As a mother of two, I have navigated the challenges of raising a son with severe autism, experiencing firsthand the complexities of his language and social skills development. My journey involved collaborating with speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, school educators, and medical professionals to equip him with life skills to promote his independence.

Selecting the right professionals who connected with my son and met our family's unique needs was the biggest challenge. This lived experience led me to explore therapy and treatment options worldwide, significantly broadening my understanding of raising a child with a disability and making me a better mother and a better person.

Today, my 18-year-old son is thriving and doing exceptionally well: he communicates using words and can advocate for himself and express his needs, he attends mainstream school with support, enjoys bike riding and swimming, and has aspirations to become a chef.

As a result of this lived experience, I am eager to support other families in similar circumstances that are lost in the system and to advocate for their loved ones’ needs, to enhance their quality of life and embrace the possibility of a fulfilling future and reaching their full potential. I would be honoured to be part of your journey.

I am a qualified pharmacist with 20+ years of experience working in community pharmacies in Australia. I am also a third-year student in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at the University of South Australia. Additionally, my Mediterranean heritage has inspired me to study at TAFE SA, training to become a qualified chef. This unique blend of healthcare expertise and culinary skills enriches my approach to improving lives.