PARADE COLLEGE
ABOUT

What We Do

We are social workers, youth workers and psychologists and provide students with counselling and support for when you are anxious and afraid, depressed, having friendship problems, are stressed, having family problems, school problems or have had big and difficult changes in your life.

We work to help the school to be a place where everyone can feel safe and happy and to provide you with the skills that you might need in your life. We do this by working closely with your teachers, running groups and programs and doing what we can to make a positive difference in your life.

When we see you, what you tell us will be completely confidential, unless we think that you are unsafe. If you are under 16 years, we might encourage you to allow us to tell your parents that we are seeing you. This depends on what’s going on. Sometimes we might think it’s helpful to work briefly with your parents or to refer you to an outside agency or professional.

Staff

Sharon


Sharon is a psychologist who enjoys working as a student counsellor. She is a former teacher and has worked in both secondary and primary schools. She also completes educational assessments and has previously worked in private practice.


Sharon enjoys working at Parade and helping students achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading and watching movies.




Gen


Gen is a Social Worker with many years of experience working in a wide range of settings predominantly working with children in the out of home care system. In 2018 Gen completed her Masters in Mental Health Science and has a particular interest in supporting young people who may at times have struggles with their mental health. Gen is friendly and approachable with a wonderful sense of humour. She is always happy to have a chat and loves working with students to guide them in making positive choices. She has a genuine and realistic approach which allows her to be able to connect with students and speak in a way which resonates with them. Gen has seen many students at Parade College and is caring, compassionate and is always available to support a student in need.







Adam

Adam has extensive experience working with students in a variety of settings, most recently an alternative learning centre which supported vulnerable young people experiencing significant mental health and behavioural issues. He is strength focused and enjoys working with and mentoring young men to become the best versions of themselves through a positive wellbeing lens. Adam is laid back and casual in approach and is energised by supporting students through the implementation of strategies which are realistic for young men to put in place. Outside of school, Adam enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves being a father to his young daughters. He also enjoys watching television series, movies, AFL football and soccer. When time allows, he appreciates getting out into nature and walking his dogs on the beach.







Delia

Delia is a qualified counsellor who enjoys connecting with students and their experiences with humour and realism. She has previously been a kinesiologist in private practice, specialising in emotional wellbeing, and has been Head of Piano at Parade College for the last 17 years. Counselling and teaching aside, Delia has enjoyed performing as a musician in many bands and orchestras, while also exploring interdisciplinary art forms through sound design, imagery, and performance. She loves reading, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.





Debbie

Debbie has diverse experience supporting young people in education and is passionate about empowering students to achieve their potential. She has a background in trauma informed practice, leadership and working to re-engage young people in education. Debbie enjoys building genuine relationships with students and is patient and calm in her practice. She uses a strengths-based approach and recognises that each individual has their own story, unique experiences and strengths. Debbie believes that all young people are resilient and capable of immense growth. She enjoys connecting with young people and working alongside them overcome challenges to improve social and emotional wellbeing outcomes. In her own time, Debbie enjoys time with family and friends, learning new things and exploring. Her ideal weekend consists of good coffee, nature, long walks with her dogs, and fostering positive relationships with her loved ones.

Chelsea

Chelsea is a psychologist who works part-time at Parade, with her other time spent working in private practice. Chelsea is passionate about providing person-centred support to students, to support them socially and emotionally. Through her down-to-earth, warm, and authentic style, Chelsea places strong focus on establishing a solid therapeutic alliance and providing students with the time and space to tell their stories. She understands the challenges that come with adolescence and aims to guide students through navigating these. Chelsea strives to help students recognise their strengths and empower them to feel confident implementing strategies to enhance their wellbeing. In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys nature, reading and supporting the Carlton Football Club.

Nick

Nick is a school counsellor with many years of experience in the field. Nick returned home to Australia in 2023 after living abroad in the USA since 2010. During his time in the USA he attended school and played on the men’s basketball team at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Carroll and a Masters in School Counselling from the University of Montana. Nick is passionate about working with high school students because he enjoys seeing the growth and development of young people aspiring to reach their goals. Through listening with empathy and understanding he is a safe, approachable, positive role model for students.
Janine

Janine began her career as a teacher in both primary and secondary schools before completing a Master of Clinical Counselling in 2015. She has since worked as a School Counsellor in Catholic schools. Janine is an energetic and positive person and enjoys building rapport and connecting with the young people she counsels and working with them to move towards the things that are important to them and the person they would like to be. She values being a supportive person for young people who are experiencing mental health struggles or who are going through a difficult time in their life. Janine aims to help the young person to build strategies and develop coping skills that will be with them throughout their life. Janine loves being a mum to her own two sons who have passed on their interests in football (Carlton of course), basketball, soccer and gaming. She also enjoys reading, socialising and just having a good laugh.

I've had problems with other kids for a while. The counsellor helped me talk with them and spoke with parents too. I like them...

Year 7 Student

The counsellor helped me when I was in a lot of trouble at home. They really care and I felt comfortable talking with them...

Year 10 Student

I was freaking out about how well I would do my test and exams. The counsellor I saw helped me to handle my worries in a positive way. I am more relaxed now...

Year 12 Student