ADAVIC Volunteers
ADAVIC's office helpers do a wonderful job by taking the load off Anna - here is a little bit about each of them:
Update on new volunteers - September 2007
2007 ADAVIC Volunteers
Office/Phone Support
Hi – I am Anna the founder of ADAVIC. As a sufferer of anxiety and agoraphobia I was approached in 1993 to think about starting a support group for anxiety sufferers whilst doing volunteer work at the Kew Community House. I took this challenge up and I dedicated a lot of my time in establishing the first support group which officially started in early 1994. Fast forward to 2007 ADAVIC has grown with three support groups currently operating and two new groups planned to start in 2008. ADAVIC has achieved a lot since the early days of 1994 from one support group to many successful programs set up to help whoever we can reach.
I am come from a European background with strong family values. I have has experience in the legal profession and also in child protection. Considering I am still battling with my agoraphobia I believe I have achieved much success through the establishment of ADAVIC and I know that my family is proud of me – I only wish my father was here today to see what I have been able to accomplish.
I’m Catherine. I studied Psychology at the Australian Catholic University for four years, during which I completed a placement with ADAVIC in 2004. I have remained a volunteer with ADAVIC, and filled in for eight weeks last year as assistant co-ordinator. I come from Hamilton, Victoria, and currently live in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. When I’m not busy working, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, catching up with friends and family, and love nothing more than a good sleep-in.
Hi!I’m almost 26 years old now and I am due to finish my studying for my Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology at Deakin University in November. I have to finish a thesis for my Research Project which will be quite stressful in the coming month, and after that an exam and I am looking forward to a break after that, I love Summer holidays. I’m still here at the ADAVIC office one day a week…WOW it’s been over a year now! I have recently started a new part-time job working as an ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis) Therapist. I work with a 2½ year old boy with Autism, following a program which helps teach him how to play functionally, develop language and many other skills that normally developing children learn with ease. It is very challenging and I am really enjoying it. Gaining the work experience as an ABA therapist combined with the experience I’ve had at ADAVIC has been invaluable. Louise
Hi my name is Suzy and I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Psychology. I volunteer at ADAVIC two days a week as part of my placement for my degree. I chose to volunteer at ADAVIC because I have suffered from anxiety in the past and ADAVIC helped me get through that difficult time. So far my short time at ADAVIC has been an invaluable learning experience and I love working in such a friendly environment.
Hi my name is Zalie and I was lucky enough to join the ADAVIC team as a volunteer in March of this year. I am currently in my 3 rd year at Victoria University studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Interpersonal and Organizational Skills). I absolutely love it and all I want for Christmas this year is to be accepted in to Honours. I want to do my doctorate in Clinical Psychology and hope that one day I can specialize with anxiety and depression sufferers. Joining ADAVIC has been a fantastic experience for me, not only through the work in the office, but also through the discussion board – listening to you all discuss your problems and reading your questions and answers has really opened my eyes to so much more, so thank you! I am 23 year old Leo who, like any other person my age, loves to go out till the early hours on a weekend, have fun with friends, eat take away, and sleep in. On a serious note, I can’t wait to meet you all and thank you ADAVIC for this opportunity to expand my horizons in something that I have such a passion for.
Hi! My name is Bahar, I’m 27 years old and I’m studying third year of a psychology degree at RMIT University. I have been a volunteer at ADAVIC for about 6 weeks now. I discovered ADAVIC many years ago browsing the internet for information about anxiety disorders in order to understand more about my own anxiety problems. Although at the moment I am mainly involved with office administration duties, I have met some wonderful people and especially enjoy working with Anna as she has a great sense of humour! I hope to be more involved with and contribute more to ADAVIC in the very near future. I am planning to become a clinical psychologist and specialise in anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety. My interests and hobbies include animals, spending time with my beautiful 3 year old Maltese Shih tzu Daphne, going to the movies, listening to music, dancing, anything with chocolate, cooking, reading and travelling. But above all, I love to spend time with people, especially over a cup of hot chocolate or a nice meal! There’s nothing like having good food and even better company! And as I always say, ‘the more the merrier’! I look forward to meeting and getting to know the many people who look to ADAVIC for help, support and information. And I would just like to say I have met some wonderful, kind and caring people on the forum so far. Here’s to more sharing of our thoughts and emotions on the forum!
Kew Support Group Facilitators
My name is Ben. I am helping out as a facilitator for ADAVIC and usually attend the lectures. To begin with, I am pretty flattered that I get to be a part of this organisation!! I guess the first thing worth a mention is that I have always loved to work with my hands. I am a carpenter by trade but have undertaken quite a few roles in the construction industry. Music is another little practical indulgence of mine, although it is simply a passion (not a profession). I love many genres and have played percussion and drums for a number of years. However these things have not really offered me any real joy of human interaction. Consequently I have gravitated towards the disciplines of psychology and sociology and have nearly finished my degree. This study has been both daunting and inspiring as the complexities of social and individual realities seem to be limitless. Although I feel that often the answers that we want may not exist, many beautiful pathways can be discovered through confidence, self-esteem and empathic understanding, in a trusting environment. I am always up for a chat, so please don’t hesitate to come up and say hi.
