“WE ARE NOT A TEAM BECAUSE WE WORK TOGETHER. WE ARE A TEAM BECAUSE WE RESPECT, TRUST AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER.” Vala Afshar
Janis Littleboy – Centre Manager
Janis (Iman/Gungarri woman) was born and raised in Rockhampton. Janis’ employment history and dedication to lifelong learning led to obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) CQUniversity and additional Diplomas and Certificates that would encompass Emotional Health and Wellness. This also paved the way to a Counselling career with the Women’s Health Information and Referral Service CQ (WHIRSCQ) in 2004 that later included the role of Team Leader. In Sept 2019, Janis transitioned to Manager of WHIRSCQ. Respect, integrity and honesty will always be incorporated into Janis’ life and will continue a commitment to promote wellness, equality and social justice.
Shirin – Team Leader Projects and Business
Shirin has a Bachelor of Science with honours and Cert IV in Small Business Management. Her experience includes 19 years in an apex industry organisation in Malaysia involved in branch management, working with industries through advocacy, and providing a wide range of trade and business support services, including advisory on legislation and skills training. A year in Laos with roles in the private sector and government. In Australia, Shirin took up the role of Project & Business Leader at WHIRS in May 2016 after two years of cultural support work and interpretation in the Malay language for refugees and disadvantaged women. She feels privileged to be with WHIRS and enjoys working on projects as well as obtaining grants, which includes assisting disadvantaged Queenslanders attain accredited qualifications and facilitating their transition into employment.
Alicia – Team Leader Counselling
Alicia has had her Bachelor of Social work since 2009 and is currently studying Psychology through CQ University. She commenced work at WHIRSCQ as a relief worker for our Domestic & Family Violence Court Assistance Service and was offered a full-time position in 2009 after completing her final practicum. Alicia has completed a Graduate Certificate in Expressive Therapies as well as attending training in other therapeutic tools and interventions with which she shares with clients, utilises in facilitating workshops and community education sessions. Alicia has grown both professionally and personally during her time at the Centre and is a firm believer in continuing professional development and being a lifelong learner
Amy – Counsellor
Amy commenced work as a counsellor at WHIRSCQ in 2015. She had previously worked as a counsellor in a cross-cultural environment in Papua New Guinea for 5 years and obtained a Master in Counselling from Monash whilst working there. In the years overseas, she worked with students and staff in a tertiary institution and volunteered her services as a counsellor to work with incarcerated women dealing with trauma and complex trauma. She understands the importance of respecting cultural norms and constraints, and highly values the insights she derives from being educated by each client’s life journey. Different models of therapy are integrated into her practice according to individual client needs. These include Strength-Based Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focussed Therapy.
Greer – Counsellor
Greer holds a Bachelor Social Work (Honours) and a Bachelor Human Services from Central Queensland University. Greer is deeply committed to socially just practice, upholding human rights, and working from a feminist perspective. Greer’s practice framework is based on a person-centred, strengths-based approach, aiming to empower people to discover healing in a way that best suits them. Greer adapts her practice to each client’s unique needs and preferences to achieve the best possible outcome.
Robyn – Counsellor
Graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work from CQUniversity in 2009, Robyn joined the WHIRSCQ team in on the 7th of January, 2021 as Intake Officer. Robyn has a long history working in a variety of roles at CQUniversity but in particular, working with International students. In July, 2021, Robyn transitioned into the role of Counsellor.
Wendy – Counsellor
In 2005 Wendy completed a Diploma in Counselling and then went on to complete her Bachelor of Social Work degree with Honours at CQ University in 2010. Wendy began working as a Counsellor at WHIRSCQ in 2021. Wendy works from a person-centred/strength-based approach with ideals based in a feminist perspective. She has worked in the areas of domestic violence with a number of years in child protection via the foster care system.
Stacy – Counsellor
Stacy has completed Bachelor of Arts with Distinction (majoring Psychology and Sociology) and Diploma of Counselling. Stacy is a proud Darumbal and Australian South Sea Islander descendant who grew up in Rockhampton. Stacy believes women play a vital role in the positive health of their family and their community and is passionate about supporting and empowering women of all ages and backgrounds. Stacey commenced employment at WHIRSCQ in July 2021.
