Turning Struggle Into Strength
I am a researcher, storyteller and former firefighter specialising in trauma, suicide and post-traumatic growth particularly in first responders. I translate lived experience into research and practice that drives meaningful change for individuals, organisations and communities.
VISION
A nation where first responders have access to a cohesive, integrated support system — from crisis through to evidence-based care — that enables them to live meaningful, flourishing lives through and beyond their service.
MISSION
To translate the authentic wisdom of lived experience into research, practice and policy that transforms how Australia supports its first responders.
Standing on My Brother’s Shoulders
Making Peace with Grief and Suicide
Standing on My Brother’s Shoulders is a memoir — a dialogue between my brother and I that traces my journey of transformation through grief. It takes the reader on my path from loss and hopelessness to awareness, firefighting and ultimately to freedom from the past, with warmth, humour and compassion.
Published in the UK and Australia (2015), France (2017) and China (2020), with a second edition released in 2020 that includes a new preface, postscript and a guide to post-traumatic growth.
VISION
A nation where first responders have access to a cohesive, integrated support system that enables them to live meaningful, flourishing lives.
From crisis through to evidence-based care — through and beyond their service.
mission
To translate the authentic wisdom of lived experience into research, practice and policy.
Transforming how Australia supports its first responders — from the inside out, the top down, and the bottom up.
CURRENT ROLE
Black Dog Institute
I currently serve as Emergency Services Lead at the Black Dog Institute, where I lead lived experience and strategic engagement for the National Emergency Worker Support Service. I am also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of New England, where I supervise PhD students and contribute to national suicide prevention research. My work sits at the intersection of research, practice and policy — always with the same purpose: to make sure the voices of those with lived experience shape the systems and programs designed to support them.
RESEARCH
Narrative inquiry, suicide exposure in first responders, post-traumatic growth
PRACTICE
Translating evidence into culturally responsive programs for emergency workers
POLICY
Ensuring lived experience voices shape systems and national frameworks
RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY
Behind Every Statistic is a Person
My research is qualitative and translational. I work at the intersection of story, science and practice — listening deeply to the experiences of those who have lived through trauma and suicide, and translating what I hear into knowledge that can change how we support people.
LIVED EXPERIENCE
Centring the voices of those who’ve been there
EVIDENCE-BASED
Translating research into practical, usable tools
SYSTEMS CHANGE
Embedding what we learn into policy and practice