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 - April 2006
Hi, I'm Tara. I’m a 23 year old extroverted Leo, born in Geelong, Victoria. In 2003 I completed my Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne University, with majors in psychology and political science. After taking a year off to build up my finances and de-stress my mind, I moved to Melbourne this year to live with my two best friends, and complete my Graduate year in psychology at Deakin University, Burwood. I began facilitating the Brunswick Support group in September, and it has provided me with a great opportunity to further develop my interpersonal and communication skills. I love nothing more than chatting with people about life issues, hence my passion for clinical/counselling psychology. The support group is another venue where my easy-going, empathetic and talkative personality can be of use, I hope.
Hi, my name is Lani and I have been a volunteer at ADAVIC for a couple of months now. I came to ADAVIC after browsing through volunteer positions on my university job website, hoping to find some real field experience. I have just finished a three year degree at Deakin University, having gone straight from school to uni, where I completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Sciences), majoring in psychology and nutrition. Having just finished my degree I am wanting to take some time away from study, and possibly some time away from Australia, in the hope of finding a pathway that I find fulfilling, satisfying, challenging and enjoyable. I love spending time with people, going to the gym, shopping or to the movies, but one of my biggest loves is cooking…you can often find me in the kitchen, testing out new recipes or creating my own. My favourite is to bake cakes and desserts but I’ll give anything a try. I’d like to think that this attitude extends beyond the kitchen and is the basis of one of my general life mottos, “to always give things a go, at least once”.
Celia: Hi, everyone! I am a 24 year- old Chinese from Hong Kong and have been in Melbourne for 5 years. I am enjoying my life in Melbourne but I still get homesick once in a while. I completed a degree in psychology and management in June this year. I am planning to further study in psychology in the future. I have been an office volunteer for ADAVIC for three months. It is fun to work in the office and I also wish I can contribute more to the association in the future.
Hi Everyone, my name is Jessica (Jess) and I am the newest volunteer here at ADAVIC. Currently I am involved in office administration work, working a couple of days a week and assist in co-facilitating at the Brunswick Support group. I have a degree in Media and Communications and am looking to undertake further study in Counselling. I enjoy reading, writing and shopping! (Its hard not to love shopping when you live in Melbourne!) I moved to Melbourne about 4 months ago with my fiancee, from the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Queensland. I was also born and raised in New Zealand.
Being a part of this organisation is probably helping me as much as my contributions of time helps the group itself. I decided to volunteer for ADAVIC so that I could find some positive meaning in my own personal suffering from Anxiety and Depression, and I hope to share my ideas and experiences with you and give support to those who need it.
Update on new volunteers - March 2005
Hi, my name is Kelly and I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Psychology degree. I volunteer at ADAVIC one day a week as part of my psychology placement. I decided to undertake my placement with ADAVIC because I thought it would be an invaluable learning experience, and so far, it has been. The office is a really great working environment, everyone is so friendly and I'm just thankful that I can be a part of such a great organisation. Three cheers for ADAVIC!
Hi, my name is Vivian and I am currently doing my final year in Bachelor of Psychology & Management/Marketing. I've just recently joined ADAVIC , and thus far have gained so much experience in administration and in the field of psychology. Since being here I have always been greeted with a warm welcome and received support and guidance from Anna, Jane and the ADAVIC team. I have a passion of helping people and through ADAVIC I am able to give assistance to others. In future, I will be able to take this invaluable experience, knowledge and skills to improve myself in the real world.
Hi, I'm David and I have only been involved with ADAVIC for a couple of months. I'm 29 years old, from the South Eastern Suburbs. Cameron and I set up the Message Board for ADAVIC. I have done a Software Development Diploma and for too many years I was a Website Designer here in Melbourne . I am a total geek who enjoys his computers too much. When I get time to myself I like nothing more than spending time with my mates and going to local pubs/clubs to have a drink and dance a lot.
