Nikki has worked in the community welfare and education sectors for over two and half decades.  Completing her Graduate Diploma in Social Science and then moving on to a bachelor’s degree in Community Welfare at Southern Cross University.

Over this period, Nikki has worked directly in Community Services (youth, disability, and employment), Vocational Rehabilitation, Education and Training sectors in a range of roles from Program and Project Management, Advocacy, Wellbeing Support and Case Management. Knowing the importance of giving back to her community, has volunteered on Management Committees, lead a team for Orange Sky Laundry and provided Career Coaching and support for students attending a local secondary school for young people disengaged in mainstream education.

Nikki has been an accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor since 2013 and is looking forward to being able to offer skills and knowledge to the community, parents, and teachers in Resilience First Aid as a mental health prevention strategy which aligns with her current work at the Iris Foundation on the New South Wales Central Coast. Her role at the Iris Foundation is Research, Training and Development where she is actively involved in policy writing, gathering evidence-based research and delivering resilience based creative programs for children and young people aged 9-14 years old.

Nikki has a reputation for being able to positively engage individuals of all ages and facilitate positive outcomes with her person centred and strength-based approach. Passionate about social justice, education, people, & mental health and wellbeing.