Sandra is the FDS Volunteer Manager and a co-founder of the organisation. She has a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and a Diploma in Community Welfare.

James joined FDS in October 2015. As our Volunteer Coordinator, his role encompasses working with the Volunteer team, undertaking Interviews with potential volunteers, assisting with the delivery of the volunteer training courses, overseeing the 24/7 telephone roster including debriefing and supporting volunteers and any other administrative requirements.

Jenni commenced with FDS in July 2016 in Head Office. Jenni is responsible for data entry. Jenni’s attention to detail and accuracy is immeasurable.

Jenni is a grandmother of 3 and in her spare time enjoys reading and cross-stitch.

 

Paula started at FDS in September 2022. 

After an extensive career in interior design and makeup artistry, Paula decided she wanted to work in a more meaningful career that could help change lives and affect chance.

In pursuit of this dream, Paula began studying her bachelor's degree in counseling while working in the homelessness space, supporting and advocating for vulnerable members of society who experience homelessness as a result of a wide range of issues.

Paula moved on to work in the AOD Sector. Paula valued her time working as a clinician supporting both individuals and their families who have been impacted by drug and alcohol use.

Paula has returned to university and is completing her masters in psychotherapy.

In her spare time, Paula enjoys spending time with family and friends and being amongst nature. Paula is also known to cheat at monopoly.

Paula Sten - Family Support Worker, Cairns QLD

 

Sally is the South Australia Clinical Services Manager and facilitates support groups and the Stepping Stones course as well as delivering the Stepping Forward information sessions and the Support The Family – Improve The Outcome professional workshop. She enjoys helping people find coping skills, express their emotions and find empowerment to make their own choices and decisions while still maintaining a safe connection and support for their loved one using substances.

Sally joined FDS in June 2019, after being a support line volunteer since January 2018 but has also worked in a harm minimisation treatment service providing case management and counselling to people experiencing substance use issues. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English, worked in the private sector for many years in targeted marketing and client engagement before pursuing further study, gaining a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science then continuing on to complete a degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

In her spare time Sally enjoys creative writing, reading, yoga, music and spending time with close friends.

 

In her spare time Emma loves to walk her two rescue dogs and spend time with her family in the garden.

 

Catherine first came to FDS in June 2019 as a parent struggling with the impact her son’s substance use was having on her family. She regularly attended the Elizabeth Support Group and found that as well as getting help for herself, she also got a great deal of satisfaction out of listening to others and offering her support.

 

Catherine feels very passionate about the FDS model and welcomed the opportunity to join the organisation in November 2020 as a Family Support Worker.

 

Originally coming from Scotland, Catherine came to Australia with her parents at age 13. She definitely calls Australia home, but loves to go back to visit her home country when she can.

 

Outside of work she enjoys the physical challenge of Boot Camp and Yoga. She loves catching up with friends and family & walking her dog Baxter.

 

Angela has a BA in Communications and extensive experience as a publicist in film, theatre and publishing. She first connected with FDS as a parent reaching out for support. While a regular attendee at support group meetings, she volunteered on the FDS 24/7 Support Line.

 

Since losing her 28 year-old son to suicide, Angela embraces with passion her new role as a Family Support Officer with FDS in South Australia. Angela is driven by the courage of so many families struggling to cope with the impact of drug and alcohol use in their midst. Like many she meets, she never expected to find herself in that place of overwhelming fear and grief. She is pleased to be able to direct her empathy and lived experience to a positive end. A committed advocate for the FDS model, Angela also enjoys spending time with her family (including her dog), going to the theatre, travelling, Zumba and French language.

Jane joined Family Drug Support in September 2022.

 

Jane is a qualified counsellor and social worker and has a holistic person-centred approach to supporting families, children and young people include identifying the structural systems that oppress marginalised communities.

Jane began her journey with Family Drug Support in 2020 when she found herself in need of support and understanding while she cared for her person who uses substances. Jane has an extensive experience of domestic and family violence, and child and adult trauma, and has been a light of hope to many people who have heard her speak publicly and witness her life journey and experience her counselling work. Jane's lived experiences influence her compassionate, unconditional positive regard for people.

Jane states "if we take the time to listen to people's stories, be curious about their experiences and life, convey authentic, unconditional regard to others and journey with them rather than doing it for them, we can break walls down and contribute to the world around them being their bright place to "be" and live".

Cigdem joined the FDS team in September 2022.

Based in Narrabri, NSW, Cigdem will provide FDS support services and programs across the New England, North West NSW area. She looks forward to establishing and facilitating regular FDS family support meetings for that area. Cigdem will provide 1-1 support for families and will deliver FDS programs including Stepping Forward information sessions and Support the Family – Improve the Outcome professional development workshops, as well as facilitating our award winning Stepping Stones interactive and experiential course.

Cigdem’s first involvement with FDS began in 2006 as a volunteer on FDS National Telephone Support Line.

Cigdem truly believes in the FDS model for supporting families and welcomed the opportunity to expand FDS supports for families across the New England, North West NSW area.

Cigdem has over 15 years’ experience working across the Alcohol & Other Drugs, Youth, homelessness, and Mental Health sectors in rural and remote NSW. Cigdem has Diplomas in Counselling; Alcohol & Other Drugs and Community Services Case Management.

In her spare time, Cigdem enjoys creating art and spending time with her family and her two dogs – she prefers to call them her ‘fur-babies!’.