Meet The Team

Name: Nerida Williamson

A little bit about myself:
I have a lived experience of Mental Health and am on the Board of Management. I work for Qld Health as a support worker..

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
Sharing, friendship, knowledge and acceptance.

Favourite Food:
Thai and Mediterranean.

Name: Gigi Lacey

A little bit about myself:
I am someone who has found that my “niche” in making the world a better place is through supporting organisations to be strong in their governance and management approaches. I collect Board / Management Committee memberships like some people collect stamps, but I like to think that Board membership is slightly cooler .

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
Another way of viewing the world and all of the fascinating people who reside here.

Favorite Music:
I am such a 60’s child! Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel – Have ‘em all to drive my neighbours crazy with!

Favorite Food:
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

Other:
Have been on the Board since the end of 2009, having been involved with the BRC since 2000.

Name: Suzanna Free

A little bit about myself:
I am a 62yr old mother and grandmother. My professional background is in nursing. I have successfully raised my family of 3 alone as a single parent.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
I love the mutuality and equality approach. It's a very warm respectful and accepting community of people helping people, sharing ideas and generally supporting one another.

Favourite Music:
Middle of the road Gospel worship music.

Favourite Food:
Fresh fruit and vegetables. Cheesecake. Comfort food and salads.

Program Areas Co- facilitated
I have completed the Intentional Peer Support Training. I am a member of "Think Tank" and also the Board of Management.

Other:
I particularly enjoy the community lunches and informal Wednesday afternoons. I really like sitting in for the Auslan art group.

Name: Trish Blair

A little bit about myself:
I am a mother of 3 wonderful children, a consumer for 42 years and work as a consumer consultant at the PA Hospital.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
I love it and have done all the training.  IPS is a great alternative to medical models and hospital based care..."Go Brook RED" 

Favourite Music:
:eonard Cohen.  Most music except heavy metal.

Favourite Food:
Seafood, curries

Program Areas Co- facilitated

Other:

Name: Ani Katene

A little bit about myself:
Heya…I am Ani. I have only come into the family of Brook Red recently and my position is Assistant to the Manager. I love working in areas where I can learn more from others experiences and knowledge and also share what I know too. Life to me is about being the best I can at the time I am!

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
Hmm… IPS is a whole new language and philosophy that has challenged me to see things differently to what I have learnt previously. It is a great concept and I am happy to say that it works!

Favorite Music:
Well…I am young at heart but love the toe tapping sounds of “the oldies”, the butt shaking feel of “R&B” and the body shaking sounds of anything else that grooves me or allows me to sing along…whether in key or not!

Favorite Food:
Chicken…Chocolate…Cold Rock…and Chips!

Program Areas Co- facilitated
Working progress…

Other:
Brook Red Centre is a great way to meet people, attend groups, sit and relax or just hang out. Come along and see for yourself the culture we have here…its “O” for Orsum!

Name: Tyneal Hodges

A little bit about myself:
I started coming to Brook RED at 17 on placement, since then I’ve worked as a Peer Support Worker, Office Management Support and now as Brook St Coordinator ( I’ve been everywhere man).   I love make up, dresses and I have two gold fish, Bing Bing and Tch Pop Billies.

As you may guess I’m a little bit silly.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
Intentional Peer Support has given me words and a new set of eyes to see the world and people. Its given me the skills to look at others worldview and look at multiple perspectives, while challenging and changing relationships to be more mutual. 

Favorite Music:
Jamie T, Florence and The Machine
I love English bands or anything annoying, all of which I dance badly to!

Favorite Food:
Its not food but I’m definitely missing something if I don’t have a coke zero in my hand!

Program Areas Co- facilitated
IPS Training
Women’s Group
Peer Support Group
Youth Group

Name:Helena

A little bit about myself:
I love life, nature, people and community. I am married and have two beautiful children that I adore. I like being able to think about things differently.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
Opportunities for connection, rich mutual relationships and a sense of community.

Favorite Music:
My favorite band is the Eels but I also love Dady Warhols, Muse, Modest Muse and Arcade Fire.

Favorite Food:
Thai, Indian…I love cooking and sharing meals with family and friends

Program Areas Co- facilitated
I like to be involved wherever I can

Other:
I am not after the pot of gold…I am much more interested in the rainbow…..

Name: Adam Dunn

A little bit about myself:
Oh hell - don't you love questions like this!? Well, to give you a run down, I'm in my 40's with a beautiful, if energetic, young son. I'm a fitness "nut" (ironic I know) with a passion for cycling, running and rowing. My third great passion is knowledge - learning about intentional peer support, researching it and delving into its philosophy.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
First of all - self knowledge/growth. I love how I get as much out of conversations and challenging situations as those I'm talking with. Second - it provides me with a scaffolding to respond differently to situations in my daily life. To be open and honest about how I'm feeling and what I'm seeing in a way that we can all hear. Finally - that intentional peer support always instill and expects responsibility. A harsh lesson that helps us apply intentional peer support.

Favorite Music:
OK - Vivaldi, Beyonce, Mike Oldfield, All of Triple J's Hottest 100's (yes- since the early 90's on), Gary Newman (past and present), Metallica, Lead Zeppelin and Beethoven

Favorite Food:
Anything and everything as long as it's fresh, healthy and NOT from a place with a deep fryer in it. Basically if it follows that and it's not "Mooing" - I'll eat it!!

Program Areas Co- facilitated
Men's group
Peer Support Training
Research and Statistics
Peer Team Work

Other:
I hate having "power over" anyone - I thrive when power is equal between us. I might feel frightened in having difficult conversations - but that only makes me more determined to have them.

