I am a trainer and developer in Emergency Management, currently in a career that started off with a ten-year volunteer role supporting my community during disaster related events. While I still volunteer, my current role allows me to work with a diverse community of individuals to support their preparation and response to events that they may personally encounter or offer support to. My expertise is in relationship management and opening communications to develop skills in using a trauma-informed approach to service delivery and engagement. My colleagues would describe me as responsive and resourceful with a positive, proactive ability to deal with adversity. (I also create a mean tea trolley with treats for those head down working hard but need a treat moments) I thoroughly enjoy (despite the often distressing aspects) my role both in work and as a volunteer and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in what may be someone’s very bad day.
While I still engage in front line work, working with great people and creating a space for conversation where we can uncover values, personal drives and unconscious bias's is a personal reward. This work supports other front-line workers to acknowledge and respect differences and work towards alleviating victims fears and stressors, and to create a safe environment to recover in.