Hi, the name's Cameron, known to most of you as Cams on the forum. My parents bought me into this world way back in 1979, making me 25yo! Live in Townsville; North Queensland were I was born and breed, and to this day still live.
I joined the ADAVIC circle back on January 7th this year when I was asked advice on setting up a forum, and being the kind person I am offered to set it up. I'm currently single with no kids, and happy with things just the way they are.
I work in retail (Coles Supermarkets) as a "PIC" (Person In Charge) so I can pay the bills, and in my spare time I can often be found in front of my computer being a nerd. Not sure what else to put here, so I think I shall sign off for now.
Hi, my name is Laura . I'm currently completing the final year of a Bachelor of psychology degree. As part of this I am undertaking a student placement with ADAVIC which has been a great
experience so far. Everyone in the office is so friendly and I'm glad to be part of an excellent team and organisation. Thank you Anna and Jane for giving me this experience!
Update on new volunteers - August 2004
Hi Everyone,
Well I’m the new Assistant Co-Ordinator at ADAVIC and apparently it's time I told you all a little bit about myself, Jane Hendrey. I found out about ADAVIC on the Deakin University job site as ADAVIC was advertising for new volunteers in January of this year. As a Psychology student and previous sufferer of anxiety and depression I thought it would be a great opportunity to gain experience and to help other people, and began in the office as a volunteer. Although I’m not particularly old at 24, I’ve had more than ten years of exposure to mental illnesses and the effects on people’s lives that can arise as a result.
As for my life outside of the office, I have a cheeky daughter, a mischievous partner and a gorgeous German Shepherd. I enjoy Lead lighting, from windows, to lamps and sun catcher’s. Apparently I’m a good cook (but aren’t most mothers?), have a sometimes weird sense of humour, I love to dance, swim and I love the beach. I’m notorious for singing along in the car to the radio although I’m sure it looks like I’m talking to myself.
In my time here I have learned a great deal and become involved in numerous ADAVIC activities including the Committee, the Funding Committee and organization of the Comedy Gala. I look forward to my further commitments in the new year as facilitator of the new Glen Waverley Support Group, with fellow Committee Member Frank and all of ADAVIC ‘s new endeavors.
Jane Hendrey,Assistant Co-ordinator,
ADAVIC
Hi, my name is Alexis, and I have been with the ADAVIC as an office volunteer for about four months! While undertaking my post-graduate studies in Psychology at Monash University I decided to become a member to gain work experience in the field of psychology before I entered the real world. I chose to work in ADAVIC shortly after being diagnosed with anxiety and thought that I could use my personal experience to help others. So far I love the experience of being able to talk to other sufferers while educating myself in greater detail about anxiety, depression and many other mental disorders. But… I have to say it is also enjoyable to be in such a warm and happy environment.
Thanks Anna for this experience!
Alexis xx
Hi, my name is Skye, and I have been with ADAVIC for three months now and already it is time for me to leave! I have recently found out I will be starting a full time clinical internship at the start of December. I have completed a BA majoring in psychology and am finishing my honours degree in psychology at Deakin University. I will miss everyone at ADAVIC and have had lots of fun in the short time I have been here.
Piers: Hello! I’m a twenty-five year old student, living in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. I’ve done a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science at Monash, and have just finished a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. I hope to start a Masters in Psychology (Counselling) next year. The road that has brought me to ADAVIC has been a long one, but I feel that I am finally becoming clear about the area I’d like to work in, and the people I’d like to help.
Hi, my name is Marion. Well, it’s not every day that I’m asked to write something about myself but I’m sure once I get started, it’ll be hard to stop me. I am one of the facilitators at the Kew group which although is not local for me, feels like home as I used to nanny around the corner. Needless to say, I love kids, me being a big one myself. Then again, when do you ever stop being one? I also enjoy my time spent on the beach, running, playing my piano and my most recent passion – contact sports. I haven’t been at Kew for long but am enjoying it very much so far, especially my weekly visits to Chrissie, Anna’s cat.
