Biography and expertise
Biography
Spent many years as a clinician in the nursing, midwifery and mental health fieldWork. Specialty area includes perinatal mental and physical health. Worked nationally and internationally in various settings. Currently in a teaching/ research role in the tertiary sector.
My work contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals
Research
My research is specifically aroung maternal role development during the transition to motherhood. Within this topic, I have examined the notion of maternal distress and its impact on maternal role development. the other variables researched include quality of life, social support and demographic characteristics that can affect a mothers ability to develop maternal competence during pregnancy and following childbirth.
Community engagement
Currently working with Gold Coast Health College as a reviewer for Smarty Grants.
Supervision
Very much involved with PhD supervision, marking of doctorate, masters and honours theses. Methods being used include historical research, mixed method and quantitative. Topics include vitalism, sense of coherence among pregnant mothers, biography of DD Palmer, protocols in drug resistant schizophrenia, and adult learning.
Teaching
My interest in teaching lies in the first year experience and their transition into tertiary studies, academic writing, and mentoring.
Other
Member of the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing (Fellow)
Member of the Australian College of Nurses (Fellow)