preference. Grace is also trained in the Safe & Together model and at the Practitioner Level in Marte Meo. Before joining Connecting Families, Grace was the Senior Practitioner in AnglicareSA’s integrated family services program.
Grace believes in people’s capacity for change, and this has been one of her biggest lessons over the past three years. Grace holds the families and children she supports in unconditional positive regard, and she values authenticity, kindness, and honesty. Grace lives by these values. Grace is committed to ongoing professional development and has received extensive training. Grace works in a collaborative, non-judgemental way and is committed to practicing in a culturally safe way, too. Grace is very passionate about working with vulnerable families and children; she walks alongside them, and she truly believes in the power of connection.