Hello, my name is David,though most people call me Dave. I joined ADAVIC fairly recently as a facilitator at the Kew support group. Prior to coming on board, I found myself constantly referring ADAVIC and its unique services to people through my professional work.
Curious and keen, I looked into ADAVIC and was excited by the work they do.
I eventually took the leap to contact ADAVIC, and I haven't looked back since. In the past few years, I focused on studying at university in a mixed bag of areas, including psychology. One of my favourite activities is eating sweet food, and I prefer (particularly when it comes to chocolate) quantity over quality. I also dig watching movies, bike riding (both motor and pedal powered) and kicking a soccer ball. By being involved with ADAVIC, I hope to facilitate and participate in the sharing of information and support, and in the process, develop my understanding of mental health, and improve my ability to listen and communicate.
Hi, I'm Mary and recently joined ADAVIC as a facilitator for the Kew support group. I am a probationary psychologist and work in several schools as a counsellor for children and their parents. I joined ADAVIC because many of the people I counsel suffer from anxiety in one form or another. I wanted to increase my understanding of the reality of anxiety as it is experienced by those living with it on a daily basis. In the short time I have been with ADAVIC, I have felt very much supported by the other facilitators, and have been really humbled by the personal stories and strength of character shown by those struggling with anxiety.
Coburg Facilitators
Hi, my name is Margaret and I’m the new facilitator at the Coburg group. I heard about ADAVIC through a fellow facilitator and friend Tara who has been involved in the support group for several years now, and who often told me what a fantastic experience it has been for her. I’m a probationary psychologist and I’m currently completing the final year of an internship at the Cairnmillar Institute, where I have gained experience in counselling clients presenting with issues such as anxiety and depression. On a personal note, I’m passionate about animal rights, shopping, reading, and, in particular, analysing friends’ troubled relationships – so it was a natural progression to study psychology. Working in a group setting is a new challenge for me but I really enjoy what I do and hope to contribute to the important work undertaken by ADAVIC.
My name is Alexis Vrettos. I completed my Post-graduate degree in Psychology in 2005 at Monash University. Since then I have been employed as a probationary psychologist at the Williams Road Family Therapy Centre counselling individuals, children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, families and siblings. Currently, I am undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy. I enjoy facilitating the Kew support group at ADAVIC as I always find myself learning so much from our members. I find their resilience and support for one another inspiring. During my involvement in the group it has become evident that each visitor has the answer within themselves. I see my role as just being a part of the process facilitating thoughts and discussions until members work out how they can best manage themselves in reaching their own solutions. I see us budding psychologists and health care professionals as very privileged in having the opportunity to sit and speak with people about their hardship, and listen to their story.
Hi, I'm Carmen. I'm 23 years old and decided to volunteer at ADAVIC because I am passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. I've come from a background in Public Relations where I worked mainly in Indigenous education and I’m now pursuing my passion for Psychology and hope to get into Clinical or Organisational Psychology. When I'm not being a student, I work part-time in sales. I'm a bookworm, a health/fitness nut and constantly seeking out new hobbies and interests. I love to travel and am interested in learning more about the world and the global and national issues which we seek to overcome. I am interested in getting to know people from all walks of life and try and learn as much as I can. I believe we live life once and I aim to learn, live, and try to make a difference.
Glen Waverley Facilitators
Hi, I am Dani - I began as a volunteer at ADAVIC in 2005 and have been a facilitator since March 2006. During this time I completed my fourth year of psychology and began a Masters of Psychology (Counselling) at Monash. I am slowly making my way through that course and enjoying the flexibility of part-time study. Late last year I started work as a research assistant on a psychosis relapse prevention study at ORYGEN Research Centre. Participants have been followed for 2.5 years and on the whole are doing really well. It reminds me that one of the most important things in coping with and recovery from mental illness and life problems in general is hope.
The people I have met in the support groups are also great sources of inspiration in the way that by just coming to a group they are refusing to allow their experience with anxiety and depression to dictate how they live their life. It is important for us all to remember that there is more to us than our anxiety, our depression, our struggles. I think the process of sharing stories, the laughter and tears helps to remind us of this.
Hi, I am Frank and I am currently an ADAVIC Committee member and also assist in facilitating the Glen Waverley Support Group. I first became involved with ADAVIC in 1999 when my youngest son, then 12 years old, was identified with anxiety disorders after extended periods of school refusal combined with panic attacks.
I have been working in the finance related industries for over 30 years for major companies including Custom Credit Corporation Ltd and Australian Guarantee Corporation.
IT Gang
Hi I am Michael Wang and I started doing volunteer work at ADAVIC in May 2007. I was recruited to help maintain the ADAVIC website once a week. I graduated from RMIT – studied Post Graduate Certificate in Internet and Web Computing. I am originally from China and have been in Australia for three years. I like Australia very much and plan to live and marry here.
I also do volunteer work for Hope Church Melbourne as Webmaster. My church’s website is: www.hopemelbourne.com/citycentre
Because I work on Friday at ADAVIC mainly with Nathan and Anna, we have long lunch discussions and Anna provides lots of delicious food.
I hope that my contribution as a volunteer here is helping ADAVIC.
