Meet our Team
Gabriella Lazaro
Owner, Directer and Mental Health Support Worker
Special Interest in Schizophrenia and highly skilled in trauma based illness.
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Hi! you can call me Gabby.
Ready, Steady, Recovery is the product of my passion for supporting people living with mental illness. I have a long history in mental health:
- lived experience of depression, anxiety and PTSD
- lived experience as a carer for a sibling on the autism spectrum
- lived experience of friends passing away due to mental illness
- Volunteer work with Beyond Blue
- Employed by other NDIS Mental Health providers
- Bachelor Degree in Psychology
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During my time as Mental Health Support worker I have come across all kinds of psychosocial disabilities and have become highly adaptable when it comes to meeting an individuals needs. I am trauma informed, person centred and recovery orientated. I have many formal skills to draw upon when I support you but also know that some days you might just need a cuppa and a good laugh.
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Some of my current participants will tell you that I have a pet parrot named Yowie who I love dearly- you are always welcome to ask to see photos of Yowie!
I love physical activity, exploring the outdoors, booking/shows/movies, board games, arts and crafts, trying new foods, travel, animals and so many other things the world has to offer!
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Current availability:
Tuesdays
Fridays
Donna Walker ​
Mental Health Support worker
Special interest in complex presentations of mental illness: substance use, incarceration, dual diagnosis
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Donna has a background in nursing and has been working in mental health for many years now. She has experience in working with individuals with complex mental health needs- those who have substance dependency, have been incarcerated, multiple co-morbid MH conditions.
She also has lots of experience in working with schizophrenia and enjoys getting to know individuals and their personal world. She is also very passionate about supporting people who are living with alcohol addiction who are needing support to seek help for alcohol addiction.
Donna is upbeat and practical. She has an understanding nature, and will help you work through bad days by helping you to put things in perspective. She has a great sense of humour and is always happy to have a good laugh with you.
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In addition to Donnas professional experience; Donna has lived experience of depression, trauma and caring for her father. Donna loves using her lived experiences to help others get their lives on track.
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Donna loves her two gorgeous tuxedo cats- they are her absolute world!
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Current Availability-
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Available Saturday by appointment
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Susan Kane
Mental Health Support Worker -
Special interest areas:- complex trauma, schizophrenia, bipolar, BPD, Autism, ADHD and dual diagnosis.
My work has seen me assist people who have experienced family breakdown, domestic violence, alcohol and drug issues, homelessness, and incarceration.
I have a background in NDIS Support Coordination, Mental Health Support Work and Family Support Intake.
I have volunteered with the Smith Family as a Welfare Officer and on the emergency support line with the Salvation Army during the bushfire crisis.
I love to work with those who may be struggling with their mental health recovery by assisting them to achieve progress toward their individual goals.
Whether it is working on building independence skills, finding resources they can use on a daily basis, or participating in social / recreational activities they enjoy and improves their sense of well-being.
With my lived experience of anxiety, depression and trauma I have an appreciation of the journey of recovery, and that there will be good days and bad days. Days when a cup of tea and a chat will do.
I love to get out in nature and enjoy the beautiful area we live in. Like a good book or movie, art & craft and op-shopping is a passion of mine. I try to keep fit and have just started Tai Chi…which is a little complicated, but will keep working on it!
Avaliability:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday afternoons
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