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

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!’.

 

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.

Prior to joining Family Drug Support, Katelyn worked in the AOD field in a residential and day program.

Katelyn believes the FDS model is instrumental in providing the support and knowledge families deserve, in a safe and supportive environment.

In her spare time Katelyn enjoys reading and spending time with family and close friends.

Katelyn Durbin
Family Support Worker, Australian Capital Territory

Mona is a mental health and peer support worker based in Rockhampton, QLD.

Mona completed her Certificate IV in Mental Health and Peer Work and is currently enrolled in a Diploma of Project Management.

Her passion for helping families led her to start working for Family Drug Support in April 2023. Having worked with families in previous roles, Mona understands the importance of supporting families with loved ones experiencing substance dependency without judgment. She is committed to providing compassionate care and support to those in need.

Mona Elkhishin
Family Support Worker, Rockhampton, Central Queensland

Edgar joined the FDS team having worked in the community sector for over 20 years. His experience and studies encompass the community services, human services, youth work, coaching and community development spaces. 

Edgar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role having worked with youth and families in a variety of capacities particularly relating to mental health and drug and alcohol support.

Edgar is specialised in trauma informed practice and person centred, strengths-based frameworks greatly influencing his current practice. He is a strong believer in the power of connection.

Edgar has also worked as a case manager, team leader and coordinator of activities for children, youth and parents who have required wellbeing support.

He has made it a priority to live his values through respectful, authentic, caring and compassionate interactions when living and working with community members. He is committed to supporting community.

In his spare time Edgar enjoys walking, playing and watching sport, listening to music, singing, coffee meet ups and family time. 

Belinda has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science and a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management.

Belinda has a long work history working with children and families in the public and private sector and this has endowed her with the knowledge and skills to work successfully with families, empowering them to cope and manage during times of adversity.

In her experience as a case manager Belinda has had the opportunity to work with children and families from many different backgrounds and understands the need to listen, respect and acknowledge the power and wisdom encompassed in families. She is also aware of the barriers families experience when seeking support and works to advocate and empower families to build relationships, connect with their communities and continue to care for themselves and the people they love.

As a manager in early intervention services, Belinda has worked alongside families impacted by drug and alcohol use and understands that empathy and building relationships are fundamental to working with people to remain engaged and to strengthen families.

Belinda is excited to be part of Family Drug Support and looks forward to connecting with carers and families in the Central Queensland Region.

 

Sophie has been part of the FDS Queensland team since October 2022. As a part-time Family Support Worker, she runs support groups, guides educational sessions and co-facilitates FDS’ award-winning Stepping Stones course.

Sophie brings over 20 years of experience as a somatic educator, group facilitator and wellbeing coach, as well as lived experience caring for loved ones with mental health and substance use issues. She warmly connects with people of all ages and backgrounds, holding a non-judgmental and compassionate space for learning, sharing, and healing. 

Sophie is certified as a trauma-sensitive mindfulness and movement teacher and the only Australian Trainer on the international faculty for the Nia Technique. With a contagious energy, Sophie inspires people to reclaim their embodied joy and personal power, which often get diminished when caring for a loved one with AOD challenges.

Sophie comes alive sharing Nia dance classes, hiking Mt Coot-tha, swimming in the ocean, and hugging her children.

 

Jascinta has a Diploma in counselling and is currently undertaking a BA in Counselling. In addition, she has also completed a number of courses in the mental health sector.

Jascinta is elated to be a part of the FDS team and is looking forward to connecting with families in the Brisbane Bayside, Logan and Gold Coast regions.

 

 

Kylie joined the Family Drug Support team in September 2022 bringing with her 23 years of knowledge and experience working in law enforcement. Having dedicated her career within education in various spheres, she began her career in primary school education and moved into adult education within law enforcement. Kylie’s passion for education stems from the belief that education is the key to a person’s ability to see the world from a different lens and understand that everyone has their unique life path. This path should be respected without judgment. This belief prompted her to begin studying a Master in Social Work in 2021.

Kylie believes in the FDS model where people are free to share their stories in a safe space without judgement or stigma to gain the support they need. She believes it is a privilege to hear people share their stories and be able to walk alongside them throughout their journey, understanding they are experts in their own life. She believes that in doing so, people’s self-efficacy will be strengthened.

Kylie is dedicated to respect for all people, social justice and professional integrity with a strong focus on shame resilience and reducing stigma in all facets of drug and alcohol dependency.

In her spare time Kylie enjoys studying and spending time with her family, two dogs and a cat.

Kylie Wilson
Family Support Worker, New South Wales

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.

 

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.

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.