With over twenty years in education across Australia and beyond, I’ve had the privilege of working in a range of settings—from high schools and universities to alternative learning spaces. Much of this time has been spent alongside Indigenous youth, LGBTQI+ students, and young people who have stepped away from mainstream education, each bringing their own unique experiences.

In all of these roles, the focus has been on creating spaces where students feel safe to explore their emotions, build resilience, and have honest conversations that reduce stigma and strengthen their sense of connection and belonging. Supporting young people through life’s transitions—whether personal, social, or emotional—has become a core thread in this work.

SHIfT HAPPENS:
Empowering Young People to Navigate Life's Transitions

Life is full of change, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. For young people, change can bring uncertainty, loss, and upheaval. Whether it’s grieving a loved one, adjusting to a new school, coping with family separation, or dealing with shifting friendships, academic pressure, or a loved one’s illness, these experiences can feel overwhelming. SHIfT HAPPENS is a small-group program designed to help young people make sense of these changes in a supportive and understanding space.

Through guided conversations, interactive activities, and creative exploration, participants have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, express their emotions, and discover ways to move forward. The program encourages self-awareness and emotional understanding while also fostering a sense of connection—reminding young people that they are not alone in what they’re going through. Just as importantly, it teaches them how to hold space for others, creating a culture of care and shared experience.

Learning Outcomes

Through participation in SHIfT HAPPENS, young people will:

• Recognise their personal journeys and understand they are part of a larger community with shared experiences.

• Validate their emotional responses as natural and understandable reactions to change.

• Develop practical strategies for managing emotions, making healthy choices, and setting meaningful goals.

• Build a supportive peer network, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.

• Learn how to “hold space” for others, offering empathy and support during times of transition.

• Strengthen their communication skills, enabling clear self-expression and active listening.

SHIfT HAPPENS is offered in schools in a small-group format, ensuring a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. It provides young people with a space to process change, be heard, and gain tools to navigate life’s transitions with greater confidence and clarity.

In addition to the SHIfT HAPPENS program, I facilitate tailored workshops for senior students at Year 10, 11, and 12 camps, as well as half-day in-school sessions. These workshops create space for reflection, emotional resilience, and navigating life’s many transitions.

For educators and school staff, I offer presentations and professional development sessions that explore how we support ourselves and others through grief, loss, and life’s inevitable changes. These sessions centre on building death literacy, deepening emotional understanding, and fostering compassionate, supportive environments in schools and communities. Each session is tailored to the needs of the group, offering practical tools, space for meaningful reflection, and open dialogue around death, dying, and the ways we care for one another through times of transition.

Please note, SHIfT HAPPENS provides a space for emotional growth and self-discovery, but it is not intended as a substitute for formal counselling services.

For more information or to explore bringing SHIfT HAPPENS to your school, get in touch.