Hi, my name is Megan, I’m 22 and have just finished my Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies at Deakin University. I’ve been a volunteer with ADAVIC for approximately 10 months, and am now moving on to a different area of psychology-related volunteer work, to increase the breadth of my experience in the field. I want to thank Anna and Jane for all their support and guidance, and I’d like to thank all of ADAVIC’s clientele for all they have taught me. I remember how scared I was to even answer the phone when I first came to ADAVIC, and consider how far I’ve come, to reach a point where I’m considering volunteer work in a telephone counselling service. I have gained so much invaluable knowledge and experience at ADAVIC, in an area I previously knew little about, and I am proud to add ADAVIC to my resume.
December 2004.Update on new volunteers - August 2004
Jacqui-office volunteer
Hello. My name is Jacqui and I've just started as a volunteer in the ADAVIC office. I'm currently studying Psychology at Deakin Uni and loving it! Before going back to Uni, I took some time off and drove around the east coast of Australia for close to a year, then worked in an office in Sydney doing general admin and running around after everyone else. After living in Sydney for close to 5 years I decided it was time to come home and am now back with the family and enjoying being a student again. The perspective I gained from 'real life' before returning to study was awesome and it's great to have a goal and be able to see how my studies are paving the way for the rest of my life. My grand plan upon returning to Uni was to go into youth counseling, but I've since discovered that I have a real interest in the more significant disorders so don't really know where I'll end up. I've been involved with a lot of youth groups mainly through churches and that is where my passion is, so guess I'll end up working with kids eventually, but time will tell. On the personal side, I have two miniature Jack Russells who are my babies and keep me company during those endless hours of study. I love going to movies and walking on the beach, clichéd I know, but I've always holidayed at a particular beach and it is my escapism. Someone once said "Salt water can cure anything - be it sweat, tears or the sea" and I totally agree - if you cant feel better about something by hard work or crying your eyes out, the ocean always does the trick - at least temporarily. Anyway, that's me in a nutshell, hope you are all having a good week, and maybe will chat to you sometime.
Julie-office volunteer
My name is Julie and I am 21 years old, and I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Arts/Science, with majors in psychology, english and history. My main reason for volunteering for ADAVIC was like many of you, to gain experience in the psychology field. I hope to go on after this year and begin the long, hard road of post-graduate studies in psychology to hopefully become a psychologist one day. But you never know - I may completely change directions! I've only been at ADAVIC a short while but I can already tell that its not only going to be good experience for my degree, but a huge learning curve, and lots of fun, especially considering I come from a background of having no experience with anxiety disorders. Like any normal 21 year old, I like spending time with my friends, going out and experiencing new things.
Nadia - Brunswick Facilitator
After wandering around the world for a number of years I have finally come to rest in Melbourne - I'm originally from NZ. I'm a bit of a mixed bag career wise. Armed with degrees in psychology and commerce, I entered the corporate world and have worked a number of years as a HR consultant. However, I am also a musician (mixture of piano, singing, and guitar) and work has included performances, recording, and a rather exhausting stint on the West End in wardrobe -running up and down eight levels of dressing roomseach night! I am currently back at uni studying a P.Grad.Dip. in Music Therapy.
Chris - Brunswick - Frankston Facilitator
My name is Chris, 32, and by design loaded with Libran charm and wit. Some say indecisive but I haven't made up my mind about that one yet.
I have been coming along to the ADAVIC Kew Support Group for the past 3 years and throughout this time I have met with many wonderful, courageous and warm people that had been through or were going through what I was experiencing.
I first came to ADAVIC around the time of losing my job, relationship, and in financial distress. At this time I had also developed social and generalised anxiety, along with a free dose of depression that often accompanies such disorders. This was the beginning of my recovery. Since then I have developed a much better way of dealing with life's stressors. I have balanced my life, challenged my assumptions, gained some special interests and changed the way I deal with others.