Raelene – Counsellor
Raelene’s educational pursuits have been graduating in CQU in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Welfare and Psychology. Raelene then graduated from CQU with a Bachelor of Social work in 2006. In 2019 she completed a Post Graduate Certificate of Positive psychology(CQU). Raelene has worked in Non-Government and Government agencies in the area of youth, people with barriers to employment, disability, rehabilitation and children. Raelene is a person centred practitioner and who has a passion to see people flourish and grow in their personal circumstances and to find their character strengths. Raelene commenced employment at WHIRSCQ in October 2021.
Deb – Counsellor
Deb has completed a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resources (CQU) and a Bachelor of Counselling/Coaching (ACAP). She is a Nationally Accredited Mediator and mediates on a casual basis for the Department of Justice for over 10 years. Deb has worked in other non-for-profit sector for organisations such as Endeavour, and The Smith Family prior to graduating. Deb works from an eclectic approach that supports and adapts to meet the individuals’ need. Deb focuses on positive psychology, using a strength based approach. She continues to participate in professional development attending training/ workshops, such as Motivational Interviewing, Neuro-linguistic Programming and Emotional Freedom Technique.
Suezanne – Counsellor
Suezanne graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Deakin University Victoria, and has a Diploma of Community Welfare Work. Suezanne completed a social work placement at WHIRSCQ and commenced employment as a counsellor in 2019. In 2021 Suezanne left WHIRSCQ to experience working in a rural community mental health role and has now returned. Suezanne has worked in various Government and Non-Government roles providing knowledge and experience in working with individuals across the lifespan. Utilising therapeutic tools and interventions, Suezanne works from a strength-based, holistic and person-centred perspective.
Michelle – Counsellor
Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 2014 (Central Queensland University) and a Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours 2015 (CQU). Michelle is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA. Since graduating Michelle has worked in Counsellor, Mental Health Practitioner and Psychologist roles with Government and Non-government organisations. Michelle practices from a person centred, strengths based perspective and a holistic approach. Michelle supports clients using various therapeutic tools, interventions and psychotherapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focussed and Narrative therapy. Michelle’s focus is empowering clients through the development of skills, strategies and building on their strengths towards a better positive outcome for the client. Michelle commenced employment at WHIRSCQ July 2022.
Di graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours at CQUniversity in 2016. Di works as a Counsellor at WHIRSCQ promoting health and wellbeing for women in the community offering counselling and education through client centered and strength-based therapy. Di offers practical strategies to learn how to manage and cope with everyday stresses of life by identifying problems, working towards healing and achieving goals.
Lauren – Reception & Administration Officer
Lauren has been with WHIRSCQ since 2013 as a reception and administration team member. Lauren is currently completing a Bachelor of Social Work.
Val – Reception & Administration Officer
Val has been with WHIRSCQ since April 2018 as Reception & Administration. Val’s background has been Administration / Customer Service. Val completed a Cert III in Business Admin in 2015 whilst caring for youth in Out of Home Care for 12 yrs. Val is currently completing a Diploma in Child, Youth & Family Intervention. Val enjoys the interactions and experiences with a diverse range of people who visit the centre.
Ann – Human Resources Finance Officer
Ann commenced working for the Women’s Health Information & Referral Service CQ Inc. (WHIRS) in October 2017 as a casual employee in reception and advanced to the role of HR Finance Officer in August 2018. She has a Cert IV in Bookkeeping and over 35 years of experience in the field. Ann firmly believes in the values that are promoted by WHIRS, and she enjoys working in a friendly and passionate team environment.
Dulani – Human Resources Administration Officer
Dulani joined WHIRSCQ in 2022 as Human Resources Administration Officer. She has completed a Chartered Qualification in Human Resource Management and is currently undertaking a Diploma of Human Resources Management. Dulani enjoys interactions and experience with staff , clients, and a diverse range of people who visit the centre.
Chantelle – Communications Officer
Chantelle has completed a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Welfare and Psychology, and has a Graduate Certificate in Expressive Therapies. She began working as a Counsellor in 2007 after completing her placement at WHIRSCQ. Whilst enjoying work with clients and groups, in July 2021 she transitioned into the role of Communications Officer where she will continue to support WHIRSCQ through promotion of services, maintenance of the website and server, networking and social media channels, development of promotional materials and resources and completion of statistics and reporting.