Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (ongoing), La Trobe University  
• Master of Social Work, Federation University  
• Master of Education and Training, Victoria University  
• Diploma of Education (Secondary Teaching), La Trobe University  
• Bachelor of Arts (Social Science), La Trobe University 

Areas of expertise

Sharon is a qualified facilitator for: 

• Tuning into Kids (parenting program) 
• Seasons for Growth (grief, loss and bereavement program)
• DRUMBEAT (social skills and self-regulation training with students using djembe drums)
• Nurture initiative.

Sharon has spent many years working in the wellbeing and social work fields within the Victorian Education Department, more specifically, school settings. During this time she used a critical ecological systems approach to her work with staff, students, families and the community. An important part of her role was conducting professional development in all areas of wellbeing for education staff. 

Sharon is the Australian representative for Nurture International and conducts training and consultation with educational providers across Australia. 

She has extensive experience working with children, young people and families, both as a counsellor and a social worker and project manager. Sharon understands the importance of developing strong, respectful networks within the community and across organisations. 

Sharon has supervised several Master of Social Work students on field placement in a school setting. She values work placements for students and can see the ‘real world’ benefits for students within workplaces during their higher education degree. 

Grants

• 2021: Inclusive Schools Fund Round 7 – awarded to Aintree Primary School by Department of Education Training ($200,000) 
• 2021: Awarded to Nurture International Australia to provide nurture training to all schools in Bacchus Marsh township, Bacchus Marsh Community Bank branch of the Bendigo Bank ($45,000) 
• 2021: Breakfast Club resources – awarded to Aintree Primary School by Woodlea Development ($5,000) 
• 2020: Sensory Spaces in Classrooms – awarded to Darley Primary School by the Variety Club Victoria ($8,000) 
• 2019: Arts program for students at risk of disengagement – awarded to Darley Primary School, School Focused Youth Service – Ballarat ($2,000) 
• 2018: Inclusive Schools Fund Round 4 – awarded to Darley Primary School Department of Education Training ($200,000) 
• 2016–2021: Nurture Room Development Funds – awarded to Darley Primary School by the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank branch of the Bendigo Bank ($40,000) 
• 2018–2019: Transition Program for at risk students – awarded to Darley Primary School Moorabool Shire ($3,000) 
• 2018: International Training and Travel for two staff members – awarded to Darley Primary School by the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank branch of the Bendigo Bank ($15,000) 
• 2016: DRUMBEAT Facilitator training and 14 Djembe drums – awarded to Darley Primary School by the School Focused Youth Service – Ballarat ($5,000)

Awards

• 2019: Endeavour Executive Leadership Award Endeavour Leadership Program Australian Government – The Department of Education 

• Critical practice approaches 
• Social policy and social change 
• Group work 
• Case management 
• Critical social work theory and practice 
• Children, young people and families 
• Social work field education 

• 'Swings, roundabouts, and slippery slopes: development and delivery of a new higher education course in the space of globalisation and a pandemic'. Co-speaker. ANZSWWER Symposium: 10–11 November 2022 
• 'An Introduction to a developmentally informed, trauma aware nurture approach in educational settings'. Trauma-Aware Schooling Conference, Brisbane: 10–11 September 2022 
• 'The six nurture principles for learning: a framework to support the recovery from trauma'. Trauma-Aware Schooling Conference, Brisbane: 10–11 September 2022 
• Using the Digital Developmental Portrait to support recovery from trauma. ‘Reveal to heal’. Trauma-Aware Schooling Conference, Brisbane: 10–11 September 2022