Recently the opportunity arose to become a facilitator; and the idea scared me, so it was something I needed to do. My goal as a facilitator is to support ADAVIC in its cause and offer the same empathy and support I received from attending a support group. I hope to encourage and foster an atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance and assistance in the pursuit of developing healthier relationships with ourselves. The value I hope to bring to the group from the perspective of a past sufferer, and tips on staying well.
I look forward to the ever changing perception of mental illness as it becomes more and more exposed in public awareness, so that we can bring it out from under the bed and deal with it from a personal, community and public point of view.
I have lived and travelled in America for 6 months on the camp counselor program. I have a BA in Psych (Double Major), but work full time in the financial services industry. I am currently studying Financial Planning part time and hoping to finish over the next 8 months in the aim to eventually enter e-commerce. My hobbies include, reading, writing, bike riding, tennis, Aikedo, beach walking, cognitive techniques and spending quality time with my partner.
I believe in a life balance, and developing the skills that enable you to reach your potential. Remember we are our not our anxiety.
Best wishes on your journey.
Celeste has been with us since January this year. She's studying Psychology (4th year) at Melbourne University and wants to become a psychologist. Her thesis is on anorexia nervosa. She has a cat named Xena and lives in the Northern Region. Her star sign is Scorpio.
Veronique came to us in September 2002. Like Celeste, she is also doing psychology (4th year) at Melbourne Uni. She was born in Mauritius and moved to Australia with her family in 1988. She lives with her family in the Eastern suburbs. She enjoys reading novels, catching up with friends, going for walks and likes exercising and keeping fit. She recently celebrated her 22nd birthday. Her star sign is Cancer.
Lisa started at ADAVIC in March this year. She recently finished a Business Systems Degree at Monash University. She wants to find work in the IT area. She has a dog named Dolly and lives with her family in the outer Eastern suburbs. She dislikes reading books and loves shopping till she drops. Her star sign is Scorpio.
Kaori is studying psychology and neuroscience at Melbourne University. She has been part of the team since early April. She lives in the outer Eastern suburbs with her family along with her dog Turbo and a hen. She was born in Japan and came out to Australia with her family when she was 3 years old. Her interests are eating and photography. She loves animals and in particular loves Anna's little princess Chrissie. Her birthday is coming up real soon and her star sign is Virgo.
Catherine is a third year psychology student studying at the Australian Catholic University and is doing a placement with ADAVIC. She comes from Hamilton, Victoria and currently lives in the Eastern suburbs. She has a dog called Toby whom she misses a lot. When she's not busy working and studying she enjoys sleeping and catching up with friends. Her star sign is Aries.
Lana started at ADAVIC in January this year. She immigrated from the Ukraine in 1992 and now lives with her parents, grandparents, sister and cat in the Southern suburbs. She goes to Monash Uni doing her third year, studying Arts/Science and hopes to become a counselling psychologist. She loves volleyball, reading, swimming and making jewellery. She recently celebrated her 21st Birthday. Her star sign is Cancer.
Shikkiah: I'm a 24-year-old student, completing my undergraduate Arts degree with a double major in psychology and professional writing. I thought I wanted to be a writer, then a teacher, then a psychologist, and now I don't know so I'm leaving the country. I'll be spending a year in Canada, perhaps teaching English for a few months in Taiwan, then coming home with a clearer sense of direction and purpose... or so I've been hoping for the last six years. I'm looking forward to getting back in touch with ADAVIC once I return and possibly being put to good use again. I've just finished telling Anna I'm a horrible nit-picking, practical, anal-retentive Virgo, but I think I can be fun occasionally. For the moment, all I want is to finish my exams and see Guy win Australian Idol. When that happens, my life will be happy. (I guess Shikkiah must be happy, because she got her wish!)
Kylie: I'm 21 years old, born and bred in good old Dandenong North and still living at home! My star sign is Aries, and like many Arians I'm outgoing and a chatterbox! I love my sport, especially basketball - I play two days a week and coach girls in basketball as well. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in psychology and education. By the time this is published I will have finished my fourth year in psychology at Deakin uni, then will complete my Masters in 2005 to become a Sports Psychologist! I also work at Jetty Surf as a retail assistant, and of course, volunteer at ADAVIC. I have a knack with computers and I'm an animal lover, with five cats and two dogs plus a fish!
