I have worked as a Community Corrections Officer in New South Wales for the past eight years. My experience spans both custodial and community settings, including roles in minimum and maximum-security prisons, community supervision of court orders, and the Terrorism High Risk Offender Unit. I am currently based in the Drug Court program, working closely with individuals navigating rehabilitation and reintegration.
My interest in Motivational Interviewing (MI) developed about halfway through my career when I transitioned from assessment work to case management. I realised, somewhat uncomfortably, that my interview style wasn’t effective. Early on, I relied too heavily on listening without direction, then later swung too far toward being directive — neither approach truly helped clients move forward. Discovering MI was transformative. It allowed me to engage people with dignity and empathy, while remaining non-attached to outcomes.
Since then, I have facilitated informal MI training for colleagues both individually and in group settings. Having recently completed the TNT, I am in the early stages of my trainer development journey and am still exploring my own style as a facilitator. I am particularly interested in MI applications within correctional and justice contexts, and would welcome opportunities to shadow or co-train with experienced trainers in this field.
As a new trainer, I aspire to model the spirit and skills of MI. I wish to create an environment where learners feel safe to express uncertainty and vulnerability.
