V

Hi, my name is Veronica, I love people, every job I have had has been working with and in the communities I live in. I enjoy being able to help even in the smallest way and make someone’s day that little bit better. I have a lot of interests and hobbies and enjoy talking and spending time with people. Helping someone to feel included and a part of their community is very important to me. I believe we all have the right to feel valued and appreciated. Having seen how so many members of our society are being left behind or left out it is important to remember that everyone has something important to teach us or show us if we only take the time to spend with them. With a great deal of lived experience I have very little trouble finding things in common with almost every one I meet. This coupled with years of working in hospitality as well as special needs support work and mentoring makes connecting with people even easier for me. Being someone who is a good listener who is attentive and compassionate and also having empathy are traits I have always held. I am genuine in who I am and understand how much of a struggle life can feel at times when it seems you are doing it all by yourself. And how important a friend is to share some time with you and give you that little helping hand every now and then. It can make all the difference in the world. The most recent thing I achieved that I am most proud of would be graduating with my diploma in Counselling after having suffered a stroke 2 years ago. I had only just started my studies and was in the process of finishing my first assessments when I had my stroke. It would have been very easy to quit but I didn’t. I spent the whole time typing mostly with my right hand and finished my studies online while attending weekend workshops. I pushed through and not only graduated but I then went on to complete my mental health first aid provider training as well as my foundation in trauma informed care training and my First aid CPR. I guess I would also say I am proud of the recovery I have made I know my doctors are. While I am not and will probably never be back to 100% of where I was, I can walk and use my left side again and I can get back on public transport and get back into life. I have gone back to my yoga which I credit with helping me deal with the aftermath both mentally and physically and have begun my yoga teacher training so that I can help others who have suffered or are dealing with balance and coordination as well so they can see there is hope. Not giving up no matter how hard it was over the last 2 years would be the thing I am most proud of. A favourite quote of mine is: If you think you are to small to make a difference try sleeping with a mosquito - Dalai Lama