OTHER VOLUNTEERS - Support Group Facilitators and members of the ADAVIC Committee.
Noel: Hi fellow readers!! I have reached a time where I may look back on my life with pleasure. My experiences in the past were a lot less demanding than one would experience these days. After World War 2 it was relatively easy to earn a living. I commenced employment in the Aircraft Industry, designing and manufacturing bits for piston and jet aircraft engines, finishing my career years later with The Royal Melbourne Hospital. I was born on Christmas Day, which means I am classified as a Goat; this may explain why I am occasionally fiercely stubborn, however, I do enjoy challenges and conversing with bright outgoing people and most of all I am inspired by mechanical problems and eagerly seek their solution. My greatest love is Joan my wife, followed by my three daughters, five granddaughters, three grandsons, Penny the pup, and of course Anna. When able, I fish, caravan, garden, explore ancestors' lives and most of all, enjoy my grandchildren.
Mae: I am one of the Brunswick Group facilitators and currently studying a Masters in Counselling Psychology. I've been interested in this area and have been slowly studying part time for lots of years now, and should finally finish in 2006. I work part time at a bar and restaurant doing office work, the chefs sharing lots of their secrets, which is great since I love cooking. I also enjoy reading, particularly murder mysteries,, watching movies and just getting together with my friends. My star sign is Taurus, and I exhibit a large number of the typical traits - I prefer the words persistent and dedicated to stubborn!
Cathleen: I've been involved with ADAVIC since 2000: first in the office and now on the committee. I studied Psychology in school and now work full time at Fry's Self Storage. I have a Maltese dog named Buddy and have just recently moved to Port Melbourne where I love to rollerblade and ride along the beach front. I spend most of my free time either doing Calisthenics or sewing my costumes. Any other free moments in my day are spent shopping or reading. I also love to travel and I'm looking forward to my next trip in January to New Zealand! My star sign is Leo.
Brien: I started with ADAVIC in October this year, helping Bev Aisbett with the "Working with It program", a program I participated in a couple of years ago. I live at Safety Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, where I divide my time between Naturopathy and Winemaking. I would like to develop a natural anxiety recovery program on the Mornington Peninsula. I enjoy sailing, swimming, gardening and living as relaxed a life as possible on the beautiful Peninsula. My star sign is Libra.
Megan: Some people would find the idea of working with cat food almost every day a pretty horrible one. But that's what I do as a day job - think up and manage cat food marketing campaigns. Luckily, I love cats. I have two: Ella and Fred. Ella looks like a little black bat and is fiercely independent. Fred is a huge gentle tabby. My work colleagues tease me about my cats, but they don't know what they're missing. I also love movies, books and trashy magazines like New Weekly - especially the "Stars without Makeup" issues. I have a big crush on Jeremy Northam (slightly obscure English actor), who usually appears in films about nineteenth century poets pretending to have depression. My boyfriend doesn't mind because he has a crush on Uma Thurman!
Frank: I am an ADAVIC committee member. I'm married to Natalie with two teenage boys, Greg and Adrian, two dogs, Sheba and Freddy, 17 goldfish (no names yet): the whole catastrophe (apologies to Zorba). We live in Wheelers Hill, which is nice and green and close to Jells Park. I'm self-employed, working in the credit reporting industry (please don't check my credit rating!!!) for the past 30 years. I enjoy cycling: when I'm riding the tracks and trails of Melbourne, I'm in heaven. My 53-year-old legs have taken me hundreds of kilometres across country and around the bay. My dream is to cycle and camp around Europe.
