Rachael

Child Development Practitioner

Over the past 6 years, Rachael has dedicated her professional experience to assisting children, families, and Foster Carers. Rachael was a Therapeutic Specialist working alongside the Australian Childhood Foundation, where she supported development and implementation of Therapeutic Assessments in long-term Foster Care placements.

Rachael has obtained a Bachelor of Science (Major Psychology), Masters of Social Work and  recently commenced the Professional Diploma of Therapeutic Life Story Work.

Rachael’s passion and commitment to providing safe environments for young people, placed her in a leadership position, where she was afforded the opportunity to drive and guide a team of Practitioners to embed trauma informed principles whilst remaining child-centred in all aspects of practice.

Rachael’s areas of passion encompass attachment, neurobiology of trauma, neurodevelopmental conditions and analysing how adverse experiences can present through actions as a form of communication.

Rachael draws inspiration from Dr. Bruce Perry’s research, Dan Hughes’ Reparative Parenting approach, and the work of Professor Richard Rose in therapeutic storytelling.
Practice observations support Rachael’s emphasis on the role of connection and unconditional positive regard to children she works with. Rachael believes when we consider a child's internal and external world holistically through observation and play, together the team around the child can foster a sense of understanding and strengthen attachment through co-regulation with caregivers in the child’s life, including educators.

Outside her professional endeavours, Rachael enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children, often exploring small town parks and cafes. Rachael also values walking in nature whilst immersing her mind in meaningful music and engaging audiobooks.