Name: Adrian Promnitz

A little bit about myself:
Snapshot wise I am a father to a teenager Carl. Manage to still own a property in Kangaroo Point. Love the beach. People, which help keep me busy and the great outdoors. Psych’s and labels are behind me now. I’m Happy and like to travel and my feet are firmly on the ground. Hopefully, looking forward to meeting you soon!

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
Community, I was once very isolated. What’s happened to you?, rather than what’s wrong with you. Life way beyond labels & diagnosis. Bouncing of people in a mutual relationships and the openness to make my own decisions.

Favorite Music:
I can sing along to all the eras music an most styles.
But I love today’s music.

Favorite Food:
Any spicy food

 

Name: Brenda

A little bit about myself:
I am a mother, grandmother and carer and am half way through a Bachelor degree so my life is pretty full on. I have a passion for good books and researching the history of mental health throughout the world.
Three years ago I had the experience of a holiday in Ireland which gave me the opportunity to catch up with family and friends.
I have worked at The Brook R.E.D. Centre for 6 years and accessed the centre before being employed in my current position.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
Intentional Peer Support has become a large part of my life both in my workplace and in my personal life; therefore I would have to say IPS has and will continue to accompany me on my recovery journey.
Intentional Peer Support provides the opportunity to look at myself and others in a different space other than a diagnosis.

Favorite Music:
I have a love of Irish music as well as Irish punk music and culture, love Neil Young, and music from the 70s and 80s. (The Happy, Happy Hippy coming out of me). Dropkick Murphy’s and The Pogues are also up there for me. (The punk coming out of me).

Favorite Food:
My favourite food would have to be Thai, Indian, Italian and Mud Cake.

Program Areas Co- facilitated
At the centre I presently co-facilitate the Cooking Group, Woman’s Group and Inala Group.

Other:
I am looking forward to meeting you, see you at Brook R.E.D.

Name: Ian Hodgson

A little bit about myself:
I’ll keep it simple here: I love spending time with family and friends. I like play tennis, bowling, learning, growing and experiencing healthy challenges.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
A relaxed but encouraging social atmosphere and getting to know different personalities. Seeing and interacting with each other allows for me to feel that I am a valuable member of the community.

Favorite Music:
The Kin of Rock and Pop, plus anything that I can dance or chill out to.

Favorite Food:
Easy to make food that is healthy
(But chocolate is always #1)

Other:
Everyone at Brook RED is important. Take sometime to visit in the comfortable environment where we are all respected for who we are and what we might like to share.

Name: Christine Wall

A little bit about myself:
My name is Christine. I have three children and eight grand children, four boys and four girls.  I have four animals, three cats and one dog.  I enjoy being with them.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
Intentional Peer Support has become a part of my life at workplace.  I would have to say IPS has and will continue to accompany me on my recovery journey.  Intentional Peer Support provides the opportunity to look at myself and others in a different way.

Favorite Music:
I like all different types of music as well as music from other cultures.

Favorite Food:
My favorite food would have to be Chinese, yogurt, fish and bananas.

Program Areas Co- facilitated
At the cetnre I presently co-facilitate the groups when needed.

Other:
I am looking forward to meeting you, see you at Brook RED!

Name: Hollie Gardner

A little bit about myself:
I like all animals, I have 3 cats, 1 dog, 2 cokatels and a full fishtank.  My favorit colour is blue.  I am a Godmother of two.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
Brook RED is a supporting work place to be in.  I have formed many friendships with people at the Brook RED Centre.  We are joined as one, I consider the Brook RED Community as part of my family.

Favorite Music:
R&B, Eminem, Guns & Roses

Favorite Food:
Meatlovers Pizza, lasagna

Program Areas Co- facilitated
Youth Group 
Women's Goup
Peer Support
Inala Group, Bowling Group, Hearing Voices workshop, Office support

Other:
I am an easy going person that gets along well with my peers.  I am easy to approach.  I am crazy about animals and love to build model cars.  Also love watching DVD's

Name: Emma Winchester

A little bit about myself:
I am half Tongan and grew up in Redcliffe.  I enjoy working together with people especially on creative projects.  I am passionate about music, arts, history, society, critical thinking, philospophy, science, spirituality and many other things.

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
The IPS services offered at Brook RED cetnres allows me to be myself and connect with a divers community of peers.  I get to meet people and participate in activites where we can share our experiences while enjoying new ones together.  Through being part of groups I have found people welcoming and easygoing and the activities fun yet challanging in ways that have allowed me to grow as an individual. 

Favorite Music:
I play Alto Saxophone, flute and percussion.  I like jamming with people and learning about different instruments from around the world.  L listen to all sorts of music by my favorits are definately Hip Hop,Reggae, Soul, Jazz, World, Classical, Funk, Dubstep and Trance.

Favorite Food:
Love seafood, Togan food (pig on a spit and vegetables cooked in an underground fire called an Umu)  Love cheeses, fruit, vegies and the list goes on!

Program Areas Co- facilitated
Music Group 
Youth Group

Other:
Feel free to email me, I look forward to meeting you at Brook RED!

Name: Megan Andrews 

A little bit about myself:
I am curious, anxious, honest and trying hard to understand why I am who I am.  I'm always interested in other people's experiences and ideas.  Sometimes I have bad days and then I like to squash spiders or hide with a good book - either way, I'm Human! :-)

What do I get out of the Intentional Peer Support approach offered at Brook Red Centres:
I feel like I am part of a community shere it's okay to be me and not feel judged.  It's a safe place where we can all be honest about what we need and work together.  I know if I have a bad day they will understand!

Favorite Music:
Anything I can dance to

Program Areas Co-facilitated: 

Creative writing, Brood RED "zine", yoga

Favorite Food:
I really look forward to getting to know all the community at Brook RED!

Bio coming soon