Eva: What can I say that most of you don't already know? I'm 32 years young and have been involved with ADAVIC for nearly five years. In my spare time, which I don't have much of lately, I like reading, writing, yoga, pilates, meditation, and music. I love spending time in nature, going for long walks or sitting by the shore and writing. And then there's the wild side, where I like to go out, let my hair down and dance the night away, or hustle a few people on the pool tables. At present I work for a telecommunications company where I'm the National Sales Support Coordinator. I also have a part time job as a waitress (the tips are very good). I am also studying for my Advanced Diploma in Counselling; eventually I would like to work full time in the field.
Danny: I'm a 26-year-old Taurean born in Rochester, Victoria, in the Year of the Snake. I grew up in Swan Hill and moved to Melbourne to start university at Deakin, Burwood (now the Melbourne campus). While growing up in the country I was often referred to as a 'city boy' since I grew up in town, wasn't real keen on local sports and couldn't drive a tractor, but I definitely have a love for the fresh air, calm and sense of community of a country town. I think my generally laid-back attitude is a relic of my country upbringing. Up until May this year I was facilitating the Kew support group for around three years. I've also spent the last two and a half years working in the PACE Clinic, a part of ORYGEN Youth Health. PACE works with young adults and teenagers who are deemed to be at risk of developing a psychotic disorder (ie. schizophrenia) and is trying to determine if early intervention and treatment can intervene, as well as discover just how psychosis can come about and what it is (a lot of what Schizophrenia is remains a mystery). I've recently decided not to renew my contract at PACE though, and will be travelling to Eastern Europe early next year to see snow capped streets and peaks in Prague and Romania.
Roshan: What can I say about myself? I thought I'd write something witty, funny and inspiring, so one begs the question, why on earth did I write this instead?! When people ask me what nationality I am, I basically raise an eyebrow and reply "I don't know!" I'll let you make up your own mind...and mine. I was born in England, moved to Malaysia when I was a few months old then moved to 'the land of green and gold' when I was 13. My mum is Czech and my dad is Malaysian. I have almost finished my Mechatronics degree (never heard of it? You're not the first) at Melbourne University but not without doing two years of Science first. Tell me you knew what you wanted to do when you were 17! I love going to the movies and am dying to see Revolutions after exams. I also play tennis and tinker a lot with computers. In case you were wondering I'm a Goat or a Monkey. No I'm not being strange - it's my star sign (depending where you're from). Being from Malaysia you have to love the food. You cannot go past a good chicken rice ...or perhaps 3, with a cool ice coffee to top it off.
Ravneel: What makes me me? I am 25, I have a BA in psychology and am doing a P.Grad.Dip. in Young People's Mental Health at the moment. I work as a Disability Support Worker. I also do volunteer work not only for ADAVIC, but for another organisation as a telephone counsellor, and also for the RFV with their PALs program. Other than all of the career related stuff, I love spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy cooking (as long as no one else is in the kitchen - I'm known as a kitchen Nazi), dancing and reading (I'm a Paulo Coelho freak - my favourite author). I have a cocker spaniel whom I love dearly and who gets annoyed and gives me attitude when I neglect him.
|
"Our fluffiest volunteer for ADAVIC is Buddy, a 3-year-old maltese dog. He particularly likes to bury the quarterly newsletter and always cuddles on Cathleen's lap when she is doing the ADAVIC accounts. Buddy wishes all of the ADAVIC readers a safe and happy Christmas and New Year." |
 |
 |
Hi there.my name is Chrissie (named after
Christmas) when I was discovered in a Milk Bar in Carnegie.
I am Anna's little princess. I am older than Buddy, but
a lady never discloses her age. I also volunteer at ADAVIC
- it only takes me a hop, skip and jump from the lounge
room to the office. You know I am really annoyed that
I am never mentioned in the ADAVIC Team because I put
a lot of work into the office by entertaining the office
girls. The girls are great because I get a lot of cuddles
especially from Catherine and Kylie who just let me run
around wild when 'you know who' is not around. Well I
better get back into my comfortable basket and get some
sleep as I had a hard day in the office today! |